Posted are some rarities from the R.A. Rolfe (NLF Bob) collection of California.
First item is an all cloth (cotton) early war style navy Flight Helmet. Green cloth, with sewn in label and green name tag sewn on the back of the fight helmet. Never had buckles, everything ties. Shown with the early style navy summer goggles. Very unusual.
Other item is the elusive 3rd pattern Navy Helmet cover. Cloth material is of a silky, soft material, totally different than a typical helmet cover. Single, navy box stamp inside, has a soft(not hard paper-backed) Navy EM bevo anchor sewn on. Does not sew thru the cover to the inside. I have seen made up example that someone has sewn/ glued on the stiff, paper backed bevo anchors onto a cover. Loose, paper backed bevo anchors are quite common in the EM, PO or officer style. A good 3rd pattern type is very rare, with only a couple known. Thank you Robert for sharing the pics!
First item is an all cloth (cotton) early war style navy Flight Helmet. Green cloth, with sewn in label and green name tag sewn on the back of the fight helmet. Never had buckles, everything ties. Shown with the early style navy summer goggles. Very unusual.
Other item is the elusive 3rd pattern Navy Helmet cover. Cloth material is of a silky, soft material, totally different than a typical helmet cover. Single, navy box stamp inside, has a soft(not hard paper-backed) Navy EM bevo anchor sewn on. Does not sew thru the cover to the inside. I have seen made up example that someone has sewn/ glued on the stiff, paper backed bevo anchors onto a cover. Loose, paper backed bevo anchors are quite common in the EM, PO or officer style. A good 3rd pattern type is very rare, with only a couple known. Thank you Robert for sharing the pics!