Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
John Player cigarette card album with complete set of cards, "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force."
John Player cigarette card album with complete set of cards, "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force." Superb home front item in excellent condition. Minor creasing and small rust stains around staples. All cards neatly glued in and name of original owner neatly written inside cover. C.1939. The illustrations of aircraft are quite excellent.
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 Early WWII Players cigarettes card complete collection "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force" in album |  Early WWII Players cigarettes card complete collection "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force" in album |
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 Early WWII Players cigarettes card complete collection "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force" in album |  Early WWII Players cigarettes card complete collection "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force" in album |
 Early WWII Players cigarettes card complete collection "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force" in album |  Early WWII Players cigarettes card complete collection "Aircraft of the Royal Air Force" in album |
USAF early jet helmet receivers Type H-79/AIC, complete with wiring loom and plugs.
Not an easy accessory to find if you happen to need one! A complete wiring loom, with H-79 receivers, NATO style jack plug and mask microphone connector all complete and in good condition, well marked. Post war USAF isn't my area of expertise but I'm guessing this would fit the later P-series and early HGU-series helmets.
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 USAF early jet helmet receivers Type H-79/AIC, complete with wiring loom and plugs |  USAF early jet helmet receivers Type H-79/AIC, complete with wiring loom and plugs |
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 USAF early jet helmet receivers Type H-79/AIC, complete with wiring loom and plugs |  USAF early jet helmet receivers Type H-79/AIC, complete with wiring loom and plugs |
 USAF early jet helmet receivers Type H-79/AIC, complete with wiring loom and plugs |
Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet.
Absolutely pristine example of this rare late war flying helmet, produced in Italy, for the Co-belligerent Air Force which flew with the RAF against the Luftwaffe in 1944-45. It was made from the same pattern as the RAF Type E helmet, unwired (for an external loom) using tan coloured cotton Aertex mesh with leather fittings and an elastic chin strap. The rubber ear cups were designed for the RAF type receivers because they mostly flew British or American aircraft. It is also set up for a Type G or H oxygen mask. Condition is immaculate and it is a very large size 62. Ths would be extremely difficult to upgrade.
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 Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet. |  Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet. |
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 Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet. |  Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet. |
 Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet. |  Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet. |
 Late war Italian made version of the RAF Type E flying helmet. |
Italian Air Force Fopais flying goggles with sun shields.
Scarce early wartime Italian flying goggles, marked Brevetto Fopais (patent Fopais), complete with amber tinted independent flip up sun / haze screens. Very good condition, with good soft sponge rubber cushions, alloy frames with central screw adjustment for size / fit, clear acetate lenses and elastic strap retaining some elasticity. Minor surface scratches on lenses and screens but these look wonderful on display.
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 Italian Air Force Brevetto Fopais flying goggles with sun shields. |  Italian Air Force Brevetto Fopais flying goggles with sun shields. |
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 Italian Air Force Brevetto Fopais flying goggles with sun shields. |  Italian Air Force Brevetto Fopais flying goggles with sun shields. |
 Italian Air Force Brevetto Fopais flying goggles with sun shields. |  Italian Air Force Brevetto Fopais flying goggles with sun shields. |
 Italian Air Force Brevetto Fopais flying goggles with sun shields. |
Model / replica Colt .45 automatic for display.
Plastic model kit from the 1970s, completed and painted up to look authentic with worn blackened finish and wood grips. Once upon a time it had functioning parts (trigger, hammer, safety, slide etc.), now it is glued firmly together and good for display only - but looks the part on a mannequin or in a holster if you don't want an actual live weapon on display. Magazine will come out but trigger, slide, hammer etc. are strictly non-functioning.
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 Model / replica Colt .45 automatic for display |  Model / replica Colt .45 automatic for display |
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 Model / replica Colt .45 automatic for display |  Model / replica Colt .45 automatic for display |
 Model / replica Colt .45 automatic for display |  Model / replica Colt .45 automatic for display |
Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet.
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Absolutely superb A-11 flying helmet, size large, by Fox Chase Knitting Mills, I. Miller Parachute Division – quite a scarce label. Lovely condition, unworn and presumably unissued, though it is fitted with correct ANB-H-1 telephone receivers. Superb soft leather and clean chamois lining, 3 press studs (snaps) each side, plus one more on the left jaw for securing the A-14 mask properly. Nice clear AAF decal on the left side of the helmet and great woven label inside. This example would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |  Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |
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 Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |  Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |
 Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |  Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |
 Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |  Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |
 Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |  Roold Mod. 101 aviation safety helmet |
 Figure-2 |
RAF Type B helmet with rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles.
