December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 185:
Description
This lot features a rare and distinctive piece of Cold War aviation history: an Original US Air Force USAF Protective Flying Helmet H-149/AIC Headset, Type MB-3. These unique helmets were primarily worn by bomber and transport crews and personnel in non-ejection seat aircraft during the early to mid-Cold War era. The helmet is constructed of soft, white or off-white leather in a distinct baseball cap style with an integrated, snap-fastened ear flap assembly for communication equipment. The helmet shows clear signs of age and use, including scuffing on the leather and some discoloration, particularly on the internal lining and canvas straps. A prominent feature is the blue USAF logo and U.S. AIR FORCE stamping on the front visor. The visor itself is wide and stiff, designed for sun protection, with a contrasting greenish-gray underside.
The interior retains its original communications components, specifically the earphone cups, integrated into the flaps. A crucial element for collectors is the presence of the original US Government specification tag, which is clearly legible and confirms its military specification and manufacturer, Aviators Equipment Corp., dating this helmet to an early Cold War contract circa the late 1950s or early 1960s. The tag explicitly states HELMET, FLYING, PROTECTIVE W/H-149/AIC HEADSET, TYPE MB-3 MIL-H-25758A USAF and the SIZE SMALL. The helmet is complete with its original canvas retention straps and leather chinstrap components
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