Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
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Extremely RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue.
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The most scarce of wartime Fleet Air Arm helmets, because it is one of a very small number converted from the standard RAF issue Type C helmet (first pattern unwired) as part of a trial issue. Per Admiralty orders, the standard rubber telephone holders (ear cups) were removed and replaced with dual-function telephone holders for both electronic receivers and Gosport tubes. Zipped ear covers, previously issued with Type B helmets, were sewn over the top for insulation. This allowed Fleet Air Arm aircrews to communicate within the aircraft while maintaining radio silence. This helmet was never fitted with forward goggle retaining tabs - indicating it was factory-modified, prior to its completion for RAF issue. It also retains all its original Air Ministry embossed stamps (to the chin flap and both ear-pieces). Leather and chamois lining are in fantastic condition. The rubber telephone holders have stiffened up somewhat and one is distorted, but they might be manipulated with low heat to accept receivers. One of an extremely small number of factory modified examples I have ever seen and by far the nicest example. Small blemish to right hand zip runner (looks like something spilled) but this does NOT effect the smooth running of the zip in any way. Includes original correct sponge rubber cushions. A fantastic and very rare helmet in a generous size 2 (medium). ​
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 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
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 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |  RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
 RARE First pattern (unwired) Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet – modified from RAF issue |
RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment.
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For the connoisseur of Type C flying helmets! An incredibly rare variation of the first issue pattern Type C helmet. The helmet itself — even without the addition of the single press stud/snap fastener to the forehead — is a lovely first production model, with 2 studs for the E mask and up/down fore-and-aft goggle strap tabs. It also has the leather chin strap and Bennett buckle fastening. The addition of the stud to the centre of the forehead is for attaching one of a series of wrap-around visors, which were trialed from 1944-45 and culminated in the introduction of the Mk I visor shortly after the end of the war. A lovely helmet which shows use but no wear or damage. the interior chamois is grubby form Brylcreem, the leather is excellent and the rubber receiver holders fully pliable. I would estimate this is a size 3 (large).
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 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |  RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
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 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |  RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |  RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
 RAF First Pattern Type C helmet modified for experimental visor attachment |
Squadrons Up—seminal wartime book about the RAF by Noel Monks, US first edition, 1941.
Considered one of the breakthrough books of the war, because it was published very early, at a time before it was considered unwise to "name names." It therefore mentions several notable figures—specifically the RAF's first ace, New Zealander Cobber Kain—who was killed in June 1940, prior to publication. Great insight into what the war was like at the front lines. Shows wear but overall very good condition with nice tight binding and still has its original dust jacket, although the DJ shows wear and tear. A must have book for any wartime aviation library
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 Squadrons Up - wartime book by Noel Monks, US first edition, 1941. |
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 Squadrons Up - wartime book by Noel Monks, US first edition, 1941. |
 Squadrons Up - wartime book by Noel Monks, US first edition, 1941. |
 Squadrons Up - wartime book by Noel Monks, US first edition, 1941. |
 Squadrons Up - wartime book by Noel Monks, US first edition, 1941. |
RFC / RAF message streamer.
Royal Flying Corps message streamer - carried on board aircraft to drop messages over the trenches or wherever important instructions were required and radio or telephone was not available. The message was tucked inside the pocked at the end along with a weight and then thrown from the aircraft, its bright colours enabling the recipient to see it and find it easily. Made from blue, yellow, red and white cotton with two streamer tails, approximately 60" long. Excellent condition, slightly grubby but no damage. No markings that I can find.
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 RFC / RAF message streamer |  RFC / RAF message streamer |
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 RFC / RAF message streamer |  RFC / RAF message streamer |
RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy.
Rarely found variation of the K dinghy pack. The Type C was specifically for use in confined spaces, such as gun turrets, and was used for the Type KS dinghy (made from rubberized silk instead of cotton, which could fold up tighter and lighter). It contained no accessories - just the dinghy. This example has been modified, probably post-war, by removing its harness attachment rings and adding a webbing strap. It has also had its multi-language instruction label removed. However, it has no damage and, with patience and the right parts, could be restored for WWII display. Its rarity cannot be overstated.
