Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
Flying Goggles
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF Mk VII goggles, cut down and with simple spring hinge fitted.
A fairly common modification, though it is difficult to know whether this was done during the war or later, from surplus Mk VII goggles. The large blue painted brass frames of Mk VII goggles have been cut down to approximately the dimensions of Mk VIIIs – the edges rolled (like early Mk VIIIs) and retaining the large leather pads and the elasticized webbing strap of Mk VIIs. The large central bar has been replaced with a simple but strong spring to provide enough tension for a good and comfortable fit. Standard Mk VII / Mk VIII lenses are fitted. Minor delamination to lenses. Original Mk VII strap is fully elastic and pads are soft.
$195 / £155 / €180
Rare Luftwaffe 3rd pattern hinged Nitsche & Gunther Splitterschuttzbrille goggles with tin case.
A great original used set of N&G anti-splinter goggles, (splitterschutzbrille), designed with curved lenses to deflect small splinters and debris while providing good peripheral vision. Black bakelite plastic frames are hinged to provide a good fit (earlier patterns were moulded in one piece in different sizes and did not fit as well). Condition is very good, with excellent tinted lenses and frames. The ribbed silk strap shows slight wear and soiling from use but still displays well, and the elasticated section at the back still stretches perfectly. Stored in their tin case with embossed nomenclature and FL number and original paper tube inside. Tin has a few dings and dents but has protected the goggles well. Originals are getting very difficult to find.
$1,500 / £1,185 / €1,385
USN marked M-1944 goggles dated 1945.
Great set of M-1944 goggles, which were intended to be "all-purpose" but were used extensively for flying, in particular by US Navy and Marine Corps pilots. Excellent condition, the rubber nice and pliable, good green lens with slight glue residue from paper protector sheet in a couple of places (at the edge). Elastic strap still has plenty of stretch. Well marked wit USN and date of 1945.
$65 / £52 / €60
RAF Mk VIII aircrew anti-glare spectacles with correct 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 tiny 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 turn up in Mk VIIIA cases which had different markings.
$150 / £120 / €140
Original wartime used Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban sunglasses.
"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.
$75 / £62 / €70
Luxor 16 flying goggles by Meyerowitz.
Absolutely superb pair of the Luxor 16 goggles, which were very popular with RAF pilots at the beginning of WWII and during the Battle of Britain, stemming from the British Schneider trophy racing team which all wore this model. Luxor were considered the Rolls Royce of flying goggles and those who could afford them, and this example is in exceptional condition. The goggles feature convex lenses in plated frames with sponge rubber cushions. The classic orange rubber cushions are in remarkable condition, soft and springy with very minor surface spider cracks, but fully pliable. Strap has a little stretch left in it and frames are flawless, marked "LUXOR Made in USA" and with perfectly working barrel adjustment at bridge. Just superb.
$400 / £320 / €375
Anti-flak goggles trialed by RAF bomber crews (as well as bomb disposal and mine-detecting).
Protective goggles made of blackened alloy, hinged in the centre with a sponge pad on the interior nose area. Cross-slits on swiveling circles in front of the eyes allow for better vision while not actually engaged in dangerous work. While primarily designed for Civil Defence for bomb disposal and mine-detecting to protect the eyes from shrapnel, it is on record that these were issued on a limited, trial basis for use by RAF aircrews (specifically bomb aimers) while flying over the target zone. They were not well-received and after the trial period were not issued on a wider basis. However, no RAF Bomber Command collection would be complete without a pair! Excellent condition; strap still has elasticity, sponge pad is a bit dry but intact. Marked Pat. Pend. suggesting an early production pair. Not easy to find.
ON HOLD
Rare Spanish Civil War flying goggles by "Mira" - Castile crest stamped.
Often mistaken for Luftwaffe goggles (upon which the design was based). Used by Luftwaffe pilots who flew with the Condor Legion / Spanish Nationalist Air Force during the Spanish Civil War. This is the first pair I have come across with any kind of markings. Strap stamped with the rampant lion symbol of Castile, which held out and won some significant battles for the Republican government. Dated 1939 and overstamped 1940, (possible reissue for use by a foreign national). Also marked SVI which may be a unit marking? The frames are slightly dinged (being very lightweight aluminium) but the rubber is soft and pliable with "Mira" moulded into the rubber. Clear acetate lenses are in good condition with light surface scratching. Strap retains elasticity. A superb and rare pair of goggles.
