Hi

I have posted a couple of photos of a first pattern FAA helmet and the second pattern. They look very similar but have a few differences. The first pattern (with the B type receiver housings) doesn`t have the extra skirt of leather as mentioned by JDH1976, this has been removed (this is the same for all first pattern FAA helmets as my two friends both have them and they are the same) and the shape is slightly different to that of the second pattern. Secondly the front goggles strap is in a slightly different position (see photos) and the first pattern converted C type might have AM markings on it. Most first pattern also have the receiver housing which takes either receivers or Gosport tubes (mine doesn`t have this). Lastly the second pattern always has the crown and anchor stamp on the neck flap. I should also mention that I have never seen a converted C type helmet made from the Very first pattern C type, this is the one with only two studs on the front left (as you look at it) and with the one up one down goggle retaining straps. I hope that`s not too confusing. Flying clothing is the sort of thing that needs to handled to get a feel for what`s right or wrong as sometimes differences can be quite subtle. If I had a pound for every copy 32 pattern Mae West that I have seen that purports to be genuine I`d be a rich man.

First pattern FAA helmet

Second pattern FAA helmet

I should mention that earlier in the thread I said that there are four patterns of FAA C type helmets, while this is true I should also say that there is the other type as in JDH1976` photo. While this is obviously a flying helmet I didn`t include it in the four as strictly it is part of an immersion suit and not a flying helmet in it`s own right.

Bill
Nice pictures of your B type, a bit of a rare bird that one.
As you say, it was probably coastal command but there`s no way of telling. While MK Va`s were intended for Coastal Command I`m sure other units must have used them. I have several photos and film footage of MK Vb`s being worn by Mosquito crews and I also have a photo of a group of Spitfire pilots all wearing Vb`s.
With regard to the centre rest for the Va`s this is often missing. There were two types of fixing plates and one type had a sort of ratchet on them and possibly this was enough to hold the goggles up on their own and also the goggles came with a strap which could have been preferred to the fixing studs on the side of the helmet.
With regard to verdigris, I have always just removed it with a soft cloth and a bit of elbow grease.

Thanks again Banana splits, nicely put across and nice photos.