Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good condition hard to find USAAF WWII issue M3 Flak Helmet, with a rare "flocked" paint job! This basically means it is "fuzzy", however this is a development that was part of the changes that made the M5 version of the Flak helmet, and we have not seen an M3 with this paint job before. It is flocked inside and out, under the liner, so we have no reason to believe that it is retrofitted. We can only imagine that it is a later version made due to complaints regarding hands freezing to the helmet. The "flocking" was developed to prevent this from happening.

World War Two American bomber crews in the skies over Europe needed something more than their leather flying helmets to provide them with shrapnel injuries, however it took a surprisingly long time for a new helmet to be developed and deployed to meet that need. Not until December of 1943 did the M3 reach the ETO, it was the first of three versions of the American flak helmet.

One of the most notable aspects of the M3 is its M1 profile; it's like the steel pot, but with hinged armored ear cups that were used to accommodate the headsets worn by the aircrews. These were then secured with a canvas chin strap, which also had a snap in it, for quick removal if needed.

This example is offered in good condition, with overall storage wear and rusting around the ear pads. The interior rigging is complete with the interior band, and there is no evidence of wear whatsoever.  The chin strap is mostly missing, probably having torn off during long storage. The green "flocking" attached to the paint is in good shape, with just storage wear and some small scratches and chips.

There is rusting on the inside of the ear flaps, as with many of the M3 and M5 Flak helmets we have seen. The felt pads on the inside are missing, and the entire inside is corroded, with the exterior corroded on the right side as well. We believe that this is a reaction to the adhesive used, and the ability of felt to absorb moisture from the air. Over time, this has led to corrosion in almost all of these helmets, so rust is typical, though this example has somewhat more than usual.

This is an excellent opportunity to own a good example of a rare helmet. Ready to display!