$350 / £280 / €325
RAF Mk IIIa flying goggles dated 1938.
Classic and iconic Art Deco style goggles, the type issued and worn during the Battle of Britain, with curved rectangular frames and celluloid acetate lenses. Overall very good condition, with a couple of minor issues: one of the cone shaped vents is missing from the front (though both "stoppers" are present) and one of the four springs in the left hand side of the strap has broken - though all others are perfectly fine and the goggles and strap function perfectly. Markings on strap are legible but faint and indicate a 1938 date. Perhaps not perfect, but a nice, displayable set which could probably be restored with care.
ON HOLD
Wind protection goggles, possibly for early parachutist use.
Very lightweight protective goggles made entirely of lightweight plastic or acetate, with a chenille edging for comfort and elastic strap. Hinged in the middle to fold in half and tuck into their leather case. One lens is slightly loose but intact, acetate has yellowed with age, but strap retains elasticity. These look like the type of goggles used by early parachutists but could also have been used for protection against sand or dust. Interesting and very well made for being early use of acetate.
$75 / £60 / €70
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.
$375 / £295 / €345
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.
$350 / £275 / €320
RAF aircrew "haze" screen by Kodak.
Issued to observers on maritime and other reconnaissance aircraft as an aid to spotting oil slicks, submarines, enemy aircraft etc. Each coloured filter served a different purpose depending on weather conditions. Officially recorded as flying clothing these were issued as flying goggles with the stores ref. number 22C/872.
Wooden frame is maker marked (Kodak Ltd, London). Later examples were made of bakelite and had a cut out for use with an oxygen mask. Not a common item.
$135 / £110 / €125
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
US Air Corps / AAF Type D-1 flying goggles with case.
Very hard to find D-1 flying goggles. Though these are effectively sunglasses, their official designation was as goggles, because they were considered protective rather than as a visual aid. This example is in great condition, the lenses undamaged (just dirty) and the frames clean, with the all-important "USAC" vertically on the hinge. The arms retain their flexible covers for comfort. The felt-lined case is solid, with patches of surface oxidation, but has done its duty protecting these extremely rare goggles.
$375 / £300 / €345
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
RAF anti-dim cloth in tin as issued with the Mk VIII goggles.
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.
Price each
$25 / £20 / €23
Excellent pair of Luxor No. 6 flying goggles.
Luxor Number 6 goggles originated in the late 1920s but remained popular well into WWII. Issued to US Air Corps airmen, No. 6 were sold commercially all over the world and worn by military pilots and aircrews as an upgrade over their issue. They were especially popular with European competition and aerobatic pilots on the 1930s (photos even exist of their use by RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain). This pair is in outstanding condition. The rubber cushions are still soft and pliable, not hardened as are most. The bulbous convex lenses are undamaged and the strap retains a small amount of elasticity as well as its sewn embroidered label.
$350 / £285 / €325
WWI—1920s Triplex flying goggles.
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.
$185 / £150 / €170
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
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.
$35 / £30 / €32
RAF Mk I bonedome loops for Mk VIII flying goggles.
A matching pair of small elastic loops fitted with a female press stud/snap which slipped over the strap of Mk VIII flying goggles and secured the strap in place on the back of the Mk 1 bone dome. Once the bone domes were retrofitted with visors for additional safety when ejecting, Mk VIII goggles were retired but many pilots still preferred them over the visor and wore them instead or as well. Another handy accessory for the early "fast jet" era.
ON HOLD
Army Air Corps strap for B-6 or B-7 flying goggles
Essentially a universal strap for most US issue flying goggles of the 1930s and WWII era, but being the waffle pattern elastic, this type is more readily found on early goggles such as the B-6 and B-7 (which were later redesignated AN6530). In very good condition, retaining some elasticity. The white elastic is slightly yellowed with age and there is one small frayed area at the edge, but these would be a great original replacement for a worn or stretched out strap.
$75 / £64 / €73
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!
$75 / £68 / €75
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
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
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 / £26 / €30
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 / £24 / €26
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
A few loose (unwrapped) pairs and a few singles. email your needs.