Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
ARCHIVED SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening.
The nicest example of a Mk I flying helmet (Cap, Flying, Winter, to give it the correct Air Ministry parlance) I have ever seen. Introduced in 1917-18 as a replacement, or at least alternative, for the cowl type hood, the Mk I is made of chrome leather with a half fur lining, fold-down peak and the standard ear flaps with press stud/snap fasteners. The chin strap fastens with an early Bennett's buckle and has a lovely woven label to Frank Bryan, featuring their famous "cricket" emblem. Frank Bryan had been manufacturing cricket equipment (gloves, pads etc) since 1904 and evidently began producing flying clothing soon after. Better known for their Type B helmet which they began producing in the 1930s, this is the first example of a WWI period Frank Bryan helmet I have come across and it is superb: luxuriously made with thick heavy fur and high quality leather, as well as the early use of a Bennett's type fastener. Fabulous condition and very difficult to upgrade!
​
SOLD
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fasteningDS |  Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
|---|---|
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |  Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |  Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |  Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |  Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |  Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |  Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
 Fantastic RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet with Frank Bryan label and early Bennett's buckle fastening |
RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to constant flow system and walk-around bottle.
A very good example of the extension/adaptor tube used for converting E, E* and G masks to the constant flow system, including use with the walk around bottle oxygen supply. Includes the rare Mk IIIB bayonet connector at one end (famoulsly used on the D mask) and the attachment for the Mk IV connector found on later corrugated tubes. Rubber tube has a slightly flat spot from storage but remains fully pliable and in good condition.
SOLD
 RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to constant flow system and walk-around bottle. |  RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to constant flow system and walk-around bottle. |
|---|---|
 RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to cnstat fllow system and walk-around bottle |  RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to constant flow system and walk-around bottle. |
 RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to constant flow system and walk-around bottle. |  RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to constant flow system and walk-around bottle. |
 RAF oxygen tube adaptor for G mask to constant flow system and walk-around bottle. |
US Army officer's khaki wool shirt in excellent condition.
​
Superb WWII US Army officer's wol shirt i khaki. Does not appear to have been issued or worn very much, if at all. Still has nice sharp pressed creases. I can find 2 tiny pinhead sized holes: one to the right shoulder and one to the front right tail - otherwise this is perfect - and a great size - 16 / 33 collar.
​
SOLD
 US Army officer's shirt in excellent condition |  US Army officer's shirt in excellent condition |
|---|---|
 US Army officer's shirt in excellent condition |
AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers.
A lovely set, all from one airman, which would display well, other than some peppering of moth damage throughout. While by no means extensive, it is in places hard to disguise: The shirt collar and sleeves (and sgt. insignia), jacket collar, front and lower sleeves (and sgt. insignia). The trousers appear to be the least affected but they too have some mothing. For the collector on a budget or someone looking for a project, the price is very friendly and could possibly be cleaned up for display. Please look at all photos carefully and click to enlarge them for details.
Set comprises OD service dress jacket with AAF shoulder patch, comm. specialist badge and sgt. stripes. OD wool shirt with same insignia and OD trousers. All buttons present.
​
SOLD
 AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |  AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |
|---|---|
 AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |  AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |
 AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers.DSCN5188 |  AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |
 AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |  AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |
 AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |  AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |
 AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |  DSCN5192 |
 AAF enlisted uniform set: SD jacket, shirt and trousers. |
Rare complete set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals (Air Publications).
AP129, AP928 and AP1098 — RAF Flying Training Manual Parts I, II and III: (Flying Training, Applied Flying and Seaplane Flying) dated 1929, 1928 and 1927. These very rarely turn up as a complete set and contain a wealth of information on the early training days of the RAF (and how little things changed between these and the early wartime training manuals). Includes formation flying techniques as required for the famous air displays. Great condition, good bindings and hard covers.
​
SOLD
 Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals DSCN5179 |  Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |
|---|---|
 Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |  Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |
 Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |  Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |
 Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |  Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |
 Set of 3 RAF/Air Ministry flying training manuals |
Fleet Air Arm pilot's named writing tablet/letter writing pad with pilot badge header.
