Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
LATEST ITEMS
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition.
One of the rarest and most sought after of all German flying helmets – the LKpW100 was the precursor of the more streamlined LKpW100. It utlized the same pattern cut from high quality dark brown goatskin leather, lined with shearling and featuring radio telephone receivers housed in light alloy housings (not bakelite as is often stated in error). It is fitted with an integral throat microphone attached separately to the helmet; the later LKpW101 had the receivers and microphones wired together. Superb condition throughout, clean and undamaged (one tiny nick in the surface of the full length rubber coated cord). Great labels. Throat microphones fasten by a single snap/press stud fastener and then tighten with a friction buckle. First issued in 1935 and remained in service until after the Battle of Britain, even through the improved LKpW101 was introduced as early as 1937. These do not come along very often and the condition of this helmet would be very difficult to improve upon.
ON HOLD
 RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |  RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |
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 RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |  RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |
 RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |  RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |
 RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |  RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |
 RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |  RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |
 RARE early wartime Luftwaffe LKpW100 flying helmet complete and in excellent condition. |
RAF Mk VII flying goggles complete with flip-up polarizing sun screen.
An outstanding example of these now rare goggles—in my opinion the most attractive of the the RAF issued goggles (if less than ideal in practice!) with ultramarine blue painted brass frames. Still fitted with the very rare polarizing flip-up screen. The condition of these goggles is quite remarkable; retaining 99% of the original painted finish, the padded chamois cushions still soft and the leather excellent, and the webbing strap still retaining its elasticity. Some surface oxidation on the sun shield clamp (which would easily clean if desired). An absolutely wonderful pair of goggles.
ON HOLD
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles complete with flip-up polarizing sun screen |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles complete with flip-up polarizing sun screen |
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 RAF Mk VII flying goggles complete with flip-up polarizing sun screen |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles complete with flip-up polarizing sun screen |
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles complete with flip-up polarizing sun screen |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles complete with flip-up polarizing sun screen |
RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug AND tube with clip.
Rarely offered for sale as a complete unit these days, this RAF Type G oxygen mask is an absolute beauty. The grey-green rubber mask is in fantastic condition, soft and pliable with none of the usual surface creasing or spider cracks. Brown suede lining looks as if it was never worn. The moulded lugs securing the maleable nosewire are structurally perfect and the harness—with an early flat "8" clip—still has its elasticity. The mask is fitted with an original Type 28 carbon microphone assembly, which includes the scarce Type 27 (golf ball) microphone and full length external Q Type wiring cord, terminating in a Type 119 (Bell) plug and Type 32 receivers. The mask also retains its original corrugated breathing tube (hose) Mk IV with clothing clip. Minor storage soiling to mask but this is ready to pop straight on an early Type C, D or E helmet. Amazing condition.
ON HOLD
 RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |  RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |
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 RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |  RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |
 RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |  RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |
 RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |  RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |
 RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |  RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |
 RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with Type 28 microphone assembly (external wiring), receivers, plug |
RAF braided oxygen mask adaptor tube by Sefton, with connectors for E, E* and G mask.
Extremely rare and often overlooked accessory. This oxygen mask adaptor had two primary functions: to connect the tube from a Type E, E* or G mask to a portable oxygen supply or to a constant flow oxygen supply which utilized the narrow tube supply connector (more commonly associated with the Type D mask). This adaptor features original connectors at both ends (the L-shaped Mk IIIB* bayonet connector being a rare component in its own right) and a 30-inch length of black rubber tubing covered with black and yellow flecked cotton braiding. The tubing in this case is a modern reproduction fabricated by Sefton Clothing Co. to replace the older and usually stiff or decaying rubber tube issued. An excellent display.
ON HOLD
 RAF braided oxygen mask adaptor tube with connectors for E, E* and G mask |  RAF braided oxygen mask adaptor tube with connectors for E, E* and G mask |
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 RAF braided oxygen mask adaptor tube with connectors for E, E* and G mask |  RAF braided oxygen mask adaptor tube with connectors for E, E* and G mask |
 RAF braided oxygen mask adaptor tube with connectors for E, E* and G mask |
RARE RAF Union Jack / ID signal flag carried in Beadon suit and other escape/survival kits.
A small linen printed ID flag carried in RAF survival packs and as part of the Beadon suit inventory to enable RAF pilots to identify themselves to locals when evading the enemy, after a forced landing or parachuting into enemy occupied territory. Flag measures 9" x 5", printed on both sides and bearing a stores ref. number and broad arrow. Unissued and one of the more difficult items to find in order to complete a survival kit display.
ON HOLD
 RARE RAF signal flag Union Jack carried in Beadon suit and other escape/survival kits. |  RARE RAF signal flag Union Jack carried in Beadon suit and other escape/survival kits. |
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 RARE RAF signal flag Union Jack carried in Beadon suit and other escape/survival kits. |
RARE RAAF Blood Chit in Pidgin English.
One of the rarest of the Allied Blood Chits (or Goolie Chits) this was printed in Australia for the RAAF and RNZAF aircrews to carry in the event of findijg themselves among native peoples. The Pidgin English is one of many languages used to communicate with indigenous people and may possibly be Tok Pisin of Papua New Guinea or Australian Kriol. An extremely rare "Goolie Chit", measuring 6.25" x 3.25" printed on thin card and in outstanding condition with minir foxing and a slight crease at one edge.
