Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition.
The standard issue intermediate flying helmet for the US Navy and Marine Corps from the late 1930s until 1943, made from high quality goatskin leather and chamois lined. Earcups holding telephone receivers were added by the tailor or rigger for a correct fit. This example looks to have never been worn – although it has initials inked in the nape. Includes a matching soft chin cup. Tag indicates manufacture by HLB Corp. and the helmet is a large size 7-1/4. Perfect condition.​
​
SOLD
​
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
|---|---|
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB Corp. Large size, textbook condition. |
RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly.
RARE variant of the First Pattern Type D cotton drill summer/desert flying helmet (for aircrews stationed east of Malta, per RAF parlance). Unwired (ie. for external wiring) and a transitional model with the noise attenuating rubber surrounds mounted inside the helmet rather than externally. Fore-and-aft goggle strap tabs, leather chin strap with Bennett buckle and snaps/press studs for Types D, E, E* or G oxygen masks. Retains felt lining inside forehead and on chin flap. Lovely crisp A-crown-M property mark and stores ref. number indicating a size 3 (large). Great condition with no damage and hardly any wear. Fitted with a superb Type 26 microphone assembly (Type 25 mic. Q cord and plug). The microphone has an early or trial type of oiled cotton moisture guard I've not seen before. All in all a very rare, possibly unique, transitional or trial helmet.​
​
SOLD
​
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
|---|---|
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
 RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |  RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) - rare variant with Type 26 microphone assembly |
Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre.
Not something you find every day! This aircraft tailwheel and tyre can be positively identified as belonging to a Hawker Hurricane Mk I by its Dunlop DRG ref. no. AHO 5000/2. (These were not interchangeable with other aircraft). The wheel rim measures 4" in diameter, with the tyre overall measuring 10" diameter x 3.5" wide. It has numerous factory markings and the tyre has a beautiful moulded A-crown-M property mark. While it cannot be directly attributed to a specific aircraft, this is from a Mk I Hurricane which, together with the Spitfire, was the mainstay of the RAF Fighter Command in the summer of 1940 during the Battle of Britain. Fabulous condition. Tyre is fully inflated and quite hard (probably filled with hardened foam for display). Extremely rare!
​
SOLD
 Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |  Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |
|---|---|
 Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |  Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |
 Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |  Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |
 Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |  Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |
 Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |  Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |
 Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |  Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |
 Battle of Britain period Mk I Hawker Hurricane tailwheel and tyre |
Hand crafted 19th Century belt buckle in 3 pieces, with black toned hunting scene.
​
This is a remarkable find which came from an old estate. It is a belt buckle - looks like silver but cannot say for sure (there is a hallmark or signature which I do not recognize and cannot identify). Made from 2 side plates which lock together by means of a miniature kris type dagger. The two side plates are superbly decorated by blackening or surface etching and feature a hunting scene. There is a signature/hallmark to the front and each plate is marked "H" on the back. Lovely tight fit - just superb craftsmanship and, I would guess, Eastern European or Middle Eastern origin, probably late 1800s. Measures 4" x 3" with 1.75" belt loops. A thing of absolute beauty.
​
SOLD
 19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |  19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |
|---|---|
 19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |  19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |
 19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |  19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |
 19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |  19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |
 19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |  19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |
 19th Century belt buckle with blackened hunting scene |
RARE log book grouping to a Royal Flying Corps kite balloon observer/parachutist - including combat jump.
​
Extremely rare Royal Flying Corps Kite Balloon observer's log kept by Ronald Warren Bool of 43 Kite Balloon Squadron who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal after the war. The log is his Field Service Message book and contains a record of his ascents and listings of photographs he has taken. This was a very high risk duty as the balloons were hydrogen filled, and vulnerable to attack by enemy flyers with incendiary bullets, and crews wore parachutes. Bool describes taking to the silk on one occasion. Included are some other paper documents: a permanent pass, menu/ program for Christmas dinner show 1918 and some clippings incudng a letter he write to the Bystander. Note photocopy of kite balloon pilot is not Bool but is included to show the harness he would have worn.