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 RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |  RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |
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 RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |  RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |
 RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |  RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |
 RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |  RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |
 RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |  RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |
 RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |  RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |
 RAF Type C Dinghy pack for the K dinghy |
Fantastic, rare Type B helmet, size 4, 1938 dated, modified throughout the war and fitted with a Type H oxygen mask (2-45 dated), with owner's history and photos.
Truly amazing piece of history and an extremely rare variant B helmet. 1938 dated Type B helmet, size 4, in excellent condition, paired with a wartime dated Type H mask (2-45) for which it has been custom modified by riveting the left hand strap directly to the helmet and attaching a rigger made clip to the right. It is fitted with an internal cord and Type 32 receivers. The helmet also has the brow extension sewn in place (as issued with Mk IV series goggles) and once had guide plates for Mk IV goggles, which were removed during its service life. The owner, Group Captain R. E. C. J. Beeny, OBE, flew in the first Bomber Op of the Second World War on 4 September 1939 with 149 sq. then flew numerous sorties in 1939-40, including with 'Haddock Force' bombing northern Italy from France in June 1940. Roy Beeny was awarded the OBE for his role as Royal Air Force Signals Staff Officer at Combined Operations HQ during the D-Day Landings. After the war he worked for Lord Mountbatten, flew Lockheed Constellations in the US in the 50s, and transported the Queen Mother on official engagements. This comes with a quantity of photos (digital format) and history, including images of his medals, pages from his log book, notes and citations, the bulk of which which sold at auction several years ago. A remarkable and extremely rare variation of a Type B helmet and fantastic piece of history.
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 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
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 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B flying helmet, 1938 dated, size 4, modified for and fitted with 1945dated Type H mask, wi |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
 RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |  RAF Type B helmet modified for H mask, with history |
Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle.
Standard winter flying helmet used throughout WWII by Luftwaffe pilots and crewmen. Goatskin exterior with a sheepskin fleece lining, mounted with built in receivers and throat microphones and long cord with 4-pin plug. Leather is in very good condition, with some slight scuffing to the ear cups, mostly on th right. Cord is soft and flexible but has some separation to the rubber covering from being knotted to shorten it (however, not hard and cracking like many). Cord also includes the socket from the aircraft still attached to the plug as it was ripped from the cockpit! Early Siemens production with two woven labels inside indicating maker and official nomenclature, though date stamp, in red ink, has blurred with time. Size 56 and displays well. Most impressive of all is the small Luftwaffe eagle which is affixed to the front of the helmet. It's obviously been there forever and creates a nice personal touch. Overall a very good, used and personalized helmet which displays well.
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 Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |  Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |
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 Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |  Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |
 Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |  Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |
 Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |  Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |
 Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |  Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |
 Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagleDSCN3532 |  Luftwaffe LKpW101 flying helmet with miniature LW eagle |
French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40.
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Standard pattern flying helmet worn by French Armée de l'Air pilots and crews pre-war and during the early months of WWII. Great condition with minor surface scuffing to the hard leather shell. The leather lining is butter-soft. Earflap for housing receivers or Gosport tubes and a great label which is still present inside the crown. Fitted with clips on either side for attaching the oxygen mask and snap-down leather tabs for securing the goggles. Last picture shows helmet with Cébé 4000 goggles - not included but available separately (see below).
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SOLD
 French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |  French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |
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 French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |  French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |
 French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |  French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |
 French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |  French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |
 French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |  French Airaile Type 11 flying helmet by Guéneau, 1939-40 |
French Cébé 4000 flying goggles, 1930s-WWII.
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Scarce pair of Cébé 4000 flying goggles issued to French pilots and aircrews pre-war and during the early part of WWII. Polished, plated frames with double hinged bridge, one-piece, chamois backed rubber cushion and silk elastic strap. Convex, clear lenses. Essentially the same as US Willson Mk I Pilot goggles, made under license in France — but the French version is very rarely found these days. Strap is a bit stretched out in places, but retains some elasticity. Cushion is a well made replacement that has been finished to look authentic so will not "melt" or harden. A great looking and rare pair of goggles.
