Repop Cloth Flying Helmets?

[David Conwill]

I have always loved the look of the tan, cloth flying helmets that were worn in the Pacific and the Med (possibly in Europe in the summers, too?). I've seen a few on eBay for big bucks, but I've never been too hung up on having the original item. Does anyone reproduce these? I feel like I've seen the leather kind, but never the cloth.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[fortworthgal]

Try Garcia Aviation, I believe they reproduce some of the cloth flight helmets.

 

[David Conwill]

M-450, eh?

Perfect, that's just what I was looking for. Thanks Fortworthgal.

-Dave

 

[DutchIndo]

I am fortunate to own an A-11 leather Flying Helmet complete with the A-14 oxygen mask and Polaroid Goggles (M-1944). The Helmet is mint -unused in a Large size. I bought it for an outrageous sum of 100.00 25 years ago. I wonder what it's worth now.

 

[Mike K.]

I've got a collection ranging from different versions of the A-9 cloth helmet to a near-mint A-11 leather helmet (plus flight suits, goggles, etc.) and also one of the Garcia repro helmets. A word of advice - look very carefully at those photos! See the forehead area of the helmet? See how much of the actual forehead is exposed, rather than covered by the helmet? Well, compare that to originals and you'll see that the cut of the reproduction helmets is off. Overall they look reasonably good, are definitely well constructed, but are lacking in having the proper pattern. In addition to the improper cut of the repro helmets, things like the wool fleece ear liners are also not correct. My advice is go for the real, original pieces. You can find some good deals on eBay if you are patient.

 

[Mr.Microphone]

What Price Glory also has some repop M-450's listed under the flight gear. They are currently showing out of stock but it may be worth keeping an eye on.. I end up looking at the A-8B oxygen mask for my AAF impression..... :eusa_doh: