Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Flying Helmets and Headgear
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, size 4, internally wired late war pattern with ANB-H-1 receivers.
Excellent late war Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet, internally wired with a scarce Type 2186 cord – specially produced for attaching US ANB-H-1 receivers. Helmet is in superb condition and is a rare size 4 (extra-large: the largest size made). Leather is soft and pliable, chamois lining is clean. Complete with original WWII RAF issue sponge cushions. This is a late war pattern helmet with the extra leather tabs to the rear for securing the wiring (first used December 1944). Cord retains its paper nomenclature band and also its cloth instruction tag. Quite a rare variation, designed primarily for use with US aircraft such as the TBM and TBF Avenger.
$525 / £395 / €460
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |
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 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet with Type 2186 cord for US ANB-H-1 receivers |
RAF motor cycle despatch rider's canvas helmet - possible flying use.
Often referred to as "RAF flying training helmets" these categorically were not issued for flying, but as waterproof canvas motorcycling caps for desptach riders. That said, I have seen photographs of them being worn by non-aircrew guests and VIPs for aircraft rides, and several have been found with various aircraft factory names ink stamped on the strap (including de Havilland and Handley Page). Even though they were specifically issued as motorcycle helmets, the fact that they may have been worn in aircraft and on RAF stations makes them relevant—And they they make a nice display.
$95 / £75 / €85
 RAF motor cycle despatch rider's canvas helmet - possible flying use. |  RAF motor cycle despatch rider's canvas helmet - possible flying use. |
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 RAF motor cycle despatch rider's canvas helmet - possible flying use. |  RAF motor cycle despatch rider's canvas helmet - possible flying use. |
 RAF motor cycle despatch rider's canvas helmet - possible flying use. |  DRAF desptach rider's canvas helmet - possibly used as flying helmet |
Dashing period-looking white helmet and goggles.
Modern flying helmet and goggles made in the spirit of vintage aviation rather than as a replica, but very dashing and look great posing by your Tiger Moth or even a vintage roadster or motor scooter. Unlined white cotton helmet is a generous large size, with long chin strap and tabs for securing the goggles strap—very similar design to the USN deck helmets of the 1930s and '40s made by Gerber or Beck and much favoured by USN fighter pilots. Goggles are super lightweight and very comfortable with soft white leatherette pad, polished aluminium frames, clear plastic lenses and elastic strap. Sold as a set but also have a few additional pairs of goggles as well.
Helmet and goggles $55 / £45 / €50
Goggles only $25 / £20 / €22
 Dashing period-looking white helmet and goggles |  Dashing period-looking white helmet and goggles |
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 Dashing period-looking white helmet and goggles |  Dashing period-looking white helmet and goggles |
 Dashing period-looking white helmet and goggles |
USAAF spare chin strap for B-5 flying helmet
Often missing or lacking much of their fleece lining, these B-5 flying helmet chin straps are in very good, slightly used condition. Leather strap with inset shearling pad or cup for the chin. Very hard to find.
Price is for one chin strap.
$50 / £40 / €45
 USAAF spare chin strap for B-5 flying helmet |  USAAF spare chin strap for B-5 flying helmet |
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USN/USMC spare chin strap for the NAF1092 flying helmet.
Hard, pressed leather chin cup and strap for the USN / USMC NAF1092 fling helmet. Two available with shearling lined cup for the NAF1092W and one without a chin-cup lining for the intermediate NAF1092.
Price is for one chin strap.
$35 / £28 / €30
 USN/USMC spare chin strap for the NAF1092 flying helmet |  USN/USMC spare chin strap for the NAF1092 flying helmet |
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RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) with AM label.
