Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
US Navy Type NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers and wiring.
Lovely example of the iconic US Navy intermediate weight flying helmet in use from the late 1930s and throughout the war. Made from dark, reddish brown goatskin lined with chamois and fitted with a chamois lined chin cup. This model is fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers and a long cord with NAF marked Type 54 plug. The helmet is in excellent overall condition, the leather and chamois superb; it appears to have had "powder puff" pads sewn in at one time and subsequently removed.
SOLD
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet withANB-H-1 receivers |
|---|---|
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet withANB-H-1 receivers |  DSCN5138 |
 DSCN5140 |  DSCN5141 |
RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern.
Officially for issue to pilots and aircrews flying "East of Malta" - which came to mean any desert or tropical regions. It was most often seen in Italy and North Africa but also used in India and the far east. This rare first pattern was issued unwired and featured a leather chin strap and Bennett buckle fastening, "fore-and-aft" goggle strap tabs and a unique rubber flange/surround to the rubber ear cups for added noise attenuation. After the initial production run this flange was integrated into the ear cup and mounted inside the helmet. This helmet also features snaps/studs for the D mask as well as the Type E (but not the E*). This example shows lots of character and was definitely "there" but while grubby and worn it has no major damage (satin lining has pulled away at the cheeks, but that's all). Felt brow and chin-strap linings are good. Fabric is strong and undamaged; leather is nice and soft; rubber earcups are very pliable (fitted with dummy/repro receivers for photos only — NOT included). Some verdigris to metal fittings. A very decent displayable example of a seldom seen flying helmet.
SOLD
 RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |  RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |
|---|---|
 RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |  RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |
 RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |  RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |
 RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |  RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |
 RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |  RAF Type D tropical/desert flying helmet, rare first pattern |
RAF inflatable stole/bladder for 1941 pattern Mae West.
Inflatable stole for the RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat, popularly referred to as 1941 Pattern Mae West. Stole is completely pliable, including the tube, and well-marked with A-crown-M property mark (suggesting pre-1944 production), with a test date of 7/45. Flexible rubber with grey oiled cotton covering. Also marked PBC for P.B. Cow, the company which designed and produced dinghies, life vests and other inflatable devices. Oral inflation valve in good working order.
SOLD
 RAF stole/bladder for 1941 pattern Mae West |  RAF stole/bladder for 1941 pattern Mae West |
|---|---|
 RAF stole/bladder for 1941 pattern Mae West |  RAF stole/bladder for 1941 pattern Mae West |
 RAF stole/bladder for 1941 pattern Mae West |  RAF stole/bladder for 1941 pattern Mae West |
RAF Beadon suit escape evasion item: sharpening stone.
One of the more obscure and difficult to find evasion/escape items carried as part of the survival kit in the Beadon Suit. This knife sharpening stone is marked NO. 6 MEDIUM "INDIA" and was vital for keeping the knife and machete blades in good usable order. This example as issued and unused. You won't find better!
SOLD
 RAF Beadon suit escape evasion item: sharpening stone |  RAF Beadon suit escape evasion item: sharpening stone |
|---|---|
 RAF Beadon suit escape evasion item: sharpening stone |
RAF Beadon suit escape evasion item: burning glass.
Another obscure and hard-to-find item for the RAF Beadon suit / survival kit. A magnifying glass was included as a simple fire-starting tool for warmth, cooking etc. Just a simple glass 1.625" (4cm) in diameter.
SOLD
 RAF Beadon suit escape evasion item: burning glass |  RAF Beadon suit escape evasion item: burning glass |
|---|
RAF issue type black wool tie.
The correct neck-tie is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the more difficult uniform items to source. Probably because being perfectly "ordinary" they were worn long after the war until they fell apart. While the tie has no markings, it is the correct woven wool material and also the appropriate length for the era (shorter than post war styles). Issued to all other ranks in the RAF and also worn by officers of both the RAF and Royal Navy. I have one example in my own collection which is identical and has a label still attached with a London maker and broad arrow mark, but the labels were loosely attached and most were probably lost in use.
SOLD
 RAF / Royal Navy standard wool tie |  RAF / Royal Navy standard wool tie |
|---|---|
 RAF / Royal Navy standard wool tie |
Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress cap.