​
SOLD
 RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |  RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |
|---|---|
 RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |  RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |
 RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |  DSCN3463 |
 RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |  RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |
 RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |  RFC Kie Balloon observer's log book |
RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE first style with sprung leather strap. Includes extremely rare polarizing sun shield.
These lovely Mk VII goggles are in outstanding condition. The ultramarine blue painted brass frames retain 99% of their original paint and show none of the usual dings and dents - one very slight bend on the top right. The leather and chamois pads are in very clean condition - although the sponge filling has hardened and crumbled in a couple of places. Spring-loaded leather strap is excellent and the flip-up polarizing screen is also in tip top condition. There is some surface oxidation to the bare metal parts but this would clean easily. A quite superb example that appear unissued and unworn.
​
SOLD
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |
|---|---|
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |
 RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |  RAF Mk VII flying goggles, RARE pattern with leather strap and including polarizing sun shield |
RAF 1941 Pattern life vest kapok pads (excellent reproductions).
Superb replica set of kapok pads for the 1941 Pattern Mae West (Stole pattern life saving waistcoat in RAF parlance). Originals are getting extremely difficult to source so these excellent copies (made, I believe, by Sefton) are an excellent substitute, complete with authentic Air Ministry markings and AID inspector's stamps.
​
SOLD
​
 RAF 1941 Pattern life vest kapok pads (excellent reproductions) |  RAF 1941 Pattern life vest kapok pads (excellent reproductions) |
|---|---|
 RAF 1941 Pattern life vest kapok pads (excellent reproductions) |
RAF / SOE Pendant or Necklet escape compass.
​
Standard "star" type escape/evasion compass carried by most aircrews and other operatives in or over enemy territory, from about 1943 on. Compass is sealed in a plastic case to keep it waterproof and worn around the neck on a cotton cord. Compass is in perfect working order. Note: the plastic waterproof pouch has been cut through to remove/replace on the neck cord but this does not detract from its function or appearance.
​
SOLD
 RAF SOE necklet escape compass |  RAF SOE necklet escape compass |
|---|---|
 RAF SOE necklet escape compass |  DSCN9553 |
 RAF SOE necklet escape compass |
RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, large size, likely AAF use.
Very nice RAF Type D flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) with fore-and-aft goggle strap tabs, leather chin strap and Bennett buckle. This helmet has been period modified by the addition of one extra snap/press stud to the lower chin on the left hand side - and the only reason for doing this was to permit the USAAF Tye A-14 oxygen mask to be worn. Coupled with the fact this is a large size (either a large size 3 or possibly a size 4) leads me to think it was probably used by an American airman. Overall condition is very good, with no damage or wear to the outside; couple of worn spots on the chamois covered inner donuts and some wear and tear to the brown felt liner on the chin flap. The external part of both rubber receiver holders are perfectly flexible, the flat inner part (between the layers of fabric) has hardened, but this would not prevent receivers from being installed and does affect the display. A great helmet - these early unwired helmets are becoming quite scarce.​
​
SOLD
​
 RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |  RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |
|---|---|
 RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |  RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |
 RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |  RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |
 RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |  RAF first pattern unwired Type D helmet, likely AAF use |
Rare RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era.
​
Genuine issue pattern Mk II – not MT or dust goggles often mistaken for Mk IIs. Lovely goggles – correctly identified as "Goggles, Flying, Lighweight" – featuring light blue tinted lenses dated 1940, light grey painted frames with brown silk surrounds and faux fur edging, and a leather strap with leather covered tension springs. In excellent condition, with no broken springs, no holes in the silk or other signs of excessive wear. The strap has been shortened slightly for a custom fit. There is a name, B.S. McEwen, in red ink on the strap. Grey painted frames seem to be more scarce than the blackened brass frames. These were obsolete after the mid-1930s but reissued during the Battle of Britain due to the unpopularity of the Mk III and IIIa goggles.
