Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Flying Goggles
(click on pictures to enlarge)
WWI — 1920s RFC/RAF lightweight flying goggles.
Though not marked, these are typical of the style offered for private purchase by Lewis in the First World War and used until the 1930s. Very good condition with clear glass teardrop shaped lenses, nickel plated frames with a flexible hinge and fur edged silk surrounds. The rear fastening strap retains some elasticity. Ideal for display with any RFC helmet.
$150 / £110 / €135
 RFC/RAF lightweight flying goggles, 1918-1920s |  RFC/RAF lightweight flying goggles, 1918-1920s |
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 RFC/RAF lightweight flying goggles, 1918-1920s |  RFC/RAF lightweight flying goggles, 1918-1920s |
Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses and anti-dim cloth.
Very nice used set of WWII production Mk VIII flying goggles, still contained in their transit box, together with an extra pair of tinted lenses and the small round tin containing a cloth impregnated with anti-dim compound. Blue-grey frames have about 85% of their original painted finish, good clear lenses, soft leather with suede backing that shows light use and a good strap that retains elasticity. These have the typical 'rolled" edge of wartime production goggles and come in a good Air Ministry marked box.
$295 / £225 / €260
 Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses |  Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses |
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 Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses |  Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses |
 Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses |  Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses |
 Boxed set of wartime RAF Mk VIII flying goggles with spare lenses |
American Optical "Airway" Goggles in original aluminium case.
Airway goggles, together with their sister brand Skyway goggles, were often worn by USAAF and USN aircrews. They utlized the same lenses, cushions and straps as the B-6 and B-7 issue types and were available commercially. The AAF also bought them for issue to trainees and fitted them with acetate lenses (as these are) to avoid eye injuries from broken glass. This set is in excellent condition; soft cushions, clear acetate lenses with only superficial surface rubbing, a good strap and undamaged aluminium frames. Adjustment screw on the bridge. Contained in an excellent aluminium case.
$135 / £100 / €120
 American Optical "Airway" Goggles in original aluminium case. |  American Optical "Airway" Goggles in original aluminium case. |
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 American Optical "Airway" Goggles in original aluminium case. |  American Optical "Airway" Goggles in original aluminium case. |
 American Optical "Airway" Goggles in original aluminium case. |  American Optical "Airway" Goggles in original aluminium case. |
1930s Skyway training goggles as used by USAAF.
Skyway goggles were made for he commercial market to the same pattern as the Air Corps B-6 goggles, but from cheaper materials and fitted with acetate lenses. After numerous accidents in which students fliers received serious injuries from broken glass lenses, Air Corps flying schools adopted these as a safer alternative to the glass lenses for pilots in training. The straps and rubber cushions were exactly the same as the issue pattern. This pair is in very good condition; lenses are slightly yellowed and scratched, brown rubber cushions are excellent, still soft and pliable. Strap retains some elasticity.
$125 / £95 / €110
 1930s Skyway training goggles as used by USAAF |  1930s Skyway training goggles as used by USAAF |
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 1930s Skyway training goggles as used by USAAF |
US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson.
Excellent pair of US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson in lovely condition, with the more scarce green glass convex lenses. Goggles are fitted with a new rubber facemask (chamois lined) which will not deteriorate, making it perfect for wearing or for display in a less than perfect climate. Good original strap retains elasticity. Well marked chrome plated frames.
$165 / £125 / €145
 US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson |  US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson |
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 US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson |  US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson |
 US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson |
USN issue (Mk I) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case.
A very early set of US Navy issue Mk I Pilot goggles by Willson Optical. Lovely "blued" frames with clear, convex lenses and a soft, one-piece rubber face pad. The double hinge at the bridge is unmarked (denoting very early production - along with the "Patent Pending" on the instruction sheet insert) - later examples were marked "Mk I Pilot" (after the Mk II was introduced). Very good condition. The cushion is soft and flexible with some minor surface crazing at the nose, nothing serious. Strap has lost most of its elasticity but this doesn't detract. Not common to find the original Willson marked case.
