Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
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WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition.
Absolutely superb WWI US Army Air Service leather flying helmet of the standard issue pattern, showing no use or wear whatsoever. The ink stamps to the rear are, as usual, a little blurred but the date of June 1918 is just about readable (although it didn't photograph well). There are a couple of loose stitches on one ear flap but this helmet has to be seen to be believed. Very difficult to upgrade.
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 WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |  WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |
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 WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |  WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |
 WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |  WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |
 WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |  WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |
 WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |  WWI US Army Air Service flying helmet, unissued condition |
AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews.
One of the rarest and most often overlooked accessory for high altitude flight crews. This tan silk balaclava style hood has internal wires to keep the head warm, especially for aircrew members in exposed positions such as turret gunners, waist gunners etc. Perfect condition, retaining cord and webbing connector pad with brass snap fasteners, as well as its label. These were never a popular item not many are known to exist.
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 AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews |  AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews |
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 AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews |  AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews |
 AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews |  AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews |
 AAF electrically-heated helmet liner for aircrews |
WWII AAF style sunglasses in leather case, with gold plated frames.
Classic 1940s aviator style sunglasses of the type favoured by aircrews. This is a privately purchased set, compliant with regulation issue with green glass lenses, wire cable arms, but gold plated and marked 1/10 12K GP on the inside of the crossbar. Complete with their leather case. Excellent condition.
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 WWII AAF style sunglasses in leather case, with gold plated frames |  WWII AAF style sunglasses in leather case, with gold plated frames |
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 WWII AAF style sunglasses in leather case, with gold plated frames |  WWII AAF style sunglasses in leather case, with gold plated frames |
 WWII AAF style sunglasses in leather case, with gold plated frames |  WWII AAF style sunglasses in leather case, with gold plated frames |
AAF extension cord set for receivers and microphone.
Much needed accessories: this is a pair of extension cables: one is for the headset (either the headband or helmet receivers) and the other for the microphone (either the throat mic. or the mask-mounted mic.) which then plug directly into the radio. Excellent condition with no visible cracks or breaks.
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 AAF extension cord set for receivers and microphone |  AAF extension cord set for receivers and microphone |
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 AAF extension cord set for receivers and microphone |
RAF sea boot socks worn inside flying boots.
Classic "over-the-knee" cream coloured socks or stockings worn inside the flying boots for added warmth and comfort. Excellent condition, with one of two very tiny snags. Traditionally associated with merchant marine sailors and fishermen, hence the name "Sea boot socks" but also issued to RAF aircrews throughout the war.
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 RAF sea boot socks worn inside flying boots |  RAF sea boot socks worn inside flying boots |
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AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components.
AAF Aeronautic First Aid Kit for aircraft, which mounted with snap fasteners to the bulkhead walls at various positions in heavy bombers such as the B-17 and B-24. Waterproof canvas case contains scissors, tourniquet, a small mirrorr and a full complement of different bandages. All I can see absent is the syrettes. Very nice clean example.
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 AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |  AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |
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 AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |  AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |
 AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |  AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |
 AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |  AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |
 AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |  AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |
 AAF Kit, Aeronautic, First Aid with most components. |
AAF enlisted man's visor (peaked) cap by Gerber, in the style of a "crusher" with soft peak and rear chin strap.
Best known for their baby food and other baby products, Gerber was a major supplier of clothing items to the US armed forces in WWII (including flying helmets). Gerber items were of high quality and this cap is no exception. made from soft moleskin wool and finished with soft, pliable leather, it features a very flexible peak/visor and a rear chinstrap, both features generally associated with the Army Air Forces and reminiscent of a "crusher". For an enlisted man's cap, this is definitely of superior quality and in excellent condition.
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 AAF enlisted man's visor (peaked) cap by Gerber, in the style of a "crusher" with soft peak and rear |  AAF enlisted man's visor (peaked) cap by Gerber, in the style of a "crusher" with soft peak and rear |
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 AAF enlisted man's visor (peaked) cap by Gerber, in the style of a "crusher" with soft peak and rear |  AAF enlisted man's visor (peaked) cap by Gerber, in the style of a "crusher" with soft peak and rear |
 AAF enlisted man's visor (peaked) cap by Gerber, in the style of a "crusher" with soft peak and rear |  AAF enlisted man's visor (peaked) cap by Gerber, in the style of a "crusher" with soft peak and rear |
First Field Dressing dated Jan/June 1944 as carried in all RAF service dress jackets.
Carried in the small internal pocket inside the front skirt of every RAF service dress jacket, no uniform display is complete without one! Excellent, unopened condition dated jan/June 1944.
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 First Field Dressing dated June 1944 as carried in all RAF service dress jackets |  First Field Dressing dated June 1944 as carried in all RAF service dress jackets |
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RARE US Army Air Corps Type B-4 winter flying helmet.
One of the rarest of all US Army Air Corps helmets which rarely turns up for sale, and few are know to exist. Introduced in 1930, it was produced in smaller quantities than most other US helmets. Though it was issued to a limited extent during WWII, all stocks were exhausted and it was declared obsolete in September 1944. It is unusual in that it has a lining of faux fur made from silk. Leather is in very good condition and its silk pile lining is clean, with a lovely embroidered AAC label inside. At one time this helmet has had earcups and receivers fitted, and could very easily be restored or left as is.
SOLD
 Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |  Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |
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 Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |  Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |
 Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |  Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |
 Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |  Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-4 flying helmet |
WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944.
