Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALE ITEMS page 2. Grab a bargain!
RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war.
One of those caps that always seems to stir up arguments as to era! My honest opinion is that caps with the large rolled seam and crescent shape peaks are post war, but who can say for sure that some tailors were not working with this pattern before August 1945? This cap is definitely pre-1952, and features a beautiful, heavily-padded King's Crown badge. Maker marked to Herbert Johnson of 38 New Bond Street, London; Hatters by Appointment to his Majesty, George VI. Roan leather sweatband and patent leather chin strap. Lovely shape, hardly any wear and I can find 2 pinhead sized nips underneath the fold. Priced as postwar but ideal for a WWII display.
NOW $120
 RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war |  RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war |
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 RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war |  RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war |
 RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war |  RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war |
Luftwaffe one man dinghy – Einmannschlauchboot.
The Einmannschlauchboot, or "one man rubber boat", was introduced in late 1940 following the loss of so many Luftwaffe fighter pilots in the Channel during the Battle of Britain. Initially it was stowed behind the pilot's seat in fighter aircraft; later a second dinghy was added in a pack worn by the pilot. Dinghy is is in good condition, the rubberized material
perfectly flexible, including the keel/ballast which is often dried up. Well marked with nomenclaure and instructions. Missing one rope grab handle and seams have been reinforced with heavy black tape. A scarce item.
ON HOLD
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
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 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
RAF / SAAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version.
Yellow cotton skull-cap with tie strings, carried in the pocket of the Mae West and intended to be worn in the event of ditching or a parachute descent into water, to aid recognition, but also to protect the wearer from the sun. This tropical version has an elasticated nape and an extension at the back to protect the neck from sunburn. Not often found with any significant markings, this example is marked with a broad arrow in a "U" which indicates South African Air Force production, and named to Wilson. It is dated 1944 - long after these were declared obsolete in the European theatre, so perhaps this was for issue in the Mediterranean an North Africa. Minor repair to the top made during its working life. Rare to find an example actually issued and evidently used.
ON HOLD
 RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |  RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |
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 RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |  RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |
 RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |
RAF Air Ministry early
tube-style ditching whistle and chain.
Initially used as police whistles, there is plenty of photographic evidence showing these pea-less tube whistles in use as "ditching" whistles, attached the the aircrew blouse or Mae West. Excellent example, retaining its polished plated finish and with its chain attached. Clear Air Ministry markings.
ON HOLD
 RAF Air Ministry early tube-style ditching whistle and chain |  RAF Air Ministry early tube-style ditching whistle and chain |
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 RAF Air Ministry early tube-style ditching whistle and chain |
Scarce Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles.
By far the most popular of the Italian Air Force flying goggles of WWII, these "Protector" goggles were worn by the competitive racing pilots and retained for use by combat aircrews. Plated frames with tubular rubber cushions, clear glass lenses and a silky elastic strap. The cushions are perfectly pliable and frames are without any dings or damage. Strap is slightly stretched out butu still retains its elasticity. A lovely example of these quite rare goggles.
NOW $300
 Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles |  Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles |
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 Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying gogglesIMG_9122 |  Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles |
 Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles |  Italian Air Force issue "Protector" type flying goggles |
Ssuperb 8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm) photograph of AAF Tuskeegee Airman Major Gordon M. Rapier, signed by him.
Large b/w photograph, from a wartime original, of AAF Tuskeegee Airman Major Gordon M. Rapier, DFC, pictured standing by his P-51. Photos is signed and dedicated to a well known high-proflie collector and museum benefactor. In excellent conditon.
NOW $40
 Signed photo of Tuskeegee airman Gordon Rapier |  Signed photo of Tuskeegee airman Gordon Rapier |
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 Signed photo of Tuskeegee airman Gordon Rapier |  Signed photo of Tuskeegee airman Gordon Rapier |
Large b/w photograph of 550 sq. RAF, posed in front of a Lancaster, signed by Allan Rose.