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One of the rarest variations of the ubiquitous Type B helmet; this example has been period modified to use with the Mk V and VA Spectacles by adding plates with press studs on either side, and a holding hook on the forehead. These blackened brass attachments were issued with the Spectacles but are invariably missing. Far less common than helmets with guide plates for the Mk IV goggles - this is one of a very small handful I have ever seen. Condition of the helmet is very good, the leather in excellent condition and the chamois lining, intact if slightly grubby. There is no sign of a label, but I would guess it's a generous size 2 (medium) though perhaps closer to a large. The leather covering on one Bennett buckle has worn away, which is commonly found. Curiously, the helmet appears to have Fleet Air Arm type zipped receiver compartments, and has never had the rubber telephone holders installed – nor the inner chamois donut pads fitted – suggesting this was probably Naval issue to accommodate electronic and Gosport communications. It is named inside to Roy Clover.
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 RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |  RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |
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 RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |  RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |
 RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |  RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |
 RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |  RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |
 RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |  RAF Type B helmet with extremely rare fittings for the Mk VA Spectacles |
AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties.
Chamois face mask worn by aviators – primarily air gunners – for extreme cold and high altitude, as well as other branches of the US Army serving in extremely cold climates. It could be worn under a flying helmet and oxygen mask if needed. This example still has a tag attached listing the manufacturer and a 1943 date. Very good condition with some minor storage soiling. Strap retains elasticity.
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 AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |  AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |
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 AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |  AAF / US Army Mask, Field, Chamois for cold weather use including flying duties |
RAF issue steel helmet as carried and worn by all RAF personnel for protection during air raids.
Very nice example of a home front issue steel Brodie helmet, with grey finish for RAF / WAAF issue. 3 holes drilled in each side indicate it is not made from ballistic steel and therefore is specifically for home front — primarily for air raid protection. Great condition retaining 90% painted finish, very good liner and chin strap. There is a cotton tag tied to the chin strap with a faint name written - can't quite make it out. Well marked: BMB (Briggs Motor Bodies) stamp on helmet rim, JCS&W (J. Compton Sons & Webb) with broad arrow on liner. Looks like it's dated 1939. A great piece of kit to complete your RAF airman while on station or WAAF ops room popsie!​
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 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
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 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
 RAF / WAAF Brodie steel helmet, home front issue |
WWII RAF aircrew muffler / scarf.
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Blue-grey knitted wool scarf which was issued as part of the uniform in colder and temperate climates, but also worn on ops by aircrew for extra warmth under the flying clothing. Double thick layer of wool, sewn at both ends, measures approx. 40" x 7". Excellent condition, barring a few small snags which really don't show up too much. One of those great accessories that are never easy to find.
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 WWII RAF aircrew muffler / scarf |  WWII RAF aircrew muffler / scarf |
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 WWII RAF aircrew muffler / scarf |
AAF A-9A flying gloves for Air Gunners.
Excellent, slightly worn pair of these iconic Air Gunner's mittens in a rare and unusual light tan colour, manufactured by J.A. Dubox of A-2 jacket fame. Excellent condition with great labels inside both gloves, good fleece linings. Some marks to exterior possibly paint or possibly blood? May well clean up if desired. Size Medium.
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 AAF A-9A flying gloves for Air Gunners |  AAF A-9A flying gloves for Air Gunners |
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 AAF A-9A flying gloves for Air Gunners |  AAF A-9A flying gloves for Air Gunners |
RAF officer's service dress peaked cap.
Very nice wartime RAF officer's service dress cap, showing very little wear. Lovely shape – turned down at the sides like a "crusher" – complete with beautiful, heavily padded bullion badge and narrow, patent leather chin strap. There are a couple of very tiny moth nips on the top on the crown, and a couple of minor wear spots under the visor, but nothing that seriously detracts from what is a lovely cap. Good size 7-1/8, Roan leather sweatband, diamond shaped tailor's label (now faded and unreadable), good chin strap with original buttons.