Excellent accessory for the WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pilot display. This writing tablet has been used and is named on the front to a FAA pilot, as well as having the address of a friend or relative inside. It retains 8 sheets of headed paper, still unused and attached to the card back cover. Each sheet has the FAA pilot wing emblem printed at the top in blue. 4.75" x 8"
​
SOLD
 Fleet Air Arm pilots writing tablet/letter writing pad with pilot wings header |  Fleet Air Arm pilots writing tablet/letter writing pad with pilot wings header |
|---|---|
 Fleet Air Arm pilots writing tablet/letter writing pad with pilot wings header |  Fleet Air Arm pilots writing tablet/letter writing pad with pilot wings header |
ARP "Gas" Rattle dated 1939.
Excellent original and working example of the "Gas Rattle" carried by Wardens of the ARP (Air Raid Precautions). When swung it made a very loud noise which was used to alert members of the public that an air raid, possibly involving the use of poison gas, was imminent (the hand bell, offered elsewhere, signified the "all-clear"). All wood construction, the rattle is in excellent original condition, works perfectly and is well marked with ARP, manufacturer's name and a clear date of 1939. These were a throwback to WWI when they were similarly used in the trenches to warn of an impending gas attack. Few survive and many were subsequently painted in the colours of local football teams and used as "noise-makers" at matches.
​
SOLD
 ARP gas rattle |  ARP gas rattle |
|---|---|
 ARP gas rattle |  ARP gas rattle |
RAF Officers' mess silver plated sugar tongs.
Another outstanding accessory for any RAF station officers' mess display. These silver plated sugar tongs are in outstanding condition and feature the more unusual earlier design of the RAF pilot wing instead of the RAF crest. Superb condition. 4.5" in length.​
​
SOLD
 RAF Officers' mess silver plated sugar tongs. |  RAF Officers' mess silver plated sugar tongs. |
|---|---|
 RAF Officers' mess silver plated sugar tongs. |
Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers.
Very rare poster which was sent to aircraft factories as a morale booster for workers who despite constant bombing raids, continued to work hard producing much needed aircraft for the RAF. The poster features a letter from Stafford Cripps, Minister of Aircraft Production, and depicts 3 Hurricane fighters flying over a convoy of fighters being shipped by lorries. Rich colour printing has not faded, and though the poster was definitely used, it remains in fine displayable condition. Has been folded into four, some very minor loss in corners and has been taped on the back where it has split at the folds. These flaws in no way detract and if anything add to the historic value of the poster. Size is approximately 20" x 30" and is dated 1943. A superb poster which would make a fantastic backdrop to any RAF collection.
​​
SOLD
 RAF propoganda poster, aircraft production with Hurricane |  RAF propoganda poster, aircraft production with Hurricane |
|---|---|
 RAF propoganda poster, aircraft production with Hurricane |  RAF propoganda poster, aircraft production with Hurricane |
 RAF propoganda poster, aircraft production with Hurricane |  RAF propoganda poster, aircraft production with Hurricane |
RAF Pathfinder eagle in silver.
​
I've seen a few of these over the years. Looks exactly like a RAF cap eagle (or Pathfinder badge), 2.25" across, but struck in silver and marked as such on the back. Lovely surface detail and feathering and pin-back fastening. I have always assumed it's a sweetheart brooch but I'm starting to wonder if some Pathfinder aircrews had them made by jewellers for official/unofficial wear on their service dress uniforms? Either way, a lovely item.
​
SOLD
 RAF Pathfinder eagle in silver |  RAF Pathfinder eagle in silver |
|---|
RAF Flight Sergeant's
Kriegsgefangenpost
POW letter home.
Letter written in pencil by a Flight Sergeant POW Robert Beard, to his parentss and sister in Wales. Letter is dated February 27, 1944 but didn't evidently arrive until May 5th. He talks about POW camp life, receiving parcels and helping out other prisoners. Beard flew with 61 squadron RAF (Lancasters) and was shot down in 29 July, 1942, so he was a POW for a long time. He says he feels better off now than when when he first arrived, but still says he will want some good meals when he gets home! Interesting slice of POW camp life. Very readable and very good condition.
