Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Flying Helmets and Headgear
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment.
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For the connoisseur of Type C flying helmets! An incredibly rare variation of the first issue pattern Type C helmet. The helmet itself — even without the addition of the single press stud/snap fastener to the forehead — is a lovely first production model, with 2 studs for the E mask and up/down fore-and-aft goggle strap tabs. It also has the leather chin strap and Bennett buckle fastening. The addition of the stud to the centre of the forehead is for attaching one of a series of wrap-around visors, which were trialed from 1944-45 and culminated in the introduction of the Mk I visor shortly after the end of the war. A lovely helmet which shows use but no wear or damage. the interior chamois is grubby form Brylcreem, the leather is excellent and the rubber receiver holders fully pliable. I would estimate this is a size 3 (large).
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$650 / £490 / €575
 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |  RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
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 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |  RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |  RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet - perfect for restoration.
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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!
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$50 / £38 / €45
 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.
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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 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.
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$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 |
RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue.
Very nice example of a home front issue steel Brodie helmet, with grey finish for RAF / WAAF issue. The 3 holes drilled in each side indicate it is not made from ballistic steel and therefore home front only issue - most likely WAAF (based on its small size 6-3/4) for air raid protection. Great condition retaining 90% painted finish, very good liner and chin strap. There is a cotton tag tied to the chin strap with a faint name written - can't quite make it out. Well marked: BMB (Briggs Motor Bodies) stamp on helmet rim, JCS&W (J. Compton Sons & Webb) with broad arrow on liner. I cannot quite make out the date but it looks like 1939. A great piece of kit to complete your WAAF ops room plotter display!​
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$195 / £148 / €175
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 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |  RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
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 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |  RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |  RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |  RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
RAF Mk 4A flying helmet with dual visors for helicopter pilot.
Very good example of the 1980s vintage RAF Mk 4A "bone dome" flying helmet, complete with radio receivers, cord and plug. Attachment point for boom microphone on left hand side - no microphone fitted and no fittings for attaching an oxygen mask. Dark green finish and superb dual visor system in place. Well marked inside with labels indicating nomenclature and manufacturer: Helmets Ltd. Reflective tape cross on top/back of helmet and subdued Union jack patch Velcroed to nape. Minor scratches to visors otherwise an excellent helmet.
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$300 / £225 / €265
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 RAF Mk 4A flying helmet with dual visors for helicopter pilot |  RAF Mk 4A flying helmet with dual visors for helicopter pilot |
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 RAF Mk 4A flying helmet with dual visors for helicopter pilot |  RAF Mk 4A flying helmet with dual visors for helicopter pilot |
 RAF Mk 4A flying helmet with dual visors for helicopter pilot |  RAF Mk 4A flying helmet with dual visors for helicopter pilot |
AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties.
Chamois face mask worn by aviators for extreme cold and high altitude, as well as other branches of the US Army. It could be worn under an oxygen mask if needed. This example still has a tag attached listing the manufacturer and a 1943 date. Very good condition with some minor storage soiling. Strap retains elasticity.
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$85 / £65 / €75
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 AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |  AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |
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 AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |  AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |
RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly.
RARE variant of the First Pattern Type D cotton drill summer/desert flying helmet (for aircrews stationed east of Malta, per RAF parlance). Unwired (ie. for external wiring) and a transitional model with the noise attenuating rubber surrounds mounted inside the helmet rather than externally. Fore-and-aft goggle strap tabs, leather chin strap with Bennett buckle and snaps/press studs for Types D, E, E* or G oxygen masks. Retains felt lining inside forehead and on chin flap. Lovely crisp A-crown-M property mark and stores ref. number indicating a size 3 (large). Great condition with no damage and hardly any wear. Fitted with a superb Type 26 microphone assembly (Type 25 mic. Q cord and plug). The microphone has an early or trial type of oiled cotton moisture guard I've not seen before. All in all a very rare, possibly unique, transitional or trial helmet.​
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$675 / £510 / €595
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 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
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 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
Extremely RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue.
