Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
Flying Helmets and Headgear
(click on pictures to enlarge)
1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover).
The iconic RAF Type B flying helmet, forever associated with the Battle of Britain. This example in very good condition – complete with rubber telephone holders and NOS sponge pads, the Bennett buckles in perfect condition, both leather pullers present and the metal tip on the chin strap. The helmet is named inside, Looks like Barer or possibly Baker? The helmet has what looks like a four-leaf clover inked on the left hand side on the outside. The artwork has faded/darkened over time, and is difficult to photograph, but is still quite visible in certain light. Label indicates manufacture by Frank Bryan and is dated 1940. It s a size 2 (medium).
Leather is in excellent condition and chamois lining, while slightly grubby, is also in very good condition. A lovely helmet with the added character of the artwork. If only it could talk!
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$900 / £715 / €835
 1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |  1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |
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 1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |  1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |
 1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |  1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |
 1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |  1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |
 1940 dated RAF Type B helmet with artwork (4-leaf clover) |
AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size.
A very good example of the standard AAF helmet from late 1943 until after the end of the war. Glove soft, dark brown leather lined with chamois and fitted with large, hard rubber noise-attenuating receiver cups with padded "donuts". Second model with 4 snap fasteners on each side for fitting the oxygen mask—the top snap on the left painted yellow (seen this before and no idea what the reason is). Shows only very light use and still has its AAF emblem decal on the left side of the crown. Also fitted with the stamped alloy seal to the rear goggle strap tab, bearing the serial/service number of the owner.
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$250 / £200 / €235
 AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size |  AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size |
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 AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size |  AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size |
 AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size |  AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size |
 AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size |
AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size.
Beautiful A-9 flying helmet in excellent condition, the more scarce dark green cotton rather than olive drab, complete with custom/rigger made leather pouches for R-14 receivers and wiring with black PL-54 plug. Helmet has the standard hooks for the A-9 and A-10 oxygen masks, but has also had the snaps fitted for use with the A-10A or A-14 mask. Lacks the sheepskin wrap on the chin strap, which may have been purposely removed. A great example of a nicely theatre-improvised helmet from the early days of the US involvement in WWII.
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$150 / £118 / €138
 AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size. |  AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size. |
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 AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size. |  AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size. |
 AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size. |  AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size. |
 AAF A-9 summer flying helmet with R-14 receivers and wiring, Large size. |
Fantastic and rare wartime RAF/RCAF headgear and document grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and RCAF log book, history and photos all to one man.
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Incredibly rare opportunity to own a wartime issue Type C helmet / Type G mask which has been together since 1944, together with the log book of the owner—all in fantastic condition. The owner was W/O Laurence Stuart Nicol, who joined in January 1943, qualifying as an Air Gunner in December the same year on Whitleys, then posting to England and converting to Wellingtons at RAF Kinloss then Halifaxes at Riccal and Marston Moor, then to Lindholme. On his last flight before posting overseas, his aircraft crashed on take-off, an event which is well written up in the copy of "Contact" (included) and and news-clipping, along with photos of the crash and another of Nicol at a veteran's parade. His RCAF discharge certificate is also included. First version internally-wired Type C is superb, gently used but no wear or damage. Leather is excellent and chamois lightly soiled inside. G mask is absolutely outstanding—best I've seen for a long time—no damage, not even the usual stress cracks, and the nosewire absolutely solid in its lugs. Still has all 3 rubber bands on the straps. Mask also has the heavily stippled upper surface to prevent frosting. All items are named to L.S. Nicol.
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$1,650 / £1,285 / €1,500
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
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 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |  RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
 RAF grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and log book to one man |
AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front.
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Very good, gently worn A-9 helmet with a genuine AAF patch sewn to the front (partially covering a very large AAF ink stamp). Size medium but actually fits a standard male styrofoam display head perfectly - seems larger than the run-of-the-mill A-9.
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$75 / £60 / €70
 AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front |  AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front |
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 AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front |  AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front |
 AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front |  AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front |
 AAF A-9 flying helmet with AAF patch sewn to front |
WWI Imperial German aviator helmet.
Black goatskin leather helmet, typical of the type worn by Imperial German aviators during the First World War. Six-panel pinwheel pattern construction and sheepskin fleece lining with a coarse, field grey linen lined neck flap, plus small flaps over each ear with snap closure. These same helmets remained in use after the war for motoring and motorcycling and were adopted by glider pilots in the 1930s. For this reason it is very difficult to date them exactly. In excellent condition and a large size.