$300 / £220 / €255
 USN issue (Mk I ) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case. |  USN issue (Mk I ) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case. |
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 USN issue (Mk I ) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case. |  USN issue (Mk I ) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case. |
 USN issue (Mk I ) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case. |  USN issue (Mk I ) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case. |
 USN issue (Mk I ) Flying Goggles by Willson, in original aluminium case. |
American Optical "Airway" goggles (Mk IV commercial version).
Made by American Optical (A/0) as the commercial version of their official US Navy issue Mk IV pilot goggles, these are perhaps one of the most stylish of US made goggles. The frames are similar to B-7/AN6530 and utilize the same lenses. The rubber one-piece pad is rather dry and stiff (not completely hard) and has separated on one side - but still display well and with care they could be restored. Definitely a project and therefore priced well below market value.
$135 / £100 / €115
 American Optical "Airway" goggles (Mk IV commercial version) |  American Optical "Airway" goggles (Mk IV commercial version) |
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 American Optical "Airway" goggles (Mk IV commercial version) |
A/O Airway flying goggles, with one-piece rubber cushion and AN6530 lenses.
Excellent pair of Airway goggles by American Optical. These were the commercial version of AN6530s and are often seen in photos of AAF and other Allied aircrew. This example has been retrofitted with a one-piece rubber cushion in unused condition. Original strap retains elasticity and goggles are fitted with amber AN6530 lenses. Excellent set of goggles.
$165 / £95 / €110
 A/O Airway flying goggles, with one-piece rubber cushion and AN6530 lenses |  A/O Airway flying goggles, with one-piece rubber cushion and AN6530 lenses |
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 A/O Airway flying goggles, with one-piece rubber cushion and AN6530 lenses |  A/O Airway flying goggles, with one-piece rubber cushion and AN6530 lenses |
WWI-1920s era RFC/RAF flying goggles.
Nice pair of WWI-1920s goggles of the type used by Royal Flying Corps and early RAF aviators. Teardrop shaped laminated safety glass lenses in blackened brass frames with cotton surrounds. Elastic strap slightly stretched out but still has some give in it. Appear similar to the later MT goggles, except these have heavy brass frames, showing light signs of oxidation, and blanket-felt rather than faux fur trim. These came in a box which is not original to the goggles but serves to protect them. A good pair of genuine period goggles.
$225 / £170 / €195
 WWI-1920s era RFC/RAF flying goggles. |  WWI-1920s era RFC/RAF flying goggles. |
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 WWI-1920s era RFC/RAF flying goggles. |  WWI-1920s era RFC/RAF flying goggles. |
 WWI-1920s era RFC/RAF flying goggles. |
Italian lightweight flying goggles.
Ultra lightweight goggles in unused condition, with aluminium frames, celluloid acetate lenses, thin white rubber cushions and a brown elastic strap. The cushions are still soft and pliable - which is rare with this pattern - and clearly marked "N. RAULE -TORINO, MADE IN ITALY" togegher with the company logo. The clear lenses show very minor scratches and the strap retains elasticity. These are in exceptional condition.
$185 / £140 / €160
 Italian lightweight flying goggles |  Italian lightweight flying goggles |
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 Italian lightweight flying goggles |  Italian lightweight flying goggles |
AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet.
Issued to both air gunners and ground gunners to track the trajectory of gunfire, these goggles also found a use by observers of bomb testing. This is an exceptionally nice and complete set, in unissued condition in their storage tin and still wrapped in tissue, with 2 extra red flip screens and the instruction booklet. Turning the knob on the front darkens the lenses, and the red screen provides further protection from bright light. An excellent set.
$75 / £60 / €65
 AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |  AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |
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 AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |  AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |
 AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |  AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |
Case and spare frame for early US Navy Willson Pilot goggles.
Excellent hard-sided case for the US Navy issue Willson Pilot goggles (MkI) including a nice frame for the goggles from an early production set with mirror blued finish. Case includes paper label with all specs. and contract information. The frame is unmarked.
$75 / £55 / €65
 Case and spare frame for early US Navy Willson Pilot goggles |  Case and spare frame for early US Navy Willson Pilot goggles |
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 Case and spare frame for early US Navy Willson Pilot goggles |  Case and spare frame for early US Navy Willson Pilot goggles |
 Case and spare frame for early US Navy Willson Pilot goggles |
Luftwaffe "Ultrasin" emergency sun protection goggles.
