Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALE ITEMS!
Older stock - bargain prices!
WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet.
A very scarce accessory - cotton helmet as worn by Royal Navy deck crews while manhandling aircraft on the flight decks of aircraft carriers during WWII. Each colour denoted a specific role or duty and I believe royal blue indicated starboard general duties. Simple unlined cotton helmet with a chin strap and buckle (essential for it not to be blown off in the high winds and propwash). Size 2 (Large) in unissued condition. See last photos for wartime colour photos of helmets being worn on cover and editorial in Illustrated News dated 1943. Note: this helmet is not the same as the US Navy issue deck helmets which were often modified into flying helmets by USN pilots. Very scarce item and the last one of a small batch I obtained a while back.
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NOW $60
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |
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 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet |
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet |
RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3, unissued condition.
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Excellent example of the Canadian made version of the Type B flying helmet. Glove soft, quality leather with a bright, clean chamois lining, well marked as a size 3 (large) and Buffalo Cap Co. ink stamp with what appears to be a 1942 date. Leather has a slight Bloom which in no way detracts and would probably buff up with a little dressing. A lovely example.
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NOW $200
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
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 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 DSCN5947 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
 RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3 |
RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label - needs TLC.
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RAF Type C helmet, fist pattern, designed for external wiring and fitted with a leather chin strap and Bennetts buckle, with fore-and-aft goggles strap tabs. This is made in India under contract to the Air Ministry by Phelps & Co. and has a small cotton label inside the crown. Leather is in great condition, chamois lining is clean and helmet appears to be unissued. Rubber ear cups are pliable. Inside the forehead and the chin flap are lined with green velvet. The only issue this helmet has is that the top centre seam running from front to back has split for 2" / 5cm but this could be repaired with care. Curiously, the two front goggle strap tabs are bright red on the back! Overall a nice helmet that would be great with a little work.
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NOW $200
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
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 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |  RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
 RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label. |
Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles.
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A good pair of these large lens flying goggles which display well, despite missing a small section of the soft rubber cushion on the left side of the frame. The cushions are light, spongy and still flexible with slight surface crazing but are basically sound and quite decent. Frames and lenses are excellent and strap retains elasticity. The centre bridge has the classic double screw/nut adjustment. No markings that I can see.
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NOW $180
 Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles |  Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles |
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 Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles |  Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles |
 Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles |  Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles |
US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night vision adaption and for observing tracer.
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Same style as WWII US Navy sunglasses but oilcloth case is marked USN and dated 1954. Fitted with a single, red acetate lens which wraps around to block out as much outside light as possible. These were worn half an hour before night flight to acclimatize the wearer to the dark. They were also worn to observe tracer ammunition. Maker marked "Pioneer" these sunglasses have plastic frames with comfort cables and are in excellent condition. The snap fastener on the case has pulled through but still present.
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NOW $50
 US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |  US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |
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 US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |  US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |
 US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |  US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |
 US Navy Korean War aviator's red sunglasses for night adaption and for observing tracer |
Replacement visor for the rare RAF Mk 2A bone-dome flying helmet.
Size LARGE replacement or spare visor for the Mk 2A bone-dome. This is has never been used (the holes are not drilled all the way through). Some very minor surface scratching but overall excellent example, rose smoke tinted with the clear half moons at the bottom. A very rare accessory for an extremely rare jet flying helmet.
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NOW $150
 Replacement visor for the rare RAF Mk 2A bone-dome flying helmet |  Replacement visor for the rare RAF Mk 2A bone-dome flying helmet |
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 Replacement visor for the rare RAF Mk 2A bone-dome flying helmet |  Replacement visor for the rare RAF Mk 2A bone-dome flying helmet |
Rare Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves.
Fantastic pair of extremely rare Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves, made of soft brown suede, with knit wool linings and trimmed with rabbit fur. Each glove is well marked with nice crisp stamping and has a leather thing tightening strap. These show very light wear, and there is a tiny split on the left hand index finger, and a very small seam separation on the middle finger. Very hard to find and a beautiful example.
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NOW $375
 Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves |  Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves |
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 Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves |  Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves |
 Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves |  Japanese Army Air Force flying gloves |
WWII era USAAF Flight jacket liner / waistcoat / vest.
Featured in Combat Flying Clothing by Glenn Sweeting (page 65). Late war heavy cotton OD cotton waistcoat / vest lined with alpaca type fur as found in the B-9, B-10 and B-11 jackets. No label but stencilled on the back is F-1977 and handwritten F-0604. Clearly this is NOT anything from 1977 and has a wartime Talon zip (in good working order). I have seen these in use in photographs in addition to Sweeting's reference. A scarce item.
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NOW $120
 WWII era USAAF Flight jacket liner / waistcoat / vest |  WWII era USAAF Flight jacket liner / waistcoat / vest |
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 WWII era USAAF Flight jacket liner / waistcoat / vest |  WWII era USAAF Flight jacket liner / waistcoat / vest |
 WWII era USAAF Flight jacket liner / waistcoat / vest |
RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944.
Well above average, very good clean pair of RAF Mosquito boots in brown suede with drawstring ties to keep out mosquitoes and other pests. These boots were originally intended for ground crews in desert conditions, but were quickly seized by pilots and aircrews, notably fighter pilots, who recognized their immense value. The boots were produced in both green and brown suede; this pair is brown, which seems to be the less common. They are well marked, size 8 UK (9 US) with Air Ministry crown and broad arrow. They are also marked inside the foot (impossible to get a photo but very clearly visible) with the maker's name: John White, and a date of 1944. Original soles and heels all in excellent condition and very light wear overall. As nice a pair as you will find.
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NOW $475
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
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 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
 RAF Mosquito Boots dated 1944 |
Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water.
