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.

Hi
The first pattern FAA helmets were converted C types but the second pattern were made especially for the FAA (not converted C types). The zipped ear housings are different on the first and second pattern with the first pattern being the type used on B type helmets whereas the second pattern helmet had purpose made ones which were factory fitted. The differences are subtle but once you know what to look for it’s obvious. I have all four variants if you want to see pictures. The second pattern helmets are pretty rare but the first pattern are extremely rare. Also you have to be careful as there are fakes of the first pattern around. I’m sorry if it all sounds a bit confusing. If you like headgear then Mick Prodgers book would be a good investment.
Scramble Bill, so the box came from Michael Young, there’s a name I have’nt heard for a long time. He used to get some quality kit. I still have several pieces I bought from him.

Hi Bananasplits again thank you for your patience,the helmet i have looks the same as the first pattern c type that i have IE stitching leather panels etc, can you tell me what the differences are between the c type and the F.A.A. own pattern are.

Also the Zipped ear housings what the differences are as i at this current time only own a B type without ear covers…

Photos would be very handy to show the differences, as then i can get a better picture. (also would be nice to see)

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Hi here are a few photos of what I believe to be a first pattern fleet air arm flying helmet and Mk 1V goggles (certainly seen some action)
Can anyone please confirm this.

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Hi would anyone know when the bracket type Mk1v goggles were put into service,(the type of brackets that were used to hold up the weight of the flying goggles.)

I now know thanks to the replies on this forum,that the F.A.A helmet i have acquired is the first pattern C type,with the Bennets type buckle. but this helmet has the Mk1v goggles with the fixed bracket to take the goggles. could it be possible that these goggles may of been used in the Battle of Britain and then swapped onto the F.A.A. type flying helmet, as i would of thought that the owner of this helmet may of switched straight to the later mark goggles used with the C type helmet. (less weight) as i believe the F.A.A first pattern came out around 1941.what goggles would of been associated with the F.A.A helmet in this year?

(hope this isn’t to confusing.)

When the Mk V111 series were issued they were worn by most aircrew but I have quite a few pictures of aircrew wearing kit from an earlier period that they obviously preferred. For example I have pictures of people wearing B type helmets with G mask`s and C type helmets with Mk 111a goggles etc. Where oxygen masks would have been updated very quickly once a new type came out, things like goggles and flying boots were more of an individual choice.
If you look at the Battle of Britain photo thread I have posted a picture of a couple of my Battle of Britain mannequins which might be of interest to you.

Cheers i will take a look, interesting thread. keep those photos coming….,