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$175 / £140 / €160​
 WWI Imperial German aviator helmet |
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 WWI Imperial German aviator helmet |
 WWI Imperial German aviator helmet |
 WWI Imperial German aviator helmet |
 WWI Imperial German aviator helmet |
 WWI Imperial German aviator helmet |
RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired.
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Exceptional WWII Type E flying helmet, complete with its internal wiring cord and Type 32 receivers with connector for mask microphone and bell-shaped plug. I believe this is an early production of this helmet which was introduced in December 1944. The Airtex cotton has a unique contrast stitching and the leather straps are made from light tan pigskin. It's a size 2 (medium) which shows very light wear and no damage of any kind. Good chin strap which is slightly stretched out but retains its elasticity, grey velvet lining to the brow and cheeks. Overall a lovely example.
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$350 / £275 / €320
 RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired |  RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired |
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 RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired |  RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired |  RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type E tropical flying helmet, fully wired |
US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued.
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While by no means rare, this US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet is in truly amazing condition and would be difficult to upgrade. Goatskin leather with a chamois lining, clear labels and some initials inked inside, so perhaps it was issued but simply never worn? Manufactured by HLB Corp, size 7-1/4 with a clear USN stamp on the rear.
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$100 / £80 / €93
 US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued |  US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued |
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 US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued |  US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued |
 US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued |  US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued |
 US Navy model NAF1092 flying helmet, unissued |
US Navy M-450 flying helmet in unissued condition.
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Unlined cotton summer flying helmet as used by almost all US Navy carrier pilots throughout the war, in unissued condition and complete with its tan leather chin cup lined in chamois. Good label and size tag indicating 7-1/2. Difficult to upgrade this one.
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$100 / £80 / €93
 US Navy M-450 flying helmet in unissued condition |  US Navy M-450 flying helmet in unissued condition |
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 US Navy M-450 flying helmet in unissued condition |  US Navy M-450 flying helmet in unissued condition |
 US Navy M-450 flying helmet in unissued condition |
RCAF Type B flying helmet with receivers and wiring.
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Canadian made version of the Type B flying helmet, fitted with early Canadian receivers and US wiring of the type found in HS-18 headsets. The RCAF used a lot of US aircraft types so the receivers and wring had to be easily interchangeable so while not necessarily typical, this configuration is not particularly unusual. Nice RCAF sponge rubber cushions. Helmet is in excellent condition, superb leather and very clean chamois. No markings at all, but I would guess is size 2 or possibly 3. Displays very well.
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$300 / £240 / €280
 RCAF Type B flying helmet with receivers and wiring |  RCAF Type B flying helmet with receivers and wiring |
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 RCAF Type B flying helmet with receivers and wiring |  RCAF Type B flying helmet with receivers and wiring |
 RCAF Type B flying helmet with receivers and wiring |  RCAF Type B flying helmet with receivers and wiring |
RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label.
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RAF Type C helmet, fist pattern, designed for external wiring and fitted with a leather chin strap and Bennetts buckle, with fore-and-aft goggles strap tabs. This is made in India under contract to the Air Ministry by Phelps & Co. and has a small cotton label inside the crown. Leather is in great condition, chamois lining is clean and helmet appears to be unissued. Rubber ear cups are pliable. Inside the forehead and the chin flap are lined with green velvet. The only issue this helmet has is that the top centre seam running from front to back has split for 2" / 5cm but this could be repaired with care. Curiously, the two front goggle strap tabs are bright red on the back! Overall a nice helmet that would be great with a little work.
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$250 / £200 / €235
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
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 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
Privately purchased Lewis helmet, late 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots.
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Excellent quality black leather flying helmet, chamois lined with pockets on the sides for Gosport receivers and speaking tubes. The label reads: "S. Lewis's of Racing, Flying and Motor Clothing Fame, no connection to any other company." (Just to clarify that they were nothing to do with D. Lewis, who sold identical helmets!). These helmets are quite beautiful and fit considerably better than the RAF issue Type B, as a result of which they were preferred by many of the RAF display pilots as well as by students and auxiliaries, Some were notably modified to permit the installation of radio receivers and an oxygen mask. The leather is in excellent condition, although the metal fittings have a little surface rust and one of the press studs has partially pulled through, however it is solid and if handled with care, will not be an issue. Similarly the brow strap has been affected slightly by the oxidation but remains intact. Overall a very clean and displayable example.
