AAF A-14 Oxygen Mask in original box, with all accessories.

 

Just the way every collector like to find these masks, and so rarely found these days! A-14 oxygen mask, dated 3-45, size small (which is perfect for most mannequin displays) in outstanding condition. The rubber is soft and pliable, with one small area in the chin which has a 1/4-inch split. This does not go all the way through and is only visible inside the mask. The thin rubber straps which support the harness, and which are usually the weak spot on these masks, are all perfect. The mask has had the black rubber anti-freeze baffles cemented in place and also had its microphone installed, but appears to have never been worn! It comes in its 4-45 dated box, which still contains the cellophane wrapping and cardboard insert, as well as the envelope containing instructions and all fittings for installing snaps and clips to helmet. There are 3 separate instruction sheets: one for the mask care, one for cementing the anti-freeze baffles, and one for installing the special new snaps with threaded center for permanent fitting of mask to helmet. I have never seen these type of snaps before as an issue item! A very rare variation and getting very difficult to find in this condition. these days.

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$380 / £275 / €320

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Vietnam era USAF MS22001 pressure breathing oxygen mask.

 

This pattern began its service life in WWII as the A-13A pressure demand mask, and remained in use until the1990s, redesignated as MS22001 c.1950. This is an example from the Vietnam war era. Made by Acushnet, who made far fewer than MSA, the mask is in good condition. The rubber is pliable, with no signs of perishing. There is a small nick in the folded down facial seal and the integral strap that fits under the nose has separated, as is common. The exoskeletal stiffener has had the two outer edges removed (this may have been deliberate?) however it wouldn't affect the functionality of the mask. Unusually it has been fitted with a full head harness, intended for wear with a headset rather than a helmet - so perhaps for a heavy bomber or reconnaissance aircraft (maybe a B-52?). Covers for the valves are missing but replacements can be found.  Microphone installed. Good hose and connector. Overall a great display piece for any Vietnam aviation display. Moulded date of 1969. Quite a scarce mask, especially from this maker and in this configuration.

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$200 / £145 / €170

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Scarce early RAF A-13A Pressure Breathing Oxygen Mask 1954/55.

 

The A-13A mask was developed and in use at the end of WWII by US Army Air Force pilots. The Air Ministry began using the Type J mask for high-altitude/pressure breathing at the same time, but following tests after the war, found the A-13A to be a better option, adopting it for use in fast jets. RAF A-13A masks were made under license in Scotland by MSA, and differed from the American made version by having the addition of the Type 57 microphone and a slightly different connector. This is a good used example, with wear but no damage. the rubber is supple and pliable, if slightly stretched at the edges. It bears the service years calendar dated 54/55/56 but the small rubber label with RAF nomenclature is absent. It was worn at first with the Type C and C* helmet, then later with the Types F, G and Mk I and Ia bone dome - and displays well with all. The post war RAF being much a much smaller force than in wartime, this is quite a scarce mask. 

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$285 / £205 / €240

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RAF A-13A oxygen mask, unissued, boxed and dated 1957.

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Quite a scarce oxygen mask, the A-13A was used as a temporary interim mask by RAF pilots flying Hunters, later Meteors, Canberras etc. while a suitable pressure breathing mask was being developed  for the Air Ministry. Made under licence from MSA USA in Glasgow, it was produced in different versions, initially for the Type C helmet, then the Type F and finally this version for the Type G with its triangular snap plate and lock down bar for a tight fit. This example has never been out of its box (except to photograph) and is in pristine condition, still wrapped in tissue in its well-marked transit box and includes the original instruction sheet. The hose is slightly kinked at the junction of the mask from being folded for 60+ years, but this could be straightened out and there is no damage. A remarkable find.

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$315 / £225 / €260  email to secure this item​

RAF Type D oxygen mask blanking cap.

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Chamois covered alloy cap with hinges to attached to the front of the Type D oxygen mask. This was used when the mask was worn without communications being necessary (often during training). Becoming a hard-to-find accessory these days.

 

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$125 / £90 / €105  email to secure this item

RAF Type D mask blanking cap modified with the addition of a microphone.

 

Definitely not a standard modification, and nothing you will find in APs or AMOs, but nonetheless it does appear to be a legitimate working microphone mounted in a blanking cap for the Type D oxygen mask. There are several possibilities: a wartime trial to test different type of microphone; a postwar microphone fitted so that a display pilot (or move stunt pilot) might wear a Type D mask for a more authentic appearance; a completely made up piece intended to fool or deceive (although I doubt it would fool anyone!).  Take your choice, It is an interesting conversation piece and priced as such.

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$120 / £92 / €102    email to secure this item

WWII RAF gauze screen for the Type 25 / 26 microphone as fitted in the Type E, E* and G oxygen mask. Stores ref. 10A/12925.

 

This simple gauze screen was an afterthought to prevent moisture (spit) from getting into the microphone and shorting it out. Aluminium frame and dine wire gauze mesh. Each is stamped with the stores ref. no 10A/12925 (stamping is clearer on some than others and one is worn away). Five available.

 

Price for one screen: $22 / £18 / €20  email for more information