​
SOLD
 RAF Flight.sgt's "kriegie" letter home |  RAF Flight.sgt's "kriegie" letter home |
|---|---|
 RAF Flight.sgt's "kriegie" letter home |  RAF Flight.sgt's "kriegie" letter home |
 RAF Flight.sgt's "kriegie" letter home |
RAF manual Air Publication 1641C – The Browning .303 Mk II Machine Gun (as fitted in all RAF combat aircraft).
The Browning .303 machine gun was fitted in virtually all RAF combat aircraft, from Spitfires and Hurricanes to heavy bombers like the Lancaster and Halifax and everything in between. This 50-page AP is the basic descriptive handbook for the weapon, used by air gunners and engineers as well as ground crews and armourers. Excellent condition bar some minor creases and rusting of the staples. 1st edition, September1938, reprinted in June 1942 with amendments. Great section at the back with photos and photo-diagrams.​
​
SOLD
 RAF AP1641C The Browning Machine Gun (as fitted in all RAF combat aircraft) |  RAF AP1641C The Browning Machine Gun (as fitted in all RAF combat aircraft) |
|---|---|
 RAF AP1641C The Browning Machine Gun (as fitted in all RAF combat aircraft) |  RAF AP1641C The Browning Machine Gun (as fitted in all RAF combat aircraft) |
 RAF AP1641C The Browning Machine Gun (as fitted in all RAF combat aircraft) |  RAF AP1641C The Browning Machine Gun (as fitted in all RAF combat aircraft) |
SAAF 106 Squadron Range Finder for bombing.
​
Range Finder, used by bombers for calculating distances on final approach to the target. Excellent condition, This example marked to 106 Squadron, SAAF. Superb
precision instrument , well made from black lacquered aluminium in a fitted wood and leather case, marked with the SAAF broad arrow "U". Included is the usually missing key for tightening the settings n the device, in a leather pouch attached to the case. 106 squadron flew Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters and were one of the most active bomber squadrons throughout the war, flying the 4th highest number of Lancaster ops in Bomber Command, most of them over Germany. They flew diversionary bombing on D-Day, being ordered told NOT to drop any bombs while over the Channel. The Master Bomber also flew with 617 on the Dambuster raids.
​
SOLD
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
|---|
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer79 |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
 SAAF range Finder sighting tool for bomb aimer |
RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing.
Lovely example of the Indian made, somewhat "unofficial" battledress blouse in khaki Aertex cotton (same fabric which the Type E helmets were made). These were favoured by RAF pilots and crews in India and the far east and even in the middle-east. Fastens with 6 buttons and half-belt + buckle with buttoned sleeves, 2 patch pockets and epaulettes. The epaulettes are fitted with slip-on rank slides for a Flt Lt. BD is also fitted with a pin-back pilot wing in similarly outstanding condition (pin-back wings were usually worn on khaki uniforms so they could be removed and the blouse washed or laundered). Jacket is well marked inside including date of 1944. Condition is outstanding and would be difficult to upgrade.
​​​
SOLD
 RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |  RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |
|---|---|
 RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |  RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |
 RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |  RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |
 RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |  RAF Indian made cotton Aertex "battledress" blouse with pin-back pilot wing |
Rare RAF chamois inner glove liners for the 1933 and 1941 Pattern Flying Gauntlets.
These chamois liners are getting extremely difficult to find. The original idea was to wear chamois gloves, then silk liners on top of those and finally the gauntlet (1933 straight zip or 1941 slanted zip pattern). Very often, the chamois gloves only were worn by many crew members, and the silks alone by navigators. Only those in exposed crew positions felt the need to wear all 3 . As with all RAF issue gloves, they are non matching but do appear to be the same size. Very good condition and both are marked inside - one has a lovely Air Ministry crown mark.
​​
SOLD
 Rare RAF chamois inner glove liners |  Rare RAF chamois inner glove liners |
|---|---|
 Rare RAF chamois inner glove liners |  Rare RAF chamois inner glove liners |
Scarce RAF silk inner glove liners for the 1933 and 1941 Pattern Flying Gauntlets.
Completing the set of RAF flying handwear, this very good, clean pair of double layer silk inner gloves show light to moderate wear with a few very small worn spots/holes on the outer layer of silk. Nicely marked and a matching pair, both 9-1/2. Not easy to find.
