Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
Oxygen Masks / Accessories
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Box of 2 unused filter canisters for WWII USN MSA oxygen rebreather kit dated 1943.
A scarce accessory for the US Navy rebreather apparatus carried in most USN aircraft for use with the Type C oxygen mask and others. These filters mount on the side of the apparatus and contained charcoal for filtering out CO2 during the rebreathing process. Two original and unopened canisters contained in their original manufacturer's packing box as issued, USN property marjed and dated July 1943. The boxes evidently got damp at some point and there is surface rust on the green canisters which has stained the paper labels, however the labels are intact and still legible.
$95 / £75 / €88
RAF issue A-13A oxygen mask
Scarce pressure demand oxygen mask of US design and origin, first used by USAAF pilots in WWII. This is a 1950s US made example by MSA with Sierra Engineering hardware. Later RAF issue masks were made under license in the UK. They were used by RAF jet pilots for a short time in the 1950s while the Air Ministry worked on developing a suitable pressure breathing mask of the their own. The RAF version had a Type 57 microphone installed with the external switch. Mask is in great condition, the rubber excellent with no stiff or sticky spots, fabric tape with a name and details written on, good hose/tube with connector and chain, and dated 54/55/56.
$195 / £155 / €180
RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask.
Often overlooked in its rarity, but actually one of the rarest WWII RAF oxygen masks, because so few were actually produced and issued before the end of the war. It was issued primarily to high altitude photo-recon pilots and front line bomber crews, then evntually fighter pilots. Very good condition; rubber is supple and undamaged, slight age patina, fitted with correct Type 57 microphone which, as usual, has some minor loss to the plastic surround. The rubber shroud which fits over the wiring loom connection is long since gone but this does not detract. Mask has interesting date markings—looks like 4-45 but there is also a 3 visible. (Could be 43-45 or possibly originally 3-45 overstamped with the 4 - it's difficult to tell).
$475 / £375 / €440
RAF Type M2 pressure breathing oxygen mask, unissued, still packed in box in perfect condition.
The Type M oxygen mask was the first purpose built pressure breathing mask developed for use in RAF fast/high altitude jets (the Type J being based on the body of the H mask). The first version was made from blue rubber and featured a simply hook fastening on the right hand side. The M2 was moulded in black rubber and had a more complicated spring clip mechanism for attaching to the helmet. This M2 mask is in absolutely pristine condition; removed from its box only for photographing, it still has all its padding, packing and tags attached. The mask is dated 1959 (repacked in 1961 on the box). It was the forerunner of the Type P and Q masks. A rare mask which had a very short service life.
$180 / £140 / €168
RAF oxygen mask helmet clip.
The correct wartime issue flat clip for attaching to the Type C, D and E flying helmet in order to secure a Type E*, G or H oxygen mask in place. A hard-to-find accessory. Two styles available - I will try to accommodate your preference. Several available but when they're gone, they're gone!
$45/ £35 / €42 each
RAF oxygen mask adaptor tube for E, G mask to constant flow regulator.
Extremely rare oxygen mask hose adaptor tube which connects the hose from a Type E or G mask to a constant flow supply (built-in or portable). This apparatus comprises a 30" length of rubber tube fitted with a Mk IVA connector at one end (joins the mask tube) and the ultra-rare Mk IIIB bayonet connector (type fitted on a D mask hose/tube) at the other end. One of the most difficult flying equipment accessories to find. Rubber is in excellent condition, totally pliable with no visible cracking.
$575 / £455 / €545
RARE early pattern narrow breathing tube (hose) for the Type G oxygen mask dated 1944.
Very rare example of the early narrow gauge breathing tube as fitted to the Type G oxygen mask. Corrugated rubber tube is in very good condition. This example is made of the slightly "harder" formula of rubber (as with early black rubber masks, some were made from a "soft" rubber and some, like this, from a slightly stiffer blend) but it remains fully pliable with no damage, just the usual minor surface creases within the corrugations. Fitted with correct plastic screw-in end for attaching to the mask and a brass bayonet connector with clip, secured with (presumably) twine and then wrapped with old friction tape. Of significance is the small blue rubber label with the code B444 indicating a production (or inspection) date of 4.44. These early tubes are becoming almost impossible to source and dated examples rarely surface.
$350 / £290 / €335
EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945. Relisted because this item cannot be shipped outside the USA.
One of the rarest and most difficult to find accessories for completing a late war RAF fighter pilot flying equipment display, this is the only example of one of these I have ever seen. In correct RAF stores ref. parlance, this is the "Dry Breathing Assembly, Emergency, Mk I" for high altitude bale-out, Stores ref. 6D/541. Introduced late in the war for use in high-altitude, high-performance fighters, it fit into the long narrow pocket on the outside of the Type A Mk III K-dinghy pack. It comprises the oxygen tank/bottle and valve assembly, D-ring for activation. and long narrow rubber tube which connects to the small outlet pipe on the special oxygen tube/hose for the G or H mask. All in superb condition and dated September 1945. Well marked and tagged with a later inspection/calibration card. An incredibly rare item. G mask, high-altitude mask tube and dinghy pack are shown only for context and not included with sale. Rarity of this item simply cannot be overstated. NOTE: Shipping within US only.
ON HOLD
RAF face-defenders for B helmet/D mask.
"Face-defenders", so-called because they protected the face from "freezer-burn" when coming into contact with the inner press stud fasteners on the B helmet and D mask when flying at high altitudes. These were usually sewn to the edges of the D mask into the appropriate position for a snug fit of the mask. This pair show use but are almost a perfect match - one with clear Air Ministry crown and stores ref. information. Would be the perfect companion for the D mask offered for sale!
$75 / £60 / €70
WWII USN Type C oxygen mask extension hose by MSA.
Black rubber hose, approx. 52" in length, with screw-in connections at each end for extending the length of the breathing tube on the MSA Type C oxygen mask from the mask to the delivery canister / oxygen source. Unissued and unused, couple of depressions in the rubber but totally flexible and still retains a great MSA label attached. Excellent condition.
$65 / £53 / €60
RAF Type D oxygen mask blanking cap.
Scarce 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 for oxygen only, without communications. A hard-to-find accessory.
$145 / £135 / €150 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