This is an original official photograph from the 1920s, featuring a US Army Air Corps pilot clad in an A-1 flight jacket, leather flight helmet, and goggles. Measuring 7.5cm x 18cm, this striking print captures the rugged practicality and iconic style of early military aviators. The pilot’s gear—the A-1 jacket (a predecessor to the famed A-2), helmet, and goggles—epitomizes the functional yet timeless attire developed for open-cockpit flying, offering protection against wind, cold, and debris at high altitudes.
 
The reverse of the photograph bears an original ink stamp:
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH (GROUND)
U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS
5TH PHOTO SECTION
SELFRIDGE FIELD, MICHIGAN
 
This stamp confirms the image’s provenance from Selfridge Field, a pivotal Air Corps base in Michigan, and identifies it as an official ground photograph taken by the 5th Photo Section. Such images were often used for recruitment, records, or personal mementos, reflecting the Air Corps’ investment in documenting its personnel and technology.
 
The 1920s marked the golden age of biplane aviation, where pilots like this one embodied courage and innovation. The A-1 jacket, typically made of leather or heavy cloth with a knit collar and cuffs, was standard issue before the A-2’s introduction in 1931, making this photograph a rare visual record of early flight gear. The pilot’s pose—likely confident and poised—highlights the human element behind the era’s aerial advancements.
 
As an official print, this piece retains historical authenticity, with expected age-related characteristics such as minor edge wear or tonal shifts, but the image remains clear and evocative.
 
Key Details:
 
Subject: US Army Air Corps pilot in A-1 flight jacket, helmet, and goggles (1920s)
 
Provenance: Official photograph by the 5th Photo Section, Selfridge Field, Michigan
 
Size: 7.5cm x 18cm
 
Stamp: Original ink stamp on reverse confirming authenticity and origin
 
Historical Context: Documents early flight gear and pilot culture in the interwar Air Corps
 
Condition: Period-appropriate aging; image remains clear with minor wear
 
Significance: Highlights the evolution of aviation apparel and the identity of early aviators
 
This photograph is a valuable find for collectors of military aviation history, flight gear, or vintage photography, offering a tangible connection to the daring individuals who shaped the future of American air power. It serves as both a historical document and a tribute to the pioneers of the sky.