This is an original WW2 U.S. Army Air Forces T-44-A throat microphone, complete with its original issue box dated 8 May 1943 and accompanying printed instruction sheet. The T-44-A was designed for use with the A-9 and A-10 oxygen masks, forming part of the standard high-altitude communication equipment used by USAAF aircrew during the mid-war period.

Unlike conventional boom microphones, the T-44-A is a contact (throat) microphone, transmitting speech by detecting vibrations from the wearer’s throat rather than airborne sound. This design allowed for clear communication in the extremely noisy and cold conditions encountered at altitude, while also eliminating interference from oxygen flow within the mask. As such, it was particularly well suited to bomber and transport aircraft operations.

The presence of the original wartime box and instruction sheet significantly enhances the historical and collector value of this example. The box, dated 8 May 1943, firmly places this microphone within the peak production period of the USAAF air war, and surviving boxed examples with correct paperwork are increasingly scarce. The instruction sheet provides valuable contemporary insight into the intended use and handling of the microphone and is rarely encountered alongside the unit itself.

The condition of this piece is particularly noteworthy. The microphone and cable itself is in very good condition indeed, the jack isn’t even scratched and there are no pulls on the braided cord. The instructions are for lack of a better word, mint. The box itself even has the inspection seal and stamp on it in two places. The photos speak for themselves.

Overall, this is a well-documented and complete wartime USAAF communications component, ideal for an aviation, signals, or oxygen equipment-focused collection.