Air Mail Pilot's Coat and Helmet
Lt. James Edgerton flew the mail from Philadelphia to Washington during the first scheduled air mail flight on May 15, 1918. He wore this helmet and coat during that flight. Edgerton left the Army in 1919 and became the Chief of Flying for the U.S. Air Mail Service.
Gift of James C. Edgerton
Display Status
This object is on display in America by Air at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
ca. 1918
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing
Manufacturer
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Physical Description
Lieutenant James C. Edgerton's Brown United States Air Mail Flying Coat; exterior leather faded to nearly white; full olive drab silk lining, 2 lower flap pockets; 2 belt loops (belt missing); heavily soiled on cuffs; tear under right arm.
Dimensions
Clothing (On Mannequin): 89 × 53 × 19cm (2 ft. 11 1/16 in. × 1 ft. 8 7/8 in. × 7 1/2 in.)
3-D (Stored Flat, With Padding): 90.2 × 85.1 × 15.2cm (2 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 9 1/2 in. × 6 in.)
Materials
Leather
Natural Fiber Fabrics (Silk)
Plastic
Uncharacterized Thread
Ferrous Alloy
Copper Alloy
Paint
Inventory Number
A19320001000
Credit Line
Donated by Lt. James C. Edgerton
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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