​​
SOLD
 Scarec RAF inner silk glove liners for the 1933 and 1941 Pattern Flying Gauntlets |  Scarec RAF inner silk glove liners for the 1933 and 1941 Pattern Flying Gauntlets |
|---|---|
 Scarec RAF inner silk glove liners for the 1933 and 1941 Pattern Flying Gauntlets |
Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing.
​
Commonly referred to as "battledress", though in fact the RAF was never issued battledress. This style of uniform, based on the army battledress and made from blue serge wool, was introduced in 1941 for wear by aircrew while on combat duty only, and as such it is a flying jacket. These early examples were called "suits, aircrew" until 1944 when non-flying members of the RAF were permitted to wear them, and the name was changed to "war service dress." Early examples such as this 1942 dated example had a fuller cut for better movement and included inside pockets on both sides. This one also has metal buttons (except on the epaulettes) while later versions had plastic buttons. Very good, used blouse has a nice wartime flat pilot wing and rank lace for a Flying Officer, and a great printed label. One or two very tiny moth nips, which can barely be seen, in the folds of the wool. These early blouses are quite difficult to source.
​
SOLD
 Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |  Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |
|---|---|
 Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |  Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |
 Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |  Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |
 Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |  Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |
 Scarce EARLY RAF Blouse, Aircrew (BD) dated 1942 with pilot wing |
WWII USN Type C oxygen mask extension hose by MSA.
​
Black rubber hose, approx. 52" in length, with screw-in connections at each end for extending the length of the breathing tube on the MSA Type C oxygen mask from the mask to the delivery canister / oxygen source. Unissued and unused, couple of depressions in the rubber but totally flexible and still retains a great MSA label attached. Excellent condition.
​
SOLD
 WWII USN Type C oxygen mask extension hose. |  DSCN6594 |
|---|---|
 DSCN6596 |  DSCN6597 |
 DSCN6595 |
RAF aircrew "haze" screen by Kodak.
Issued to observers on maritime and other reconnaissance aircraft as an aid to spotting oil slicks, submarines, enemy aircraft etc. Each colour filter worked with different atmospheric conditions: fog, haze, cloudy, sea mist etc. Officially recorded as flying clothing these were issued as flying goggles with the stores ref. number 22C/872. Laminated glass in a wood frame, maker marked (Kodak Ltd, London). Later examples were made of bakelite. Not a common item.
​
SOLD
 RAF aircrew "haze" screen by Kodak |  RAF aircrew "haze" screen by Kodak |
|---|---|
 IMG_9075 |
RNZAF production/issue
Mk IIIA flying goggles.
Like the RNZAF helmet listed above, these Mk IIIA goggles are for more scarce than the British made type and very rarely encountered. A lovely pair of New Zealand made goggles, almost identical to the Air Ministry pattern, with clear acetate lenses showing minimal surface scratches, metal spring elastic and leather straps in excellent condition, with all springs secure. There is a small separation in the dark green velvet cushion. Goggles retain both air vent "trumpets" and stoppers and are in overall very good condition. Rear leather strap is marked P.J.K. over M and Mk IIIA. Shown with RNZAF B helmet available separately.
​
SOLD
 RNZAF production/issue Mk IIIA flying goggles |  RNZAF production/issue Mk IIIA flying goggles |
|---|---|
 RNZAF production/issue Mk IIIA flying goggles |  RNZAF production/issue Mk IIIA flying goggles |
 RNZAF production/issue Mk IIIA flying goggles |  RNZAF production/issue Mk IIIA flying goggles |
 RNZAF production/issue Mk IIIA flying goggles |
RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors, dated 1940-41.
