December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 253:
Description
This lot features an extremely rare, first-production-run Type P-1 Protective Flying Helmet, representing a cornerstone artifact in post-WWII jet aviation history and marking the direct successor to wartime leather flight gear adopted by the newly formed U.S. Air Force. Manufactured by the Paramount Rubber Company under U.S. Army Air Force Specification No. 3277 1948 , the helmet is constructed of phenolic resin and cotton fabric laminate and resulted from the Technical Order 13-1-37 developed at Wright Field in late 1948; early examples like this one were issued in extremely limited, exceptionally scarce numbers. This particular example is personalized and unit-painted to then-Captain John W. Emig Service No. O-696447 / AO-696447, a highly decorated combat aviator who served across three major conflicts: WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The helmet displays the vibrant 22nd Fighter Bomber Squadron Bee insignia on the right side and a bold EMIG lightning motif on the left, with the paint remaining vibrant and the original squadron markings intact. The interior retains its original head sling assembly bearing the woven black label, Sling Assembly for Helmet, PilotÕs Protective, Type P-1, Drawing No. 47D3185, and remains fitted with the HS-38 headset and communications wiring, all showing light operational use consistent with service. Captain Emig, who was shot down as a B-24 pilot in WWII and survived 33 days adrift at sea, later transitioned to jet aircraft, flying F-80s and F-84s with the 22nd Fighter Bomber Squadron in Germany before his subsequent commands, including the 26th Tactical Missile Squadron in 1965 and the 73rd Space Group in 1970Ð71. Included with the helmet is a research binder containing biographical details, a loose embroidered 22nd FBS Bee patch, and period imagery of Col. Emig wearing this very helmet, providing a compelling visual link to its provenance. The overall condition is excellent, with honest operational wear, minor paint chipping, and full integrity to the shell, liner, and communication fittings, making it a highly sought-after artifact by aviation historians and advanced collectors.
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