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$175 / £140 / €160
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
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 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
 Privately purchased Lewis helmet, later 1930s, often preferred by RAF pilots. |
RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset.
This is one of those "if only they could talk" helmets. An intermediate first pattern (unwired) RAF Type D fitted with an HS-38 headset and modified by the addition of the extra snap fastener to the left lower chin for an A-14 oxygen mask. The ANB-H-1s are a perfect fit inside the rubber ear cups, even without tape, and the helmet is a large size. It has what is an obviously period rigger repair patch to the front which has been beautifully one with near perfectly matching fabric. Helmet shows use but is intact and displays beautifully. Well marked to the rear with the A-crown-M property mark and the 22C number. This was the second variant of the unwired first pattern Type D, having an elastic (instead of leather) chin strap, and no forward goggle strap tabs, but still retaining press studs/snaps for the Type D mask, as well as the E, E* and G (and of course the A-14). Sadly no name or means of identifying the previous owner, but almost certainly used by a member of the USAAF in England or the Middle East.
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ON HOLD
 RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |  RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |
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 RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |  RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |
 RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |  RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |
 RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |  RAF early unwired Type D flying helmet with USAAF HS-38 headset |
AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers.
Exceptionally nice used AN6540 helmet in size X-large, modified in typical AAF style with oxygen mask snaps on webbing straps sewn to each side. The AN6540 was intended for and issued to both AAF and USN though it is rarely seen in AAF configuration. Very good condition overall and fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers.
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$155 / £125 / €145
 AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |  AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |
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 AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |  AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |
 AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |  AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |
 AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |  AAF / US Navy AN6540-4S flying helmet with receivers. |
RARE RAF / AAF Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet made by Wilkinson Sword.
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Considered one of the "Holy Grail" items by many collectors. The leather covered anti-flak helmet was named after it's designer, Dr. (Colonel) Malcom Grow of the 8th Air Force, who commissioned Wilkinson Sword to produce the original batch for 8th Air Force crews in England. It was made from leather covered overlapping manganese steel plates, with an opening for the radio receivers (designed to fit over the Type C or A-11 helmets) and a sturdy leather chin strap with "Lift the dot" fastener. It was subsequently worn by both RAF and AAF aircrews. After its success, it was designated M-4 by the USAAF and produced both in England and the USA, with American made versions being fabric covered. This Wilkinson Sword made example shows use, but remains in very good condition. Shape is excellent, leather is very good, with obvious scarring and surface wear from use and storage; small holes in the leather where the steel plates have worn through at each side (see photos) but overall a very good example of an extremely rare protective helmet. Note: Type C helmet is shown for display only and is not included.
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ON HOLD
 RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |  RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |
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 RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |  RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |
 RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |  RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |
 RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |  RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |
 RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |  RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |
 RARE RAF / AAF Wilkinson Sword made Grow / M-4 anti-flak helmet |
RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3, unissued condition.
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Excellent example of the Canadian made version of the Type B flying helmet. Glove soft, quality leather with a bright, clean chamois lining, well marked as a size 3 (large) and Buffalo Cap Co. ink stamp with what appears to be a 1942 date. Leather has a slight Bloom which in no way detracts and would probably buff up with a little dressing. A lovely example.
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ON HOLD
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
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 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 DSCN5947 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet.
Superb M-450 summer flying helmet in unissued condition. the M-450 became the mainstay of the US Navy and Marne Corps in the South Pacific and Asia in WWII. Unlined tan cotton with a chamois-lined leather chin cup, it was left for the owner to add receptacles for telephone receivers—usually leather cups or sponge rubber cups from headsets were used and velvet "powder puff" pads were often added to the inside. This example has never been issued and therefore never had the receiver housings attached. Large size 7-1/2.
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(Note: original unused leather ear cups for receivers available separately, please ask)
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$120 / £100 / €112
email to secure this item
 US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet |
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 US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet |
 US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet |
 US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet |
 US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet |
 US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet |
Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s.
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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.
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$165 / £138 / €155
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 Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s |  Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s |
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 Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s |  Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s |
 Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s |  Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s |
 Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s |
AAF Type A-8 flying helmet officially modified for A-9 mask.
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Scarce early Army Air Corps / Army Air Forces summer flying helmet, Type A-8. The precursor of the far more common A-9, the A-8 did not have a long service life, because it did not integrate well with the new generation of rubber oxygen masks. As an interim fix, some A-8 helmets were modified, either in the mill or by a rigger at the quarermaster's stores, but cutting out the sides of the helmet and adding a leather chin strap instead of the hard leather cup, in order to accommodate the A-9 mask. At the same time, hooks were added to the top and sides to attaching the mask. This is one of those modified helmets, but appears to be in unissued condition. Marked as a size Medium, it is more generous than most of these early cotton helmets and displays well on a male head.