​
SOLD
 RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era |  RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era |
|---|---|
 RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era |  RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era |
 RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era |  RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era |
 RAF Mk II flying goggles - Goggles, lightweight - Battle of Britain era |
EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bail-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945.
One of the rarest and most difficult to find accessories for completing a late war RAF fighter pilot flying equipment display, this is the only example of one of these I have ever seen. In correct RAF stores ref. parlance, this is the "Dry Breathing Assembly, Emergency, Mk I" for high altitude bail-out, Stores ref. 6D/541. Introduced late in the war for use in high-altitude, high-performance fighters, it fit into the long narrow pocket on the outside of the Type A Mk III K-dinghy pack (see last photos). It comprises the oxygen tank/bottle and valve assembly, D-ring for activation, and long narrow rubber tube which connects to the small outlet pipe on the special oxygen tube/hose for the G or H mask. All in superb condition and dated September 1945. Well marked and tagged with a later inspection/calibration card. An incredibly rare item. G mask, tube and dinghy pack are shown only for context and not included. Rarity of this item simply cannot be overstated. NOTE: Shipping within US only.
​
SOLD
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
|---|---|
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
Scarce oiled cotton kapok pads from early issue 1941 Pattern Life Saving Waistcoat (Mae West).
Lovely matching set of kapok pads or cushions from the 1941 Pattern "Mae West" made from oiled cotton and stuffed with natural teased kapok. Oiled cotton was only used for a short time for these cushions, because it was discovered that the teased kapok alone provided sufficient buoyancy and did not need to be waterproofed. Later cushions used unbleached, untreated cotton. This is a closely matched set and Air Ministry property markings can be clearly seen on two of the three cushions, the third perhaps somewhat faded. Some dried oil or tar stains suggesting these may have seen active use. These early examples are quite difficult to find.
​
SOLD
 Scarce oiled cotton kapok pads from early issue 1941 Pattern Life Saving Waistcoat (Mae West) |  Scarce oiled cotton kapok pads from early issue 1941 Pattern Life Saving Waistcoat (Mae West) |
|---|---|
 Scarce oiled cotton kapok pads from early issue 1941 Pattern Life Saving Waistcoat (Mae West) |  Scarce oiled cotton kapok pads from early issue 1941 Pattern Life Saving Waistcoat (Mae West) |
RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named to Polish airman; name painted across front.
​
A lovely, historic Internally-wired Type C from the earliest production batch, the cord fully internally mounted to the helmet, sometimes called a "3-strap back." Helmet is in excellent, used condition with no damage or undue wear. Leather very, good, chamois lining a bit grubby, very faint but visible Air Ministry mark and stores ref. number embossed on left hand side (adjacent to plug jack). Best of all, the helmet as the name "Stanislaus" painted across the brow, and the initials "S.P." inked inside; a Polish name (Stanislaus is the anglicized/Latin for Stanislaw); this could possibly be researched and ID'd. I would guess it's a size 2 (medium) and displays well. Note: shown with 1945 dated H masked fitted with bail-out oxygen tube. Mask is offered separately.
​
SOLD
 RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |  RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |
|---|---|
 RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |  RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |
 RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |  RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |
 RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |  RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally-wired model, early production, complete and named / ID'd. |
 DSCN3244 |
Scarce Battle of Britain issue RAF Mk IV flying goggles.
​
Not to be confused with the far more common Mk IVB goggles – these are far more scarce – although the Mk IV, IVA and IVB were all introduced at the same time (in June 1940). These Mk IV goggles are in very good condition; the sponge rubber pads on the back are, as usual, dried and crumbling, but mostly intact (see pictures). The brass frames are excellent, as are the lenses and leather strap. Cloth covered springs are stretched out but functioning just fine. Lenses are in 4 separated parts and secured in hinged frames which open for cleaning or replacement - these show only very slight evidence of delamination. Leather strap is embossed with crisp Air Ministry property mark and stores ref. number as well as Lever Optical Co. Retain 90% of black painted finish. These are getting extremely difficult to source.
