Description
This World War Two era Japanese Army (IJA) flight helmet and flight goggles are a couple of standard issue items for Japanese Army aviators during the war, they are both the type that was worn by the hardened combat pilots and flight crew of the Japanese Army in the 2nd World War. The flight helmet has the star, which is the the symbol of the Japanese Army on the front, this is often missing when these flight caps are found. This style of helmet was only worn by Japanese Army aviators, it was not worn by Japanese Naval aviators as they had different issued examples. This flight helmet has no damage or repairs and very soft, supple leather. The inside lining indicates this would be the more sought after summer weight example, these are far more uncommon then the standard fur lined winter variants that seems to be new old stock/unissued. This helmet shows true period wear and definatly was worn during the period, the inside ear marking shows a Showa marked date of 1944. This helmet is acompanied by a pair of flight goggles in the original case, sometimes these are referred to as “cat’s eye” style goggles. There were a handful of minor variations and makers of this style of flight goggles during WWII, but this basic cat’s eye style of goggles was worn by both Army and Navy Japanese aviators during the war. The case and goggles are marked with the correct makers markings. Both the goggles and helmet are amazing overall with no damage, the match each other perfectly in patina and are textbook in every way. These would be perfect for a mannequin display, or simply displayed together in a case!
