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FLYGVAPNET FLYGHUVA

PALMGRENS TYP 4 

 

Swedish Air Force Palmgrens type 4 cloth flying helmet,

with additional leather skull cap.

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The fourth standardized Flygvapnet flying helmet from Palmgrens saw widespread use into the postwar era. The overall pattern reminds us of the construction of British RAF/FAA C-type helmets and consists of seven segments of yellow cloth, the four center segments featuring eyelets for aeration.

 

Size adjustments are made by means of a leather strap at the rear inside the cloth shell. Inside the otherwise unlined helmet we find black ink stamps depicting the Tre Kronor and size 56, while the brim and neck are reinforced with dark green felt patches. A snug fit can be achieved by means of a leather strap sewn onto the left cheek, and a two-ring buckle with leather fitting attached to the right cheek.

 

Inside the ear openings, chamois padded donuts add to the wearer’s comfort and noise insulation, while on the outside two leather ear cups are sewn onto the helmet. The latter are equipped with vertical zippers marked GUSUM and sewn-on reinforcement leather pads. While British helmets used rubber foam inserts, the Swedes used chamois-lined ear pad inserts for improved noise insulation.

The inner leather structure of the ear cups is forming a ring shaped pocket for earphones, with the wiring exiting at the bottom. On the outside, the ear cups feature two metal studs with unknown purpose. No other provisions to attach late style oxygen masks are present.

 

Further features contain a single rear goggle strap retaining loop, secured by a push button, a system of five leather enforced press studs to attach a leather skull cap, and a series of simplified retaining straps, loops and buttons to attach and guide communication equipment wiring.

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Leather skull cap

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The skull cap is made of five segments of yellow leather and lined with chamois. It is marked with an ink stamp indicating a size 57, and can be attached to the type 4 helmet by means of five press buttons, providing additional insulation and protection.

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POLAROID No.1065 aviation goggles

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In use well beyond WWII with the Flygvapnet were the general purpose goggles of another well known American design. Featuring the standard chamois lined black rubber face piece with air vents on top and side, they include exchangeable grey/green plastic lenses, which slide into the frame and are secured by two black push buttons.

The POLAROID manufacturer's name and “Type B-8” are present on the rubber mold, while the “USAAF” marking has been erased. The adjustable goggle strap has a slightly different design , consisting of three elements of grey canvas and rubberized canvas. In this case the former sports a Tre Kronor logo and “1947” ink stamp.

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