Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Archived SALES 02.20.2025
(click on pictures to enlarge)
AAF Type A-12 Arctic weather / High-Altitude flight mittens.
Very good used pair of AAF high-altitude, extreme cold (Arctic) mittens for wear over other gloves for flight and ground crews. Olive drab green cotton mittens with leather palms and heavy alpaca lining in the hand section, with a friction tightening strap at the wrist. These would typically be worn withe the B-9 or B-11 Parka. Both still have their tags attached and are dated 1944.
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SOLD
 AAF A-12 Arctic mittens |  IMG_8818 |
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 DSCN6138 |  IMG_8817 |
Replacement wood grips for the Colt M-1911 .45 pistol.
Very good, unused pair of private-purchase checkered wool grips for a Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol – the legendary .45.
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SOLD
 Replacement wood grips for the Colt M-1911 .45 pistol |  Replacement wood grips for the Colt M-1911 .45 pistol |
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Pair RCAF Type C-3 receivers for RAF/RCAF flying helmets.
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Identical in size and function to the RAF types so these will fit any wartime RAF helmet (as well as RCAF types). Excellent condition.
SOLD
 Pair RCAF Type C-3 receivers for RAF/RCAF flying helmets |  Pair RCAF Type C-3 receivers for RAF/RCAF flying helmets |
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 Pair RCAF Type C-3 receivers for RAF/RCAF flying helmets |
Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots.
Absolutely stunning pair of Luftwaffe mid-war single zip flying boots - by far the best pair I have ever handled. These boots have never been issued or worn - pristine throughout, including the "Original Willop" rubber soles. The tiniest signs of storage wear to the leather trim at the top edge. Perfect fleece/shearling linings, good legible labels, perfect working "Zip" brand zips. Leather shoes section and lower half, suede uppers. All good leather straps. These are NOT the electrically-heated pattern which is more common for this period and condition. This pair would be virtually impossible to upgrade.
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SOLD
 Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |  Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |
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 Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots1 |  Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |
 Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |  Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |
 Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |  Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |
 Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |  Unissued, unworn pair of Luftwaffe single-zip flying boots |
RAF Type H electrically-heated shoes/bootees in unissued, unused condition.
The Type H electrically-heated kit replaced the Type D later in the war and proved to be a little more reliable. Type H kit seems to be more scarce than Type D. This is an unissued matched pair of the electrically-heated shoe inserts or bootees. The Type D differed in that it took the form of slippers/shoes rather than calf-length boots and required long tapes to connect to the waistcoat. These bootees are made from green cotton with a blanket/flannel lining and press stud connectors for the Type H suit. Clearly labeled 24 volt with great broad arrow marked labels. Marked small but will display well. Condition is superb; unissued and unworn - very diffuclt to find a better pair.
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SOLD
 RAF Type H electrically-heated shoes/bootees |  RAF Type H electrically-heated shoes/bootees |
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 RAF Type H electrically-heated shoes/bootees |  RAF Type H electrically-heated shoes/bootees |
 RAF Type H electrically-heated shoes/bootees |
RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern).
An excellent example of the stole-inflated life saving waistcoat, first issued in 1941 (and consequently referred to as 1941 Pattern). This model dates from early to mid-1943; it has the pouch for the dye pack, grab handles, leg tapes, torch pocket and toggle rope for attaching to the dinghy (not the screw/clip connector that was added late in 1943). Waistcoat only – no stole, lever mechanism or kapoks. Good AM marked zip and clear label. Number 110 hand-inked inside, just above label. Very clean and no damage, just minor storage marks – note some light red staining to front which might wash out if desired.
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SOLD
 RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |  RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |
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 RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |  RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |
 RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |  RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |
 RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |  RAF stole-inflated life-saving waistcoat (1941 Pattern) |
Rare RAF emergency signal mirror, pre-1941.
Excellent example of the rare, early style of emergency signalling mirror which was used towards the end of the Battle of Britain and into 1941 until replaced by the Heliograph with the dinghy and 1941 pattern life vest. It comprises a 4" (10cm) diameter circular mirror in a Bakelite frame with a leather strap for securing around the wrist or tying to the Mae West. Well marked with A-crown-M and ref. no. Perfect condition - and with an interesting twist: the strap is labeled very neatly in white paint RST 32306 (this looks like museum type labeling). RST might refer to RAF ace Robert Stanford Tuck — and Tuck's service number was 37306. Could a 7 have been misread as a 2? Of course there is no provenance to confirm that this was owned by Tuck - but it is very interesting to think it might have been! Sold as what it is with no added value for the name. Superb condition.
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SOLD
 RAF emergency signal mirror, pre-1941 |  RAF emergency signal mirror, pre-1941 |
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 RAF emergency signal mirror, pre-1941 |  RAF emergency signal mirror, pre-1941 |
 RAF mirror2 |
RARE Luftwaffe escape / survival Blendspiegel - signal mirror in cotton case.
