Anybody know what this leather helmet is?

[yank44]

I bought this about 22 years ago and it was already old (I am guessing WWII vintage). The verdigris on all of the metal parts indicates WWII or older as well. It is a black leather helmet/hat of some sort with a fleece interior. Inside the hat it says, "L. Bilberstos(n?) & Sons Ltd. London 6 7/8". I have provided pics. Does anybody know what this was used for?

Click the links below to see the pics.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0715.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0714.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0713.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0712.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0717.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/9c7a428d.jpg

Just click the x on the window to close each pic.

Edited October 23, 2006 by yank44

[Kev in Deva]

I bought this about 22 years ago and it was already old (I am guessing WWII vintage). The verdigris on all of the metal parts indicates WWII or older as well. It is a black leather helmet/hat of some sort with a fleece interior. Inside the hat it says, "L. Bilberstos(n?) & Sons Ltd. London 6 7/8". I have provided pics. Does anybody know what this was used for?

Click the links below to see the pics.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0715.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0714.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0713.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0712.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/IMG_0717.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Yank44/9c7a428d.jpg

Just click the x on the window to close each pic.

Hallo yank 44

I believe its US bomber crew related, maybe made in England for the USAAF during WW2.

Kevin in Deva

[peter monahan]

Hallo yank 44

I believe its US bomber crew related, maybe made in England for the USAAF during WW2.

Kevin in Deva

Yank

Kev could be right, though the peak is odd for air crew - precludes googles or face mask one would think. Meant for waist gunners on B-25,s and so on, who stood by open "windows" while in flight? The british maker is odd too, for a Yank item. Try Googling shots of US troops - tankers maybe? - and air crews. If it was standard issue it should show up round someones neck or on his head in some shot or other.

Other possibility: a "present" for "our boys at the Front", produced on civvie street and sent of with the care packages. I'd have worn one in North-West Europe in winter '44-'45. Heck, I'd wear one now up here in the Frozen North.

Gotta go. Huskies to feed!

Peter

[yank44]

Thanks for the help guys. I will research this further.