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$95 / £78 / €88
 AAF Type A-8 flying helmet officially modified for A-9 mask |  AAF Type A-8 flying helmet officially modified for A-9 mask |
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 AAF Type A-8 flying helmet officially modified for A-9 mask |  AAF Type A-8 flying helmet officially modified for A-9 mask |
 AAF Type A-8 flying helmet officially modified for A-9 mask |
AAF A-9 summer flying helmet, unissued, large size.
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Unissued and unworn AAF Type A-9 flying helmets - the standard summertime issue at the tie WWII broke out. Never had any receivers installed. Honey coloured sheepskin pads inside the ears. Size Large. Impossible to upgrade. Once a very common find but not so much in this condition any more.
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$65 / £55 / €62
 AAF A-9 summer flying helmet |  DSCN5405 |
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 AAF A-9 summer flying helmet |  AAF A-9 summer flying helmet |
 AAF A-9 summer flying helmet |  AAF A-9 summer flying helmet |
US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in green.
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Another carrier flight deck crew helmet, this time in green cotton. Each "station" in a flight deck crew had its own colour coded helmet so that pilots could distinguish between mechanics, armaments fitters, launch crews, etc. This green cotton unlined helmet is in excellent condition. Standard USN stye with long chin strap. These helmets were often purloined by pilots, and sometimes modified to install communications equipment. This example is original and unmodified.
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$85 / £70 / €80
 US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in green |
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 US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in green |
 US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in green |
 US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in green |
 US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in green |
US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring.
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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.
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$195 / £160 / €185
 US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring. |  US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring. |
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 US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring. |  US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring. |
 US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring. |  US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring. |
 US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring. |
AAF A-9 Flying Helmet, size Large, unissued and in its original box.
It doesn't get any better than this! Though the A-9 flight helmet used to be considered quite common (perhaps not so much these days), to find an unissued example in pristine condition is a real treat - and to find it in its original storage box is a very rare find indeed. This is a perfect example and in a size Large - both helmet and box in perfect shape, impossible to upgrade.
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$120 / £110 / €125
 AAF A-9 Flying Helmet, size Large, unissued and in its original box |  AAF A-9 Flying Helmet, size Large, unissued and in its original box |
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 AAF A-9 Flying Helmet, size Large, unissued and in its original box |  AAF A-9 Flying Helmet, size Large, unissued and in its original box |
 AAF A-9 Flying Helmet, size Large, unissued and in its original box |  AAF A-9 Flying Helmet, size Large, unissued and in its original box |
RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled AdAstra.
Superb and rare example of a RFC / RAF Cowl type helmet which has been modified by the wearer or his tailor to enable it to open at the front. The external chin strap and cord has been removed, the front seam opened up and 2 press stud / snap fasteners added to enable the helmet to be more easily put on and taken off. The rolled leather "wind-deflectors" have also been removed (they proved to be ineffective and superfluous). Leather is soft and supple with some minor surface scuffing in places but overall remarkably clean. Chamois lined crown and nape are excellent; there is some loss/shedding to the fur but it retains about 60-70% of fur inside which is a lot better than most of these 100+ year old helmets! The official War Dept. broad arrow ink stamp is clearly legible on the chamois, and it has the AdAstra woven label in the crown. AdAstra was a trademark of George Williamson, one of the suppliers of flying clothing to military aviators both privately and under contract to the Air Board/Ministry. The AdAstra range was considered very high-end and this helmet (pre-modification) is featured in the AdAstra catalogue shown in the last two pictures (catalogue NOT included with sale but I will gladly include photocopies if required). It was not uncommon for RFC and RAF aviators to modify their helmets in similar ways for a better or more comfortable fit, though surviving examples are seldom offered for sale. A lovely rare example.
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$775 / £655 / €770
 RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |  RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |
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 RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |  RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |
 RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |  RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |
 RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |  RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |
 RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |  RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |
 RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |  RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |
 RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |  RFC / RAF Cowl helmet, modified, WD marked and labeled |
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.
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$75 / £65 / €75
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |
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 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet |
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet |
Nicely worn USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted.
