Flak Helmet #8 M5

Flak Helmet #8 M5 - The shell is an original WWII M5 Aircrew ‘Flak’ helmet. The heat-stamp at the centre-rear is 1248C. The shell is fitted with two hinged ear flaps; longer than the M3 type with a tapered end and the chinstrap loops on the inner surface. The M5 evidently does not come fitted with the O/D felt pads on the inner surface of the ear flaps. The shell and ear flaps are in excellent condition. When acquired, the helmet was covered in surface rust with little evidence of original paint; in fact this shell was caught just in time as pitting was just starting to form. The shell cleaned back nicely; there was no damage and rust was superficial. The helmet was stripped to bare metal, primed then painted in olive drab with a texture outer. The helmet retains its original triple-weave OD3 web lining and attached head band; it required some minor repairs at the front studs and reinforcement where the leather is sewn to the webbing; a further leather strip has been added to this area and fixed with contact adhesive. The original adjustable neck strap remains in excellent condition. The web lining combined with the adjustable sweatband is a weird setup. The M3 setup is similar to the M1 and far more practical. The original leather chinstrap remained attached; it was rotten on one end but the other looked okay. I have fabricated an adjustable OD3 web chinstrap for this helmet quite similar to that of an M3 flak helmet. The helmet has the emblem for the United States Army Air Corps stenciled at the front-centre.

Price: $520 AUD