US Navy Slote and Klein AN6540 summer flying helmet in unissued condition, no receivers fitted.
Unissued condition later war USN / USMC summer flight helmet made uunder contract N288s. Size Medium which equates to Large in AAF equivalent (same size as the AN-H-16 above!). Impossible to upgrade!
SOLD
 USN AN6540 unissued |
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 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
Scarce Great War Royal Flying Corps cowl type flying helmet.
Now harder than ever to find, these cowl type helmets were issued to all RFC pilots and aircrews, though they are said to have been favoured by gunners who had to stand up in their turrets and were exposed to cold air - however photgraphs show they were also worn extensively by pilots of both figher (scout ) aircarft and bombers. In overall great display condition, the leather is very good, although it could probably use some dressing. The chamois lining is also good and the War Dept issue stamp can be seen, though faintly, inside. The fur area has moulted, as is common, and the skin shows some minor insect damage, but this doesn't show when displayed. The helmet retains it's earflaps and original chin strap and nuckle. The padded cylinders were clearly removed at the time (as was common practice - they were found to be useless at deflecting sound and actually caused more noise from vibrating). The keather is evenly faded around their stitch holes showing this was definitely a period modification. A very scarce helmet in good to very good condiiton.
SOLD
 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
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 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
RARE 1942 dated Luftwaffe rubberized linen night bombing target map of Aberdeen and Peterhead, Scotland.
Small scale map measures 53 cm x 43 cm (23" x 17") printed in colour on brght yellow rubberized linen. Single-sided in outstanding condition, very clean and no folds or pin holes as are usually found. These were carried in night bombing aircraft - the yellow background and bright features showing up well under red cockpit lighting. Being waterproof they could also be used for sailing / navigation in the event of ditching or baling out at sea. Maps shows depths of North Sea off the coast of Scotland as well as major targets on the northern Scottish coast. Aberdeen was bombed very badly in April 1943 by waves of Luftwaffe bombers coming from bases in Norway. These target maps are quite rare and highly sought after accessories and make attractive displays alongside Luftwaffe flying kit.
SOLD
 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
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 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
RAF Sherry glasses from the officers' mess.
A matching set of four sherry glasses from an RAF officer's mess, dating from c.1930 to WWII. Excellent condition with no cracks or chips and etched RAF crest. Would prefer to sell as a set, since all are matched, but if no interest will split and sell individually.
All 4: $150 / £120 / €130
Each: $45 / £35 / €40
 RAF sherry glasses |  RAF sherry glasses |
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 RAF sherry glasses |
RAF egg cup from the officers' mess.
Eggs were a very rare commodity back in WWII and reserved only for those flying on ops. (everyone else had to make do with powdered eggs). Imagine arriving back at dawn after a long night raid and being able to enjoy a soft boiled egg - it was quite a luxury. This egg cup is exquisite: bone china made by Aynsley, with a blue glaze, gold leaf trim and RAF crest lithographed in blue. No cracks, chips or damage - perfect condition.
 RAF officer's mess egg cup |
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 RAF officer's mess egg cup |
Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
Parachutes / Mae Wests
(click on pictures to enlarge)
AAF chest type parachute
T-ring to deploy 'chute.
One of those hard-to-find accessories to complete a parachute pack or display. The "T" shape pull handle for a chest type parachute as used by aircrew.
$25 / £18 / €20
 AAF chest type parachute T-ring |  AAF chest type parachute T-ring |
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 AAF chest type parachute T-ring |
WWII or early post war period commercial life vest probaby for passengers on commercial flights.
Single chamber, blue grey rubberized fabric life preserver fitted with an auto-inflation mechanism as well as a top-up tube. Fastens by one webbing tape around the waist and one tie at the front. It looks like a cross between a German Luftwaffe issue vest and a USAAF issue B-5 but is marked Knapp and Monach, St. Louis, USA on the mechanism. No other markings that I can see. Lacks cartridge but in excellent, unused condition.
$40 / £30 / €350 email to secure this item
 US commercial life vest 1940s |
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 US commercial life vest 1940s |
 US commercial life vest 1940s |
 US commercial life vest 1940s |
AAF Back Pack parachute "ripcord" comprising "D" ring and cable with release pins still attached.
Back Pack parachutes were used throughout the war, from 1942 onwards, by both fighter pilots and bomber crews, although they are thought of as somewhate scarce (and are certainly less common than either the seat pack or the clip-on chest pack). This ripcord comprises the D-ring handle with long cable and a series of 4 release pins, all of which are present. The handle is stamped AN 6571-1 with a W in a circle.
£20 / $25 / €24 Click to secure item
 AAF Back pack Parachute ripcord |
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 AAF Back pack Parachute ripcord |
 AAF Back pack Parachute ripcord |