Germany, Luftwaffe. A Winter Flight Helmet, by Striegel & Wagner, c. 1939

(Luftwaffe Fliegerkopfhaube). An extremely well-preserved Luftwaffe winter flight helmet, constructed of a dark brown leather shell. It features a retractable brown cotton strap emanating from the back of the crown and fastening with a functional magnetic metal buckle, with the back also flanked by two integral leather straps culminating in functional snap buttons for the accommodation of an oxygen mask. The helmet is flanked by reinforced earpieces, and has double-sided chinstraps which meet magnetic metal buckles emanating from the opposite sides. The interior is fully lined with a layer of thick white wool, with transparent celluloid earpiece covers bearing raised patent numbers. The liner features double labels, including a Siemens tag bearing a code of “LKP W 10”, indicating that the helmet is intended for use in frigid winter conditions, along with a stamped manufacturer date of “9. DEZ. 1939”. The other bears a maker’s mark of “STRIEGEL & WAGNER, LICHTENFELS/BAYER. OSTMARK”, with a size mark of 55. Demonstrating only minor signs of soiling and wear consistent with age and wartime use, this high-quality flight helmet remains in a near extremely fine condition.