Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Flying Helmets and Headgear
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron decal.
Customized Mk IA jet pilot's crash helmet or "bone dome" as they are called in RAF parlance. 1971 dated helmet named to Oram of 33 squadron, stationed at RAF Odiham. 33 squadron has an illustrious history as a fighter squadron, and in 1971 it became the first RAF unit equipped with the Puma helicopter. Overall good condition with some natural service wear. The green paint has some slight scuffs and chips and the edge rubber has a couple of worn areas at the front edges. Good visor and mechanism, good chin strap and reflective tape on back/top is still intact. Clean lining. A solid helmet with a great decal on the left side depicting the Hart's head emblem of 33 squadron. Not common to find good attributed or decorated RAF helmets and this example displays well.
$250 / £190 / €225
 RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |  RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |
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 RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |  RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |
 RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |  RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |
 RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |  RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |
 RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |  RAF Mk IA jet helmet "bone dome" ID'd and with 33 squadron emblem |
AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" or parts.
An unissued AN-H-15 AAF flying helmet in a generous size medium which would make an excellent restoration project, or could be used for parts. helmet is in near perfect condition, showing no wear or use, but has been stripped of its fittings! The leather bases holding snaps for an oxygen mask have both been carefully removed, as has the chin strap and goggle straps. If these were replaced from a damaged or relic donor helmet this wold be a near mint example. Alternatively, the hard rubber recever cups from this helmet could be used for a headset or to restore a helmet with damaged or missing parts. Either way, it's a shame to dispose of it so, priced as to its incomplete condition.
$45 / £35 / €42
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |  AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |
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 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |  AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |  AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |  AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet "project" |
Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with
TH-37 receivers and wiring.
Scarce early model of the NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet made from soft cape leather rather than the more common, later, goatskin variety. Leather and chamois lining are both in excellent condition, glove soft and showing only light use (one tiny puncture to leather above right ear). The brow/peak still present and has a partial factory/batch stamp visible. Nice "powder puff" pads inside the ears. Good label indicating and size tag (6-7/8 but as with most USN helmets, a very generous cut). Hard leather chin cup and standard leather pockets on each side housing a set of Telephonics TH-37 receivers complete with rubber wiring loom and 2-pin female plug. Hard to find a better example and though the 1092 is not rare, these early leather models are scarce and desirable.
$365 / £285 / €340
 Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |  Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |
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 Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |  Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |
 Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |  Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |
 Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |  Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |
 Early USN / USMC NAF1092 intermediate flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and wiring |
AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition.
Lovely, unissued example of the AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet introduced in 1944 for use in hot climates. Clean inside and out, never had receivers installed but rubber holders are pliable with no edge cracks or damage, Size medium but actually quite a generous size. This is the early version with 3 snaps/press stud fasteners on each side for attaching an oxygen mask. This one would be very difficult to upgrade.
$95 / £75 / €90
 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |  AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
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 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |  AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |  AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |  AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes.
Commercial flying helmet by the well known Air Associates brand, mid-1930s. Very similar to the type issued to US Navy aircrews; excellent quality leather with a chamois lining and fitted with blackened copper Gosport receivers for training and internal communication. Shows honest use but no damage or undue wear. Lovely helmet.
$150 / £120 / €140
 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |  1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
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 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |  1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |  1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |  1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
RAF Type D flying helmet, internally wired with Type 16 telephone receivers.
Very good, clean example of the later war RAF flying helmet issued for desert and tropical wear, complete with its correct internal wiring and Type 16 receivers. Helmet is marked as a size 2 (medium) and fits a standard display head comfortably. Shows only light use, no wear or damage. Nice AID stamp and what looks like initials written inside. Good rubber ear cps and elastic in the chin strap.
$490 / £385 / €450
 RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |  RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
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 RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |  RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |  RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |  RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |  RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask.