Combat worn and weary example of this late war US Navy and Marine Corps flying helmet with lots of stories to tell – if only it could! Khaki cotton unlined helmet is grubby overall from use. Goggle straps have been removed leaving small holes in the back. The chin strap snap closure has pulled through but is still present (attached to chin strap). Buckles on each side for attaching the oxygen mask are still present. Retains a good pair of ANB-H-1 receivers in the hard rubber noise attenuating holders which are fitted with a good set of chamois "donuts." Could be used for spares but actually displays nicely as a true combat veteran.
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$75 / £70 / €78
 USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted |  USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted |
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 USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted |  USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted |
 USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted |  USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted |
 USN / USMC AN6542-1 flying helmet with receivers fitted |
Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet.
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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.
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$50 / £47 / €52
 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
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 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
 Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired.
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In contrast to the above Type F helmet, this Type G is in perfect condition, showing almost no wear or use, despite being named inside one of the ear pads. A beautiful example of the Type G which replaced the Type F helmet. The Type G entered RAF service in 1954 and remained in use until the 1990s, worn alone as a flying helmet in transport and reconnaissance aircraft, but also used underneath the Mk Ia bone dome in jet fighters etc. Later examples were manufactured in green Airtex cloth. This helmet has a sewn-in label dated 1969, and is fully wired with the correct receivers, cord and plug, as well as the socket for the oxygen mask microphone. The cloth is fresh and clean, as are the large leather and rubber telephone housings. Size 2 (medium), in overall excellent condition.
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$75 / £70 / €78
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
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 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
 RAF Type G flying helmet, fully wired |
AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history including Hollywood connection.
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A well used (with good reason!) AN-H-15 flying helmet which belonged to a well known Hollywood film cameraman with wartime and postwar use. Cliff Shirpser was an aerial film cameraman before the war who joined the AAF in WWII and pioneered use of his own cameras mounted in B-25 aircraft flying with the 10th AF in the CBI. After the war, he continued his work as an aerial photographer, wearing this helmet (and his A-2 jacket) while working on Hollywood blockbusters. His professional work included just about every well known movie made between 1921 and 1964, including Gone with the Wind, Ben-Hur, Flying Leathernecks, Run Silent, Run Deep, Flying Tigers, Destry Rides Again, Mutiny on the Bounty and dozens more (a full list will be included, as well as photo copies of documents and photos of Shirpser). This helmet was part of a large grouping of items belonging to Shirpser that included another identical helmet all sold long ago; I kept this one purely because of its historical interest and association with the movie industry. Helmet is a size Large, complete with HS-38 headset. It is grubby and has no chin strap, but no damage. A fantastic piece of AAF CBI / movie history which comes with a lot of research!
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$350 / £325 / €362
email to secure this item
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history |
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 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history |
 Cliff_Shirpser_India_1943 |
 B-25_Tail_Cameras |
 Shirpser |
 Shirpser |
WWII production RCAF marked sponge rubber pads for zip ear pockets on Type B and Naval Type C flying helmets.
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Original WWII stock. Sponge rubber cushions fit inside the zip ear pockets of the Type B and Naval Type C helmets to provide noise attenuation and padding. For some reason the Canadian-made types have better longevity and therefore do not harden and damage the leather and electrics of the helmet. Unissued condition, black or grey rubber available.
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$40 / £37 / €42 per pair
 RCAF B helmet sponge pads |  RCAF B helmet sponge pads |
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 RCAF B helmet sponge pads |
AAF Type A-1 Visor for A-11 or ANH-15 flying helmet.
Green cotton covered visor, with webbing tapes and two snaps/press studs for attaching to specially modified A-11 or ANH-15 flying helmets, for aircrews flying in bright sunlight.
Well marked, excellent condition showing light use.
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$75 / £70 / €78
 AAF Type A-1 Visor for A-11 or ANH-15 flying helmet |  AAF Type A-1 Visor for A-11 or ANH-15 flying helmet |
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US Air Force nylon flying helmet bag.
Hard to find and always in demand for their utility, as well as their intended function! USAF helmet bag, introduced in the 1960s and issued during the Vietnam War and for many years afterwards, made from "rip-stop" nylon and well padded between the outer layer and the lining. Perfect working zip, clip-hook for hanging up and two large cargo pockets which fasten with snaps and velcro on the side. Excellent, almost unused condition.
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$50 / £46 / €52
 US Air Force nylon flying helmet bag |  US Air Force nylon flying helmet bag |
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 US Air Force nylon flying helmet bag |