Archived Recent Sales 2024 | vintageflyinghelmets

ARCHIVED RECENT SALES

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RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.

Absolutely superb example of the very earliest pattern Type C flying helmet, with Bennett buckle and leather chin strap, and front and rear goggle straps in the 2-up-2-down configuration. It has 2 poppers/snaps on each side desgined for the first E Type oxygen mask. Helmet also has the oval zig-zag sewing around the ear pads, patented by known contractor Waldybags, designers (and suppliers to the elite) of high fashion handbags. This helmet is in excellent condition, showing little or no use, with one small rubbed hole in the chamois lining - and it is a huge size. Marked as a size 4, it s a very generous size 4. Helmet is also nicely marked with A-crown-M and stores ref. information on the left hand side. Far more scarce than a Type B and made from the highest quality leather, this would be extremely difficult to upgrade. Note shown with Sefton Type E mask for display only. Mask available separately.

SOLD

RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.	RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.
RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.	RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.
RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.	RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.
RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.	RARE First Pattern Type C flying helmet with "2-up-2-down" goggle straps in size 4.

RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external wiring loom.

Anyone familiar with Sefton Clothing Co. knows the quality of their work is second to none. This is one of a very small batch of early E masks replicated by Sefton several years ago. Original E masks rarely come up for sale - few were made and most were modified (to E-star) or destroyed. Sefton has created a masterpiece here and at a fraction of what an original would cost (though they are proving to be very sound investments in their own right). Needless to say this mask is in impeccable condition and includes an original intake valve and original Type 25 microphone, wired with a Sefton replica Q cord, replica Type 16 receivers and a genuine bell plug. The closest thing to an original. Shown with early Type C helmet available separately.

SOLD

RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w	RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w
RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w	RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w
RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w	RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w
RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w	RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w
RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w	RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w
RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w	RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w
RAF Type E oxygen mask replica by Sefton, complete with Type 26 microphone including full external w

Extremely rare Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers...

And not just on D-Day but throughout the war: Market Garden, "A Bridge too Far" etc. Now extremely difficult to find - this near perfect, unused example is dated 1943 and well-marked to BMB (Briggs Motor Bodies). Small size 6-5/8 however it displays very well. and features the early horsehair padding sealed with a hard black coating and a heavy, blackened leather chin strap. Amazing condition. Looks superb as is or with a net and scrim, or with Mk VII or Mk VIII goggles for a glider pilot display. The very earliest helmets had a fibre band around the rim which was found to be redundant and omitted some time in 1942. This pattern remained the standard until the leather strapping was replaced with a simplified webbing chin strap in 1944. Retains almost all its original sand-textured painted finish. An absolute beauty, all original and in fantastic condition.

SOLD

Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers	Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers	Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers	Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers	Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers	Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers

RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask.

Often overlooked in its rarity, but actually one of the rarest WWII RAF oxygen masks, because so few were actually produced and issued before the end of the war. It was issued primarily to high altitude photo-recon pilots and front line bomber crews, then evntually fighter pilots. Very good condition; rubber is supple and undamaged, slight age patina, fitted with correct Type 57 microphone which, as usual, has some minor loss to the plastic surround. The rubber shroud which fits over the wiring loom connection is long since gone but this does not detract. Mask has interesting date markings—looks like 4-45 but there is also a 3 visible. (Could be 43-45 or possibly originally 3-45 overstamped with the 4 - it's difficult to tell).

SOLD

RAF wartime issue 45 dated Type H oxygen mask	IMG_8901
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Miniature escape compass concealed in a fountain pen, attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF.

Fantastic and rare piece of history. This miniature compass is concealed inside a fountain pen, together with another pen, carried in a leather case (looks like a cigar case) by 2nd. Lt. Robert C. Ogletree of 429th Bomb Squadron (I believe) the 2nd Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force - and used when he was shot down over Greece in December 1943. Included is an old copy of Ogletree's account of the events which he wrte for the 2nd Bomb Group unit history and a copy of a photo of him with a Greek Army captain and nurse who helped him evade capture. He covered 600 miles in 46 days. Pictures speak for themselves. Compass shows oxidation but works perfectly. The fountain pen has a propelling pencil at one end with an eraser - compass is hidden in the eraser compartment.