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 French Cébé 4000 flying goggles, 1930s-WWII |  French Cébé 4000 flying goggles, 1930s-WWII |
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 French Cébé 4000 flying goggles, 1930s-WWII |  French Cébé 4000 flying goggles, 1930s-WWII |
 French Cébé 4000 flying goggles, 1930s-WWII |
Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles.
A lovely set of RAF Mk IVB flying goggles, first introduced into service in July 1940, yet having a relatively short service life, being superseded by the Mk VII in 1942 and all but replaced by Mk VIIIs in 1943. This pair is in lovely condition. Very minor dings to the brass frames, 95% original painted finish, nice clear lenses, good ear-loops and strap. The sponge cushions are, as usual, hard and slightly misshapen, but not enough to detract. The central nut holding the frames together has been painted white; this signifies Special Issue and indicates they were, at one time, fitted with prescription lenses. This may mean corrective lenses, but could also indicate a special tint for someone needing help in visual acuity. I have seen the white painted nuts on numerous Mk VII goggles, but never on Mk IVs. The leather nose protector is a lovely natural, light leather. Markings on strap are barely discernible. No polarizing flip-up screen - these were not attached when issued and often available only upon request. I have never been sure of the reason for the white painted nuts, but one theory is that these were for night use - which would also explain the lack of a flip screen. Well above average condition.
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 Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |  Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |
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 Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |  Excellent RAF Mk IVB flying goggles |
Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber.
One of the rarest and most difficult items to find for the advanced collector of Luftwaffe flying headgear. This is a premium example of the 10-6701 double-strap oxygen mask, known as the "fighter-bomber" mask and designed to integrate with the LKpN101 net flying helmet. Condition is impeccable - the rubber facepiece is superb, totally pliable and lined with brown suede; the strap retains its full elasticity; the hose/tube is flexible and it is fitted with its original Auer connector and clip. Green rubber was used early in the war, replaced with synthetic black rubber later. Some storage soiling and minor oxidation to metal fittings but looks like it was never worn. A fantastic mask which would be extremely difficult to improve upon.
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 Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |  Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |
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 Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |  Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |
 Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |  Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |
 Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |  Luftwaffe model 10-6701 double-strap fighter pilot's oxygen mask moulded in green rubber |
WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet.
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Croatia, then a province of Yugoslavia, aligned herself with the Germans in WWII and many Croatians served on the Luftwaffe - hence Croatian Air Force clothing and equipment was very similar in design to Luftwaffe issue - this helmet being an excellent illustration. The same pattern as the FK34 Luftwaffe helmet but constructed from heavy brown canvas lined with dark brown cotton and having grey leather straps and trim. Beautifully made, with hooks for a LW 3-strap oxygen mask. One ear has been neatly opened up and finished for wearing a headset receiver. Linen label indicates size 56 or 1B though it seems larger and fits a display head with lots of room to spare. Far more scarce than a standard LW summer helmet.
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SOLD
 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |  WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
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 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |  WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |  WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
 WWII Croatian Air Force flying helmet |
USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition.
Unissued condition, superb leather and chamois lining - and a big size. Good labels inside and nice clear USN stamp on the back. Chin cup is the hard leather version and has some minor surface wear around the buckles, otherwise this would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |
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 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |
 USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |  USN NAF1092 flying helmet by HLB, size 7, excellent condition |
WWII RAF aircrew torch in perfect working order.
Carried by aircrew members serving on all night missions, including heavy bombers, these are surprisingly difficult to find - perhaps because, being useful, they were kept after the war, reissued, or sold as surplus and used until they wore out. 6.5" long (16cm) black lacquered finish on brass, ribbed for strength with clear engraved broad arrow property mark and stores ref. number 5A/434-539. Requires 2 x D Type batteries - tested and works perfectly!
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 RAF aircrew torch |  RAF aircrew torch |
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 RAF aircrew torch |  RAF aircrew torch |
 RAF aircrew torch |  RAF aircrew torch |
 RAF aircrew torch |