Hi Richard. Great summary posted by Geoff on how they evolved.
You will notice the early types were fitted with a single head band (usually metal with or without a thin leather cover) that went over the top of your head, and the Mic had a canvas neck strap. If you get a chance to wear these for any length of time with the mic unsecured, you discover rather quickly just how heavy all that cording and the mic actually are in work mode. If you should happen to be leaning forward at all to tune the set, work the morse key or be writing anything down and drop the mic, the entire headset will come flying off.
The later designs did away with the mic strap and added a second, adjustable canvas strap setup to the head piece. The canvas strap adjusted over the top of your head and the metal/leather strap went around the back of your neck. If you happened to drop the mike with one of these on, everything stayed put on your head.
Another slight wrinkle to all this is that the American Mk II production for sure also utilized a metal and canvas breast plate assembly one could mount the mic into and fasten round your neck to keep the mic readily at hand. Not sure if the British or Canadian production ever made this item.
Fun stuff and thanks for sharing the photos, Geoff.
David
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