​​​FLIGHTGEAR.CH

 

K33

 

Type K33 leather winter flying helmet

 

Hersteller G. A. Hoffmann, Berlin S.W.29

Year of manufacture 1939

 

This fur lined leather helmet (like it's summer equivalent, the FK34) was constructed of the same basic pattern as the LKpW100, without provision for communication. It was equipped with attachment hooks for two- and three-strap oxygen masks, though.

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Manufactured from the 1930's until at least 1943 it was used in basic training training and combat aircraft where no radio communication equipment was installed. This was also the case in many single seat aircraft in the early stages of WWII when hand and optical signals were used.

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A pair of pilot sunglasses completes the outfit.

These feature green tinted lenses in metal frames and ear loops similar to the comfort cables of the USAAF sunglasses AN6531 Types I and II, indicating they were desigend specifically for avation purpose. No information if of official issue or private purchase is availabe, though.

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The second set of pictures shows the K33 as it would be worn by a crew member manning an open cockpit or gun position.

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Model 10-67 oxygen mask

 

Manufacturer: bwz / Auer

Size. 1

 

For a detailed description of the 10-67 oxygen mask and its development please click here.

This specimen is made of green rubber, which identifies it as an early production mask. The green rubber body is noticeably softer than its black counterparts of later manufacture. It features the standard three strap arrangement, but with the central front strap torn/cut off. Reportedly, this "modification" was frequently done deliberately by the user of the mask. The soft leather  face mask protects the airman's face from frostbite. At the end of the corrugated rubber hose a Dräger crocodile clip is attached. If this mix of components from different manufacturer's was common is not known, but possible, as both Auer and Dräger were supplier of this mask .

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Model 295 flying goggles

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These goggles are a variation of the Model 295, a description of which you can find here.

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The term "Windschutzbrille" (wind protection goggles) emphasizes its use in drafty outdoor conditions often encountered by aircraft gunners. The wide, unlined soft rubber face pad (embossed with the name AUER) protects a large portion of the wearer's face. An elastic double strap provides a snug fit. An additional adjustable elasticized chin strap is fixed to the attachment hooks of the main strap and prevents the goggles from being blown off by the airstream. This chin strap can easily be removed in case it is not used. While protection from the elements represents a welcome benefit, the cumbersome strap arrangement of the different components sure doesn't enhance wearer's comfort. And now imagine to replace the K33 with a flying helmet with ear receivers and throat microphones ...  

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The goggles were delivered in a sturdy aluminium box with a hinged lid. The tag on the outside specifies the goggles as a DEGEA product, Model 295, manufactured by the Auer company, Berlin - a subsidiary of DEGEA (aka DGA) - on 20 FEB 1936.  A separate compartment, which features its own cover, can be found inside the box. Other than the goggles, the complete kit contains various spare parts, accessories and instructions, as marked on a tag on the inside of the lid:

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Content

1 (pair of) goggles    1 hollow punch 

1 chin strap               2 spare lenses (Neophan, tinted)

1 cleaning cloth        1 spare rubberized strap

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Caution !

In case the goggles are pinching the nose or are obstructing breathing by squeezing the ala of the nose, the provided hollow punch can be used to cut a  curvature into the rubber cushion. Scissors shall then be used to soften the edges.

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