United Kingdom. A Royal Air Force Flight Helmet

A Royal Air Force (RAF) flight helmet, constructed of multiple panels of dark brown leather. The helmet is flanked on each side by earpieces constructed of a black bakelite shell with a cork exterior reinforcement, transitioning into a foam liner and completing on the interior with a reinforced ring for a comfortable fit. Five integral straps of identical construction are set into the back of the exterior for the accommodation of goggles. A double-sided array of non-magnetic metal snap buttons accommodates an accompanying oxygen mask. The interior presents with a white suede-style liner. The helmet is unmarked and demonstrates material fatigue consistent with age and wartime use, and includes some wear to the leather and deterioration of the earpieces. It is accompanied by its period original goggles, constructed of a dark brown leather frame. The exterior features a grey-painted non-magnetic metal frame with intact glass eyepieces. A multi-piece elasticized strap bears a handwritten owner’s name of “HIGGIN”. The goggles are otherwise unmarked and are in a near extremely fine condition.