Lovely example of the first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet—a huge improvement in terms of fit over the Type B. The Type C was a constant "work in progress" with the earliest production having 2 studs on each side for the Type E mask, later a third stud was added for the E* version; meanwhile the 4 goggle strap retaining tabs were altered to all close downwards (as on this example). However, this helmet is without the zig-zag stitching around the ear cups, making it a bit of an oddity. It aso features brass studs rather than the more common steel type. Overall in very good condition. The leather is perfect and the rubber is soft and pliable. The chamois lining is typically well "Brylcremed" but shows no wear or damage - and retains a nice Air Ministry woven label, indicative of an early production, with the A-crown-M also stamped on the left hand side of the leather, but very faint. Good large size, with full leather covering i=on its Bennett buckle and metal "V" tip on the chin strap. Nice examples like this are getting harder to source.
$500 / £375 / €435
 RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |  RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |
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 RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |  RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |
 RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |  RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |
 RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |  RAF First Pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet, size 3 (large) |
AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet.
Standard issue from 1943 on, the A-11 owed much of its design and tailoring to the RAF Type C flying helmet with the improvement of "nose-attenuating" hard rubber earcups/telephone receiver housings. This example is in vey good used condition, showing light wear but no damage. It has a good crisp AAF decal to the outer left side and a nice label inside the neck. It is named with a serial number inside but slightly worn and difficult to read. Size medium but fits a display head perfectly.
$150 / £115 / €130
 AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |  AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |
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 AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |  AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |
 AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |  AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |
 AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |  AAF Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet |
USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plug.
Goatskin leather with a chamois lining and probably the best (most comfortable/practical) of the USN flying headgear issued in the war. Lovely condition showing very light wear. Marked as size small, but as with most USN clothing is VERY generous and actually more like a medium or even large compared to say a Type A-11. Extra buckles on the side are for attaching the oxygen mask (not for an extra chin strap). Wired with ANB-H-1A receivers, Y-cord and plug. Excellent example.
$185 / £135 / €160
 USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plug |  USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plug |
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 USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plug |  USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plug |
 USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plug |  USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plug |
 USN AN6540 series flying helmet with receivers, cord and plugDSCN6595 |
US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles.
Unissued and unworn 1918 dated US Air Service flying helmet in superb condition, inside and out, except for having had its chin strap and buckle carefully removed - perhaps to cannibalize for another helmet. It still displays well as is, or could be restored with donor parts from a similar helmet. Comes with an excellent pair of Resistol WYD goggles, with laminated safety glass lenses. Alloy frames are joined at the bridge with a leather strip to offer flexibility. Helmet has excellent stamped markings to the rear, indicating size (7-3/8) and official contract number and maker (Slote & Schaffer) as well as date of June 1918 and Quatermaster's Depot.
$375 / £280 / €320
 US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |  US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |
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 US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |  US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |
 US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |  US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |
 US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |  US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |
 US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |  US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |
 US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |  US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |
 US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |  US Air Service WWI 1918 dated issue flying helmet and Resistol goggles |
RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner.
A very hard helmet to find. This was the first hard shell helmet "bone dome" used by the RAF in the early fighter jet aircraft including the Vampire, Venom, Hunter, Javelin and Canberra. Although labeled a Mk1A, this is technically a Mk1, having no built-in ridge—nor holes drilled—for fitting a sliding visor. A few surface dings and scratches but overall the shell is in excellent condition. Size 1 and dated 1959, and comes with a matching size 1 Type G liner/flying helmet, date 1957, which would have carried the electronics and was worn under the bone dome. These do not come along very often - especially in such great condition!
$395 / £295 / €340
 RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |  RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |
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 RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |  RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |
 RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |  RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |
 RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |  RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |
 RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |  RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |
 RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |  RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |
 RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |  RARE RAF 1st issue Mk IA bone-dome with Type G hemet/liner |
Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet.
Prior to 1916-17, very little flying kit was issued to RFC pilots and observers, most of whom were officers, and were expected to purchase their own equipment. As a result, department stores, tailors and clothing manufacturers produced helmets, coats, goggles, gloves and boots which were then sold at retail outlets. This is an example of a very high quality, privately-purchased flying helmet in soft leather, with a fur lining and trapezoid ear-flaps (the design eventually accepted by the Air Board for its official issue items). The press stud fasteners are marked "Made in France" (in English) suggesting this may have been French-made for the British retail market? Some fur has moulted but overall it remains in very good condition and represents a very important part of the RFC history.