Large photo, 14.5" x 7" (37cm x 18cm) on heavy photographic paper (textured paper, hence slight glare in image, not present on actual photo). Signed to a well-known high profile collector and museum benefactor. 550 sq. was formed from C Flight, 100 sq. and only existed from October 1943 – October 1945, created specifically for the air offensive against German industry. Rare photograph.
NOW $50
 Signed photo 550 SQ. RAF |  Signed photo 550 SQ. RAF |
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"God is My Co-Pilot", autographed by famed Flying Tiger Robert L. Scott
One of the best known and widely loved autobiographical accounts of the Flying Tigers, "God is My Co-Pilot" was written by Colonel Robert L. Scott in 1943 when the war was still going on and he was very much active. This is the 1976 ballantine edition of the book, but it is signed in person by Colonel Scott, and included is a black and white photograph of Scott which he has also signed on the back. The book is in excellent condition, with minor wear and very slight yellowing to the pages but no damage. 2 signatures for the price of 1!
NOW $100
 Robert Scott signed book |
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 Robert Scott signed book |
 Robert Scott signed book |
RAF Gyro Gunsight Camera Recorder Mk2.
Used on later Marks of Spitfire, as well as Mustangs, Hurricanes, Corsairs, Thunderbolts, Typhoons, Tempests, Mosquitoes and numerous other aircraft, both during and after the war. It also saw use in early jets such as the Meteor, Vampire, P-80, F-86 and F-100. the Mk 2 Gyro Gunsight was considered an improvement over the Reflector gunsight used in the Battle of Britain. This is the film recording unit which plugs in to the Gyro Gun Sight Mk 2 and still has a film cartridge installed (no guarantees if it has been used or if the images would be any good!). Nonetheless a great piece for display with a Gyro Gun Sight and in very good condition, well marked.
NOW $70
 RAF Gyro Gunsight Camera Recorder Mk2 |  RAF Gyro Gunsight Camera Recorder Mk2 |
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 RAF Gyro Gunsight Camera Recorder Mk2 |  RAF Gyro Gunsight Camera Recorder Mk2 |
AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured.
Scarce 16-page pocket sized (4" x 5") booklet of instructions for officers and me of the AAF in the event of capture or landing in a neutral country. This was probably issued at the same time as escape/evasion kits but clearly labeled as
"Not to be taken into a plane or aboard a ship." Lots of details about what tricks the enemy will use to try and gain information and how to guard against it. Interesting stuff. Dated 1/44. Poor quality wartime paper but overall very good condition. Centre pages are loose but it's all there. I have never come across this particular item before.
NOW $50
 AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |  AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |
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 AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |  AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |
RARE RAF / Fleet Air Arm glass mounted aircraft recognition slides of later wartime / early postwar aircraft
The last of a large batch I bought of the many years ago. These are official Air Ministry / Admiralty Aircraft Recognition slides, 3" x 3" (75mm x 75mm) with the celluloid slide mounted between two sheets of glass. Many rare aircraft are featured - including the Saro A1 jet flying boat fighter, Sea Hornet, Sea Vampire, Sea Fury, Meteor, etc. (see pictures). All are in excellent condition; 2 have hairline cracks in one side of the glass but are securely held together by the taped edge. One has a series of spider cracks in one side but is again held securely by the tape. Will be well-padded for safe posting (they came to me from the UK). 16 slides in total.
NOW $70
 RAF aircraft recognition slides |
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 RAF aircraft recognition slides |
 RAF aircraft recognition slides |
 RAF aircraft recognition slides |
 RAF aircraft recognition slides |
 RAF aircraft recognition slides |
 DSCN2082RAF aircraft recognition sli |
 RAF aircraft recognition slides |
Wartime British Army webbing pack, large size, in excellent, unissued condition.
Superb large khaki webbing back pack, with matching straps. At first glance, it looks like pack is dated 1948, but close insection shows that the ink has bled and that it is actually 1943 with the maker Bagcraft Ltd and a broad arrow stamp. Both straps are maker marked MEC Ltd and dated 1944, so it is a good wartime example in impeccable condition.
