WWII era Air Force low level throat microphone in tin

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Overview

WWII era Air Force low level throat microphone in original tin. It comprises two rectangular, block-shaped microphone elements wrapped in light brown leather which are contoured to sit snugly on either side of the wearer's larynx.
The lower ends of the microphone blocks are joined at the centre by a hemispherical piece of metal attached by rolling metal catches. The serial number 'ZAA . 0275 MK2' is printed on the inside of the curved metal piece.
The upper ends are attached to an adjustable, khaki canvas webbing strap, with a metallic friction buckle and a quick-release snap assembly at the top to secure it tightly around the throat.
Heavy-duty, dark brown rubber-insulated wiring connects the two throat pickups. The wires merge at a central plastic junction splice point just below the throat pieces to form a single trailing cord. The serial number 'DS 3429' is impressed into the plastic.
The thick rubberised cord terminates in a heavy, cylindrical, dark khaki metal connection socket. This multi-pin connector plugged directly into the radio set wiring loom or a chest-mounted junction switchbox worn by the airman.
It is all held within a tin container which has been painted in a dark khaki colour on the outer surfaces. There is a little rust on the inside of the lower section. The lid has the description of the contents printed in black lettering.

Historical information

According to the Throat Microphone Museum this throat microphone was known as a low level throat mic Mark II, from the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.). It was principally used with Wireless Set No. 38 Mk.1 and Mk.II. It found also use with the No. 38 Mk.3 Set, as part of Microphone and Headgear Assembly No. 14. It was used by R.A.F. fighter control in Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation.
Unlike standard microphones that pick up sound waves from the air, this device strapped directly around the neck. The two leather-covered pickups pressed against the throat near the Adam's apple. By translating vocal cord vibrations directly into audio signals, it successfully filtered out extreme ambient noise from aircraft engines, gunfire, and armoured vehicle interiors.

This mic was purchased in Australia, so may have been used by a pilot in the R.A.A.F. or other Commonwealth air forces.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00991

Item type

Accessories

Artefacts

Collectibles

Personal Effects

Themes

Communication

War and Conflict