Issued as part of the survival kit carried in the "Channel" suit, these goggles were not intended for flying, but photographic evidence shows they were often worn by pilots and aircrews as sunglasses, either on their own or in conjunction with other goggles. This pair is in great condition, with some paint loss to frames, but good lenses and excellent grey leather mask, and good elastic strap.
$120 / £95 / €105
 Luftwaffe "Ultrasin" emergency sun protection goggles |  Luftwaffe "Ultrasin" emergency sun protection goggles |
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Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944
flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses.
A very unusual variation of the B-8 / M-1944 goggles, which would seem to indicate that the B-8 was actually a sub-species of the M-1944. An instruction sheet with details suggests that the lenses for the B-8 version of the M-1944 are slightly smaller and require special care. See photos for details. Condition is very good to excellent, showing light use but no damage. Extra lenses are in a specially marked envelope with specific instructions. Box is labeled as "Goggles, M-1944, Type B-8." Very interesting variant for the connoisseur of AAF flying goggles.
$175 / £135 / €155
 Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |  Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |
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 Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |  Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |
 Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |  Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |
 Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |  Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |
 Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |  Unusual AAF B-8 / M-1944 flying goggles, boxed with extra lenses |
1930s-WWII Italian Air Force issue "Protector" flying goggles.
The most popular of the Italian Air Force flying goggles of WWII, these "Protector" goggles were worn by the competitive racing pilots in the 1930s and retained for use by combat aircrews. Plated frames with tubular rubber cushions, clear glass lenses and a silky elastic strap. The tubular rubber cushions have hardened in places but remain intact. Frames are without any dings or damage. Strap is slightly stretched out but still retains elasticity. A very good example of these quite rare goggles.
$225 / £165 / €195
 1930s - WWII Italian Air Force Protector" flying goggles |  1930s - WWII Italian Air Force Protector" flying goggles |
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 1930s - WWII Italian Air Force Protector" flying goggles |  1930s - WWII Italian Air Force Protector" flying goggles |
A good working set of AAF Polaroid variable density goggles.
Excellent example of these strange and fascinating gggles in good working order. Turning the central knob rotates the lenses in a way which darkens them until they turn full red. Rubber is soft, elastic strap still stretches like new. One of the best sets I have come across. Used for observing tracer, anti-aircraft and also atomic detonations.
$75 / £60 / €72
 A good working set of AAF Polaroid variable density goggles |  A good working set of AAF Polaroid variable density goggles |
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 A good working set of AAF Polaroid variable density goggles |  A good working set of AAF Polaroid variable density goggles |
USN marked, 1945 dated Type M-1944 all purpose/flying goggles.
Excellent pair of M-1944 all-purpose goggles by Polaroid, marked USN and dated 1945 on the side of the frames. Rubber is good and pliable with a nice green tinted acetate lens and green strap retaining a little bit of elasticity. Favoured by pilots and aircrews serving on carriers in the Pacific.
$75 / £60 / €72
 USN marked, 1945 dated Type M-1944 all purpose/flying goggles |  USN marked, 1945 dated Type M-1944 all purpose/flying goggles |
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 USN marked, 1945 dated Type M-1944 all purpose/flying goggles |  USN marked, 1945 dated Type M-1944 all purpose/flying goggles |
Luftwaffe / Heer all purpose goggles..
Very good pair of German WWII all purpose goggles, worn for dust protection in desert regions and carried in the Luftwaffe survival kits. The leather is actually really good and soft, though scuffed at the folds from storage (looks worse in the photos). Part cotton and part elastic strap still has elasticity.
$75 / £60 / €70
 Luftwaffe / Heer all purpose goggles. |  Luftwaffe / Heer all purpose goggles. |
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US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night vision adaption and for observing tracer.
Same style as WWII US Navy sunglasses but oilcloth case is marked USN and dated 1954. Fitted with a single, red acetate lens which wraps around to block out as much outside light as possible. These were worn half an hour before night flight to acclimatize the wearer to the dark. They were also worn to observe tracer ammunition. Maker marked "Pioneer" these sunglasses have plastic frames with comfort cables and are in excellent condition. The snap fastener on the case has pulled through but still present.