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 RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
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 RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
 RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
 RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
 RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example.
Superb example of the iconic Type B flying helmet, in a decent size 2 (medium) which sits beautifully on a standard display head. Dark brown leather is in excellent condition, and the chamois lining is very clean. Retains nicely marked zipped compartments fro receivers, rubber telephone holders padded with NOS Canadian made sponge cushions. Bennett buckles show no loss of leather covering, zip pullers are still in place and chin strap still has its metal tip. Label has been removed from inside crown as per Air Ministry directive of 1940 and an ink stamp in the nape shows the AM property mark and size information. There is a name hand writted inside the right cheek (difficult to determne) and initials on the other side, plus an ink mark where the label once was. Overall one of the nicer B helmets I have seen in a long time.
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 RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |  RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |
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 RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |  RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |
 RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |  RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |
 RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |  RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |
 RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |  RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |
 RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |  RAF Battle of Britain era Type B flying helmet, text book example |
Extremely RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, receivers and plug.
Extremely rare early production Type D mask in green melton wool with chamois lining (linen lining forward of the horseshoe pad). Fitted with the extremely rare and highly sought after Type E microphone assembly (Type C microphone with Q cord, receivers and plug). Mask is overall in good displayable condition; some typical moth damage and wear, most of which is not seen when on display (around the edge and tucked under the fold in the nose area). Microphone is very clean, with two tiny stretch holes. Wiring excellent. Fitted with Canadian made Type C-3 receivers. Bell plug wrapped in friction tape for grip. First issued in 1935, this configuration was the maintstay of all aircrews in the Battle of France and early part of the Battle of Britain.
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 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |  RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |
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 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |  RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |
 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |  RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |
 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |  RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |
 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask fitted with Type E microphone assembly, including maroon Type Q cord, re |
Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 dated inspection stamp.
This is the iconic flying suit they every RAF pilot and aircrewman was issued on day one of his flying training, and for many it remained their first choice for wearing on combat missions throughout the war. The 1930 pattern is particularly poignant because it was used during the Battle of Britain, including by many fighter pilots (notably Sir Douglas Bader, legless ace who kept his tin legs inside the suit ready to scramble!).
Fewer of this pattern have survived than the later 1940 and '41 variants, and most surviving suits show wear and tear – this example is however in lovely condition. Made from oiled cotton, very similar to the 1932 pattern green mae west, it has faux fur lined thigh pockets (a distinguishing feature of the 1930 pattern) and early DOT marked "British made" zips. All zips are in perfect working order, and all buttons are present for attaching the "teddy bear" woool liner and faux fur collar (not included). Light staining to the rear (probably from lying in storage) but overall beautifully age tanned and in great condition. No wear or tears. I'd have to say one of the best examples of this now rare suit I have come across.
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 Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |  Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |
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 Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |  Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |
 RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufactuering label and 1939 dated inspection s |  Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |
 Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |  Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |
 Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |  Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |
 Absolutely stunning RAF 1930 Pattern Sidcot Flying Suit with 1937 dated manufacturing label and 1939 |
Scarce 1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet by Wareoings, fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles.
Iconic Battle of Britain flying era helmet, made from dark brown leather lined with chamois and fitted with large zip-up compartments for telephone receivers. this example is combat worn but in excellent condition and fitted with the scarce guide plates issued with Mk IV, IVA and IVB goggles to attach the large fabric covered spring loops. Leather is soft with a couple of very minor surface nicks, chamois lining is well Brylcremed. Bennett buckles retain their leather covering, zips have their leather pullers and chin strap has its metal tip. Rubber telephone holders are present and soft (one slightly loose). Great Wareings of Northampton label inside indicates a size 1, but it fits more like a 2 and looks great on a display head. The manufacturing date of 1939 is crossed out, perhaps suggesting it was issued later?Rare to find a Type B helmet with guide-plates fitted these days, and this is a wonderful example. Ear cups fitted with NOS Canadian sponge pads to hold their shape.
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 1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |  1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |
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 1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |  1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |
 1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |  1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |
 1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |  1939 dated RAF Type B flying helmet fitted with guide-plates for the Mk IV series goggles. |
Scarce first pattern, first variant RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet.
