Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask.
For those who like a battle wornflying helmet - here is a Type B which has, quite literally "been through the war" yet remains in good displayabel condition. Based on the overall pattern and sewing, it is most probably a Sterling, possibly dating from as early as 1936 (label is long gone), and has been modified to accept the strap/harness of a Type E* and also Type G oxygen mask. This modification was not uncommon, but surprisingly few examples survive. It has a repair to the interior chamois lining. The crown evidently being worn to such a degree that a large, diamond-shape patch of velvet has been cemented into place. The velvet itself shows wear and soiling. Both interior chamois "donuts" have been removed (also not an uncommon modification to provide a better fit) and rear opening has been sewn shut. The leather is in good shape, clean and flexible with a couple of minor nicks. The zipped ear housings are superb and have lovely crisp A-crown-M stamps and retain both leather pull tabs and early bakelite telephone holders. Chin strap Bennett buckle has lost its leather covering. Face defenders are still in place.
A lovely combat veteran and scarce variant.
​
SOLD
 RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |  RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |
|---|---|
 RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |  RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |
 RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |  RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |
 RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |  RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |
 RAF Type B helmet, probably an early Sterling, modified for use with E* or G mask |
US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth.
Very hard to find B-6 goggles which were the precursors of the B-7 /AN6530 and utilized the same lenses. Lovely nickel plated frames with the nicely styled American Optical logo "winged globe" on the adjustment screw, tubular top vents, separate rubber cushions and an off-white elastic strap. The brown cushions are still soft and pliable and 100% original (period) but look as though they were replaced at some time during the working life of the goggles. The strap is clean and retains some elasticity. The goggles come in their original American Optical aluminium storage case together with a lovely soft cleaning cloth/wrap.
​
SOLD
 US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |  US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |
|---|---|
 US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |  US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |
 US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth.DSCN6001 |  US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |
 US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |  US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |
 US Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles with case and cleaning cloth. |
RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers. Large size.
Very good Type G oxygen mask fitted with an excellent Type 28 microphone assembly that includes a Type 27 carbon microphone, Q cord, Type 16 receivers and bell plug. The rubber mask is exceptional, with no signs of wear or perishing, no cracking - not even around the nosewire lugs and stress points - and clean suede lining. The grey elastic webbing harness has lost some of its elasticity and the black rubber bands are replacements - but it is still clean and fitted with the early flat "8" shaped hook. An excellent mask with a scarce microphone and complete external wiring assembly, ready to pop into your early Type C, D (or modified B) helmet.
​
SOLD
 RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |  RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |
|---|---|
 RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |  RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |
 RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |  RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |
 RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |  RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |
 RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 28 mic. assembly, long wiring loom and receivers |
RAF oxygen tube for Type G / H mask, Mk IV with rare emergency bale-out tube.
Oxygen tubes (hoses) for wartime masks are becoming more and more difficult to source, and this is an absolute beauty — as well as being a scarce variant with a very rare accessory fitted. Standard gauge oxygen tube Mk IV, late war issue for bomber crews, having the emergency bale-out attachment and including the extremely rare narrow tube which attaches to the bale-out oxygen bottle. Excellent condition with no cracking to the rubber. Includes the brass connector and crocodile clip, as well as the plastic screw-in connector for attaching to the G and H oxygen mask.
​
SOLD
 RAF oxygen tube for Type G / H mask, Mk IV with emergency bale-out tube |  RAF oxygen tube for Type G / H mask, Mk IV with emergency bale-out tube |
|---|---|
 RAF oxygen tube for Type G / H mask, Mk IV with emergency bale-out tube |  RAF oxygen tube for Type G / H mask, Mk IV with emergency bale-out tube |
US Air Corps Type A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins.
Introduced in the early 1920s for issue to Army Air Corps aviators, these moccasin-style Type A-1 flying boots remained in inventory until WWII. They are cut from heavy leather and thickly fur-lined for warmth and comfort. Interestingly, though a perfect matching pair showing equal wear, the left has completely different style of buckles to the right boot (see pictures). Excellent condition showing some use but no wear or damage.
​
SOLD
 US Air Corps Type A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins |  US Air Corps Type A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins |
|---|---|
 US Air Corps Type A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins |  US Air Corps TYpe A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins |
 US Air Corps TYpe A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins |  US Air Corps TYpe A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins |
 US Air Corps TYpe A-1 Flying Boots / Moccasins |
US AAF Bomber Crew Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger, Type A-9.
The standard flying gloves/gauntlets
/mittens worn by all AAF air gunners in exposed crew positions in WWII. Frostbite was a major hazard (more aviators suffered frostbite injuries than from enemy action) and these might help somewhat - although they had to removed to reload or fix jammed guns. Shearling lined leather gloves with a separate trigger finger and thumb so they could be worn while in combat. This pair shows light use but no excessive wear and leather is in great condition. Both have great labels inside.
​
SOLD
 US AAF Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger, Type A-9 |  US AAF Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger, Type A-9 |
|---|---|
 US AAF Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger, Type A-9 |  US AAF Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger, Type A-9 |
US Navy Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger.
The US Navy version of the A-9 air gunner's gloves pictured above. the USN also operated bomber/depth charge dropping aircraft in cold weather conditions and these helped air gunners to avoid frostbite. Tags indicating size medium, and marked with the USN emblem on the backs (one is slightly fainter than the other). Excellent condition.
​
SOLD
 US Navy Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger |  US Navy Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger finger |
|---|---|
 US Navy Air Gunner's gloves with separate trigger fingerDSCN6061 |
Fantastic RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) by Burberrys.
Very rare RAF "Air Rank" officer's cap only available to ranks of Air Commodore and above (equivalent of general in the army). This is an absolute beauty by Burberrys of London. Unfortunately no ID (Generals didn't feel the need to name their uniform items) but a good wartime piece showing just enough use. No wear or damage, just a microscopic surface track (about 1/4-inch long) on the top which is barely visible and the cap is slightly dusty from storage. Excellent badge and two rows of "scrambled egg" to the patent leather peak. Patent leather chin strap. These do not come along very often and this is a lovely example.
​
SOLD
 RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |  RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |
|---|---|
 RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |  RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |
 RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |  RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |
 RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |  RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |
 RAF peaked /visor cap for an officer of Air Rank (General equivalent) |