Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
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WWII named Caterpillar Club gold pin.
Extremely hard to find these days - an original Caterpillar Club pin in gold, with the red "ruby" eyes and in catch to back. Just a fraction over 3/4" long (23mm) and named/engraved to T/S H.U. Dionne. Although this is a British style Caterpillar pin (the US types were larger and silver), the name would seem to indicate a US serviceman (T/S or Technical Sergeant being a US Army rank). New arrival so I have not had time to do any research on the name.
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$650 / £535 / €615
 WWII Named caterpillar club gold pin |  WWII Named caterpillar club gold pin |
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 WWII Named caterpillar club gold pin |  WWII Named caterpillar club gold pin |
RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to 401 squadron Spitfire pilot.
Extremely rare first production RAF stole-inflated yellow life vest, complete. The very earliest model, popularly known as 1941 Pattern Mae West. Superb "Howard Flint" manufacturer's label states this is a "Flap Type" but the flap has been cut removed, in keeping with AMOs. The only feature is the dye-pack pocket and the automatic inflation mechanism – vest has none of the later added features: no grab handles, leg/crotch tapes, eyelet for whistle; pocket for skull-cap, or floating lamp pocket. Makeshift attachment for the dinghy is rigger added. Dished brass buttons. Vest has a few minor holes (just wear and tear and age), the largest of which is to the front, smaller holes at the edge but no major detractions; zip works fine and reveals rare early yellow silk covered Air Ministry marked stole (bladder) dated 1/42 and fitted with its A-M marked chrome inflation lever mechanism, plus very early kapok pads, A-M marked and covered in tan oilcloth fabric. Named to F/O Bowman of 401 Squadron, a Spitfire squadron operated by the RCAF. Examples of first model stole inflated life-saving waistcoats are extremely rare and having it ID'd to a known fighter unit is a superb bonus.
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$3,525 / £2,880 / €3,310
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
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 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |
 RARE early production RAF 41 Pattern yellow Mae West, named to fighter pilot with 401 squadron. |  RAF 401 sq. F_O Bowman RAF (mae west) |
RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap.
A very rare offering. A WWII period Mexican Army officer's cap. The Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana or FAM) was a branch of the Mexican Army, and one squadron (201) famously served in the Philippines with the AAF 58th FG flying P-47s. (a photo of a group of 201 sq. pilots is included for reference). FAM fighter pilots—like those in the USAAF and other air forces—favoured the slouched, "crushed" look which this cap has. It also has a front and rear chin strap like AAF officers' caps. Well marked inside and made in Mexico City. The national cockade was missing when this cap was acquired and the seller has replaced it (see photo showing missing cockade with clear imprint of where it had been). Rank bars, buttons and all other components are original to the hat.
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$390 / £320 / €370
 RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
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 RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
 RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
 RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
 RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
 RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
 IMG_9590 |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
 RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |  RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap |
Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers.
Very rare poster which was sent to aircraft factories as a morale booster for workers who despite constant bombing raids, continued to work hard producing much needed aircraft for the RAF. The poster features a letter from Stafford Cripps, Minister of Aircraft Production, and depicts 3 Hurricane fighters flying over a convoy of fighters being shipped by lorries. Rich colour printing has not faded, and though the poster was definitely used, it remains in fine displayable condition. Has been folded into four, some very minor loss in corners and has been taped on the back where it has split very slightly at the folds. These flaws in no way detract and if anything add to the historic value of the poster. Size is approximately 20" x 30" and is dated 1943. A superb poster which would make a fantastic backdrop to any RAF collection.
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$250 / £205 / €235
 Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers |  Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers |
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 Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers |  Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers |
 Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers |  Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers |
Good pair of used RAF Mk VIII goggles.
A decent pair of well used RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, most probably post war, based on the fact that the frames lack the rolled edge found on wartime production. Brass frames so still quite early, retaining 85% of original blue-grey paint. Good leather and decent lenses showing minor signs of delamination. Strap is a later replacement made with original metal hardware so retains full elasticity. A fair starter set or for re-enacting.
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$150 / £125 / €1405
 Good pair of RAF Mk VIII goggles |  Good pair of RAF Mk VIII goggles |
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 Good pair of RAF Mk VIII goggles |  DSCN8040Good pair of RAF Mk VIII goggles |
RAF tube whistle for early 1941 Pattern Mae West.
