Helmet, Flight
Object number2017.91.6
Manufacturer
Slote and Klein, Inc.
Manufacturer
Telephonics Corporation
Date1941-1953
OriginNew York, NY
MediumFabric; Metal; Suede; Leather; Velvet; Rubber; Foam
Credit LineIn memory of Harry "Bus" Means
DescriptionFlight helmet, size Medium. Form-fitting khaki fabric helmet with adjustable gray/brown leather chinstrap with velvet liner and metal buckle. Earpieces are beige foam on the interior and black rubber on the exterior. Earpieces connected by black fabric-covered metal dual head strap. Earpieces are connected to black rubber electrical cord that ends in single prong. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (Helmet): 17 x 10 x 6.5 in. (43.2 x 25.4 x 16.5 cm)Length (Cord): 60 in. (152.4 cm)
InscriptionsEach earpiece has raised text at front center area "FRONT".
MarksBlack fabric tag inside helmet at back center has embroidered gold text "SIZE MEDIUM / CONTRACT No. N288s-30999 / SLOTE & KLEIN, INC."
Each earpiece has raised text on exterior at center "TYPE TH 37 / Telephonics / CORPORATION / NEW YORK, N. Y. / CTE 49015 / 300-Z".
Arched metal bracket on each earpiece has text "CTE 49028".
Electrical cord has connector near helmet with raised text "TELEPHONICS / CORP."; this is repeated twice.
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to Harry "Bus" Means. This extensive collection of military uniforms and equipment relates to the life and career of U.S. Marines Corps chief flight mechanic Sergeant Harry “Bus” Means of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Means served with multiple units during WWII and immediately afterwards, including the “Bombing Banshees” VMSB-244 flight squadron that participated in the occupation of China and the Philippines. Means served through 1946, then returned to service during the Korean War, so his story represents the Cold War history of those whose military participation did not end with the official surrender of the Japanese in WWII. The collection contains artifacts representing the post-War occupation of China and the Pacific Islands, and also reminders of the regional tensions that led to conflict again in Southeast Asia within ten years. The collection also includes more general materials from Mean’s childhood in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, and his civilian occupations, such as his role as a USPS mail carrier.
Previous owner
Sergeant Harry E. Means
Related institution
United States Marine Corps
Related institution
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 244
On View
Not on view
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