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Helmet Style:
Photos:
Representative Example:
af_styles024018.jpg
Distinguishing Characteristics:
c. 1940 Nokona No. 317
Dates of Manufacture:
Fibre-Reinforced Leather Aviator Helmet
1932 - 1955
(RAS)
AF Designation
1934 Wilson No. 281
1933 Rawlings LW
4 Fibre Reinforcing Crown Straps
Fibre-Reinforced Molded Ears & Back
Integral Fibre-Reinforced Leather Covered Crown & Body
Snug-Fitting, Lightweight Design
By the mid-1930's, manufacturers had perfected the fibre molding process, enabling them to rely on fibre as the primary structural support for football helmets while the leather covering was more resistant to water and surface abrasions. As a result, helmet design was no longer bound by the need to connect a crown piece to the helmet body. The two were integrated into a single structure. The Fibre-Reinforced Leather Aviator Helmet was a snug-fitting, lightweight helmet named after its similar appearance to helmets worn by pilots in the 1930's. The aviator model frequently included 2 fibre or leather straps across the crown for reinforcement.
1948 Rawlings No. A29
1952 Goldsmith No. H617
c. 1945 Nokona 366
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