One of several production-made fighter pilot helmets created for use in filming by Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in Tony Scott’s film Top Gun (Paramount, 1986). Cruise is seen wearing this style of helmet in scenes throughout the film. The helmet, made by Flight Suits, LTD, was customized by the production with eagle insignia stickers and red and white striping with the letters “MAVERICK” across the front. It is believed that these decals were replaced regularly during production. Inside the helmet, hidden under padding and partially obscured by Velcro, is production writing: “MAVERICK #2 // TOPGUN // 44430.” An important and rare production artifact from one of the most popular action films of the 1980s; the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, is due out from Paramount Pictures in 2021. Accompanied by a copy of the film. NOTE: missing knob that controls up and down movement of visor