By contrast to the white "Bulgarian suit, this blue-grey shearling/sheepskin heavyweight "Channel" suit is a true combat veteran! Blue grey was designated for flight over water and this suit saw plenty of action, though remains in fair to good condition, the jacket showing the most wear. The main zip has been replaced (period) but has a break in the tape. It can be closed carefully. Sleeve zips are stiff but working though the pullers are broken. Waistband has been replaced (again, this appears to be period and new waistband shows plenty of use). Collar is worn and has a tear but could be repaired. With care, this jacket could most certainly be restored. The trousers are in better condition, with original functioning zips and all pockets complete with loops, tabs and flaps for storing survival kit. The leg/flag pocket is missing part of the snap fastener and there are a couple of very neat repairs (and one not so neat which could be field repair) but are otherwise in very good condition. Zips are an unusual maker, marked DePe and Czechoslovakia. The label inside the trousers is also unusual and has an open ended early date (193_). It's possible the suit was made in Czechoslovakia, which is an interesting variation. Overall it's a perfectly displayable example of a used suit, priced according to its condition.
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NOW $1,200
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
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 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |  Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
 Luftwaffe 2-piece winter weight Channel Suit for wear over water |
RAF log book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Gunners and Flight Engineers - blank.
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Unissued and completely unfilled, an unused RAF log book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Gunners and Flight Engineers. 1943 revision/printing and in perfect condition (except for slight foxing to the pages). Makes a nice souvenir alongside a completed log book or for display with aircrew training equipment.
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NOW $40
 RAF log book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Gunners and Flight Engineers - blank. |
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 RAF log book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Gunners and Flight Engineers - blank. |
 RAF log book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Gunners and Flight Engineers - blank. |
 RAF log book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Gunners and Flight Engineers - blank. |
 RAF log book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Gunners and Flight Engineers - blank. |
Complete set of WWII factory manuals + General Service Notes for the Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer (USN version of the B-24)
Set of five factory published hardback manuals for the PB4Y-2 aircraft, together with the softcover General Service Notes.
Flight Manual. 92 Pages, dated 1945
Airplane General and Armament. 254 pages. dated 1944
Power Plant. 206 pages. dated 1944
Hydraulics. 198 pages. dated 1945
Electricity. 148 pages. dated 1944
General Service Notes. (softcover) 326 pages. dated 1945
Overall condiiton is very good, with a little wear and bumping to the outsides, the gold leaf titling has tarnished with age but the bindings are solid. Softcover shows some wear, rubbing to outside.
NOW $200 email to secure this item
 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
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 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
WWII AAF Swallow-Tail Guidon 80th Troop Carrier Squadron.
Gorgeous 2-sided swallow-tail guidon pennant in heavy blue cotton, with OD green cotton inside the flagpole channel and gold/yellow felt machine sewn winged-prop insignia and numerals. 30" x 20" and just impeccable condition. A couple of very tiny (pin-head sized) moth nips in the felt which are barely visible. The 80th Troop carrier squadron flew on D-Day, dropping 101st Airborne paratroopers, and then dropping supplies the following day. A superb guidon.
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NOW $95
 WWII AAF Swallow-Tail Guidon 80th Troop Carrier Squadron |  WWII AAF Swallow-Tail Guidon 80th Troop Carrier Squadron |
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 WWII AAF Swallow-Tail Guidon 80th Troop Carrier Squadron |  WWII AAF Swallow-Tail Guidon 80th Troop Carrier Squadron |
 WWII AAF Swallow-Tail Guidon 80th Troop Carrier Squadron |
Superb and rare RAF wartime dated beret in unissued condition with "economy" version of badge.
RAF other ranks beret, dated 1945 and fitted with the wartime economy version of the cap badge in black bakelite/plastic. Nice clear markings inside with maker, date and WD arrow stamp. No wear or damage. Two piece construction with a seam around the crown and at the back; diagonal quilted cotton lining with waterproof layer in between and leather edge. Impossible to upgrade.
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NOW $135
 RAF wartime dated beret in unissued condition. |  RAF wartime dated beret in unissued condition. |
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 RAF wartime dated beret in unissued condition. |  RAF wartime dated beret in unissued condition. |
 RAF wartime dated beret in unissued condition. |  RAF wartime dated beret in unissued condition. |
Complete AAF Pilot's Navigation Kit to pilot of 489 BG, 846 BS, 8th AF.
The most complete example of one of these kits I have ever come across, named to Lt. W.S. Buckmaster, 489 BG, 846 BS. The leather case is in excellent condition, with just little wear at the edges and fully functioning zip fastener and contains the owner's photo ID card plus some printed name tapes; 11 wartime aeronautical charts of the US, mostly east coast plus Pheonix, Detroit, Milwaukee, etc. Additional 5 charts of Asia and the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Philipines, etc plus military street maps of Tokyo and Manila. Owner was in Europe with 489BG and then later in the Pacific. Includes several blank navigation plotting sheets and landing fields/bases en route. A full case in great condition which is well worth further research.
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NOW $220
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
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 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete4430 |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
 AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |  AAF Pilot's Nav kit complete |
AAF / USAF Type N-2 Aircrew Mittens.
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Issued for extreme cold weather flying, and no doubt intended for wearing over other warm gloves. Gloves are in superb condition, appear unissued and made from unlined brown leather with moccasin style stitching. Well marked inside with what appears to be a 1949 contract order date. US Air Force white ink stamp on back of both hands. First pair of these I have ever encountered. Interesting item of flying clothing from between WWII and the Korean War, when the AAF was transitioning into the USAF and still using brown leather for a lot of flying kit.
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NOW $30
 AAF Type N-2 Aircrew Mittens |  AAF Type N-2 Aircrew Mittens |
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 AAF Type N-2 Aircrew Mittens |