Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Royal Flying Corps aviator's goggle mask with embroidered mascot attached.
It was a common practice in WWI (and again in WWII) for aviators – who were rather superstitious – to attach good luck symbols to their flying helmet. One of the more popular items were small good luck dolls, usually embroidered by a wife or girlfriend - which were often sewn to the flying helmet, or in this case, the goggles. This is a "golliwog" which were very popular in the early 20th century. Golliwogs were never intended to be symbolic of racism, but represented good luck, perhaps misunderstood by later generations and offered here purely for its collectible value. Few survive to this day. Very nice used velvet lined leather goggle-mask with yellow lenses, and strap retaining some elasticity.
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 Royal Flying Corps aviator's goggle mask with embroidered "Golliwog" mascot attached |  Royal Flying Corps aviator's goggle mask with embroidered "Golliwog" mascot attached |
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 Royal Flying Corps aviator's goggle mask with embroidered "Golliwog" mascot attached |  Royal Flying Corps aviator's goggle mask with embroidered "Golliwog" mascot attached |
 Royal Flying Corps aviator's goggle mask with embroidered "Golliwog" mascot attached |  Royal Flying Corps aviator's goggle mask with embroidered "Golliwog" mascot attached |
US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box.
Stunning pair of American Optical "Airway" flying goggles from the mid-1930s, but often preferred by AAF aviators throughout the war. Nice untarnished frames, excellent original brown rubber cushions and a good elastic strap retaining full elasticity. Fitted with the rather scarce "sky lookout" dark tinted glass lenses, and still in their aluminium "coffin" case and cardboard storage/shipping box. This set would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |  US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |
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 US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |  US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |
 US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |  US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |
 US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |  US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |
 US 1930s American Optical "Airway" goggles with dark tinted lenses, in aluminium tin and storage box |
Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap.
This is an absolute gem. RAF officer's SD caps are becoming very difficult to source, especially in good condition, and this one is quite excellent. There is evidence of light use, but no wear or damage and no moth or insect nips at all. An early or pre-war example, indicated by the green under-peak, and the initials A.H. bold printed under the sweatband (and lightly written by hand on the sweatband). I checked there are dozens of RAF pilots just in the Battle of Britain with those initials... Superb heavily padded cap badge with nice patina to the bullion. You won't find a better RAF officer's cap.
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 Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
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 Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
 Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
 Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |  Superb early (or pre) wartime RAF officer's service dress peaked cap |
1939 dated ARP (Air Raid Precaution) warden's steel helmet.
A vital and valuable piece of home defence / home front protective clothing. The Mk II Brodie helmet painted white with the black band front-to-back and the large "W" indicating ARP Warden. Though the scourge of many civilians at the time with their "put that light out!" catch phrase, wardens helped keep the public safe during air raids and did a lot more besides. Original painted finish shows some honest wear and light oxidation, but helmet is actually in very good condition overall. Helmet shell is dated 1939 and comes complete with original liner and chin strap.
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 1939 dated ARP (Air Raid Precaution) steel helmet |  1939 dated ARP (Air Raid Precaution) steel helmet |
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 1939 dated ARP (Air Raid Precaution) steel helmet |  1939 dated ARP (Air Raid Precaution) steel helmet |
 1939 dated ARP (Air Raid Precaution) steel helmet |  1939 dated ARP (Air Raid Precaution) steel helmet |
Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern.
Never an easy helmet to find, these first generation Fleet Air Arm "Type N" tropical flying helmets are now extremely difficult to source. This is a wonderful, used example. Some light staining from honest wear, but no damage and still complete with its covered Bennet's buckle, V-tipped chin strap and zip pullers. Zips in perfect working order, leather and fabric in great condition and satin interior grubby but no excessive wear or damage. Named on the inside of the neck flap to "Tawell". Press stud/snap arrangement to accept the Type D, E and G oxygen mask. I believe it's a Size 2 medium but it is generously sized.
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SOLD
 Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |  Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |
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 Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |  Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |
 Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |  Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |
 Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |  Scarce Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet, first pattern |
AAF / USN AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet.
