Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Flying Goggles
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles.
A lovely set of RAF Mk IVB flying goggles, first introduced into service in July 1940, yet having a relatively short service life, being superseded by the Mk VII in 1942 and all but replaced by Mk VIIIs in 1943. This pair is in lovely condition. Very minor dings to the brass frames, 95% original painted finish, nice clear lenses, good ear-loops and strap. The sponge cushions are, as usual, hard and slightly misshapen, but not enough to detract. Curiously, the central nut holding the frames together has been painted white. I have seen this on numerous Mk VII goggles, but never on Mk IVs. The leather nose protector is a lovely natural, light leather. Markings n strap are barely discernible. No polarizing flip-up screen - these were not attached when issued and often available only upon request. I have never been sure of the reason for the white painted nuts, but one theory is that these were for night use - which would also explain the lack of a flip screen. Well above average condition.
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$575 / £435 / €505
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 Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |  Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |
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 Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |  Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |
RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box.
RARE set of RAF Mk VI spectacles, issued to pilots and aircrews to cut through haze when flying over water. Rigid, translucent green plastic frames with laminated glass polarizing lenses and elastic strap, soft chamois pad over the bridge of the nose. Two versions were made, this one by Polaroid and the Mk VIA produced by Crookes - both are identical, the Crookes issued in a yellow box to distinguish it – this Polaroid version is in a green box. Excellent condition, the lenses with no delamination and only minor discolouring at the edges. Strap still has elasticity; minor oxidation to adjustment buckle. Box has faded slightly but is intact. These display really well!​
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$650 / £500 / €575
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 RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |  RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |
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 RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |  RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |
 IMG_1645 |  RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |
 RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |  RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |
 RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |  RAF Mk VI spectacles with original box. |
Wartime production RAF Mk VIII flying goggles.
Excellent pair of RAF Mk VIII flying goggles which are certainly wartime production (1943) because they have a faint but visible A-crown-M Air Ministry stamp on the leather behind the bridge. They also conform in every other aspect to wartime production: rolled frame edges, high, squared shoulders on the pads. The clear lenses are a later replacement with unpainted frame holders, but are correct and show no signs of delamination. The goggles appear to be unissued or at least unused and the frames retain 100% of their grey painted finish. The strap still has elasticity. A lovely example.
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 RAF Mk VIII flying goggles |  RAF Mk VIII flying goggles |
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 RAF Mk VIII flying goggles |  RAF Mk VIII flying goggles |
 DSCN2963 |
WWII wartime production RAF Mk VIII flying goggles.
Very good pair of Mk VIII goggles showing all the features of wartime production: rolled edge to the frames, high padded shoulders, separate cushions and what appears to be a faint A-crown-M emboss to the leather behind the bridge. This pair shows light use but no excessive wear and is fitted wih a good strap retaining much of its original elasticity.​
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ON HOLD
 WWII wartime production Mk VIII flying goggles |  WWII wartime production Mk VIII flying goggles |
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 WWII wartime production Mk VIII flying goggles |  WWII wartime production Mk VIII flying goggles |
 WWII wartime production Mk VIII 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 |
Early WWI Royal Flying Corps goggle mask.
The perfect companion for the Cowl helmet shown above: this early goggle mask features oval laminated glass lenses in alloy frames with a chenille trimmed, velvet lined suede mask and elastic strap which still has some stretch. While definitely showing use, the goggle mask remains in good condition, it's maleable wire frame still intscat and able to be bent to fit tightly. Lenses are good and leather mask is very good. The cotton knit surrounds have split, one side showing an old repair, the other side remains torn but still functional. The chenille trim shows some loss at lower edge but overall, for a pair of goggles dating to around 1914, these display remarkably well. Clasp on strap marked JKO Co.​
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$375 / £290 / €34
email to secure this item
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 Early WWI Royal Flying Corps goggle mask |  Early WWI Royal Flying Corps goggle mask |
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 Early WWI Royal Flying Corps goggle mask |  Early WWI Royal Flying Corps goggle mask |
 Early WWI Royal Flying Corps goggle mask |
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 |
Unusual AAF M-1944 / B-8 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. Conditio 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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 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 |
WWII Italian Air Force "Protector" goggles with case.
Very good rare pair of "Protector" goggles by "La Cicogna" (The Stork) of Turin. These were popular in the 1930s with Italian racing and competition pilots and continued in use throughout the war. Well marked throughout and though the strap has lost its elasticity and the rubber cushions have hardened, they display well. Cushions have no damage and are not misshaped in any way. Complete with their original aluminium case which is also well marked.
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$335 / £260 / €310
 WWII Italian Air Force "Protector" goggles with case |  IMG_9327 |
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 IMG_9328 |  IMG_9326 |
 IMG_9325 |  IMG_9324 |
 IMG_9323 |  IMG_9321 |
 DSCN7700 |  IMG_9320 |
 DSCN7701 |
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 |
Scarce Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles.
By far the most popular of the Italian Air Force flying goggles of WWII, these "Protector" goggles were worn by the competitive racing pilots and retained for use by combat aircrews. Plated frames with tubular rubber cushions, clear glass lenses and a silky elastic strap. The cushions are perfectly pliable and frames are without any dings or damage. Strap is slightly stretched out butu still retains its elasticity. A lovely example of these quite rare goggles.
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$300 / £230 / €280
 Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles |  DSCN7172 |
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 DSCN7175 |  IMG_9122 |
 IMG_9102 |  DSCN7174 |
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 |
WWI—1920s Triplex flying goggles.
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An unusual and well-made pair of early flying goggles of American manufacture but using British Triplex lenses made under license. The lenses are typical Triplex design - laminated glass (showing minor signs of delamination) but fitted in nickel plated frames with green cotton surrounds and faux fur trim. Long elastic strap has lost its elasticity and needs tidying up to fit, but overall a very nice and unusual set of goggles, perfect for a Great War display.
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$185 / £150 / €170
 WWI-1920s Triplex flying goggles |  DSCN5547 |
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 DSCN5548 |  IMG_8680 |
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 |