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Offered here is a rare and increasingly difficult-to-find originalU.S. Army Air Corps Type A-8 summer flying helmet, a desirable exampleof the early flying equipment worn by American military aviators during thepre-World War II era. The Type A-8 was an earlier design that saw a relativelyshort period of service before being superseded early in the war by the more familiarType A-9 flying helmet. While Type A-9 helmets are encountered with greaterfrequency today, the earlier A-8 has become a scarce and highly collectiblepiece of Army Air Corps aviation history.
This example rates in excellent condition and retains itsfactory-installed leather ear cups, an especially desirable feature forcollectors seeking an authentic, properly configured A-8 helmet. The originalleather ear cups feature the distinctive sewn leather strips with double-snapclosures. These factory-installed details are important, as subsequently fittedor rigger-applied ear cups did not incorporate the same provision for snappingthe cups closed. This construction detail adds to the historical interest andauthenticity of this particular example.
The original brown leather chin cup remains present and is in very goodcondition, providing another attractive detail on this early Air Corps flyinghelmet. The original Type A-8 manufacturer's label identifies the helmet as a sizeLARGE, a desirable size for collectors of vintage military flyingequipment.
The Type A-8 represents the classic style of early Army Air Corps summerflying headgear, reflecting the equipment used by American aviators during thetransition from prewar military aviation into the demanding years of World WarII. Its distinctive construction and early design make it an appealing additionto a collection of Army Air Corps flight gear, an aviation museum display, or acollection devoted to the evolution of American military flying equipment.
This is a fine opportunity to acquire a scarce, original Type A-8flying helmet with its factory-installed leather ear cups, original brownleather chin cup, and original size label intact. The excellentoverall condition and attractive display presentation make this a particularlydesirable example of early Army Air Corps aviation equipment.
A genuine piece of aviation history that is becoming increasingly difficultto find. Don't miss this opportunity to add this classic and scarceprewar Army Air Corps flying helmet to your collection!