Excellent example of an early wartime Royal Navy officer's cap – the exact same cap was worn by ALL RN officers (below Captain) including pilots and aircrews of the Fleet Air Arm. Dark blue wool cap with leather peak, patent leather chin strap and mohair cap band with a mid-war "economy" badge comprised of stamped gilt metal crown, wreath anchor instead of bullion wire on a wool background. Badge is heavily padded and features a red velvet filled crown. Leather sweatband and circular quilted silk padded liner with tailor's details. Cap is very heavily padded in the crown and has a wonderful shape.
SOLD
 Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress cap |  Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress cap |
|---|---|
 Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress cap |  Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress cap |
 Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress cap |  Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress cap |
RCAF Mk III flying goggles in excellent condition.
Outstanding pair of Canadian made Mk III flying goggles — identical to the British made "A-crown-M" marked model used throughout the Battle of Britain, but dated 1942 and maker marked to C.C.B. (Canada Car Body). The pads are soft, the leather is excellent but would undoubtedly benefit from some dressing*. Overall condition is well above average. Acetate lenses are slightly yellowed with surface scratching, springs are strong with no breaks, frames are in perfect shape with a strong hinge and minor paint rubbing. Both "stoppers" present. Good velvet backing. Overall an excellent pair of mid-war RCAF flying goggles.
*Please note: since photographing and listing these I treated them with a little Renapur and they look fantastic (see last photo).
SOLD
 RCAF Mk III flying goggles in excellent condition |  RCAF Mk III flying goggles in excellent condition |
|---|---|
 RCAF Mk III flying goggles in excellent condition |  RCAF Mk III flying goggles in excellent condition |
 RCAF Mk III flying goggles in excellent condition |  RCAF Mk III flying goggles in excellent condition |
 After leather treatment |
AAF Type A-8 flying/training helmet fitted with Gosport receivers, size L.
The first of a collection of four WWII AAF flying/training helmets on offer this week. This is the rather scarce A-8 helmet, made of unlined green cotton with red velvet powder puff earpads and a leather chin cup. No provision for fitting an oxygen mask - but fitted with metal Gosport receivers in order to hear the instructor's commands. Shows light to moderate use, with a couple of worn areas, but ho holes. Most noticeable is to the brow (trainee pilots were notorious for going head first into the cockpit combing during heavy landings!). Large size in overall very good used condition.
SOLD
 AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |  AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |
|---|---|
 AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |  AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |
 AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |  AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |
 AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |  AAF Type A-8 flying helmet fitted with Gosport tubes |
US Signal Corps / AAF T-32 Candlestick microphone.
The iconic Kellogg T-32 "candlestick" microphone seen in almost every wartime photo or movie featuring the inside of AAF airfield control tower or operations room. Made from black enameled metal and bakelite, this is an absolutely pristine example which shows virtually no use, other than very slight wear on one side of the microphone housing from the inside of the box it was stored in. "Push to talk" switch on side has no wear! It has its original cord and plug, still tied with cotton tape and with its paper Kellogg label still in place. Nicely marked on the base in typical red paint to the US Signal Corps. The felt pad on the edge of the base is perfect. Perfect to complete any control tower display and very difficult to upgrade.
SOLD
 US Signal Corps / AAF T-32 Candlestick microphone |  IMG_0473 |
|---|---|
 IMG_0471 |  IMG_0472 |
 US Signal Corps / AAF T-32 Candlestick microphone |  IMG_0469 |
 DSCN9712 |
AAF original edition 487th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force Unit History.
Superb original edition of the 487th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force Unit History. The group comprised the 836th, 837th and 838th Bomb Squadrons and was based at Lavenham, Suffolk. They flew B-17 and B-24 heavy bombers and aircraft carried the code letter "P" on their tails. Book is in very good condition, clean, with good binding, very slight wear to spine but overall a very good collectible copy of this rare unit history.
SOLD
 AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |  AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |
|---|---|
 AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |  AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |
 AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |  AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |
 AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |  AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |
 AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |  AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - Lavenham |
 AAF 487th Bomb Group unit history - LavenhamDSCN0857 |
Excellent RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet.
