Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
LATEST ITEMS
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Extremely RARE WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet.
Official US Navy issue hard leather shell flying helmet by Spalding. The helmet was based on the patented hard leather shell originally produced as an American football helmet and is stamped on the back with a patent date of 1902 (before the Wright Brothers first flight). It is also stamped with the US-anchor stamp and the Spalding logo. For use as a flying helmet, this hard shell is fitted with a soft leather skirt that has compartments for installing either Gosport or electronic radio receivers. It also has the distinctive circular leather "knob" for holding the goggles strap in place and two leather "rests" for holding the goggles up on the forehead when not in use. The hook to one side may be for a microphone or speaking tube. This helmet has a cotton pad inside the crown and felt pads inside the ears and is in overall very good condition. Normal wear/aging to the leather but it is solid and displays well. Shown with the standard issue flying goggles fitted with yellow lenses for cutting through haze. A truly rare and unique find.
SOLD
 WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |  WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |
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 WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |  WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmetDSCN5512 |
 WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |  WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |
 WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |  WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |
 WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |  WWI US Navy issue Spalding hard shell flying helmet |
WWI US Army and Navy issue flying goggles.
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Standard issue to both the US Army Air Service and US Navy in WWI. Folding, plated framed goggles with yellow lenses to cut through haze, fur trimmed cloth surrounds and narrow elastic strap. The manner of the strap attachment to the frames rather than the surround suggests Willson manufacture although I can find no markings. Very good used condition.
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SOLD
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 WWI US Army and Navy issue flying goggles |  WWI US Army and Navy issue flying goggles |
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 WWI US Army and Navy issue flying goggles |  WWI US Army and Navy issue flying goggles |
RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask.
Very good example of the third type microphone produced for the Type D mask, first announced in October of 1940 so it does qualify as a bona fide Battle of Britain piece. Comprises the Type 20 microphone, mounted in a black lacquered alloy housing, attached to a Type Q cord, fitted with Type 16 receivers and the standard bell plug. Minor wear to black painted finish and the rubber band sealing the connections (inside the microphone) has perished. Curiously, the cord has not been whipped to the post on the microphone.
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 RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask. |  RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask. |
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 RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask. |  RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask. |
 RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask. |  RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask. |
RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) with dinghy attachments and helioograph.
A very clean example of the RAF stole inflated (cartridge) life saving waistcoat, popularly referred to as "1941 pattern." It comprises a yellow cotton waistcoat with 3 button front, and zipped compartment for housing a stole (bladder) and kapok pads for buoyancy. No stole or pads are present. This example has a nice Air Ministry label and dates to mid-1943. It has the addition of grab handles, leg tapes, dye marker pouch (no dye) and pocket for floating torch (not included). It is fitted with both a toggle rope and screw-type connector for attaching to the dinghy pack, and also has its heliograph/signal mirror attached and fitted into the small pocket on the chest. Excellent condition and getting harder to find.
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$750 / £550 / €635
 RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |  RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |
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 RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |  RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |
 RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |  RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |
 RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |  RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |
 RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |  RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |
 RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |  RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (known as 1941 pattern) |
Early war US Navy quick attach chest parachute harness dated January 1942.
Very good, clean example of the scarce US Navy QAC type harness for a chest parachute pack. This is a very early production model dated January 1942. No pad or pack - just the harness in white canvas webbing with all hardware fitted.
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$550 / £405 / €465
 Early war US Navy quick attach chest parachute harness dated January 1942 |  Early war US Navy quick attach chest parachute harness dated January 1942 |
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 Early war US Navy quick attach chest parachute harness dated January 1942 |  Early war US Navy quick attach chest parachute harness dated January 1942 |
 Early war US Navy quick attach chest parachute harness dated January 1942 |
Early wartime RAF aircrew emergency signal mirror.
Very good example of the earliest RAF type signal mirror carried at the tail end of the Battle of Britain on the green life jackets and very earliest yellow (stole-inflated) types. Bakelite plastic frame with glass mirror and leather strap for attaching directly to the life vest or wearing around the wrist. Clearly marked on the back of the frame with Air Ministry mark and stores ref. information. No wear or damage, excellent condition.
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SOLD
 Early wartime RAF signal mirror |  Early wartime RAF signal mirror |
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 Early wartime RAF signal mirrorIMG_3354 |
White wool jumper sweater similar to "frock white" - Royal/Merchant Navy issue but also worn by RAF pilots and aircrews.
While not the exact same pattern as the RAF issue "Frock, white", this is a period wool jumper/sweater almost identical and is the type issued to and worn by Royal Navy and Merchant Navy seamen and officers during the war. It differs only in having a slightly longer neck which could roll down if desired. It has diamond shaped linen reinforcements at the neck/shoulders and is in very good condition. A few snags and a couple of small holes as would be expected. No label or markings of any kind.
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SOLD
 White wool jumper sweater similar to "frock white" - Royal/Merchant Navy issue but also worn by RAF |  White wool jumper sweater similar to "frock white" - Royal/Merchant Navy issue but also worn by RAF |
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 White wool jumper sweater similar to "frock white" - Royal/Merchant Navy issue but also worn by RAF |  White wool jumper sweater similar to "frock white" - Royal/Merchant Navy issue but also worn by RAF |
 White wool jumper sweater similar to "frock white" - Royal/Merchant Navy issue but also worn by RAF |  White wool jumper sweater similar to "frock white" - Royal/Merchant Navy issue but also worn by RAF |
Royal Navy "sea boot socks" also worn by RAF pilots and aircrews.