One of the more evasive helmets to find these days. This pattern was introduced in late 1941 for issue to all aircrews "East of Malta" and was the first summer weight RAF flying helmet since the old Type A cork helmet of 1920. Initial batches were fitted with the external oval rubber flange for noise attenuation, but this design was quickly abandoned in favour of internally mounted telephone holders with a built in flange; this early version is now considered quite rare. Helmet is constructed from khaki cotton drill with a satin lining, the chin flap and forehead lined with felt. It has a leather chin strap and Bennett buckle fastening. Condition is very good, with no damage or wear to to the fabric, just some "bleeding" of the brown dye from the leather goggle tabs. Felt brow lining is excellent, chin flap with a few minor nips. Leather is good and soft, as are the rubber earcups and flanges. Press studs (snaps) are fitted for the D and E masks - it also mates very well with the rare microphone mask listed separately below. Size 2 (medium).
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 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
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 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
 Scarce first pattern RAF Type D summer/hot weather flying helmet |
RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Type 28 microphone, full external wiring and receivers.
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For flights below 10,000 ft, which included many Coastal Command patrols and reconnaissance flights, as well as flights from carriers, oxygen was not required. Aircrews had initially been issued a Type E microphone mask—essentially a Type B oxygen mask without an inlet pipe. In some cases, oxygen masks were worn without the breathing tube, but was was wasteful use of an expensive piece of equipment. A pattern was drawn up for a simple mask, made of khaki cotton drill or canvas and lined with linen or satin (as used for the Type D helmet). It appears the pattern was circulated and these masks were constructed in the field, as needed (official records are scant). However enough have been found to substantiate their use. This example is in excellent condition and fits perfectly on a Type B helmet or early Type D helmet (as shown in the last few pictures). Price is for mask only.
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 RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Type 28 microphone, full external wiring and receivers. |  RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Tyoe 28 mu=icrophone, full external wiring and receiver |
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 RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Tyoe 28 mu=icrophone, full external wiring and receiver |  RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Tyoe 28 mu=icrophone, full external wiring and receiver |
 RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Tyoe 28 mu=icrophone, full external wiring and receiver |  RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Tyoe 28 mu=icrophone, full external wiring and receiver |
 RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Tyoe 28 mu=icrophone, full external wiring and receiver |  RAF second type microphone carrier mask with Tyoe 28 mu=icrophone, full external wiring and receiver |
AAF Pack for the Type C-2 Pneumatic raft.
Heavy canvas pack for the Type C-2 Pneumatic raft for attaching to the seat-type parachute harness. This is one of the later types with the hooks reversed so that the wearer sat on the opening. manufacture date of March 1945. Made by Rubber Raft Corp. of America. Very good condition, with some staining and soiling from storage.
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 AAF Type C-2 Pararaft pack |  AAF Type C-2 Pararaft pack |
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 AAF Type C-2 Pararaft pack |  AAF Type C-2 Pararaft pack |
RAF parachute / equipment bag.
RAF parachute bag in very good, condition, showing light use but no wear or damage. Tan canvas bag with perfect working zip fastener (marked "Flash"), internal flaps with snap closure. Crisp clear broad arrow mark on both sides. These were issued as equipment bags but their primary use was for storage and transportation of parachute harnesses and packs, both seat types and observer types.
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 RAF parachute / equipment bag |  RAF parachute / equipment bag |
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 RAF parachute / equipment bag |  RAF parachute / equipment bag |
 RAF parachute / equipment bag |  RAF parachute / equipment bag |
 RAF parachute / equipment bag |  RAF parachute / equipment bag |
AAF Aviator's kit bag AN-6501-1 (parachute bag) in excellent condition.
Heavy OD cotton "duck" canvas bag with webbing handles and brass zip fasteners, well marked and in excellent condition. Used for storing and transporting bulky aircrew clothing and equipment, in particular parachutes. Well marked with zips in good working order. This example is late war and shows almost no use or wear. Not hard to find, but not common to find in this condition. ​
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 AAF Aviator's kit bag in excellent condition |  AAF kit bag in excellent condition |
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 AAF Aviator's kit bag in excellent condition |  AAF Aviator's kit bag in excellent condition |
 AAF Aviator's kit bag in excellent condition |  AAF Aviator's kit bag in excellent condition |
 AAF Aviator's kit bag in excellent condition |  AAF Aviator's kit bag in excellent condition |