Luftwaffe LKp S101 Summer Flying Helmet

This model was introduced in 1938, and replaced the 1936 specification LKp S100 and whilst made to the same basic pattern it featured improved Siemens communications and better sound insulation. Instead of aluminium earphones housings of the earlier helmets this features hard rubber cups covered with dark brown leather which had a more streamlined appearance and with an external recess at the top which helped secure the goggle straps in place. The avionics were also enhanced by the installation of a Perspex membranes inside and padded with fleece lined cushions around the earphone speaker. The housing for the throat microphones on the LKp S101 was also improved with two straps containing the microphone linked by an inverted "T" at the nape of the helmet. This also served as the junction between the helmet's internal wiring and the long cord and plug-in connector. The throat straps were adjustable by means of two buckles, and once correctly adjusted could be joined together or removed at the front by means of a snap fastening.

On offer is an excellent example of the type and way above the condition these helmets are normally found in. The 'salt and pepper' cotton weave fabric shell is excellent with just one very small hole to the crown and no staining. The leather parts are all good with minimal evidence of light service use. The helmet has provision for using with a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted; the metal parts show slight age wear. The goggle straps are all fine and functional and fitted with Prym snaps; the characteristic double chin straps are way above the average.

Inside the helmet the earphones Perspex covers are in place, exhibiting minor age wear and embossed Ln 26602. The helmet is fully wired and carries a 1 metre long wiring lead with a 4 pin plug fitted marked BLKvFL 27560 and the lozenge shaped magnetic throat microphones are marked Mi 4b ln26799-2. The lining is made from olive satin with lambswool around the receivers, for added comfort. The lining shows evidence of light service wear but is again well above the average. Sewn in are two woven set of labels; identical examples are shown in Mick Prodger's 'Luftwaffe V RAF' reference book page 25 centre top and described as 'labels from an early helmet'. The top label is named to Siemens and marked below Baumuster LKp S 101 and Ln. Nr 26617 ; below is a very feint ink date stamp and whilst rather faded we believe indicates a manufacturing date of June 1939 so a pre Battle of Britain example that certainly adds to the interest! A secondary manufacturers oblong label is also attached reading STRIEGEL & WAGNER KOM.GES. LICHTENFELS/BAYER.OSTMARK Grosse : 59, indicating size.

Like the other Luftwaffe kit we have recently listed this helmet ticks all the boxes and it would be very hard to find a better original example and these are becoming increasingly scarce and more so in this condition. This example would display perfectly with the 1936 Sommerfliegerkombi which we have also just listed.