July 13-15, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2021
Late 1950s United States Air Force MA-2 High Altitude Partial Pressure Helmet. The MA-2 pressure helmet was a standard type of high altitude helmet which was designed to be worn above 50,000 feet. The MA-2, along with several other high pressure designs, was used for many years in conjunction with a variety of partial pressure suits and aircraft including the Convair B-58 Hustler strategic bomber and the Lockheed U-2 high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The MA-2 helmet is constructed of a soft helmet with a bladder to provide pressure, a detachable outer shell of molded plastic to provide protection and retain the pressure within the helmet, and a transparent faceplate in which oxygen equipment could be attached. This example is missing the transparent faceplate. The molded plastic shell exhibits a USAF decal on the front as well as the name "CAREY" which was painted under the decal. The interior of the name contains the name "SCHRIMPF" stamped in USAF stencil. The shell does not exhibit any major cracks or dents but there are light scratches. The soft helmet, or hood, is stamped with the name "LT. ELRICK" and retains its original specification tag which is stamped with the date "1957". The bladder assembly retains its original specification stamp and has been very well preserved. Both the hood and the bladder do not exhibit any major tearing, ripping, or fraying. The zipper on the hood remains functional. The helmet retains its original boom mic, earphones, and cord. The interior padding and earpads mostly remain soft, but are stiff in some areas and the stitching has come loose on right pad. The rubber membrane around the front facial area is riddled with cracks and shows rubber loss in some areas. This is a nice, named helmet that is worthy of research. CONDITION: Overall very good. JLD
Item Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 12"