$175 / £130 / €150
 Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |  Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |
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 Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |  Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |
 Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |  Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |
 Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |  Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |
 Early WWI RFC / French private purchase flying helmet |
US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn and as issued, with separate leather cups for telephone receivers included.
Unissued, or at least unworn, example of this standard intermediate US Navy flying helmet from the early wartime period, complete with its telephone receiver cups, as issued, ready to be installed on each side. This helmet was allocated to a Naval Air Station and is stamped NASS (possibly a flying school) but was clearly never used or worn. Size 7, nice labels and excellent condition.
$165 / £95 / €110
 US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |  US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |
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 US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |  US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |
 US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |  US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |
 US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |  US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |
 US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |  US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |
 US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |  US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |
 US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |  US Navy NAF1092 flying helmet, unworn, as issued with separate leather cups for telephone receivers. |
AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition.
Standard issue from 1943 on, the A-11 was the best of the AAF flying helmets. While not rare, examples in this kind of condition are not common. Though marked a "small" this is a generously sized helmet–closer to a "medium" and fits a display head perfectly. Perfect, intact AAF emblem decal and good label inside. Never had receivers intsalled.
$175 / £135 / €155
 AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |  AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |
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 AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |  AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |
 AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |  AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |
 AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |  AAF A-11 flying helmet in excellent condition |
Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917.
Extremely large size.
Excellent example of the now quite rare RFC cowl type flying helmet ("cap, flying, winter," to give it the official parlance). This helmet retains it partial fur and chamois lining, with about 70% of the fur remaining. The lover chamois skirt is beautifully marked with a large broad arrow and date of 1917. Helmet also retains its rear tightening strap and forehead straps for a secure fit. The leather is excellent and it displays well. Perhaps it's most amazing feature is the size of the helmet - it is extra large and most likely the biggest size ever made. Overall a lovely item in far better condition than most found on the collector market today.
$1,100 / £825 / €955
 Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |  Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |
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 Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |  Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |
 Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |  Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |
 Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |  Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |
 Royal Flying Corps "cowl" type helmet, fur lined, dated 1917 |
AAF chamois anti-frostbite facemask.
These chamois masks were introduced to combat the problem of frostbite among AAF aircrews. Photographic evidence of their use is scant - but presumably they were only worn at high altitude and discarded as so as possbible - they cannot have been comfortable. Still a significant development in flying kit. This example unissued and with a nice large AAF emblem printed.
$85 / £65 / €75
 AAF chamois anti-frostbite facemask |  AAF chamois anti-frostbite facemask |
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 AAF chamois anti-frostbite facemask |
WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box.
Unusual find. USAAF Type A-9 flying helmet in, literally, mint, unissued condition, still in its original cardboard box. Size Large (and a very generous Large, much bigger than A-9s are usually). Green cotton helmet is in perfect condition. Box lid is missing one side panel but still has intact label in place.
$110 / £85 / €95
 WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |  WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |
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 WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |  WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |
 WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |  WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |
 WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |  WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |
 WWII AAF A-9 flying helmet, unissued, still in original box |
WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet.
The first radio helmet issued to the US Army Air Service in 1918, and while not a rare helmet (surprisingly) it is uncommon to find one in decent condition, because they were generally made of an inferior grade of leather. This example is actually in very good condition, with the leather still strong and showing no excessive wear or damage. Not fitted with receivers (most never were) but the housings are solid. Blanket lined and retaining its label, though the label actually shows a little wear. Retains its chin strap and top strap, as well as its laces at the rear (a tight fit was necessary for eliminating outside noise when receiving radio messages). Overall a very good example. Size small, but fits a display head well.
$250 / £185 / €215
 WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet |  WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet |
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 WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet |  WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet |
 WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet |  WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet |
 WWI US Air Service issue Western Electric 1A radio helmet |
AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A,
A-14 oxygen mask.
