Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Flying Goggles
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Luftwaffe goggles case for Auer model 295 flying goggles with accessories.
An outstanding example of the luxurious aluminium case as issued with these iconic Luftwaffe aircrew flying goggles. The case has two plates riveted: one on the top with nomenclature and date of 1935; the other inside the lid with a list of contents. Included in the case are an extra strap for the goggles, one pair of unused tinted lenses in proteftive sleeve and the rare Auer lens stamped cleaning cloth. The goggles are getting hard enough to find in good condition, but the storage case is a rare accessory and makes a fabulous display on its own.
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$250 / £185 / €215
 Luftwaffe goggles case for Auer model 295 flying goggles with accessories |  Luftwaffe goggles case for Auer model 295 flying goggles with accessories |
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 Luftwaffe goggles case for Auer model 295 flying goggles with accessories |  Luftwaffe goggles case for Auer model 295 flying goggles with accessories |
 Luftwaffe goggles case for Auer model 295 flying goggles with accessories |
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.
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$100 / £75 / €88
 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.​
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$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.
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$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.
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$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 |
French wartime flying goggles modified for use in the movie "Pearl Harbor."
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French wartime flying/all-purpose goggles, modified for use as secondary props (Japanese flying goggles) for use in the film "Pearl Harbor." The white rubber cushions have been replaced with reddish-brown velvet to look the part from a distance, and the strap fittings have been replaced with a more Japanese style hardware. Yellow tinted acetate lenses are original to the French type. An interesting war film souvenir.
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$85 / £65 / €75
 French wartime flying goggles modified for use in the movie "Pearl Harbor." |  French wartime flying goggles modified for use in the movie "Pearl Harbor." |
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 French wartime flying goggles modified for use in the movie "Pearl Harbor." |  French wartime flying goggles modified for use in the movie "Pearl Harbor." |
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.
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$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 |
AAF Type A-6 cold-weather / high-altitude flying goggles.
Original A-6 and A-7 flying goggles are extremely rare. These were made for high altitude and cold weather use in exposed crew positions and featured either B-6 or B-7 frames with an enlarged cushion designed to integrate with the A-6 leather oxygen / face mask. These A-6 goggles utilized the exact same frames as the B-6 but with the wide cushion. The original rubber cushions were thin and fragile and did not survive well. This pair of original goggles has been professionally retrofitted with an excellent reproduction cushion made from thin, tan coloured rubber lined with soft chamois. Excellent for display or re-enactment
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$275 / £215 / €255
 AAF Type A-6 cold-weather / high-altitude flying goggles |  AAF Type A-6 cold-weather / high-altitude flying goggles |
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 AAF Type A-6 cold-weather / high-altitude flying goggles |  AAF Type A-6 cold-weather / high-altitude flying goggles |
 AAF Type A-6 cold-weather / high-altitude 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.
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$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.
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$75 / £58 / €68
 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 |
US Army / AAF / USN Polaroid 1021 all-purpose goggles.
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Though issued as "All-Purpose" goggles, these proved popular with aviators in both the AAF and USN – and also with the RAF (notably RAF ace Ginger Lacey is often pictures wearing these). Very good condition; the rubber is flexible and the elastic stretches perfectly. The sponge backing is a little dry but not perished or flaking at all and still springy. Good green lens fitted.
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$75 / £58 / €68
 US AAF Polaroid 1021 all-purpose gogglesDSCN9989 |  US AAF Polaroid 1021 all-purpose goggles |
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 US AAF Polaroid 1021 all-purpose goggles |
Original wartime used Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban sunglasses.
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"Ray-Ban" sunglasses fist appeared in the 1930s and soon became so popular with aviators that the Army Air Corps contracted with Bausch & Lomb to produce sunglasses under contract. This is an early example of commercial Ray-Bans, which came with a large collection of wartime AAF kit. They are well used though still intact with good hinges, clean light green lenses and all parts complete. Frames show some verdigris and oxidation and the crossbar is split (but intact and could be restored if desired) but the all important maker mark "Bausch & Lomb" clearly visible on the bridge.
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$75 / £62 / €70
 AAF original Bausch & Lomb Rayban sunglasses |  AAF original Bausch & Lomb Rayban sunglasses |
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 IMG_9905 |  IMG_9904 |
 DSCN8375 |  DSCN8372 |
 DSCN8373 |
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.
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$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.
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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.
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$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 |
RAF anti-dim cloth in tin as issued with the Mk VIII goggles.
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A hard-to-find accessory: the small tin containing anti-dim cloth as issued with every pair of Mk VIII goggles. The cloth impregnated with a compound that, when moistened, was rubbed on the lenses and prevented them from fogging up in flight. Excellent condition, some patina to the tin but cloths inside are perfect. A few available.
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Price each
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$25 / £20 / €23
 RAF anti-dim cloth in tin as issued with the Mk VIII goggles |  DSCN6403 |
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 DSCN6404 |  DSCN6406 |
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!
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$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.​
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$35 / £30 / €32
 Post WWII USSR flying/general purpose goggles |  DSCN5497 |
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 DSCN5496 |  Post WWII USSR flying/general purpose goggles |
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!
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$75 / £68 / €75
 Polaroid variable density goggles for observing tracer, atomic detonations etc. |  DSCN4931 |
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 DSCN4930 |  DSCN4929 |
 DSCN4925 |  DSCN4926 |
 DSCN4927 |
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.
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$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.
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$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 $35 / £33 / €37
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A few loose (unwrapped) pairs and a few singles. email your needs.
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 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 |