Long "over the knee" stockings/socks known as "sea boot socks" favoured by pilots and aircrews for wear under their flying boots. Show some use and a couple of very neat repairs to each eel but perfect for display. No other visible damage or undue wear.
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SOLD
 Royal Navy "sea boot socks" also worn by RAF pilots and aircrews |  Royal Navy "sea boot socks" also worn by RAF pilots and aircrews |
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 Royal Navy "sea boot socks" also worn by RAF pilots and aircrews |
RARE superb flying log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Africa.
Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner with GAO 502 on Potez 63-11s. He did one operation during the Battle of France with this unit in June 1940 and crash landed. After France capitulated he went to Africa, trained as a navigator and converted to B-26 Marauders with the Free French Air Force, completing 33 ops. with the 1/32 Bourgogne bomber group. Grouping comprises his two log books, three pieces of insignia and 29 original wartime photos. A fantastic set. Included is a full summary of all his missions (French equivalent of his Operational Record with English translation (attached as a MS Word doc). $1,650
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$1,750 / £1,285 / €1,480
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
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 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  RARE superb flying log book grouping to a French Air Gunner who flew in the Battle of France, then l |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
 Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |  Log book grouping to a French Air Gunner: Battle of France, and Free French Air Force over North Afr |
Ultra rare find! Original control column grip with dual trigger mechanism, from a WWI German Albatross scout aircraft.
An original control column grip from a WWI German Albatross fighter. Comprises an iron handle with two wooden grips and separate, independent spring-loaded, thumb-operated firing buttons for the machine guns. Fitted to the left hand grip is (I believe) the mounting for the throttle control. Retains much of its original light grey/green painted finish and is overall in fantastic condition.
It came with with a Christmas card signed by pilots of 213 squadron which has a print of a Sopwith Camel shooting down a German aircraft (not an Albatross) and two photos of one of the pilots - all from the same source. A spectacular find!
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 Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |  Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |
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 Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |  Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |
 Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |  Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |
 Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |  Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |
 Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |  Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |
 Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |  aControl column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German AlbatrossOriginal control coluln |
 Control column grip with dual trigger mechanism from a WWI German Albatross |
AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet.
Issued to both air gunners and ground gunners to track the trajectory of gunfire, these goggles also found a use by observers of bomb testing. This is an exceptionally nice and complete set, in unissued condition in their storage tin and still wrapped in tissue, with 2 extra red flip screens and the instruction booklet. Turning the knob on the front darkens the lenses, and the red screen provides further protection from bright light. An excellent set.
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$100 / £75 / €88
 AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |  AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |
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 AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |  AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |
 AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |  AAF Polaroid Variable Density goggles, with red screen and spares + instruction booklet |
Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord, D mask/B helmet.
Radio telephone receivers are difficult to source at the best of times, but the early RAF Type C (10A/7063) receivers are rarely offered in todays collector market. This is a great set, complete with the innards intact, including both sets of magnetic steel and acetate diaphrams Designed for the early Type F cord, they will also work with the Q cord and are most commonly associared with the Type D oxygen mask and Type B helmet. Well marked and a perfect matching pair.
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ON HOLD
 Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmet |  Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmet |
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 Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmet |  Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmetDSCN5282 |
AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted.
Nice AAF T-30-S throat microphone, complete with the scarce "M" clip which held the contacts closer to the neck for clear transmission. Very slight fraying on the strap but it retains its elasticity overall very good condition.
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ON HOLD
 AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted |  AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted |
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 AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted |
Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941.
The best example of an early B-3 life vest I have seen in years - possibly ever! It appears unissued! Very clean all over with none of the usual stenciled ownership marks. Clear manufacturing details including a production date of August 5, 1941. Soft and supple, with no stiff areas, bright fabric and chrome plated metal fittings. The pictures speak for themselves - this would be very difficult to upgrade.
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ON HOLD
 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
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 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet.
Jungle green cotton netting hood with cotton crown, malleable wire frame to shape to the wearer's face and small opening at the mouth, drawstring to tie around the neck. Unissued condition. This was included in all jungle survival kits including the Beadon flying suit.
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ON HOLD
 RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet |  RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet |
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 RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet |
Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40.
Excellent example of this classic US Navy issue flying jacket in a decent (and very generous) size 40. The goatskin leather is in very good condition and the lining is clean and undamaged. The original waistband is free of any damage and the cuffs show only minimal wear at the edges. Collar is very good. The Talon zip is in perfect working order and the jacket also retains its Willis and Geiger label. Overall a very nice jacket, perfectly suitable for wearing or display, and getting harder to find.
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ON HOLD
 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
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 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot (KIA).
Extremely rare Swordfish pilot's log book to a New Zealander in the RNZ Navy VR, Fleet Air Arm. Sub Lt Tait was one of the first 35 New Zealanders to join and volunteer for aircrew training under Scheme F. He was sent to England and, after training, served with 754 squadron on Lysanders before joining 816 squadron on mine-laying duties from Thorney Island. Sub Lt Tait and his crew sadly failed to return from a mine-laying operation on October 8, 1942. The Fleet Air Arm was a very small air force compared to the RAF, and New Zealand, being a small nation, had a very small Navy, making this an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a log book, with combat, from a member of a very small Commonwealth force. Included is a large photo of Tait with his crew and a bio of his interesting career. There is a newspaper article on his loss taped into the log book.
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 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
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 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |