Absolutely beautiful RAF Mk VIII Flying goggles.

 

Simply the absolute nicest set of Mk VIII goggles I have ever seen! Made from a light tan shade of leather throughout (including the end tabs on the strap and strap puller) with similar light brown suede backing and satin finish to the blue-grey painted frames. Superbly marked on the nose leather with a delicately stamped broad arrow and Mk VIII with the stores ref. number, plus white ink acceptance marks. In unissued and unworn condition with 99% painted finish intact, great strap with elasticity (light oxidation on metal buckle). Gold tinted lenses. Construction and pattern corresponds perfectly to wartime issue. These might be late war or possibly immediate post-war, but you will never find a more attractive example of these goggles.

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ON HOLD

Rare complete WWI RNAS Light Filter Goggles kit.

 

Absolutely superb and extremely rare complete Light Filter Goggles Kit comprising the leather face mask with folding brass frames in fitted, baize-lined wooden box with all eight pairs of laminated glass filter windows in different colours, together with the original instruction booklet. Each coloured filter set was for observing aircraft, submarines and ships, plus clues like oil slicks etc., under different conditions and visibility, as explained in the booklet. Green elastic strap still has elasticity. Produced in very limited numbers, these goggles were experimental and wearers were asked to contact the admiralty with their opinions and observations (see last page of booklet). This set is in absolutely pristine, unissued condition, bar slight edge-fading to some of the filters and foxing to the booklet, and would be nearly impossible to upgrade.

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$699 / £499 / €580

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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.

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$28 / £20 / €24

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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.

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$25 / £18 / €20

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Pre-WWI / WWI era motoring/aviation goggles.

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Very early, probably pre-WWI era goggles as worn by motor car drivers and passengers and early aviators. Leather mask with oval glass lenses held in an alloy frame, a simple strap with a hook closure at the back. Sadly one lens has a straight line crack across it, but this would be easy to replace if desired. There is also a worn area in the leather to the left of the lens, although this doesn't affect the integrity of the mask. Great for a representation of early aviation.

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$75 / £55 / €63 

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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  

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AAF Type M-1944 goggles.

 

Very good pair of M-1944 All purpose Goggles, issued to AAF pilots and aircrews as well as being worn by tank crews, drivers etc. This pair fitted "Aviation green" acetate lens. Green elastic and webbing strap. Very little elasticity left, but rubber is perfectly pliable and these are in very good condition, well-marked and dated 1944, the first year of issue.

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$90 / £65 / €75  

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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.

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$520 / £380 / €430  email to secure this item

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 

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A few loose (unwrapped) pairs and a few singles. email your needs.

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