Original RAF C Type Flying Helmet - Size 3

An original early second Pattern RAF C-Type Flying Helmet in good condition and dating from the Second World War.

This pattern of helmet is sometimes referred to as the 'Five Strap' version which was introduced towards the end of the war. This example features the sewn in metal oxygen mask clip, five straps to the rear and an elasticated chin strap. 

The helmet is an clean example overall but the service of the leather has started to flake in a number of places. It is still supple and pliable with all the pop studs present although one of the rear ones has broken meaning it can't be fastened. They display fine nonetheless and retain all their original brown paint finish to the exterior. The Rubber headphone receiver cups are in excellent shape as is the original elasticated chin strap which is still the deep blue colour it was when it came out of the factory.

To the left hand side of the helmet the original War Department stamp with 'crows foot' is still visible, below which is the stores reference number of 22c/879. Inside the helmet the size stamp is present which is often missing on more worn examples. It states the size as No.3 - 7 1/8 to 7 1/2. The rest of the interior is very clean as can be seen in the photographs which show only limited signs of use.

The original owner has marked his name to the interior which reads 'T. Stanhope' and may offer the opportunity for further research. 

Altogether a clean example of a wartime C Type helmet which displays well. Whilst it does have some issues this has been reflected in the price and it would still make a good addition to an RAF display or collection.