Excellent tube (pealess) whistle of the type most often associated with the first issue 1941 Pattern yellow life jackets or "Mae Wests." Heavily chromed whistle retains all its plated finish and excellent Air Ministry markings, including the A-crown-M, stores ref. data and contract details. Still has it's split ring for attaching to a chain or directly to the vest. These whistles were also used by RAF Police ("Snowdrops").
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SOLD
 RAF tube whistle for early 1941 Pattern Mae West. |
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 RAF tube whistle for early 1941 Pattern Mae West. |
 RAF tube whistle for early 1941 Pattern Mae West. |
 RAF tube whistle for early 1941 Pattern Mae West. |
Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force Battle of Britain fighter ace Jan Falkowski (with his signature).
Two rare posters/prints commemorating WWII Polish fighter ace and Battle of Britain pilot Jan Falkowski who flew with the RAF during the war. The first is a print of a famous painting by Arnold Hodgkins, "Portrait of Poland" depicting Falkowski holding a ceremonial dagger, in front of a montage of scenes from his remarkable flying career and life. A high quality art print on textured paper enttled which was produced in 1971. The print is in excellent condition, retaining its rich colours, with no damage or creases. It has been rolled up and will be mailed in a tube. The print is one of a small number that were signed by Falkowski and the autograph is crisp and clear in blue ink. The second item is a promotional poster which was hung in bookshops to announce the publication of Falkowski's autobiography in 1971 and features the cover illustration along with the title of the book, "With the Wind in My Face." The poster has a small stain in the upper left hand corner and a very small split on the right hand edge, but is otherwise in very good condition. Two rare pieces of artwork and a rare Battle of Britain Polish fighter pilot's autograph.
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$275 / £225 / €260
 Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force fighter ace Jan Falkowski (signed) |
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 Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force fighter ace Jan Falkowski (signed) |
 Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force fighter ace Jan Falkowski (signed) |
 Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force fighter ace Jan Falkowski (signed) |
 Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force fighter ace Jan Falkowski (signed) |
 Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force fighter ace Jan Falkowski (signed) |
 Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force fighter ace Jan Falkowski (signed) |
WWII RAF sergeant's stripes.
Lovely matching pair of correct WWII sergeant's stripes for the service dress or battle dress (suits aircrew/war service dress). Appear to have never been sewn on.
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$55 / £45 / €52
 WWII RAF sergeant's stripes |
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 WWII RAF sergeant's stripes |
WWII RAF flight sergeant's brass crowns.
Lovely matching pair of correct WWII flight sergeant's crowns in brass for the service dress or battle dress (suits aircrew/war service dress). These were positioned immediately above the stripes to indicate the rank of flight sergeant. Perfect condition and include the cotter pins for attaching to sleeve.
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$55 / £45 / €52
 WWII RAF flight sergeant's brass crowns |  WWII RAF flight sergeant's brass crowns |
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Matched pair of WWII RAF officer's VR collar devices.
Lovely matching pair of correct WWII officer's VR (Volunteer Reserve) gilt collar devices for the service dress jacket. These were not worn after 1942 so indicate early wartime use. Lug back complete with cotter pins for attachment.
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$25 / £21 / €24
 Matched pair of WWII RAF officer's VR collar devices |  Matched pair of WWII RAF officer's VR collar devicesof WWII RAF officer's VR collar devives |
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Miniature Irvin Air Chute badge in sterling silver.
Very tiny—measures just 3/8" (10mm) both in height and width, but beautifully detailed sterling silver pinback badge featuring the Irvin Air Chute logo with enameling in black, white and red. I believe this badge was awarded to those who made a parachute jump using an Irvin Air Chute other than in an emergency or life saving situation (the caterpillar badge was exclusively for those taking to the silk in an emergency). Beautiful, though tiny, badge.
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$65 / £65 / €70
 Miniature Irvin Air Chute badge in sterling silver. |
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 Miniature Irvin Air Chute badge in sterling silver. |
 Miniature Irvin Air Chute badge in sterling silver. |
 Miniature Irvin Air Chute badge in sterling silver. |