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One of the rarer items of survival / rescue equipment carried by Luftwaffe pilots and aircrews. the Blendspiegel (signal mirror) was carried in the Channel Trousers or attached to the life vest in the event of ditching or parachuting into the sea. It comprises a piece of polished steel, 6.5" x 3.25" (16cm x 8cm) with an instruction decal on one side and holes for attaching a rope or lanyard. It has a fitted white cotton case. This example in very good condition, with some oxidation spots on the steel surface, but retaining 95% of the decal, which is often worn or scratched off. Case with minor stains but no damage. First I've seen in many years,
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SOLD
 Luftwaffe escape / survival Blendspiegel - signal mirror in cotton case |  Luftwaffe escape / survival Blendspiegel - signal mirror in cotton case |
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 Luftwaffe escape / survival Blendspiegel - signal mirror in cotton case |  Luftwaffe escape / survival Blendspiegel - signal mirror in cotton case |
 Luftwaffe escape / survival Blendspiegel - signal mirror in cotton case |
RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask.
Wartime dated H masks are among the more illusive items of flying equipment. The H was extremely successful and remained in RAF service for 40 years, but few were produced before the end of the war. This example is in excellent condition, the grey/green rubber soft and pliable showing very light use and no wear or damage. It has a nice clear date of 2-45 moulded into the rubber; the harness retains elasticity; and it is fitted with a good Type 57 microphone. This would be a difficult mask to upgrade.​
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ON HOLD
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 RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask |  RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask |
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 RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask |  RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask |
 RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask |  RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask |
RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask.
One of the rarest and most sought after pieces of RAF flying kit. Issued from 1935 and in use until the end of the war, despite being superseded in 1941 with the first generation of rubber masks and economizer regulators. Green wool outer body lined with chamois with a black metal ring for clipping the microphone and incorporating an oxygen inlet port. Some moth damage to the wool, mostly at the top where it folds and is usually covered by goggles. This is the case in 90% of these masks. No doubt with care it could be repaired/restored, although it displays quite well as is. The chamois is good, except for the V-shaped gusset at the bottom which is somewhat shredded. Never had studs or face defenders fitted. An honest mask that is 100% original and by no means the worst I have seen.
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ON HOLD
 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask |  RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask |
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 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask |  RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask |
 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask |  RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask |
 RARE RAF Type D oxygen mask |
Stunning, complete and original RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest including stole/bladder with inflation mechanism and original kapok pads.
An absolutely outstanding example of "Life saving waistcoat, stole inflated pattern" first issued in 1941. This version is probably mid-1943 because it has leg tapes, grab handles and torch pocket but no quick attach dinghy connector (added later). It does however have the dinghy rope and toggle and a D ring. Excellent condition with a superb A-crown-M label marked as a "flap" type (no flap, nor any evidence of one - which was common). Label with initials W.M. in black ink. Fitted with a superb A-crown-M marked stole in perfect, clean and supple condition, complete with its rare inflation lever with crisp A-crown-M engraved property mark. An original set of kapok pads with faint but legible A-crown-M stores info. completes the vest. This one would be tough to upgrade!​
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SOLD
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 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |  RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |
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 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |  RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |
 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok padsDSCN2374 |  RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |
 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |  RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |
 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |  RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok padsRAF 1941 |
 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |  RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |
 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |  RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |
 RAF 1941 Patt. Life Vest complete with stole with fitted inflation mechanism and kapok pads |
Unissued AAF Western Electric flying helmet headset HS-38 still packed in original box.
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The HS-38 headset comprises 2 x ANB-H-1 receivers, joined by a braided and waxed Y-cord to a PL-354 (red) plug. It was used in all AAF and some USN flying helmets from 1943 on. This example, made by Western Electric, has never been unwrapped; still in its tissue paper and coiled up in a cardboard box with its original instruction sheet. Could be installed in an A-11, AN-H-15 or simply added to a display, as is. Perfect - impossible to find better - and very hard to source.​
SOLD
 Unissued AAF Western Electric flying helmet headset HS-38 still packed in original box |  Unissued AAF Western Electric flying helmet headset HS-38 still packed in original box |
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 Unissued AAF Western Electric flying helmet headset HS-38 still packed in original box |  Unissued AAF Western Electric flying helmet headset HS-38 still packed in original box |
 Unissued AAF Western Electric flying helmet headset HS-38 still packed in original box |
AAF Western Electric AN-MC-1 oxygen mask microphone unissued in box.
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Unissued, unopened oxygen mask microphone, AN-MC-1 still wrapped in tissue and in its cardboard box. it could be installed in aany wartime era AAF oxygen mask or displayed as is. Perfect - impossible to find better - and very hard to source.
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SOLD
 AAF Western Electric AN-MC-1 microphone unissued in box |  AAF Western Electric AN-MC-1 microphone unissued in box |
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 AAF Western Electric AN-MC-1 microphone unissued in box |  AAF Western Electric ANB-MC-1 microphone unissued in box |
RARE Royal Naval Air Service ilot wing modified by adding a pin-back.
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Beautifully die-struck, 2-piece gilt eagle badge as worn on the left sleeve of pilots in the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) which has been modified by removing the three screw-back posts and adding a single brooch pin. This may have been for a gift to a sweetheart, or for more practical wear, especially on the RN tropical uniform where it was worn pinned above he left breast pocket. The remnant of the middle screw-back post is clearly visible. A lovely badge and a rare find.
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SOLD
 Royal Naval Air Service ilot wing modified by adding a pin-back |  Royal Naval Air Service ilot wing modified by adding a pin-back |
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 Royal Naval Air Service ilot wing modified by adding a pin-back |