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!
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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
Flying Goggles
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RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles, Battle of Britain era.
Very nice set of Mk IVB Flying Goggles, with good lenses showing minimal delamination with one chip to front of left lens that doesn't detract, frames with hardly any dings retaining almost all its painted finish, good loops and well-marked strap. A couple of the rivets on the brow bar are slightly loose, but this does not affect display or functionality and could most likely be easily fixed. The rubber pads are, as usual, hardened, but overall these are in very good shape. Like all early RAF flying kit, they are getting harder and harder to find.
$495 / £395 / €465
 RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles, Battle of Britain era |  RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles, Battle of Britain era |
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 RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles, Battle of Britain era |  RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles, Battle of Britain era |
 RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles, Battle of Britain era |
RAF Mk VIII aircrew anti-glare spectacles with case.
Excellent pair of Mk VIII aircrew spectacles, anti-glare, in their fitted velvet lined metal case. Spectacles are in great condition, with good frames, tight hinges and lenses having one very small chip on the rear (at the edge of the frame so it cannot be seen and doesn't interfere with vision). Maker marked WOC (Wheway Optical Company) on brow bar, plus nice clear Air Ministry mark and stores ref. number on both frame arms. Case is solid with great markings and full stores ref. information visible, but cloth covering has wear around the edges. The cases are quite scarce - many of these spectacles were reissued in Mk VIIIA cases which had different markings.
$175 / £135 / €160
 RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with case |  RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with case |
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 RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with case |  RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with case |
 RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with case |  RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with case |
 RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with case |
Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles.
Excellent example of the standard issue goggles for Japanese Navy pilots and crews, featuring the so-called "cat's-eye" shaped lenses. Brown lacquered aluminium frames, brown velvet pads and reddish brown elastic strap - the colour scheme most commonly associated with Naval aviation - though also used by the Army Air Force. No maker markings on frame. Clear acetate lenses suggesting late war. Minor dings to frame but overall very good, clean condition and strap retains elasticity.
$525 / £399 / €470
 Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |  Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |
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 Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |  Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |
WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box.
Very good pair of M-1944 goggles, issued as general purpose but also worn by pilots and aircrews. This example is USN marked and dated 1945, and comes in its original issue box, labeled with USN contract code. Interestingly, the box also contains an extra lens for the B-8 goggles (which were interchangeable with the M-1944) wrapped in the cloth pouch for Polaroid 1021 goggles! It demonstrates beautifully how pilots - especially naval pilots on carriers - had to improvise and scrounge from time to time. Very good used condition, the rubber nice and pliable and the clear lens showing slight yellowing with age.
$85 / £62 / €72
 WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |  WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |
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 WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |  WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |
 WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |  WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |
 WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |  WWII US Navy M-1944 Flying Goggles with box. |
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 / £25 / €30
 Replacement lenses for RAF Mk II goggles |  Replacement lenses for RAF Mk II goggles |
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AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3.
3 pairs of AAF M-1943 folding goggles, all with some minor damage but could possibly be used for spares, restored or would display just fine as part of the Emergency Sustenance vest contents for which they were intended. They offered protection from the sun in the event of ditching at sea or force-landing in tropical or desert regions. Two have small cracks/splits in the green acetate lens, the third has issues with the leather as well, but all retain their straps. Price is for all 3 and based on condition.
$28 / £20 / €24
 AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3 |  AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3 |
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 AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3 |  AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3 |
 AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3 |  AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3 |
 AAF M-1943 Emergency protective goggles x 3 |
Emergency dust/wind goggles.
Celluloid lenses with faux fur surround and elastic strap with a small hook, these goggles are in very good condition, if slightly misshapen from storage. No damage and appear unused. I'm not sure of their origin, they came together with the previously listed M-1943 goggles. Possibly Japanese? If anyoe can help with OD please email.
$25 / £18 / €20
 Emergency dust/wind goggles |  Emergency dust/wind goggles |
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 Emergency dust/wind goggles |
RAF Private Purchase Triplex Flying Goggles.
Commercial flying goggles from the late 1930s/40s of the type often seen in photos worn by Battle of Britain pilots. Chromed frames with Triplex marked lenses, white rubber cushions and strap similar to Mk II or Mk III goggles; leather with fabric covered springs. labeled "Aviator Goggle" on bridge. I had a similar pair several months ago stamped Lewis Leathers. These are grubby from use and rubber is soiled and misshapen but surprisingly still quite pliable. Strap springs are still strong. Lenses are very good.
$375 / £270/ €315
 RAF Private Purchase Triplex Flying Goggles |  RAF Private Purchase Triplex Flying Goggles |
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 RAF Private Purchase Triplex Flying Goggles |  RAF Private Purchase Triplex Flying GogglesDSCN9957 |
 RAF Private Purchase Triplex Flying Goggles |
Bauch and Lomb sunglasses owned and worn by Battle of Britain ace Harold Bird-Wilson together with his single dog tag.
Battle of Britain Ace Harold Bird-Wilson enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the RAF. Besides being an ace fighter pilot, he was also one of the earliest "Guinea Pigs" of Dr. Achibald McIndoe and later in the war became one of the first jet pilots. In September 1940 his partrait was drawn by Cuthbert Orde a few days before being shot down by Adolf Galland! In 1944 he was sent to Leavenworth in the USA for command training, returning to lead his wing during the D-Day operations. Undoubtedly he acquired these early Bauch and Lomb anti-glare "aviator" sunglasses from his US connections. Still in their leather case in which he has written his name (first in red ink then in blue) the case also contains one of his dog tags named to Bird-Wilson and dated 1938. The glasses have a small chip in one lens but are otherwise in good, used condition. These items were auctioned by his family several years ago together with some other personal items (not available) and a copy of the auction invoice is included for provenance.
$520 / £380 / €430 email to secure this item
 Battle of Britain pilot sunglasses and dog tag |  Battle of Britain pilot sunglasses and dog tag |
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 Battle of Britain pilot sunglasses and dog tag |  Battle of Britain pilot sunglasses and dog tag |
 Battle of Britain pilot sunglasses and dog tag |  Battle of Britain pilot sunglasses and dog tag |
 Harold Bird-Wilson by Cuthbert Orde |
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 / £30 /3€30
A few loose (unwrapped) pairs and a few singles. email your needs.
 AAF / USN AN6530 goggle lenses |
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 AAF / USN AO clear lenses for AN6530 |