BACKGROUND: With the advent of military aircraft in WWI most of the early pilots soon discovered that appropriate protective headgear was a necessity due to the cold and the all too frequent occurrence of oil leaking into the slipstream and covering the pilot. The cowl style helmet was used up to 1916, and due to the majority of commanders seeing flying as having no military value, no funds were made available for protective clothing so they were usually purchased by the pilots themselves. The first officially designated helmet was the MK I , which was introduced in 1917 and became the first flying helmet used by the Royal Air Force when it was established in April 1918. The MK I was used until it was replaced by the "1930" pattern helmet that could be equipped radio earphones. The "1930" pattern was officially replaced by the type "B" helmet in 1935 which was equipped with large dome shaped earphone housings with zipper closures.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A privately purchased flying helmet that consists of a shoulder length chrome leather cowl with a facial opening for the eyes and nose. To either side of the opening is an adjustable chin strap that could be worn to the front or rear of the helmet. They are held in place by a pair of leather air-flow pillows. Above the face opening are two small straps, one to either side, with four adjustment holes that mate nickel-silver plated steel single prong buckles. These straps can be used to tighten up the opening around the eyes. The crown and the bottom of the interior are lined with a soft chamois leather with fur lining. A silk manufacture tag is sewn to the interior that reads "Made By B. Sterling & Co., 14-15 Darblay Street, London W. The helmet shows usage and wear, but overall remains supple considering the age. A very nice early WWI flight helmet.