Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
AAF HS-33 radio headset complete.
Excellent example of the standard radio headset used by the majority of AAF crew members in almost every multi-place aircraft: bombers, reconnaissance, etc. and even some fighter pilots. HB-7 headband, fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, Y-cord and PL-354 red plug. This one fitted with the rather scarce soft rubber pneumatic cushions (MC-162-A) in excellent condition. Minor surface crazing on the plug.
SOLD
 AAF HS-33 radio headset complete. |  AAF HS-33 radio headset complete.DSCN6777 |
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 AAF HS-33 radio headset complete.DSCN6778 |  AAF HS-33 radio headset complete. |
 AAF HS-33 radio headset complete. |  AAF HS-33 radio headset complete. |
USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords.
The standard issue summer flying helmet for most of the war, especially associated with carrier based USN and USMC fighter pilots and dive-bomber crews at Midway, Coral Sea etc. It was also used by RAF, RAAF and RNZAF pilots in the South Pacific. Tan cotton with light grey leather ear cups and chin cup, fitted with TH37 receivers and the short, rubber coated cord with 2-pin plug. Also includes the matching extension cord for plugging into the aircraft communications system. Classic "powder puff" velvet pads sewn inside for noise reduction. Helmet is named on the rear goggle strap tab to Doyle, Jr. M-450 helmets in this complete condition, with all avionics, are getting quite scarce, and this is a very good, clean example showing minimal wear and no damage.
SOLD
 USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |  USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |
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 USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |  USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |
 USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |  USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |
 USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |  USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |
 USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |  USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |
 USN USMC M-450 summer flying helmet with TH37 receivers and cords |
USN 1-F-4d glasses with cobalt blue lens for simulated blind flying, complete with original box.
These lightweight glasses replaced the earlier cobalt blue-lens version of the B-8 goggles used by the USN for simulating blind flying conditions in conjunction with an amber hood over the cockpit canopy. One-piece cobalt blue acetate lens, black plastic frame and sprung steel side arms. Excellent condition, unissued and with original box.
SOLD
 USN 1-F-4d glasses for simulated blind flying with original box |  USN 1-F-4d glasses for simulated blind flying with original box |
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 USN 1-F-4d glasses for simulated blind flying with original box |  USN 1-F-4d glasses for simulated blind flying with original box |
 USN 1-F-4d glasses for simulated blind flying with original box |  USN 1-F-4d glasses for simulated blind flying with original box |
 USN 1-F-4d glasses for simulated blind flying with original box |
RAF MkVIII Spectacles, anti-glare with velvet lined case.
The best looking example of these stylish "sunglasses" I have ever come across. Grey-green glass lenses in plated frames with coiled steel side arms for comfort, complete in their original velvet-lined case with clear gold embossed nomenclature to front. Made by British American Optical (marked BAO to frame) as well as nice AM stores ref. information to one arm. This pair would be very difficult to improve upon.
SOLD
 RAF MkVIII Spectacles, anti-glare with velvet lined case |  RAF MkVIII Spectacles, anti-glare with velvet lined case |
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 RAF MkVIII Spectacles, anti-glare with velvet lined case |  RAF MkVIII Spectacles, anti-glare with velvet lined case |
 RAF MkVIII Spectacles, anti-glare with velvet lined case |  RAF MkVIII Spectacles, anti-glare with velvet lined case |
AAF A-14 oxygen mask, early issue.
All this mask needs is a bit of soap and water! The rubber is in very good condition, strong, supple and pliable—including the thin rubber harness straps which are so often perished. It's a size medium and an early production model with leather reinforced snap fastener mounts on the webbing straps and the early connector at the end of the hose. Dated 4-44. Lovely condition, just a bit grubby from sitting in storage and will clean up a treat.
SOLD
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask, early issue |
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 AAF A-14 oxygen mask, early issue |
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask, early issue |
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask, early issue |
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask, early issue |
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask, early issue |
RAF Mk IIIA* bayonet connector for Type D oxygen mask tube.
One of those really hard-to-find accessories to complete a display. Brass L-shaped connector goes on the end of the hose/tube of a Type D oxygen mask to plug into the aircraft constant flow oxygen system. Well marked and dated 1939 in excellent condition.
SOLD
 RAF Mk IIIA* bayonet connector for Type D oxygen mask tube. |  RAF Mk IIIA* bayonet connector for Type D oxygen mask tube. |
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 RAF Mk IIIA* bayonet connector for Type D oxygen mask tube. |  RAF Mk IIIA* bayonet connector for Type D oxygen mask tube. |
RAF Emergency Flying Ration MkII with partial (most) contents.