NOW $40
 British Army webbing pack in excellent, unissued condition. |  British Army webbing pack in excellent, unissued condition. |
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 British Army webbing pack in excellent, unissued condition. |  British Army webbing pack in excellent, unissued condition. |
 British Army webbing pack in excellent, unissued condition. |
RAF aircrew / Observer's binoculars.
A good pair of RAF issue binoculars as used by air observers in all aircraft types. Retain about 80% of blackened finish to brass; good optics and crisp Air Ministry mark plus stores ref. no. Lacking strap but these were often removed because they would flap in the wind and could get snagged on the interior of the aircraft.
NOW $70
 RAF aircrew / Observer's binoculars |  RAF aircrew / Observer's binoculars |
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 RAF aircrew / Observer's binoculars |  RAF aircrew / Observer's binoculars |
 RAF aircrew / Observer's binoculars |
RAF 1937 pattern webbing belt in excellent condition.
Very nice RAF 1937 pattern webbing belt with all brass fittings, retaining much of its original blue grey blancoed finish. Large "N" to centre and maker markings visible but difficult to determine. Excellent example.
NOW $50
 RAF 1937 pattern webbing belt |  RAF 1937 pattern webbing belt |
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US Army Cavalry officer's leather gaiters, WWI.
Heavy dark brown leather with a short strap at the top and longer strap which wraps around and buckles at the ankle. These gaiters were worn by Cavalry officers for protection while riding. Super high quality, heavy leather which is a little dry but in great condition. Each is stamped inside with manufacturer's details and serial numbers.
NOW $30
 US Army Cavalry leather gaiters, WWI |  US Army Cavalry leather gaiters, WWI |
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 US Army Cavalry leather gaiters, WWI |  US Army Cavalry leather gaiters, WWI |
 US Army Cavalry leather gaiters, WWI |  US Army Cavalry leather gaiters, WWI |
Scarce AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia.
A scarce item of USAAF flying clothing: the B-13 was officially classified as flying gear and only issued to officers serving as pilots or aircrew, but because it resembled the "Ike" jacket, it could be worn while on base and out on the town (its primary distinction being two corduroy lined slash pockets on the front). This is a lovely example in "chocolate" (dark green) gabardine and is complete with all insignia, including a good pinback pilot wing, collar devices, captain's rank bars, overseas hash marks and shoulder patches for the AAF and 12th Air Force. I have found two pinhead sized moth nips in one sleeve and one tiny surface nip in the other sleeve, but you have to look very closely t see them. Lovely felt AAF patch. A very difficult to find flight jacket in great condition.
NOW $350
 AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |  AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |
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 AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |  AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |
 AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |  AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |
 AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |  AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |
 AAF B-13 officer's flight jacket with all insignia |
AAF enlisted man's B-14 flight jacket with 8th AF patch and sergeant's stripes.
A scarce item of USAAF flying clothing: the B-14 was officially classified as flying gear and only issued to enlisted aircrews, but because it resembled the "Ike" jacket, it could be worn while on base and out on the town (its primary distinction being two corduroy lined slash pockets on the front). This is a lovely example in olive drab wool and is complete with 8th Air Force patch to the shoulder and sergeant's stripes to both sleeves. Like the officers' version, an extremely difficult to find flight jacket in great condition, with no signs of wear or damage at all.
NOW $350
 AAF enlisted man's B-14 flight jacket |  AAF enlisted man's B-14 flight jacket |
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 AAF enlisted man's B-14 flight jacket |  AAF enlisted man's B-14 flight jacket |
 AAF enlisted man's B-14 flight jacket |
AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher".
Quite unusual to find a true "crusher" for enlisted personnel. This is a beauty! Khaki top with oilcloth liner and superb quality soft patent leather peak that rolls up tightly to fit in a pocket. Front and rear chin straps in matching soft leather. Good two-piece enlisted cap badge. A few loose stitches on the leather sweatband and two pinhead sized moth nips on the underside of the top at the back, which aren't visible when worn or displayed. Best of all is the lovely rakish shape of the cap which has a distinctive backwards sloping look. This is a good-looking, high-end, officer-quality cap.