The version of the A-9 made from dark green cotton rather than OD. It was issued and is named on the chin strap (difficult to read) but evidently was not worn very much. It has the webbing strips with snaps/studs for attaching either the A-10A or A-14 oxygen mask but never had ear-cups for receivers sewn on. Excellent condition - marked as a size medium but actually fits the display head more like a large.
$75 / £55 / €65
 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |  AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |
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 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |  AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |
 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |  AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |
 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |  AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |
 AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with press studs/snaps for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask. |
Art Deco Stylish 1920s US commercial leather flying helmet with exaggerated "widow's peak" similar style to Lindbergh.
Interesting 1920s leather flying helmet with a blanket lining, roll up ear flaps and a wide chin strap reinforced with an additional leather strap and buckle. Helmet is distinguished by its pronounced "widow's peak" to the front (and at the nape) – reminiscent of the Art Deco style favoured by Charles Lindbegh and other aviators of the period. Very good used condition.
$120 / £90 / €105
 1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |  1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |
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 1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |  1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |
 1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |  1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |
 1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |  1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |
 1920s / 30s US commercial leather flying helmet similar style to Lindbergh. |
French aviator's Airaile Type 11 hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40.
This is the Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau; the standard pattern flying helmet worn by French Armée de l'Air pilots and crews pre-war and during the early months of WWII. Very good condition inside and out and marked as a size 59. Paper label long since detached. Version without the clips or snaps for fitting an oxygen mask, but has contoured ear flaps for housing receivers or Gosport tubes and snap-down leather tabs for securing the goggles. Chin strap appears to have been reattached during its working life.
$350 / £260 / €300
 French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |  French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |
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 French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |  French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |
 French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |  French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |
 French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |  French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |
 French aviator's hard-shell helmet by Gueneau, 1939-40 |
Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment.
Standard issue for all Luftwaffe crews, both fighters and bombers, during the Battle of France and Battle of Britain. The cotton shell is lined with satin and has formed, hard leather housings for telephone receivers, plus built-in throat microphones in an integral neck strap. Shows light use but no damage and is in overall very good condition. Shown with 10-67 oxygen mask for display only – mask is not included and no longer for sale. These helmets are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
$475 / £355 / €405
 Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |  Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |
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 Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |  Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |
 Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |  Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |
 Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |  Luftwaffe LKpS101 summer flying helmet complete with all communications equipment. |
AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet - perfect for restoration.
A great project helmet at a reasonable price. This AN-H-15 shows use but there is no damage to the cotton shell or the rubber ear cups. Strap is good and all leather tabs are intact. the chamois covered "donut" pads have been removed which does not affact display and they could be replaced. It shows white paint splatter (perhaps it was "borrowed" by a ground crewman for working on painting invasion stripes?), but otherwise in good shape, and a good candidate for restoration. Best f all, it's a size Large. Bargain priced!
$30 / £22 / €25
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet |  AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet |
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 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet |  AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet |  AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet |
 AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet |
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 featured additional mask fittings for the new P/Q series and a more comfortable, integral nape strap. Made from blue-grey Airtex fabric. This example has some storage stains 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, and a couple of the snap fasteners have pulled through the fabric. It includes the hard-to-find large leather/rubber ear pads in good condition a nice ink stamp with sizing information (size 2, medium). A very scarce helmet that is still quite reasonable for display (especially under a Mk I bone dome) and priced accordingly.
$65 / £48 / €60
 RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |  RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |
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 RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |  RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |
 RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |  RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |
 RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |  RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear padsDSCN3874 |
 RAF Type F flying helmet with original large ear pads |
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.
$75 / £55 / €65
 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.
$120 / £90 / €105
 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 |
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
 DSCN8954 |  DSCN8953 |
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 IMG_0182 |  DSCN8955 |
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
 DSCN0601 |  DSCN0604 |
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 DSCN0603 |  DSCN0600 |
 DSCN0602 |  DSCN0599 |