RAF 1930 PATTERN FLYING HELMET, H BEDNALL, 1932

£325.00
 
For sale is a superb, early example of the 1930 Pattern Flying helmet - the forerunner of the ubiquitous Type B. By H. Bednall Ltd. Stores reference 22c/51. Size 3. Dated 1932.
 
A fine example of a 1930 pattern chestnut-brown leather flying helmet, lined with chamois. It features a wide leather chinstrap with a single-prong buckle fastening and a central rear goggle strap. This version was issued for use without radio equipment or Gosport earpieces. Many helmets of this type were later modified for such purposes, with side apertures cut and chamois-lined earflaps fitted (stores reference 22c/57), or even ear units as seen on the Type B helmets (22C/66).
 
The leather remains in very good, supple condition, retaining much of its original chromed finish. There is light rubbing in places, but no significant flaws. The chinstrap is strong and retains all of its original eyelets, and the buckle functions smoothly and has all of its original leather covering.
 
Inside is a label bearing the manufacturer’s details, size, and early 1932 date, along with an Air Ministry ink stamp featuring the King’s crown. The chamois is excellent, with only minor soiling.
 
The only ‘flaw’ the helmet has is that the interior sorbo rubber cushions have hardened inside, and although this is not visible when displayed it makes both of the side panels (where the ear flaps would be installed) a bit more delicate to the touch. This is to be expected of a helmet of this vintage, and later examples I have handled did away with the rubber entirely, opting instead for chamois and cotton padding.
 
The 1930 pattern helmet is seen in numerous interwar photos, and served as the immediate predecessor to the Type B, introduced in 1935. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a very early example in fantastic condition.