December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 254:
Description
This is an outstanding and historically compelling example of a complete United States Navy USN H-4 Flight Helmet Assembly, highly identifiable by its unique hard shell and personalized markings. This ensemble represents the gear worn by Naval Aviators and aircrews during the Cold War era, particularly in the 1950s and early 1960s.
USN H-4 Flight Helmet with Commander Markings and NAS NOLA for Naval Air Station New Orleans
The core of the set is the rare USN H-4 Flight Helmet. Unlike the USAAF soft leather helmets, the H-4 introduced a hard fiberglass shell for increased impact protection, painted in the characteristic yellowish-tan or gold color. This helmet features incredible provenance through its hand-applied white stenciling on the crown: COMMANDING OFFICER, indicating it belonged to the highest-ranking officer of a Navy or Marine Corps aviation squadron. Further stenciling visible includes the name MOLA and possibly squadron markings. The interior leather and webbing suspension system, manufactured by BASSONS INDUSTRIES, is visible and includes a legible size tag indicating SIZE LARGE. The helmet is completed by a cloth summer flying helmet liner likely the MIL-H-7151 AER Spec manufactured by SLOTE & KLEIN, INC. worn beneath the shell, further confirming the multi-layered USN flight gear system.
M-200/T-1 Oxygen Mask Assembly
The helmet is outfitted with a full oxygen system, featuring what is likely a USN M-200 or USAAF T-1-type Oxygen Mask. This dark olive green rubber mask is secured by an adjustable metal tension clip system, which interfaces directly with the helmet snaps. The interior of the mask is visible and shows the rare and correct check-flow indicatorsÑsmall red flags marked -DOWN-Ñwhich drop when the wearer inhales, visually confirming the proper flow of oxygen. The mask is complete with its corrugated breathing hose and the oxygen flow regulator likely an A-14, A-16, or similar regulator and features the necessary communications cords and fittings.
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