Collections Research Volunteer Marcel recently researched an iconic object from the Powerhouse collection – the Flying helmet worn by Charles Kingsford Smith (Object No: B2231-1).
The flying helmet, made of brown leather, features a cap, chinstrap, and ear covers designed to protect the wearer during flight. Created by an unknown maker, the helmet was worn by the renowned Australian aviator Charles Kingsford Smith in 1928.
Born in Brisbane, Kingsford Smith is celebrated for his remarkable flying career and numerous aviation milestones. In 1928, he completed the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia in his three-engine Fokker aircraft, the Southern Cross, making stops across the Pacific to refuel. Among his other achievements were the first non-stop flight across the Australian mainland, the first flights between Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand), the first eastward Pacific crossing from Australia to the United States, and a flight from Australia to London. Kingsford Smith also served with distinction in World War I, earning the Military Cross for bravery.
This flying helmet stands as a symbol of the pioneering spirit of early Australian aviation – a time when aviators risked their lives to expand the boundaries of modern transportation. The helmet forms part of a collection titled ‘Flying helmet worn by Charles Kingsford Smith with fuel pipes from the “Southern Cross”’ (Object No.B2231), which includes the helmet itself, a section of exhaust pipe, and parts of the fuel pipe from the Southern Cross. The Powerhouse acquired this collection on 28 May 1976.
A huge thank you to Marcel for the detailed research and contribution to uncovering the fascinating story behind this important piece of Australia’s aviation history.
Research and story by volunteer Marcel. Blogpost by Karen Griffiths, (Volunteers Program Officer)