ON HOLD
 RARE RAAF Blood Chit in Pidgin English |  RARE RAAF Blood Chit in Pidgin English |
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Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike / Buckingham Bright "Half & Half" tobacco tin.
a 1930s "Half & half" tobacco tin (half Lucky Strike roll cut and half Buckingham Bright cut plug tobacco) which was cleverly utilized by an AAF aircrew as a personal aids kit—in much the same way as the first RAF personal aids kits were packed in tobacco tins. Original wartime contents remain inside: bandage, gauze, compress, sticking plaster, razor blade, iodine, water purifying tablets, chewing gum, matches, safety pins and burn ointment. An amazing one-of-a-kind personal item.
ON HOLD
 Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. |  Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. |
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 Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. |  Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. |
 Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. |  Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. |
 Interesting personal aids/survival kit for a USAAF airman utilizing a Lucky Strike cigarette tin. |
USAAF escape kit matches in waterproof plastic container, complete.
An early issue US Army match-safe marked US and FC CO. on the base (with a striker pad). This was before they were produced with the built-in compass. Screw-top cap with cork lining to keep matches dry. Full contents all in very good condition.
$40 / £30 / €35
 USAAF escape kit matches in waterproof plastic container, complete |  USAAF escape kit matches in waterproof plastic container, complete |
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 USAAF escape kit matches in waterproof plastic container, complete |  USAAF escape kit matches in waterproof plastic container, complete |
 USAAF escape kit matches in waterproof plastic container, complete |
RAF aircrew ditching whistle (snail/pea type).
The classic "snail" type ditching whistle issued from 1943 on to all RAF aircrew and attached either to the collar of the BD blouse or to the Mae West. US aircrews also obtained these and attached them to the A-2 jacket collar. Its nickname is a bit misleading: it use was to enable aircrews who had landed by parachute in unfamiliar territory to locate each other, either on the ground or at sea. This example is in excellent condition, with crisp A-crown-M markings, stores ID number and retaining most of its plated finish.
ON HOLD
 RAF aircrew ditching whistle (snail/pea type) |  RAF aircrew ditching whistle (snail/pea type) |
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ULTRA-RARE US Army Field Ration K, Breakfast Unit complete original - early style packaging.
Original US Army K Ration in very early packaging (before they introduced the colour-coded system for ease of recognition. This is the breakfast unit. This and the Dinner unit (below) are from a very old collection and have been wrapped in clear plastic to protect the excellent outer packaging and its contents. I have no reason to doubt they are genuine and original, but, that said, this is not my area of expertise. I will gladly remove the plastic wrapping and open the box for anyone with serious interest—or will ship as is—buyer's choice. Best to contact me first to reserve the item and we can discuss.
ON HOLD
 US Army Field Ration K, Breakfast Unit complete original. |
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US Army Field Ration K, Dinner Unit complete original – early style packaging.
Original US Army K Ration in very early packaging (before they introduced the colour-coded system for ease of recognition. This is the Dinner unit. This and the Breakfast unit (above) are from a very old collection and have been wrapped in clear plastic to protect the excellent outer packaging and its contents. I have no reason to doubt they are genuine and original, but, that said, this is not my area of expertise. I will gladly remove the plastic wrapping and open the box for anyone with serious interest—or will ship as is—buyer's choice. Best to contact me first to reserve the item and we can discuss.
ON HOLD
US Army Field Ration K, Breakfast Unit complete original. |
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Flying Headgear of the World by Jim Weld. Old and battered copy, missing rear cover but extremely rare these days.
The first mass-market book on the subject and the one that got many of us started! Though far from complete and with some errors, it was a big help when nothing else was available. Now long out of print, copies are extremely hard o find and fetch premium prices on the collector circuit. This copy is in poor condition, with many loose pages and the binding all but gone, plus the back cover missing—but is otherwise complete and all the information and photos are there.
ON HOLD
 Flying Headgear of the World by Jim Weld. Old and battered copy, missing rear cover but extremely ra |  Flying Headgear of the World by Jim Weld. Old and battered copy, missing rear cover but extremely ra |
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 Flying Headgear of the World by Jim Weld. Old and battered copy, missing rear cover but extremely ra |  Flying Headgear of the World by Jim Weld. Old and battered copy, missing rear cover but extremely ra |
2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Air Force vol. II.
The Japanese Air Forces booklet is basically a licensed reprint of the original Osprey book published in magazine form weekly by Delprado as part of their "Men at War 1914-1945" series. The US Army Air Force: 2 is the second of 2 Osprey books on the AAF in their "Elite" series. Both are in very good condition. Useful references. Price is for both books.
ON HOLD
 2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |  2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |
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 2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |  2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |
 2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |  2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |
 2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |  2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |
 2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |  2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |
 2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |  2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |
 2 x early editions of Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces (Men at War 1914-1945 series) and US Army Ai |  DSC2 early Osprey books: Japanese Air Forces and US Army Air Force II. |
US insignia—mixed job lot
Mixed lot of US insignia includes everythng you see in the picture: 2 sets of Tech sergeant's chevrons, AAF shoulder patch, lieutenant's and captain's bars embroidered on khaki cotton for the tropical uniform and more. Please look at photos for detaiuls.
Price is for all pictured.
$35 / £27 / €30
 US insignia—mixed job lot |  US insignia—mixed job lot |
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