The rarest of the Commonwealth produced Type B flying helmets, New Zealand having a comparatively small (but highly effective) Air Force. Dark brown (almost black) leather, heavier than the British made helmets, fitted with zip ear covers over rubber telephone holders. Leather chin strap with Bennett buckle retaining its leather covering. The zips are slightly offset to the rear, with a circular opening for the wiring or fitting of Gosport receivers and tubes. Interesting and rare extra is this helmet still has its face protectors fitted inside the cheeks, ready to attach to a D Type oxygen mask or microphone carrier. Helmet shows use and lot of Brycreme residue but condition is overall very good, with little wear and no damage, other than the right hand inner chamois donut has worn through with some kapok filling escaping. There is a name and/or serial number inked inside but difficult to read. Lovely label with size 3 (very large helmet) and date of 1940-41. Rare and highly desirable helmet.​ Shown with RNZAF Mk IIIA goggles, also available
​
RNZAF B Helmet only
$655 / £500 / €570
 RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |  RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |
|---|---|
 RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |  RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |
 RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |  RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |
 RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |  RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |
 RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectorsDSCN4702 |  RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectorsDSCN4700 |
 RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |  RNZAF Type B flying helmet, large size, with face protectors |
AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap.
Absolutely superb US Army officer's peaked/visor cap of the type favoured by members of the Air Corps, being fitted with a front and rear leather chin strap and the larger gilt badge. Chocolate felt (doe skin) fabric of the highest quality, with no damage, tan mohair band and mid brown leather peak and chin straps. Yellow satin lining protected by an undamaged cover, maker marked Berck's Ames Iowa. The leather sweatband is marked E-Z Cushion. Cap is fitted with a soft, padded ring to stiffen the crown but this is removable for the "crusher" look. The only sign of wear is to the very bottom edge at the rear from storage. Size 7 and appears to have never been worn.
​
SOLD
 AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |  AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |
|---|---|
 AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |  AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |
 AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |  AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |
 AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |  AAF officer's chocolate "doe skin" peaked/visor cap |
AAF Air Gunner's .50 calibre ammo box as used in B-17, B-24, B-26 etc.
Excellent display for any bomber crew/air gunner. Ammo storage box for .50 calibre machine gun cartridges as used in almost all USAAF aircraft. Excellent condition showing no wear or damage. AN acceptance mark printed on one side.
​
SOLD
 AAF Air Gunner's .50 calibre ammo box as used in B-17 |  AAF Air Gunner's .50 calibre ammo box as used in B-17 |
|---|---|
 AAF Air Gunner's .50 calibre ammo box as used in B-17 |  AAF Air Gunner's .50 calibre ammo box as used in B-17 |
 AAF Air Gunner's .50 calibre ammo box as used in B-17 |  AAF Air Gunner's .50 calibre ammo box as used in B-17 |
AAF aircraft radio control jack box used in B-17, B-24 etc.
Aircraft radio control box with sockets for plug jacks from telephone receivers and microphone and selection switch for call frequency/audience reception. Excellent condition and well-marked. Type fitted in all USAAF multi-place aircraft, including B-17, B-24, B-25 etc.
​
SOLD
 AAF Radio jack box used in B-17, B-24 etc. |  AAF Radio jack box used in B-17, B-24 etc. |
|---|---|
 AAF Radio jack box used in B-17, B-24 etc. |  AAF Radio jack box used in B-17, B-24 etc. |
Extremely RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet, service modified for use with early Gosport speaking tubes.
​
The very earliest means of inter-crew communication was developed at the Royal Naval Air Station in Gosport, Hampshire c.1915 and comprised a simple pair of tubes leading to a metal "sounder" cup attached to the flying helmet. Prior to the development of the Mk I flying helmet (cap, flying, fur-lined) some of the early "cowl" type helmets were modified to incorporate the new "Gosport tubes" to enable crew members in early 2-seater aircraft to communicate with each other. I have only ever come across a handful of these modified helmets and most have been of the cut down/altered type. This is the first and only complete cowl type I have had which has been field modified to incorporate the Gosport sounders, by removing the ear flaps and padded rolls and replacing them with leather covered metal housings. Helmet is in very good condition, the leather excellent and the chamois lining showing only moderate use.The fur interior has worn away/moulted but the skin remains in place and this does not affect its appearance for display. The rear tightening strap remains in place. A very rare and significant RFC flying helmet.
​
SOLD
 RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |  RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |
|---|---|
 RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |  RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |
 RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |  RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |
 RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |  RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |
 RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |  RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |
 RARE RFC "cowl" type flying helmet modified for use with Gosport speaking tubes |
RAF Mk IV oxygen tube/hose - narrow type for early Type G mask.