$65 / £52 / €60
 US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |  DSCN6649 |
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 DSCN6653 |  DSCN6651 |
 DSCN6652 |  DSCN6647 |
WWII US Navy Willson General Purpose goggles.
Often mistaken for flying goggles because of their resemblance to the "Rubber Frame Flying Goggles" also made by Willson. These were general purpose goggles issued to US Navy personnel such as gunners, observers and submarine crews for protection and visibility in hazy conditions. All rubber construction with an acetate lens and multiple vents to prevent fogging. Excellent condition, with original strap retaining its elasticity. Not easy to find!
$95 / £80 / €90
 US Navy Willson all-purpose goggles |  DSCN6133 |
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 DSCN6137 |  DSCN6134 |
 DSCN6135 |
Post WWII USSR flying/general purpose goggles.
Glass lenses, light alloy frames and one-piece rubber pad with a green elastic strap. These goggles are identical to the type issued during WWII and which remained as standard issue throughout the Cold War. The only visible difference is that wartime flying goggles had raised vents on the frames. Unissued condition and will serve as a filler until a pair of wartime production goggles can be found.
$25 / £19 / €22
 Post WWII USSR flying/general purpose goggles |  DSCN5497 |
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 DSCN5496 |  Post WWII USSR flying/general purpose goggles |
Replacement visor for the rare RAF Mk 2A bone-dome flying helmet.
Size LARGE replacement or spare visor for the Mk 2A bone-dome. This is has never been used (the holes are not drilled all the way through). Some very minor surface scratching but overall excellent example, rose smoke tinted with the clear half moons at the bottom. A very rare accessory for an extremely rare jet flying helmet.
$190 / £165 / €190
 åvisor for the rare RAF Mk 2A bone-dome flying helmet |  DSCN4918 |
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 DSCN4920 |  DSCN4919 |
Replacement lenses for RAF Mk II goggles.
These will work for the RAF Mk II goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) and also the WWI Goggles Mask Mk I and II. Precision, laser cut acryllic/plexiglas/perspex lenses in a light smoke tint intended to make the goggles display well or safer for wearing. How many times we come across goggles with cracked or broken lenses - or delaminated. These are not intended to fool anyone but they look the part. They come as a pair, left and right, with protective plastic cover in place, in a small velverteen pouch with a cleaning cloth.
$35 / £33 / €37
 DSCN1152 |  DSCN7280 |
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 Replacement lenses for RAF Mk II goggles |
WWII replacement lenses for the AAF B-6, B-7, AN6530 + USN Mk II and Mk IV flying goggles.
Various available. Email to ask about green, amber or clear:
USN contract American Optical lenses clear (paper wrapped, unopened):
Per pair $45 / £35 / €40
A few loose (unwrapped) pairs and a few singles. email your needs.
 AAF / USN AO clear lenses for AN6530 |
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 AAF / USN AO clear lenses for AN6530 |
 AAF / USN AO clear lenses for AN6530 |
1944 dated Polaroid variable density goggles for observing tracer, atomic detonations etc. issued overseas, possibly Croatia?
Standard type variable density goggles by Polaroid, with central knob for adjusting darkness of tint and red flip shield for observing tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices. Very good condition, the rubber pliable and the strap retaining most elasticity. The knob, though a bit stiff, works fine and the lenses do darken nicely. The red screen is undamaged. Though marked US and dated 1944 to the front, these goggles are also marked with a crown and the initials HV. Never seen this before. HV is the national abbreviation for Croatia (Hrvatska) and the crown appears to be that of the Coatian aristocracy from 1939-43. Perhaps these were captured or procured by Croatian forces? Interesting. If anyone has more information, please don't hesitate to share!
$45 / £35 / €40
 Polaroid variable density goggles for observing tracer, atomic detonations etc. |  DSCN4931 |
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 DSCN4930 |  DSCN4929 |
 DSCN4925 |  DSCN4926 |
 DSCN4927 |