I'm wondering if anyone can help me authenticate the use date of the leather aviator's helmet and silver goggles that appear in the link below:
http://www.wbhaviland.org/ar013.html
The helmet is a Gordon Aerotogs worn by Willis B. Haviland (N. 124 Lafayette Escadrille pilot No. 15.) The goggles were also his, however they had the name "Rand" written on the strap. (Rufus Rand was likely one of Haviland's students in France circa 1919, before Haviland went to Porto Corsini. The assumption is that for some reason the goggles were given by Rand to Haviland, or reissued to him.)
I may be somewhat thick but I can't come up with the meaning of the U.A.L. initials under Haviland's name on the inside of the helmet. This is bugging me in particular since I have the sense that the answer should be obvious, but it's not coming to me.
I'm not sure how rare these items are nowadays, however I donned the gear and it remains fully serviceable, although the goggles really aren't that comfortable, even with the adjustable nose bridge properly set.
Thanks for any feedback on this one.
":O) Willis Lamm