NOW $150
 AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher" |  AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher" |
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 AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher" |  AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher" |
 AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher" |  AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher" |
 AAF enlisted man's peaked / visor cap - a true "crusher" |
RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier, 1937 pattern.
Good set of RAF 1937 pattern webbing, comprising the belt, dated 1943 (partially obscured by the airman's service number), shoulder straps (braces) with extenders and a canteen in its correct 1942 dated matching carrier. Canteen is in excellent condition, with its felt covering undamaged and includes its original attached cork stopper. A very nice set in very good condition.
NOW $150
 RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier 1937 pattern |
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 RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier 1937 pattern |
 RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier 1937 pattern |
 RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier 1937 pattern |
 RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier 1937 pattern |
 RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier 1937 pattern |
 RAF webbing belt and braces with canteen and carrier 1937 pattern |
RAF AP1234 Manual of Air Navigation Vol 1 dated 1935.
Every pilot as well as every navigator had to go through navigation training and will have studied this book. Being 1935 dated, this is the manual numerous battle fo Britain pilots will have had at their disposal. Added to which, this is stamped "Received Oct 14, 1937 20(B) Squadron, RCAF, Regina, Saskatchewan" where it was undoubtedly used by the Empire Training School. Complete and with various pasted in revisions and corrections. Minor surface tear and paint stain on cover otherwise in excellent condition. Not a common find.
NOW $65
 RAF AP1234 Manual of Air Navigation Vol 1 dated 1935 |  RAF AP1234 Manual of Air Navigation Vol 1 dated 1935 |
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 RAF AP1234 Manual of Air Navigation Vol 1 dated 1935 |  RAF AP1234 Manual of Air Navigation Vol 1 dated 1935 |
 RAF AP1234 Manual of Air Navigation Vol 1 dated 1935 |  RAF AP1234 Manual of Air Navigation Vol 1 dated 1935 |
Rare AP 1728D Vol 1. manual for the Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines.
Fantastic RAF manual for the Bristol Hercules engine, the radial engine which powered RAF Beaufighters, Wellngtons, Stirlings and Halifax aircraft, as well as the Lancaster Mk II, among others. It continued in service well past the end of the war, but this is a rare April 1942 dated edition of the official AP notes. Bound by cord and in a hard cover, this manual features multiple fold-out pages with diagrams printed in colour in addition to the notes and numerous b/w photographs. A rare and early manual for one of the best known and most utilized radial aero-engines of the RAF.
NOW $175
 AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |  AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |
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 AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |  AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |
 AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |  AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |
 AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |  AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |
 AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |  AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |
 AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |  AP 1728D Vol 1. Hercules VI and XVI Aero-Engines. |
RCAF Air Gunner's notebook/course notes from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario.
Personal course notes from the Armaments School, Mont. View, Ontario with incredible detail on every kind of weapon taught, from revolvers and rifles to Browning .303 and .5 inch aircraft guns, Hispano etc. Dates from mid-WWII (references on sketches to 1943). All handwritten but very neat and legible, approximately .75 inch thick with copious detailed hand drawn coloured-pencil illustrations of components, cutaways, etc. One of a kind item absolutely full of useful information.
NOW $65
 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
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 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) with GENUINE WW2 silk canopy inside.
Early style "square" pack used from 1942-43 until replaced with the "barrel" shaped design. Made by the Rigger Depot - but this example has been custom fitted with a genuine WW2 dated (August 1944) silk parachute canopy. This is as new and has never been worn or used.
Note: canopy is correctly packed but is NOT attached to the risers and this can NOT be used to jump.
ON HOLD
 AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) |  AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) |
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 AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) |  AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) |
 AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) |  AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) |
 AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) |