Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
LATEST ITEMS
(click on pictures to enlarge)
US Navy / Marine Corps M-450 summer flying helmet fitted with correct TH-37 receivers and short rubber connector.
The classic headwear of US Navy and Marine Corps carrier-based fighter pilots — also issued to Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pilots and crews and Commonwealth carrier pilots serving in the Far East. Tan cotton, unlined helmet fitted with leather ear cups containing TH-37 receivers joined by a short, rubber covered cord with a 2-pin connector. This example has been nicely customized by having a rigger remove the right-hand chin-cup buckle and sewing the strap of the chin-cup directly into place on the helmet. Helmet shows very light wear - overall very good condition. Not an easy flying helmet to find any more in its complete state with electronics.
ON HOLD
Superb AAF Type M4A2 anti-flak helmet as worn by crews of B-17, B-24 etc. aircraft.
The last variant to be produced in the M-4 series of flak helmets/head armour, developed for pilots and aircrews of heavy bombers. The M-4A2 used overlapping plates of manganese steel (exactly the same as the leather covered M-4 "Grow" helmet) covered with heavy fabric, with the addition of large flaps to protect the ears and webbing tabs to secure goggles in place. A very clean example with light storage wear.
​
ON HOLD
AAF Type AN6530 flying goggles with original box.
Very good pair of AAF AN6530 flying goggles, the classic issue of the AAF from mid-1943. This set has the later streamlined vents. They have been stored folded in box so tend to want to hold that shape - however the one-piece rubber cushion is pliable and displays on a helmet/head just fine. Good elastic strap, good clear lenses, slight surface oxidation to frames but no dents or dings and nice "Fischer Spring" markings. Spotless chamois backing - Goggles appear to be unissued. Box is excellent and well marked though missing one end flap.
​
Excellent RAF Type E* (E-star) oxygen mask, complete with tube (hose) and Type 48 microphone.
Never a common or easy item to find, good examples of E* masks are now very difficult to source. This example is in very good condition; the rubber is completely flexible and shows no hardening or cracking as so many do. Appears to have never been worn, judging from the very clean chamois edge-lining. Fitted with the late war, wider diameter hose, but with all correct period fittings. Harness has lost most of its elasticity but does not affect display. A very fine example.
​
ON HOLD
Scarce RAF oxygen tube adaptor for E, E* and G mask to constant flow attachment (with Mk IIIB bayonet connector).
Scarce oxygen accessory. Approx. 30-inch rubber tube with a Mk IVA bayonet connector at one end, for attaching to the tube on a Type E, E* or G oxygen mask) and a Mk IIIB bayonet connector at the other end for attaching to a constant flow oxygen supply or walk-around bottle. 100% original tube is in very good condition, totally flexible and has faint remains of green painted bands. Both connectors well marked. Mk IIIB is dated 1939.
​
ON HOLD
AAF T-30-S throat microphone with "M" clip fitted.
AAF T-30-S throat microphone, made by Universal Microphone Co. of Inglewood, California. Complete with "M" clip fitted (usually missing). Very good condition with good elastic. One snap cover missing but doesn't affect the closure at all. Typically worn by most AAF pilots and aircrew.
​
ON HOLD
RAF Suit, Combination, Drab. Summer one-piece overall, primarily for ground crews serving in Malta, North Africa and the tropics.
Quite a scarce item of RAF kit and very important for correctly portraying the support crews who served with RAF units stationed in hit, tropical climates. This example is unissued, in excellent condition, retaining its original sewn label dated 1943 to the back. It is also stamped with the WD acceptance code inside the top. Heavy cotton drill (denim) with button front and sleeves, stand-up Mandarin collar. Retains its matching waist belt (fastened at the back).
​
$175 / £130 / €150
Scarce RCAF Emergency Personnel kit Mk I for aircrews, dated 1943 — includes rare waterproof packet containing survival items.
Bright yellow cotton waistcoat or belt with shoulder straps, featuring 8 compartments, coded with letters for contents, for carrying survival aids, rations etc. Well marked and dated 1943, this example is in very good condition and includes one of the survival pack items: a waterproof pouch containing a fishing kit, sewing kit and box of safety matches. The pouch has been opened so the fishing/dewing kit can be displayed — the matches are still sealed in wax to keep them dry. These Emergency kits are unique to the RCAF and quite rare — almost never turn up with any of the contents.
​
ON HOLD
RARE RAF Type C dinghy container dated 1940, used by Bristol Blenheim fighter crews during the Battle of Britain.
Extremely rare RAF survival item—the stowage container for the Type C dinghy. At the time of its introduction into service, the Type C dinghy was one of only two types that used a gas-inflated system and was quickly superseded by the Type M, so it had a relatively short service life. It was a triangular dinghy made from rubberized silk fabric, designed for a maximum of 3 occupants, and was primarily used on the Blenheim fighter and bomber (Blenheim I fighters saw action during the Battle of Britain). This version of the pack was designed to float and and could be quickly activated by pulling the gas cartridge lever - the pack would break away. The case has built-in flotation pads inside compartments around which the folded dinghy would be packed, as well as compartments for paddles etc. Very good condition with no damage, the built-in flotation pads are a bit crumbly but still complete. Case is well-marked with Air Ministry nomenclature and dated 1940. A very rare accessory. Note: dinghy NOT included.
​
ON HOLD
RARE early US Army Air Corps Type F-1 Flyers Emergency Sustenance Case with lid.
First approved for issue in 1940 and superseded by early 1943, this is the first of this type of Emergency Sustenance kit for aviators I have ever come across. Made from heavy rubberized canvas painted with silver aircraft dope (similar to balloon fabric) and well marked, the kit measures 13" x 8" x 2" and was designated a "Forced Landing Kit." It originally contained a tin of rations and a larger tin containing a flashlight, compass, hunting knife, fishing line and hooks, plus first aid kit. A very AAC / AAF survival item in grubby but very good condition, including its handle and lid. Worth noting also is that every multiplace US aircraft sent to England under Lease Lend would have been equipped with one of these cases; this would include the Hudsons, Flying Fortresses, Mitchells etc. used by the RAF.
​
ON HOLD