The joint services version of the AAF AN-H-16 shearling winter flying helmet, mostly associated with the US Navy, although the coded contract number suggests it might be an Army contract. Manufactured by Slote and Klein and a generous size Large. This helmet actually shows honest use and has been modified to accept an A-14 oxygen mask by adding the canvas strip of snaps to the right hand side, and 2 snaps directly through the shearling to the left. While it shows use, it has no damage and the brown coated shearling is strong. Looks great on display. It is without receivers but I can supply a set of USN ANB-H-1As if required.
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 US Navy AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet |  US Navy AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet |
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 US Navy AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet |  US Navy AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet |
 US Navy AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet |  US Navy AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet |
 US Navy AN6543 winter shearling flying helmet |
RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen.
Very good pair of MkIVB flying goggles, complete with their original fitted polarizing sun screen for spotting the "Hun in the Sun." Frames are excellent, with no dings and retaining their original brown painted finish – sponge pads are still soft and pliable which is very unusual. Loops and strap are excellent - with strap bearing crisp Air Ministry nomenclature. Leather nose pad is good but the lower edge is quite dry and ragged, although it seems strong and displays just fine. The plastic flip-up sun screen is in very good condition, very slightly warped but this is not a serious detraction (and can be remedied with careful use of a hair dryer). Overall, an exceptionally nice set of these iconic Battle of Britain era goggles.
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 RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |  RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |
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 RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |  RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |
 RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |  RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |
 RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |  RAF Battle of Britain era Mk IVB flying goggles with rare polarizing flip-up sun screen |
Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord, D mask/B helmet.
Radio telephone receivers are difficult to source at the best of times, but the early RAF Type C (10A/7063) receivers are rarely offered in todays collector market. This is a great set, complete with the innards intact, including both sets of magnetic steel and acetate diaphrams Designed for the early Type F cord, they will also work with the Q cord and are most commonly associared with the Type D oxygen mask and Type B helmet. Well marked and a perfect matching pair.
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 Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmet |  Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmet |
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 Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmet |  Extremely rare RAF receivers, Type C (10A/7063), for Type F wiring cord,D mask/B helmetDSCN5282 |
AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted.
Nice AAF T-30-S throat microphone, complete with the scarce "M" clip which held the contacts closer to the neck for clear transmission. Very slight fraying on the strap but it retains its elasticity overall very good condition.
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 AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted |  AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted |
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 AAF T-30-S throat microphone with scarce "M" clip fitted |
Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941.
The best example of an early B-3 life vest I have seen in years - possibly ever! It appears unissued! Very clean all over with none of the usual stenciled ownership marks. Clear manufacturing details including a production date of August 5, 1941. Soft and supple, with no stiff areas, bright fabric and chrome plated metal fittings. The pictures speak for themselves - this would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
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 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
 Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |  Fantastic early AAF B-3 Life Vest dated August 1941 |
RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet.
Jungle green cotton netting hood with cotton crown, malleable wire frame to shape to the wearer's face and small opening at the mouth, drawstring to tie around the neck. Unissued condition. This was included in all jungle survival kits including the Beadon flying suit.
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 RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet |  RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet |
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 RAF Beadon suit mosquito headnet |
Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40.
Excellent example of this classic US Navy issue flying jacket in a decent (and very generous) size 40. The goatskin leather is in very good condition and the lining is clean and undamaged. The original waistband is free of any damage and the cuffs show only minimal wear at the edges. Collar is very good. The Talon zip is in perfect working order and the jacket also retains its Willis and Geiger label. Overall a very nice jacket, perfectly suitable for wearing or display, and getting harder to find.
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SOLD
 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
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 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
 Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |  Superb US Navy M-422A flying jacket, size 40 |
Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot (KIA).
Extremely rare Swordfish pilot's log book to a New Zealander in the RNZ Navy VR, Fleet Air Arm. Sub Lt Tait was one of the first 35 New Zealanders to join and volunteer for aircrew training under Scheme F. He was sent to England and, after training, served with 754 squadron on Lysanders before joining 816 squadron on mine-laying duties from Thorney Island. Sub Lt Tait and his crew sadly failed to return from a mine-laying operation on October 8, 1942. The Fleet Air Arm was a very small air force compared to the RAF, and New Zealand, being a small nation, had a very small Navy, making this an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a log book, with combat, from a member of a very small Commonwealth force. Included is a large photo of Tait with his crew and a bio of his interesting career. There is a newspaper article on his loss taped into the log book.
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 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
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 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |  Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |
 Excellent and rare log book to a Royal New Zealand Navy VR Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot |