Helmet variants

Hi

There are four patterns of Fleet Air Arm helmet;the earliest ones were converted RAF C type helmet`s with B type helmet zip ear receiver housing`s sewn on(at the time the FAA didn`t have their own helmet`s).
The next one looked like the one pictured but had a leather chin strap and didn`t have the extra small straps on the back for the wiring loom(these are marked with a crown and anchor stamp on the chin area).
Both the first and second pattern had external wiring while the third and fourth patterns had internal wiring.
The third one looked exactly like the helmet pictured but without the two extra straps on the back of the helmet.This was the last war time pattern FAA helmet and lastly you have the one pictured which was post war.
All the helmets came with fitting`s for Gosport tubes except the first converted helmet`s.
Some third pattern one`s also come with a linen label attached with instructions on how to convert the wiring for American receiver`s for when the helmet was used in a lend lease aircraft.

The other type of FAA helmet are the D type cloth helmet for tropical use of which there are several patterns.

I hope this helps.

I really must get out more!
BS