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The most scarce of wartime Fleet Air Arm helmets, because it is one of a very small number converted from the standard RAF issue Type C helmet (first pattern unwired) as part of a trial issue. Per Admiralty orders, the standard rubber telephone holders (ear cups) were removed and replaced with dual-function telephone holders for both electronic receivers and Gosport tubes. Zipped ear covers, previously issued with Type B helmets, were sewn over the top for insulation. This allowed Fleet Air Arm aircrews to communicate within the aircraft while maintaining radio silence. This helmet was never fitted with forward goggle retaining tabs - indicating it was factory-modified, prior to its completion for RAF issue. It also retains all its original Air Ministry embossed stamps (to the chin flap and both ear-pieces). Leather and chamois lining are in fantastic condition. The rubber telephone holders have stiffened up somewhat and one is distorted, but they might be manipulated with low heat to accept receivers. One of an extremely small number of factory modified examples I have ever seen and by far the nicest example. Small blemish to right hand zip runner (looks like something spilled) but this does NOT effect the smooth running of the zip in any way. Includes original correct sponge rubber cushions. A fantastic and very rare helmet in a generous size 2 (medium). ​
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$650 / £500 / €600
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
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 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36.
Excellent example of the 1930 Pattern Helmet which was the true predecessor of the Type B. Beautiful leather with a very clean chamois lining and built-in chin strap. Small printed label inside is difficult to read but says "Size 3" and dated 1936. Both of the attached "Mickey Mouse" ears are superbly stamped "Air Ministry" with crown and dated 1935. Bakelite telephone holders are fitted for installing radio telephone receivers or Gosports. A scarce helmet which remained in service throughout WWII.
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$550 / £425 / €510
 RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |  RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
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 RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |  RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
 RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |  RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
 RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |  RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition.
Superb example of the iconic RFC cowl type hooded flying helmet. Butter soft leather with a chamois lining around the chin/neck and inside the crown, with a fur lining around the head. Cord tightens the facial opening and is secured by the leather chin strap and buckle. Trapezoid ear flaps and padded leather cylinders for wind deflection and narrow straps tighten the forehead. Crisp, clear War Dept, broad arrow marking inside. Best of all it retains 90% of its fur - most of these helmets found today have the fur rubbed or moulted away. An absolute stunner with shows light use and a couple of minor marks on the front, but very hard to find better.​
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$1,100 / £850 / €1,015
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 Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |  Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
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 Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |  Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
 Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |  Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
 Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |  Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
 Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |  Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
 Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |  Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet.
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Croatia, then a province of Yugoslavia, aligned herself with the Germans in WWII and many Croatians served on the Luftwaffe - hence Croatian Air Force clothing and equipment was very similar in design to Luftwaffe issue - this helmet being an excellent illustration. The same pattern as the FK34 Luftwaffe helmet but constructed from heavy brown canvas lined with dark brown cotton and having grey leather straps and trim. Beautifully made, with hooks for a LW 3-strap oxygen mask. One ear has been neatly opened up and finished for wearing a headset receiver. Linen label indicates size 56 or 1B though it seems larger and fits a display head with lots of room to spare. Far more scarce than a standard LW summer helmet.
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$375 / £295 / €360
 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |  WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
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 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |  WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |  WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition.
The standard issue intermediate flying helmet for the US Navy and Marine Corps from the late 1930s until 1943, made from high quality goatskin leather and chamois lined. Earcups holding telephone receivers were added by the tailor or rigger for a correct fit. This example looks to have never been worn – although it has initials inked in the nape. Includes a matching soft chin cup. Tag indicates manufacture by HLB Corp. and the helmet is a large size 7-1/4. Perfect condition.​
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$100 / £80 / €97
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 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
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 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
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.
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$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.
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$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 |
AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask.
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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.
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$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 |
US Army knitted balaclava style head and face protector.
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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.
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$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.
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$75 / £65 / €75
 DSCN0601 |  DSCN0604 |
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 DSCN0603 |  DSCN0600 |
 DSCN0602 |  DSCN0599 |
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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 DSCN3870 |
 DSCN3873 |
 DSCN3872 |
 DSCN3877 |
 IMG_7776 |
DSCN3874 |