SOLD

Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF	Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF
Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF	Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF
Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF	Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF
Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF	Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF
Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF	Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF
Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF	Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF
Miniature escape compass attributed to B-17 pilot, 15th AF

US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition.

One of the best flying jeckets I have ever offered! This M-445 Heavy Winter Flying Jacket by Willis and Geiger is in smply amazing condition. It appears unissued and unworn, with no wear. The coated shearling and leather reinforced body of the jacket is impeccable. The honey coloured inerior is as soft as the day it was made. Great woven label with contract information and size 40. Perfect working talon zip fastener. Clear USN stencil on back of collar. I would say this jacket would be impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition	US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition
US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition	US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition
US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition	US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition
US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition	US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition
US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition	US Navy flying jacket, heavy winter type M-445 in superb condition

RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask in excellent condition, AAF marked and dated 11-42.

A very difficult piece of AAF kit to find these days. The A-8B was used extensively by AAF aircrews in the early days of the war, before it was upgraded by the A-10 series and finally the A-14. It was a constant flow mask with a rebreather bag attached (not very economical). This is a lovely example in great condition. The rubber is pliable, including the rebreather bag and long narrow hose. It is complete with full leather strap (including the extension/clasp strap) and fitted with the Bakelite nose reinforcement and cardboard attachments for the elastic tension strap. It is AAF marked and dated 11-42. Very rare in this condition.

SOLD

RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask AAF marked and dated 11-42	RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask AAF marked and dated 11-42
RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask AAF marked and dated 11-42	RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask AAF marked and dated 11-42
RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask AAF marked and dated 11-42	RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask AAF marked and dated 11-42
RARE AAF Type A-8B oxygen mask AAF marked and dated 11-42

Scarce early AAF A-11A variant flying helmet.

Nice early example of the more scarce variant of the A-11 helmet, featuring an elasticized nape rather than the strap and buckle. The A-11 was the standard USAAF issue from mid-1943 and the A-11A was produced at the same time but in smaller numbers. This early helmet has been post-factory fitted with snaps for the A-14 oxygen mask (2 snaps per side) and has a metal tip on the chin strap. Size medium but seems generous and fits a male feature display head well. Leather is excellent and chamois lining is very clean; good woven label. No receivers fitted. No markings but there is a clear indication of where the AAF decal was placed the front right hand side.

SOLD

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Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.

Like London buses... Haven't come across one of these in years, and they are not common, but this is the third one that has come my way so far this year. It is also probably the best. The cotton is clean and bright, not worn or faded. The knit collar typically has some minor moth damage overall but it is light. The knit cuffs, surprisingly, show almost no damage. There is a period rigger repair to the bottom corner of the right leg pocket but it doesn't show very much. All zips and poppers are in perfect working order and are broad arrow marked. The suit was introduced in late 1944 for use in jungle and tropical regions in the Far East. It is made from lightweight cotton and has numerous pockets built-in for storing survival and escape equipment which could then be transferred to a back-pack for travel through the jungle. This is a very good, clean example with only light wear.

SOLD

Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.	Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.
DSCN0202	Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.
Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.	Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.
Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.	Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.
Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.	Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.
Excellent example of the late WWII flying/survival suit known as the "Beadon" suit.

RARE WWI RFC Auliffe pattern life belt with extremely rare inflation lever and cartridge.

The Auliffe life belt was first issued to RFC pilots in WWI and remained in use until replaced by the green 1932 pattern waistcoat. Made from heavy rubberized canvas, it wrapped around the body and was inflated by a lever that inflated a CO2 cartridge - years ahead of its time. In very good, clean condition, the vest is mostly pliable, with slight stiffness along part of the lower edge (but still flexible enough to display flat or on a mannequin). All instructions clearly printed as well as a name and serial number. Most importantly, it is still fitted with its extremely rare inflation mechanism with the original cartridge; one of only two I have ever seen. A fantastic find for any WWI / RFC kit collector.

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RARE WWI RFC Auliffe pattern life best with extremely rare inflation lever and cartridge	DSCN9697
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Extremely RARE RAF heated flying boots for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.