WAAF uniform items are much more difficult to source than their male counterparts, since the WAAF was such a small branch of the service. This is a lovely service dress cap, made from high quality wool. The peak shows some surface crazing but nothing serious; chin strap is very good, lining is also very good. WD ink stamp indicates a date of 1944 and, through difficult to photograph, the inside of the crown clearly shows a WD broad arrow, size 7 and date of 1944. Comes with an original wartime photograph of the owner, named to the reverse. Definitely could be researched. Overall a very nice cap.
SOLD
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
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 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
Ultra rare Air Ministry marked stole (bladder) for the 1932 Pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West."
Extremely rare find, if not in perfect condition, the stole displays well and can, with care, be inserted in a 32 pattern life vest. The stole is made from salmon/orange coloured India rubber, welted at the edges and fitted with an oral inflation tube of India rubber covered with cotton. The stole is 80% flexible with just a few hardened areas, notably and the narrow area of the shoulders, where one side has cracked and split. there is another split near the wearer's left hand side at the bottom of the lobe. Other than that, the stole remains soft and flexible. The inflation tube is completely flexible and the valve opens and closes. Stole is well marked with Air Ministry property mark and nomenclature, with a date of October 1940. Incredibly hard to find in any condition and worthy of display alongside a green 1932 pattern Mae West if you are fortunate enough to own one!
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 RARE stole for the 1932 pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West" |  RARE stole for the 1932 pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West" |
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 RARE stole for the 1932 pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West" |  RARE stole for the 1932 pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West" |
 RARE stole for the 1932 pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West" |  RARE stole for the 1932 pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West" |
 RARE stole for the 1932 pattern green life saving waistcoat "Mae West" |
RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply with early original canvas carrying pouch.
One of the most difficult accessories to find
for completing a display for a B-17 or B-24 heavy bomber crewman. The H-2 emergency oxygen supply, popularly known by crewmen as the "green apple" because of its pull handle activation. Comprises green painted oxygen cylinder with valve, gauge, rubber tubing with connector and the rare, early type canvas carrying case with straps for attaching to user. Rubber tubing is slightly stiff but still slightly flexible and not brittle, otherwise the complete assembly is in good, displayable condition. Scarce item.
SOLD
 RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |  RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |
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 RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |  RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |
 RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |  RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |
 RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |  RARE AAF H-2 bail out bottle/emergency oxygen supply |
Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vest.
The B-5 life vest was the final variant used by the USAAF in WWII and continued in use for many years afterwards. Wartime production dated examples are very difficult to source and rarely turn up. This example is dated June 1945 with inspection dates in 1949 and later, so it had a good service life. It is complete and in very good condition, with all straps and pockets and the internal rubber bladders are soft and pliable. It is stencilled with 1704th ATS (Air Transport Squadron) on both the leather patch and the strap indicating it;s post WWII use.
SOLD
 Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vest |  Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vest |
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 Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vest |  Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vest |
 Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vestDSCN7965 |  Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vest |
 Scarce wartime production AAF B-5 life vest |
RARE RAF connector for attaching the Type K Dinghy to the life saving waistcoat (Mae West)
A scarce and useful accessory which was fitted to the straps on the K Dinghy pack to enable the pack to be attached to the corresponding female connector attached to the life vest. Very tough to find on the loose and these rarely turn up. A clean example in perfect condition.
SOLD
 RARE RAF connector for attaching the Type K Dinghy to the life saving waistcoat (Mae West) |
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 RARE RAF connector for attaching the Type K Dinghy to the life saving waistcoat (Mae West) |
 RARE RAF connector for attaching the Type K Dinghy to the life saving waistcoat (Mae West) |
Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Survival Kit.
Another very scarce survival item: the B-2 parachute back pad survival kit. This example is in very good condition and contains about 90% of its original contents. Unlike many survival packs, contents in these parachute packs did vary throughout their service issue life, with some crossover from earlier variants and newer items as they were introduced. However this contains:
2 packets of ammunition for the pistol
3 packs of D rations
Waterproof cover for pistol
Flare
Match safe (Marbles type) x 3
Match safe (Everdry) x1
Insect repellent
Pocket knife
Machete
Compass
Halazone water purifying tablets
Missing: gloves, whetstone, mosquito net.
Quite a fantastic find!
SOLD
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
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 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
 Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |  Near complete AAF Type B-2 Parachute Back Pack Kit. |
AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". Very good used condition and named.
Lovely, worn and named example of the Bancroft "Flighter", generally recognized as a definitive "crusher" because it was designed and produced with no stiffeners and a soft leather peak s it could fold or roll up easily. One small worn area to right hand top, but no actual damage anywhere. Named on the underside of the peak (visor) "Stolen from Albert T. Keeler" so room for research. Great cap with a great shape!
SOLD
 AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". |  AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". |
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 AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". |  AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". |
 AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". |  AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". |
 AAF officer's Bancroft "Flighter" - considered to be the original "50 mission crusher". |
Excellent nicely padded hand embroidered RCAF pilot's wings badge.
Beautiful example of the RCAF pilot wings badge, possibly British made but almost certainly early production. Cream silk wings with brown wreath and red inset in crown, on a black wool background, fairly heavily padded and having an oiled cotton backing material.
SOLD
 Excellent nicely padded hand embroidered RCAF pilot's wings badge |  Excellent nicely padded hand embroidered RCAF pilot's wings badge |
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