Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
LATEST ITEMS
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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 AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition.
Excellent example of this standard issue AAF flying helmet from 1943 until the end of the war. Unissued condition, and very clean except for some minor storage marks. Never had receivers installed. Good, large size and nice spec. label for Bates Shoe Co.
$75 / £55 / €65
 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition |  AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition |
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 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition |  AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition |
 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition |  AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition |
 AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, size large, in unissued condition |
Reproduction/re-enactor RAF Type B helmet, Type D mask with replica Type 19 microphone, original wiring loom and Sefton braided tube.
A very nice representation for a re-enactor or start-up display, though not an exact reproduction like Sefton (except the hose/tube which was supplied by Sefton). The helmet is made from leather with a chamois and velvet lining, and is actually a very good B helmet replica, complete with working zip ear housings, original RCAF sponge rubber cushions, chin strap and rear strap with mock-up Bennett buckles, and rubber receiver holders. The mask is made from khaki wool with a chamois lining, including its horsehoe pad, and a mock-up Type 19 microphone covered with chamois, side mounted plastic switch housing and ink stamped stores ref. no. Completing the set up is an original external Type Q wiring loom with genuine bell-plug and a Sefton fabric braided tube/hose of the correct 60" length. Looks great from a short distance and is quite wearable—plus its a small fraction of an original set.
$575 / £430 / €500
 Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |  Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |
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 Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube227 |  Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |
 Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |  Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |
 Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |  Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |
 Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |  Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |
 Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |  Reproduction/re-enactor RAF TYpe B helmet, Type D mask with Type 19 microphone and braided tube |
Grouping of insignia and rare and interesting documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF.
Rare and interesting grouping of paperwork and insignia to Flt. Sgt. R.V. Conibear of 27 sq. RAF who flew Beaufighters in the far east. Includes his Indian made pilot wing (on a pin back for tropical uniform), sergeant's stripes, Beaufighter Pilot's Notes, and a nice later studio portrait of Conibear and an unopened Indian made field dressing. Some rare and interesting bits and pieces.
$250 / £205 / €240
 Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |  Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |
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 Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |  Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |
 Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |  Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |
 Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |  Grouping of insignia and documents to a Beaufighter pilot, 27 squadron, RAF. |
Rare early wartime Blood or "Goolie" Chit, carried by RAF aircrews in North Africa. Great condition.
Once referred to as a "Common card chit" (though it is now anything but!) this folding card "Goolie" chit was issued to members of the RAF and ground forces serving in North Africa, during the early part of the war, in the event that they ran into Arab natives who might appear hostile or unwelcoming. Now a scarce evasion / escape item. Excellent condition. 6" x 3.25" (152mm x82mm) folded, and 12" (304mm) open, it contained a message of peace, promise of reward for safe treatment and a glossary of useful words on the back.
$275 / £205 / €240
 Early wartime Blood or "Goolie" Chit, carried by RAF aircrews in North Africa. Great condition. |  Early wartime Blood or "Goolie" Chit, carried by RAF aircrews in North Africa. Great condition. |
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 Early wartime Blood or "Goolie" Chit, carried by RAF aircrews in North Africa. Great condition. |
RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN."
Very difficult to find and very useful to anyone collecting Japanese Naval flying kit, as well as aircraft instruments and components. Japanese text but comprises entirely of excellent illustrations and period photographs, so easy to understand. Includes a fold out Japanese Navy pilot's chart. 130-pages, A-4 (8.25" x 11.25") published by Model Art magazine.
$75 / £58 / €65
 RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |  RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |
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 RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |  RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |
 RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |  RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |
 RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |  RARE book on Japanese Naval Flying Clothing "Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN." |