US Navy Slote and Klein AN6540 summer flying helmet in unissued condition, no receivers fitted.
Unissued condition later war USN / USMC summer flight helmet made uunder contract N288s. Size Medium which equates to Large in AAF equivalent (same size as the AN-H-16 above!). Impossible to upgrade!
SOLD
![]() USN AN6540 unissued |
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![]() USN AN6540 unissued |
![]() USN AN6540 unissued |
![]() USN AN6540 unissued |
![]() USN AN6540 unissued |
![]() USN AN6540 unissued |
Scarce Great War Royal Flying Corps cowl type flying helmet.
Now harder than ever to find, these cowl type helmets were issued to all RFC pilots and aircrews, though they are said to have been favoured by gunners who had to stand up in their turrets and were exposed to cold air - however photgraphs show they were also worn extensively by pilots of both figher (scout ) aircarft and bombers. In overall great display condition, the leather is very good, although it could probably use some dressing. The chamois lining is also good and the War Dept issue stamp can be seen, though faintly, inside. The fur area has moulted, as is common, and the skin shows some minor insect damage, but this doesn't show when displayed. The helmet retains it's earflaps and original chin strap and nuckle. The padded cylinders were clearly removed at the time (as was common practice - they were found to be useless at deflecting sound and actually caused more noise from vibrating). The keather is evenly faded around their stitch holes showing this was definitely a period modification. A very scarce helmet in good to very good condiiton.
SOLD
![]() RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
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![]() RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
![]() RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
![]() RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
RARE 1942 dated Luftwaffe rubberized linen night bombing target map of Aberdeen and Peterhead, Scotland.
Small scale map measures 53 cm x 43 cm (23" x 17") printed in colour on brght yellow rubberized linen. Single-sided in outstanding condition, very clean and no folds or pin holes as are usually found. These were carried in night bombing aircraft - the yellow background and bright features showing up well under red cockpit lighting. Being waterproof they could also be used for sailing / navigation in the event of ditching or baling out at sea. Maps shows depths of North Sea off the coast of Scotland as well as major targets on the northern Scottish coast. Aberdeen was bombed very badly in April 1943 by waves of Luftwaffe bombers coming from bases in Norway. These target maps are quite rare and highly sought after accessories and make attractive displays alongside Luftwaffe flying kit.
SOLD
![]() Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
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![]() Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
![]() Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
![]() Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
NEW LISTINGS!
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF Sherry glasses from the officers' mess.
A matching set of four sherry glasses from an RAF officer's mess, dating from c.1930 to WWII. Excellent condition with no cracks or chips and etched RAF crest. Would prefer to sell as a set, since all are matched, but if no interest will split and sell individually.
All 4: $150 / £120 / €130
Each: $45 / £35 / €40
![]() RAF sherry glasses | ![]() RAF sherry glasses |
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![]() RAF sherry glasses |
RAF egg cup from the officers' mess.
Eggs were a very rare commodity back in WWII and reserved only for those flying on ops. (everyone else had to make do with powdered eggs). Imagine arriving back at dawn after a long night raid and being able to enjoy a soft boiled egg - it was quite a luxury. This egg cup is exquisite: bone china made by Aynsley, with a blue glaze, gold leaf trim and RAF crest lithographed in blue. No cracks, chips or damage - perfect condition.
![]() RAF officer's mess egg cup |
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![]() RAF officer's mess egg cup |
Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
The History of Vintage Flying Helmets
Several years ago, I wrote a book about early flying headgear. My motivation was largely (and unashamedly) selfish: I had begun acquiring flying helmets, goggles and oxygen masks, and wanted to learn and document as much information as I possibly could about them. At that time, there were two references of note and I eagerly devoured both: Jim Weld's "Flying Headgear of the World" which, I am quite certain, launched many collections besides my own; and "Flying Clothing: the Story of its Development" by Anthony Harold and Louise Greer, a more comprehensive history which nonetheless left at least one reader hungry for more!
I took detailed photographs and made copious notes on every flying helmet I could lay my hands on, starting with my own collection and those of other collectors I met along the way. With the help and support of these fellow collectors, museums, historians and official record keepers all over the world, as well as surviving veterans, I was eventually able to complete "Vintage Flying Helmets".
Over the years, my collection and my interests grew to include life vests, gloves, boots, escape and survival equipment. I was particularly intrigued by the similarity – and the contrast – between the styles and technology of the nations involved in WWII, which resulted in a two volume set "Luftwaffe vs. RAF" which compared the flying clothing and equipment of the Royal Air Force and the Luftwaffe. I am currently working on a similar study of Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and US Navy / Marine Corps flying kit.
Some people have generously called me an "expert" on flying clothing and equipment, although I prefer to think of myself as an "opinionated enthusiast" who has been fortunate to handle a lot of material over the years!
My collecting interests continue to expand, and now include uniforms, flying log books, photo albums and even non-aviation historic items such as English Civil War armour and antique weaponry. I also keep a small representative collection of artifacts and documents from the era of the Napoleonic and American Revolutionary Wars.
I am passionate about history and enjoy researching items.
I am not a "dealer" and do not sell collectibles to make a living (although I have a great respect and admiration for those who do). However, I cannot keep every item I acquire, for the simple reason I do not have the space – nor the unlimited resources. Therefore, from time to time, items are offered for sale to private collectors via this website. Serious collectors are also invited to use this website as a portal for showcasing items which they may have for sale (no dealers please – you have your own websites!).
If you would like to receive notification whenever new items are added to the site, or you are looking for something specific – or have an item or collection which you think may be of interest to others, please send me an email and let's discuss.

Vintage Flying helmets, as well as both volumes of Luftwaffe vs RAF, can be ordered directly from Schiffer Publishing or from amazon.com.
If you would like a personalized, author signed copy of any of my books, please email me.

