WW2 Period RAF “Late Pattern” C-Type Wired Leather Flying Helmet – 22C/880

Here on offer is a genuine WW2 period RAF “late pattern” C-Type Wired leather flying helmet stamped with a stores reference number: 22C/880, that equates to a large size 4 helmet.

This helmet was a “loft” find that I acquired years ago and was in a very dry and stiff condition and was folded flat. Apparently, it had been used after WW2 and the owner had to cut both of the rubberized ear phone covers off to allow more modern earphones to be used.

Unfortunately, the chamois inner layer has eroded away, but the brown leather itself is in great condition and all the stitching and metal fixings are still firmly in place.

It still displays the stores reference no. 22C/440 stamped into the outer edge of the right-hand flap. This seems to also relate to the size of the helmet, which is a 4 in this case and the largest they made at the time.

It also still retains the elasticated chinstrap.

I have patiently treated the helmet with a leather balm over a number of weeks which has restored some suppleness to the leather. It however is still slightly stiff and I wouldn’t want to ship it folded flat. Therefore, I am selling and shipping it fitted to the polystyrene “head” as shown in my photos.

The C-Type Wired helmet was a leather helmet with chamois inner layer. It had an installed electrical headset, and fittings for an oxygen mask and goggles. The Wired helmet also introduced an elastic chin strap with pop stud, over the previous C-Type's leather chin strap and Bennets Buckle.

The headset used rubber cups for directly mounting the earphones.

The main distinguishing factor between the C-type Wired helmet and is that the Wired version includes passages in between the leather and chamois liner for cables to pass through.

This helmet was produced in two variations, referred to as "early" and "late":


• "Early" C-type Wired is fully internally wired.

• "Late" C-Type Wired wiring harness is partially exposed at the rear.

The late pattern Wired C-Type helmets accept the harness at a strain relief at the rear centre. The wires then pass under retaining tabs, before going inside the helmet leather for a short hop to the earpieces and microphone connector.


Now this genuine example has a number of condition issues as I have detailed, but still makes an impressive display helmet, fitted to the “head”.


Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51627