Pre WWII Japanese Pilot Flight Helmet

A leather Japanese Army pilot flight helmet circa 1930’s, prior to the placement on the flight helmets of the star insignia. The helmet is constructed of 6 pieces of supple, fur lined, brown leather, with four pieces forming the crown of the helmet and two pieces forming the ear flaps section. There are small leather loops on each side of the helmet through which the strap for the pilot’s goggles passed (the loop on one side has become detached at one end but could easily be tacked back into place with a stitch ot two). Each side has a leather flap, closed with a snap, that covers the ear openings. The front of the helmet has a fur lined flap which shows wear to the fur. The interior of the ear flaps are also fur lined, while the interior crown of the helmet has a quilted cloth lining. The full chin strap and buckle closure assembly are present – buckle is missing its prong. The helmet shows wear and use but it is complete and intact, with supple leather, and it makes a very good “combat used” appearance.