​
SOLD
 Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |  Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |
|---|---|
 Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |  Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |
 Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |  Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |
 Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |  Scarce RAF Mk IV flying goggles |
RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated.
​
Very good, used example of the scarce wartime production Type H oxygen mask, fitted with its original tube/hose including the rare bail-out attachment. Rubber is in excellent condition and beautifully age toned to dark green. Suede lining is slightly grubby from use but no wear or damage. Hose is also excellent. It is very rare to find complete examples of these early masks which were produced in small numbers. Mask is clearly marked 3-45 which some interpret as March 1945; there id another school of thought that suggests 3rd quarter, 1945 but no evidence to support either theory. The key fact is the 1945 date. it is shown with a nice Type C helmet, available separately. Price includes mask and tube with bail-out attachment.
​
SOLD
 RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |  RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |
|---|---|
 RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |  RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |
 RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |  RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |
 RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |  RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |
 RAF Type H oxygen mask and hose fitted with rare high-altitude bail-out tube, 1945 dated |
RAF Gosport communication receivers with tubes.
Quite a good complete set of RAF Gosport tubes withAir Ministry marked receivers, ready to install in a helmet (1930 Pattern, Type B or Type C will all work). The only issue is the fabric covering on one end has separated and frayed about 3-inches from one end of the flexible metal tube. This does not affect the function, and could easily be tidied up for display, if desired. Otherwise very good condition with none of the usual crushing or "seizing up" of the tubing.
​
SOLD
​
 RAF Gosport communication receivers with tubes |  RAF Gosport communication receivers with tubes |
|---|---|
 RAF Gosport communication receivers with tubes |
RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring) for the Type D oxygen mask.
Chamois covered, bell-shape carbon microphone (Type C) mated with a Type Q cord and plug - ready to mount onto a Type D mask. This was the earliest of 3 different types of microphone designed for the Type D mask and was in use from 1935 until 1941, notably during the Battle of France and the beginning of the Battle of Britain. Now a very scarce item and this example in very good condition, retaining its chamois covering, though slightly grubby and showing a little wear at the edges. Top mounted operating switch works perfectly. The cord is in good shape, with some melted rubber residue present in places (might clean up with care, but looks fine as is). The original standard bell plug has its rim filed down for some reason but still looks fine. Would fit perfectly with the above listed D mask (I hasten to point out these did NOT come together or I would not have split them - both are from different sources). A very good example​
​
SOLD
 RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring loom) for the Type D oxygen mas |  RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring loom) for the Type D oxygen mas |
|---|---|
 RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring loom) for the Type D oxygen mas |  RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring loom) for the Type D oxygen mas |
 RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring loom) for the Type D oxygen mas |  RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring loom) for the Type D oxygen mas |
 RAF Type E microphone assembly (Type C carbon microphone plus wiring loom) for the Type D oxygen mas |
RAF Air Ministry issue coathanger, dated 1938.
​
Only ever seen one of these previously, and for a uniform collector or just as a display item, they are quite brilliant. Well made and sturdy all wood coat or uniform hanger (it has the crossbar for trousers) superbly marked with the A-crown-M and contract number as well as stores reference information. Another one of those rare and unusual accessories.
​
SOLD
 RAF wartime coathanger - RARE |  RAF wartime coathanger - RARE |
|---|
RAF Bartholomew silk escape map, 2-sided, of North Africa, K1 and K2 (Cyrenaica/Crete) and Libya/Egypt.
​
One of the earlier silk escape/evasion maps printed on silk using the old Batholomew series of maps, which were highly detailed and with varying scales. Dates to 1941 or early 1942 and would have been issued in a waterproof purse. Two-sided, featuring North Africa, Greece and Cyrpus. This would have been carried by RAF arcrews involved over the desert regions during the battle for Tobruk and others. Excellent condition, folded but no damage or stains.
​
SOLD
 RAF Batholomew escape map K1 and K2 (Cyrenaica/Crete) and Libya/Egypt. |  DSCN8666 |
|---|---|
 DSCN8665b |  DSCN8664a |