Unused example of the Canadian made variant of the RAF Type D helmet, made from tan coarse linen lined with grey blanket wool and fitted with leather, zip-up ear cups for receivers and leather staps for securing the goggles. Zip pullers marked Lightning Canada. Excellent condition and large size 7-1/4, with a nice maker's label for Palter Cp, Toronto, dated 1943. There is an ink stamp with the Canadian proof/acceptance mark also dated 1943 on the left cheek/chin area. Chamois lined chin strap/cup. Ear cups are fitted with NOS RCAF marked sponge rubber "donut" pads. It would be hard to find a nicer example.
SOLD
 RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |  RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |
|---|---|
 RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |  RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |
 RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |  RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |
 RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |  RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |
 RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |  RCAF / RCN tropical flying helmet |
Good pair of RAF Mk VII flying goggles.
Good pair of Mk VII flying goggles. Ultramarine painted brass frames are nice and tight and show no serious dings or dents. Clear lenses show minimal signs of delamination. Leather/chamois pads are good, leather nose pad is a little dry but complete and looks good. Elastic webbing strap is clean and has a little bit of stretch left, but is not stretched out and will display well. Goggles are not fitted with the polarizing sun screen which was not generally issued unless requested, but the bar for attaching one is present. Overall a decent, displayable pair of goggles retaining 90+% of the blue paint. (Note: NOT a Battle of Britain item, obviously — but they were worn by the actors portraying RAF pilots in the 1969 film, Battle of Britain!).
SOLD
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles |
|---|---|
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles |
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles |
Reproduction braided rubber oxygen tube/hose for RAF Type D oxygen mask, fitted with original Mk IIIB bayonet connector.
The first of this week's Battle of Britain items. Original tubes/hoses for the Type D mask are extremely difficult to source - and most found are rock hard fossils because the early rubber did not age well. This is a Sefton-made tube, accurate in style, diameter and length (60" /155cm) made from black rubber, covered in black cotton braiding with a yellow fleck. It is fitted with an original brass Mk IIIB* bayonet connector in great condition and well marked with stores ref. number and A-crown-M property mark. Ideal to complete your Battle of Britain headgear display.
SOLD
 Reproduction braided rubber oxygen tube/hose for RAF Type D oxygen mask, fitted with original Mk III |  Reproduction braided rubber oxygen tube/hose for RAF Type D oxygen mask, fitted with original Mk III |
|---|---|
 Reproduction braided rubber oxygen tube/hose for RAF Type D oxygen mask, fitted with original Mk III |  Reproduction braided rubber oxygen tube/hose for RAF Type D oxygen mask, fitted with original Mk III |
Unissued AAF Type A-10 Flying Gloves.
The most popular of all the USAAF issue fling gloves, at least among fighter pilots, were these A-10 gloves made from butter soft lather with wool knit wristlets and a fine knit wool lining. This pair is in perfect condition, unissued and unworn, size 10, with both nomenclature labels intact. These would be impossible to upgrade.
SOLD
 AAF Type A-10 Flying Gloves |  AAF Type A-10 Flying Gloves |
|---|---|
 AAF Type A-10 Flying Gloves |
AAF aircraft mounted Type A-8 pouch for signal flares.
Large OD green canvas bag (13" x 5" x 5" / 33cm x 13cm x 13cm) mounts inside the aircraft cockpit or cabin for safe stowage of signal flare rounds. Shows use but no damage or wear, mostly just a bit grubby from storage. Internal webbing dividers have been removed, perhaps suggesting it was modified for an alternative use. Talon zip works perfectly and all 4 lift-the-dot male snaps are firmly attached. Scarce item, great for a display of equipment as carried in B-17, B-24, B-25 etc. Lovely clear markings.
SOLD
 AAF aircraft mounted Type A-8 pouch for signal flares. |  AAF aircraft mounted Type A-8 pouch for signal flares. |
|---|---|
 AAF aircraft mounted Type A-8 pouch for signal flares. |  AAF aircraft mounted Type A-8 pouch for signal flares. |
 AAF aircraft mounted Type A-8 pouch for signal flares. |  AAF aircraft mounted Type A-8 pouch for signal flares. |