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GERMAN FLIEGERTRUPPE

FABRIC HELMET

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Although there were no "standard" flying helmets at the beginning of WWI, this specimen represents a common pattern of German WWI flying helmet design. It consists of a shell made of six segments, two foldable ear flaps to be buttoned open or closed over the ear openings by means of snap fasteners, an adjustable chin strap with reinforcing eyelets, and a neckflap. On top we can find the caracteristic loop strap, a common feature of german leather and fabric helmets of the period.

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The helmet is entirely made of tan coloured, strong fabric cloth, while the inner lining consists of soft, dark brown cotton cloth. 

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Flying Goggles

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These unmarked lightweight goggles are of unknown manufacture, but feature the shape frequently seen on pictures showing German and French WWI aviators. Other specimen seem to have leather eye-pads, while still others are part of leather face masks, covering large parts of the pilot's cheeks and nose.

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The ergonomically shaped foldable metal frames feature clear, curved glass lenses. The two frames are not hinged together, but sewn separately to the spring-loaded metal wire main frame, which is covered with thin, soft cloth. The goggles are lined with (artificial?) fur to improve sealing. The adjustable thin cloth headstrap is sewn to the frames by means of leather tabs, the former featuring the typical loop/hook attachment.

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