*British, WW1, Royal Flying Corps 1916 Pattern Cowl Flying Helmet, WD Broad Arrow Marked, Size 51, Smooth-Side Variant*
An original First World War British Royal Flying Corps cowl-type flying helmet of the standard pattern introduced in 1916, constructed in light brown chrome-tanned leather with full hooded form and single facial aperture. The interior is stamped 51, together with a stamped internally with size 51 together with W↑D over P War Department marking, confirming official Great War military issue.
The helmet is of classic multi-panel construction with extended shoulder-length cowl designed to protect the head, neck and upper shoulders from cold and wind in open-cockpit flying conditions. It retains its original forehead tightening straps with correct small single-prong buckles, together with the side strap and buckle arrangement. This example represents the recognised smooth-side or “earless” variation of the 1916 pattern cowl helmet, in which the ear sections are formed within the hood rather than by separate external ear flaps. Helmets of this type were often fitted with cylindrical leather wind-deflector pads positioned beside the face opening, intended to reduce airflow around the ears and improve communication between crew members. On this helmet the original stitching holes for these pads remain clearly visible, but the pads themselves are no longer present, a common occurrence due to service wear or later loss. The facial aperture retains its reinforced edge with the original adjustment holes still visible. The leather remains soft and well-shaped with good natural colour and patina consistent with genuine First World War flying equipment.
Internally the helmet originally had the typical lining arrangement consisting of chamois leather to the crown, a shearling or fur band around the centre section, and chamois below. On this example the lining is now largely worn away, with only traces remaining, but the construction is still clearly visible.
A scarce and highly evocative early British flying helmet from the pioneering period of military aviation, and an increasingly difficult type to find with clear War Department markings.
Historical Note:
The cowl or hood type flying helmet was introduced for use by the Royal Flying Corps in 1916, at a time when aircrew in open cockpit aircraft required protection from extreme cold, wind blast and oil spray. The design consisted of a leather balaclava-style hood with extended neck covering and a single facial opening, providing far greater protection than earlier private-purchase motoring helmets.
Many examples of the 1916 pattern cowl helmet were fitted with cylindrical leather wind-deflector pads positioned beside the face opening. These pads helped reduce airflow around the ears and improved communication between pilot and observer in the open cockpit environment. On this helmet the original stitching holes for these pads remain visible, although the pads themselves are no longer present. This example also represents the recognised smooth-side or “earless” variation of the pattern, in which the ear sections are formed within the hood rather than by separate external ear flaps. Variants of this type are known from the First World War period and are thought to have offered slightly improved head movement compared with the bulkier flapped versions, which could restrict visibility.
These helmets saw service throughout the later part of the First World War with the Royal Flying Corps and early Royal Air Force, and are among the most recognisable items of Great War aviation equipment.
*Condition*
Good original condition for a First World War flying helmet. The leather remains supple with good shape and honest service wear. Forehead straps, side straps and buckles remain present. Interior markings including size 51, Broad Arrow and D over P stamp are visible. The cylindrical airflow pads beside the face opening are no longer present, although the original stitching holes remain. The internal lining is now mostly worn away with only traces remaining. There is age-related wear, staining and surface marks consistent with operational use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMBOOXDEO_9341231691