Excellent example of the early wartime A-9 flight helmet, as issued without ear cups but fitted with snap/stud fasteners for the A-14 mask (2 each side positioned correctly for the strap attachment). In all other respects, the helmet appears to be in unissued and certainly unworn condition. GReen cotton with lambswool fleece pads inside and fleec wrapped leather chin strap. Size medium with a good label inside.
$70 / £55 / €65
 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |  AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
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 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |  AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |  AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
Original and extremely rare USAF K-1 Pressure helmet.
One of the rarest and most sought after items of flying headgear dating from the Cold War and used in aircraft such as the U-2. Pressure helmets were produced in extremely small quantities, at great expense, and were custom fitted to the individual. This example has been customized either during or after its USAF life by painting it red and adding a clenched first/thumbs up emblem and several MLB baseball team logos. Helmet shell and inner helmet are 100% original and in very good condition. the thin rubber facial seal is perfect. Chamois pads are all in great, clean condition, though the sponge padding is a little stiff in a few places. The helmets are incredibly difficult to find and the faceplates almost impossible (most were destroyed to prevent accidental suffocation). A replica faceplate is included which is quite convincing from a distance but strictly non-functional. I wonder if this was used as a film prop? Who knows? It would not be difficult to remove the red paint and restore this helmet to USAF display standard - or leave as is for a one-of-a-kind piece. Interior label is dated February 1955. A classic piece of USAF history and the first I have ever been able to offer.
$2,650 / £2,125 / €2,475
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RAF Type C flying helmet, internally wired, first style issued, late 1943.
RAF Type C helmet, complete with correct internal wiring loom (cord) and Type 32 receivers, in absolutely stunning condition. This is the first style of internally wired C helmet, introduced late in 1943 (the so-called "3-strap" with 2 press-stud fastening
goggle strap tabs and a short strap and buckle to the rear). Helmet appears to have never been worn. The leather is perfect, the chamois is bright and clean and the rubber earcups are like new. Chin strap has full elasticity. Helmet is well-marked with Stores ref. number embossed on the outer right hand side, and size ink stamped inside (size 2 medium). Excellent receivers, cord and bell-plug. Hard to find a better example!
$450 / £350 / €415
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RAAF Type B helmet, large size dated 1943.
Excellent, unissued example of the Australian made Type B helmet. Kangaroo leather exterior and chamois interior is in excellent condition throughout. Zips i good workng order and earcups padded with NOS sponge pads. Quite difficult to find in the larger sizes and this one is marked 7-1/8 on its 1943 dated label. Lovely helmet.
$300 / £235 / €275
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RFC / RAF Mk I flying helmet dated 1918.
Scarce WWI dated Mk I flying helmet, with WD / broad arrow property mark and manufacturer's label dated 1918, plus original owner's name and address. Fur lined interior shows its age and some of the fur has moulted, but the leather is in very good condition and the helmet displays well. The Mk I helmetwas introduced in 1918 and remianed in service until 1930, and wartime dated examples are rare indeed. A lovely item, worth researching.
$380 / £300 / €355
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US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943.
Issued for cold weather conditions as protection against frostbite, these masks were also issued to aircrew exposed to extreme cold at altitude, after it was discovered that frostbite was responsible for more injuries then enemy action. It could be worn under a flying helmet and oxygen mask without any problems. This is an unissued example (eye holes never cut out) and retains its original QM label, which is very unusual. Appears to have got wet in storage but no damage or ill effects. Elastic strap still stretches like new. Haven't seen on for years and never with the label.
$120 / £95 / €112
 US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 |  US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 |
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 US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 |  US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 |
US Army knitted balaclava style head and face protector.
US Army knitted balaclava style hood issued to all branches of the Army including AAF air and ground crews servng in colder climates. Heavy, ribbed knit pattern in OD wool with facial opening that could be pulled under the chin to accommodate an oxygen mask. Nice 1941 dated printed QM label indicating manufacture by Lion Knitting Mills. Very good condition with no damage.
