Original Item: Only One Available. This is something we have only had a few of! It is a very good condition hard to find USAAF WWII issue M3 Flak Helmet, however it has a "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 only seen a few M3's 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 almost very good condition, with the usual storage wear and rusting around the ear pads. One of these has detached, but is still included. The interior rigging is complete with the interior band, and there is no evidence of wear whatsoever.  The chin strap is complete and functional, though it has some light staining and oxidation on the fittings. The green "flocking" attached to the paint is in good shape, with just storage wear and some small scratches and chips.

There is a bit of rusting on the exterior, and as with many of the M3 and M5 Flak helmets we have seen, the felt pads under the ear covers have turned orange from rust, and the finish on the inside is degraded. 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 this condition is typical. One pad is still attached, but only barely.

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