December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 247:
Description
This lot presents a scarce and highly desirable piece of German aviation gear: an original World War II Luftwaffe Summer Flying Helmet, officially designated LKp N101 Netzkopfhaube Gr. The Netzkopfhaube, or net head-cap, was specifically designed for pilots and aircrew operating in warmer climates, featuring a lightweight, breathable construction for ventilation. The helmet is constructed primarily from a fine, brown leather shell covering the ears and base, while the top of the dome consists of a dark brown or black mesh netting, allowing for air circulation. The leather remains pliable and shows a rich, brown patina with minor scuffing consistent with age and use. The side flaps enclose the earpieces and feature snaps for securing an oxygen mask, which is not present. The interior of the earpieces are lined with white or cream-colored fleece/shearling for comfort and acoustic damping, showing evidence of the integrated speakers and headphones, though the headset components themselves are obscured by the lining. The wiring loom appears to have been modified for use in aircraft from the late 1940s to the 1950s.
A crucial feature is the original sewn-in manufacturer s label which is still largely legible on the interior. The label confirms the designation and provides valuable data, including the size and designation Netzkopfhaube Gr. L.Kp N 101 Flieger-Kopfhaube No. 101, the design pattern Baumuster L 2-452 A-2, the factory number Werk-Nr. K.Hsl., the acceptance mark Anf. Z. Ln 26670, and the manufacturer Hersteller B & C. This helmet is a highly specialized piece of Luftwaffe equipment, valued not only for its authentic construction and completeness with communications wiring but especially for the presence and legibility of the detailed manufacturer s acceptance and designation tag.
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