One of the most hard-to-find items of early wartime bomber crew clothing — and one of the rarest of the RAF flying boots. These ankle boots were contracted by the Royal Aircraft Establishment as part of the electrically-heated thermal kit for bomber crews, integrating with the electrically-wired Irvin jacket and trousers. Produced only for a short time because of problems in use: sweating caused the wires to short or break and resulted in aircrews suffering from electrical burns. In the end, most had the plugs and wiring removed and were worn as unheated boots or simply discarded in favour of 1940 pattern boots. This pair was obtained with plugs removed but present and wiring intact, so I had them reinstalled to spec. Leather is in excellent condition showing very little wear. Zips work perfectly and soles and heels are original with moderate wear. This is only the third pair I have ever had, and the only pair complete with wiring and plugs.

SOLD

RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.	RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.
RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.	RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.
RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.	RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.
RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.	RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.
RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.	RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.
RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.	RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.
RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.	RAF electrically-heated flying boots by RAE for the wired thermal (Irvin) flying suit.

British WWII Atlantic Star medal.

Nice, clean example of an original Atlantic Star campaign medal as issued to members of all British military forces for service in home waters, including the Atlantic and Russian convoys, during WWII. Unmounted, as issued. Unnamed of course and not uncommon, but it will fill a gap.

SOLD

British WWII Atlantic Star medal
British WWII Atlantic Star medal
British WWII Atlantic Star medal

RAF flying suit, very early post war type.

An interesting and unusual pattern of RAF flying suit, which I have not yet been able to identify. It clearly dates from the immediate post war era, having steel "Lightning" marked zips (main zip is double ended and there are zips on both sleeves and ankles and one on the left upper arm pocket – all in good working order). The waist adjusts with a kind of clip and ratchet on both sides. It has a label but most of the print is washed out, so no clues there. It doesn't look like a Mk I suit, nor a 1951 pattern suit — it almost looks like a cross between a Sidcot and a Beadon suit. It has a leather map/chart clip on the left knee although the metal clip is missing. There is wear and fading in places and a few holes in the right shoulder/arm area and wear on the back of the collar. This was definitely worn! Any help with ID is welcome.

SOLD

RAF flying suit, very early post war type	RAF flying suit, very early post war type
RAF flying suit, very early post war type	RAF flying suit, very early post war type
RAF flying suit, very early post war type	RAF flying suit, very early post war type
RAF flying suit, very early post war type	RAF flying suit, very early post war type
RAF flying suit, very early post war type	RAF flying suit, very early post war type
RAF flying suit, very early post war type

RAF / USN aircrew radio headset adaptor.

Radio plug adaptor for enabling a RAF "bell" plug to connect to a USN aircraft radio. Converts the RAF plug to a USN jack plug. With is, a crewman wearing a a RAF or Fleet Air Arm flying helmet could plug into the radio communications in a USN aircraft. Since Fleet Air Arm pilots flew Corsairs, TBM Avengers, Hellcats, Wildcats and others this would be quite a useful piece of equipment!

SOLD

RAF / USN aircrew radio headset adaptor	RAF / USN aircrew radio headset adaptor
RAF / USN aircrew radio headset adaptor	RAF / USN aircrew radio headset adaptor

AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups.

Absolutely superb example of an early war AAF issue B-5 winter flying helmet - type worn by both fighter pilots and bomber crews from 1941-1943 when the A-11 was first issued. Brown coated shearling/fleece with leather reinforced seams, leather chin cup and open-ended leather earcups for fitting R-14 receivers (HS-18 wiring loom) and later the ANB-H-1 receivers (HS-38 wiring). Condition is outstanding with no signs of cracking or drying. One tiny nick in the edge of the left earcup opening and the spec. label has been partially cut (probably to avoid trouble with "ownership" by the Army) but still clearly reads B-5. Nice thick shearling lining. Size medium and fits a standard male feature head comfortably for display. B-5 helmets are actually quite scarce and this one would be very hard to upgrade.

SOLD

AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups	AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups
AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups	AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups
AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups	AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups
AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups	AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups
AAF B-5 flying helmet with sewn earcups

Vintage Flying Helmets