$85 / £70 / €80
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US navy NAF1092 flying helmet, ID'd. Large size and great condition.
Lovely example of the standard issue US Navy and US Marine Corps intermediate flying helmet form the late 1930s until about 1943-44. Goatskin leather with chamois lining and chamois lined chin cup. Manufactured by Slote and Klein to Naval Aircraft factory contact specs. Helmet has a name and serial number to the inside of the brow/peak of J.T. Pope and CF1. Size 7-1/4 with an unusual early sewn chin cup. No earcups for receivers ever sewn on, but it is stamped in the back "USN". Not an uncommon helmet, but ID'd examples are always nice.
$120 / £95 / €112
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Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s.
One of, if not the, most luxurious privately purchased flying helmets of the interwar era, c1930. The beautiful Scully "Air Mail" helmet by Scully Bros. of Los Angeles was made from the softest glove leather and lined with butter soft suede. The helmet has elasticated gussets on each side for a snug fit, sturdy copper Gosport pipes and receivers, a rolled leather edge for comfort. Slightly dark staining on one side (looks like it might have been lying in oil at some time) but this looks worse in the pictures than real life and does not affect the feel or quality of the leather – there is no residual oiliness. Great label and large size. Lovely helmet.
$165 / £138 / €155
 US Airmail pilot's helmet by Scully Bros. |  US Airmail pilot's helmet by Scully Bros. |
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 US Airmail pilot's helmet by Scully Bros. |  DSCN5775 |
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US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring.
Lovely example of the iconic US Navy intermediate weight flying helmet in use from the late 1930s and throughout the war. Made from dark, reddish brown goatskin lined with chamois and fitted with a chamois lined chin cup. This model is fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers and a long cord with Type 54 plug. The helmet is in excellent overall condition, the leather and chamois superb; it appears to have had "powder puff" pads sewn in at one time and subsequently removed.
$195 / £160 / €185
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet withANB-H-1 receivers |
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 USN NAF1092 flying helmet withANB-H-1 receivers |  DSCN5138 |
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WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet.
A very scarce accessory - cotton helmet as worn by Royal Navy deck crews while manhandling aircraft on the flight decks of aircraft carriers during WWII. Each colour denoted a specific role or duty and I believe royal blue indicated starboard general duties. Simple unlined cotton helmet with a chin strap and buckle (essential for it not to be blown off in the high winds and propwash). Size 2 (Large) in unissued condition. See last photos for wartime colour photos of helmets being worn on cover and editorial in Illustrated News dated 1943. Note: this helmet is not the same as the US Navy issue deck helmets which were often modified into flying helmets by USN pilots. Very scarce item and the last one of a small batch I obtained a while back.
$75 / £65 / €75
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Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet.
The Type F flying helmet was first developed and tested in 1950 as a successor to the ubiquitous Type C, because a new helmet was needed that would A) house new telephone receivers with larger noise attenuating pads and B) fit underneath a crash helmet (or "bone dome") when needed. The Type C remained in service for many years. The Type F, finally introduced into RAF service in 1954, was in service for less than a year, quickly superseded by the Type G which, though similar, featured additional mask fittings for the new P/Q series and a more comfortable, integral nape strap. Made from the same blue-grey Airtex fabric as the Type G, the two are often confused. This example has seen better days but still displays quite well. Rust stained on one side with a small tear (about 3/4" long) in left crown area, and one or two pinhead sized holes in the Airtex, it has a couple of the snap fasteners pulled through, although these are still present and could be repaired easily. It includes the hard-to-find large leather/rubber ear pads in good condition and, rather than a label as was sewn to later production helmets, it is ink stamped with sizing information (size 2, medium). Lacks chin strap in photos but I have now installed the correct chin strap. A very scarce helmet that is still quite reasonable for display and priced accordingly.
$50 / £47 / €52
 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
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