Rare survival item—especially with any of the original contents renmaining. This pocket sized tin was issued in all dinghy packs for individual use, and contained Horlicks malted milk tablets, energy tablets, barley sugar sweets and chewing gum—much of which is still present. One of the Horlicks wrappers is torn but the tablets are intact, along with one packet of energy tablets, one packet of chewing gum and one or two of the barley sugars.
ON HOLD
 RAF Emergency Flying Ration MkII with partial (most) contents |  RAF Emergency Flying Ration MkII with partial (most) contents |
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 RAF Emergency Flying Ration MkII with partial (most) contents |  RAF Emergency Flying Ration MkII with partial (most) contents |
 RAF Emergency Flying Ration MkII with partial (most) contents |  RAF Emergency Flying Ration MkII with partial (most) contents |
RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, dated 1943, large size with pilot wings and ribbons, rank of Sqdn. Ldr.
Officially this was flying clothing, since this early RAF version of the "battledress" was issued only to aircrews, and only permitted to be worn while on ops. In 1944 the name was changed from "suits, aircrew" to "war service dress" and issued to all RAF personnel. This 1943 dated blouse is in excellent condition, a very large size. It is fitted with the early pressed metal buttons and has an original pilot wings badge, medals ribbons including the DSO and DFC and rank lace for a squadron leader.
SOLD
 RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, dated 1943, large size with pilot wings and ribbons, rank of Sqdn. Ldr. |  RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, dated 1943, large size with pilot wings and ribbons, rank of Sqdn. Ldr. |
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 RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, dated 1943, large size with pilot wings and ribbons, rank of Sqdn. Ldr. |  RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, dated 1943, large size with pilot wings and ribbons, rank of Sqdn. Ldr. |
 RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, dated 1943, large size with pilot wings and ribbons, rank of Sqdn. Ldr. |  RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, dated 1943, large size with pilot wings and ribbons, rank of Sqdn. Ldr. |
RAF Air Rank officer's sidecap by Burberry.
Superb RAF sidecap for an officer of Air Rank (Air Commodore and above—equivalent of a General). Made by Burberry, super high quality with light blue piping and a fabulous bullion badge. I can find one tiny area of wear (pinhead size) just below the pioing on the right hand side—otherwise perfect condition.
SOLD
 RAF Air Rank officer's sidecap by Burberry |  RAF Air Rank officer's sidecap by Burberry |
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 RAF Air Rank officer's sidecap by Burberry |  RAF Air Rank officer's sidecap by Burberry |
 RAF Air Rank officer's sidecap by Burberry |  RAF Air Rank officer's sidecap by Burberry |
RAF officer's sidecap by Burberry, attributed to Battle of Britain ace.
Superb RAF officer's sidecap by Burberry, super high quality tailoring and flawless condition, with lovely gilt badge and buttons. named to Wing Commander A.D. McDowell.
McDowell served as a Sgt. Pilot with 602 sq. in the Battle of Britain and scored 11 kills. He was commissioned in November, 1940, and served with 245, 232 and 616 squadrons. He was promoted to wing commander shortly before being released from the RAF late in 1945. I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of the cap, or the inked name, which definitely appears to be period, but there is no actual provenance or history.
SOLD
 RAF officer's sidecap attributed to Battle of Britain pilot |  RAF officer's sidecap attributed to Battle of Britain pilot |
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 RAF officer's sidecap attributed to Battle of Britain pilot |  RAF officer's sidecap attributed to Battle of Britain pilot |
 RAF officer's sidecap attributed to Battle of Britain pilot |  RAF officer's sidecap attributed to Battle of Britain pilot |
Important piece of American aviation history: Vega Aircraft factory brassard/armband for Lead Man.
Large embroidered "patch" with an elastic strap and metal clasp (part of elastic stretched out) for wear as an armband. A very rare piece of aviation history! Vega Aircraft (a subsidiary of Lockheed) only existed for 5 years but made a significant contribution to American air power in WWII. Founded as AiRover in 1937 (a subsidiary of Lockheed), the name was changed to Vega in May 1938 (after the famous Lockheed aircraft). In 1940, Vega built NA-35 trainers under license from North American Aviation before building the Lockheed Hudson for the RAF. Vega later partnered with Boeing to produce B-17s, of which it built 2,750 . At the end of 1943, Vega merged with its parent company and ceased using the Vega name.
SOLD
 Vega Aircraft factory brassard/armband for Lead man. |  Vega Aircraft factory brassard/armband for Lead man. |
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