​
Now very difficult to source, these earlier oxygen mask tubes were of a narrower diameter and thus more prone to freezing. By the end of the war, most masks were fitted with a wider gauge tube. This is the correct tube for an early Type G mask, as issued from mid-1943. Rubber is in very good condition, still flexible and undamaged, with very light surface crazing inside the corrugations. Overall excellent condition. Fitted with the plastic screw cap for the mask connection and a brass bayonet connector with clothing clip.
​
SOLD
 RAF Mk IV oxygen tube/hose for early Type G mask |  RAF Mk IV oxygen tube/hose for early Type G mask |
|---|---|
 RAF Mk IV oxygen tube/hose for early Type G mask |  RAF Mk IV oxygen tube/hose for early Type G mask |
 RAF Mk IV oxygen tube/hose for early Type G mask |
Author signed copy of "A Fighter Command Station at War" by Mark Hillier.
A photographic record of RAF Westhampnett from the Battle of Britain to D-Day and Beyond. Great book by one of the foremost authors and historians on RAF history. Tells the story of this great fighter station and satellite field to Tangmere in Sussex. Hundreds of previously unpublished photos. 214 pages. Signed by the author (and dedicated to a late great friend by me personally). Published by Pen & Sword. Excellent condition complete with dust jacket.
SOLD
 Signed copy of "A Fighter Command Station at War" by Mark Hillier |  Signed copy of "A Fighter Command Station at War" by Mark Hillier |
|---|---|
 Signed copy of "A Fighter Command Station at War" by Mark Hillier |
Art print by Robert Taylor:
Hurricane Scramble
Robert Taylor First Edition fine art print: Hurricane Scramble, published by the Military Gallery, Bath, England, 1987. Number 726 of an edition of 1000 and signed by Crowley Milling, Peter Brothers, Bea Beamont and Bob Doe as well as the artist. Has been displayed and framed but retains full colour value and clarity. A superb print and a great investment at well below the current gallery price. Will be sent rolled up, ready to frame.
SOLD
 Hurricane scramble by Taylor |  Hurricane scramble by Taylor |
|---|---|
 Hurricane scramble by Taylor |  Hurricane scramble by Taylor |
Rare book "Bluenoser Tails" signed by author "Punchy Powell."
Published in 2007, and now out of print, "Bluenoser Tails" is a compilation of war stories from the 352nd Fighter group. The stories were collected and edited by one of its original pilots, Robert H. "Punchy" Powell, and this copy is signed by him and is in excellent condition. 8.5" x 11", $374 pages, hard cover (casebound) with numerous colour and black and white photos, as well as great artwork throughout. A rare book - and author signed copies are great investments.
SOLD
 Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |  Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |
|---|---|
 Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |  Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |
 Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |  Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |
 Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |  Author signed copy of Bluenoser Tails by Punchy Powell, 352nd FG |
"Alone no more" fine art print by William S. Phillips, in as-new condition.
​
Fine art print, never removed from its folio or exposed to light and well-stored. Depicts B-17G "Sweet Rose O'Grady" of 427th BS, 303rd BG which flew more combat missions than any other aircraft in its unit, flanked by two Spitfires of 241 Squadron. Signed and numbered by the artist (394 of 850). Panoramic print measures 36.5" x 14.5" (93cm x 36.5cm). Still in original Greenwich Workshop folio. Priced below current after-market value.
​
SOLD
 Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |  Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |
|---|---|
 Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |  Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |
 Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |  Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |
 Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |  Alone No More - signed fine art print B-17G + Spitfire |
AAF dinghy survival Fishing Kit, 100% complete.
​
The best and only 100% complete example of this rare fishing kit I have ever seen. HBT cotton case unrolls to show its complete contents of hooks, gaffs, weights, lures, lines etc. and the original instruction sheet on water resistant parchment paper. It looks like it has never been unpacked so I am reluctant to pull items out (they are a tight fit), especially as there are many sharp hooks and I don't want to risk tearing the case. This example would be very difficutl to upgrade.
​
SOLD
 AAF complete fishing outfit for survival kit |  WWII AAF complete fishing outfit for survival kit |
|---|---|
 AAF complete fishing outfit for survival kit |  AAF complete fishing outfit for survival kit |
 AAF complete fishing outfit for survival kit |