Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES April 2024
(click on pictures to enlarge)
AAF long extension hose/tube for the A-10/A-14 oxygen mask.
Having not seen one of these in many years, two come along within a matter of a few weeks! Seen in the recent "Masters of the Air" series, these fabric covered corrugated extension hoses were fitted extensively in AAF heavy bombers to enable crew-members to move around freely within the aircraft. The last one I had was 36" long. This is a full 6' in length and in excellent condition, including the clip which attached to the flight suit and connector for the mask hose. Excellent condition and retaining the label with AN part number.
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Rare private purchase locket compass WWI era, possibly used as an escape or survival device.
Unusual privately purchased locket which could be worn around the neck as jewellery containing a lovely compass. The surround appears to be silver (although I cannot find any hallmark) with the compass bezel either gold or brass. The compass can easily be popped out of the mount if it became necessary to conceal. Unfortunately the glass is cracked although it still holds together just fine. The glass may at one time have been painted or covered with a photograph to conceal the compass inside. Escape devices were not standard issue in WWI, but seeing the need for at least rudimentary survival tools, many ingenious devices were offered commercially and purchased by individuals or their families as gifts for soldiers at the front. The design of this compass, with its stylized lettering and silver mount, are typical early 20th century. An interesting item for a WWI survival display and no doubt the glass could be replaced by any good watchmaker. Compass diameter 5/8" (slightly larger than a WWII standard escape compass), complete locket diameter 7/8".
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Mk I Marching Compass as issued with the K dinghy (and other dinghies).
The standard issue compass of all branches of the military throughout the war, the Mk I Marching Compass was issued as part of the K dinghy survival pack as well as larger, multi-place dinghies. This example is in great condition, well-marked and in perfect working order, and includes the "D" ring for attaching to a lanyard for wearing around the neck. While the smaller "escape" type compasses would work in a pinch, these more robust compasses were far more accurate and definitely the preferred type.
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RAF paddles for the K Dinghy—unissued and unused.
Perfect set of two paddles for the RAF one-man dinghy, Type K. These fit into the pack carried as part of the seat parachute cushion. Unissued, unused condition, bright and pliable with clear stores reference markings. Retain their securing lines.
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Inflation bellows for the RAF K Dinghy.
Small hand-operated "accordion" bellows for topping up air in the RAF one-man K Dinghy. Fits into the pack carried as part of the seat parachute cushion. Well marked and in perfect working order, never been issued or used.
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Baling Cup for the RAF one-man K Dinghy.
Small, collapsible baling cup issued with the RAF one-man K Dinghy. Fits into the pack carried as part of the seat parachute cushion. Well marked with stores reference information and in excellent condition, retaining its securing line.
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Luftwaffe electrically-heated flying boots in superb condition.
Simply stunning pair of of Luftwaffe flying boots, of the type fitted with electrical wiring heated through tewo press stud/snap fasteners at the top of the calf. Suede uppers, leather foot section and original Wilop soles which show only the slighted hint of wear. The fleece lining is perfect and both boots carry well-marked labels with BAL stamp, RB Number and size details. Light storage wear but this pair would be very difficult to upgrade.
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AAF Type A-8 flying helmet officially modified for A-9 mask.
Scarce early Army Air Corps / Army Air Forces summer flying helmet, Type A-8. The precursor of the far more common A-9, the A-8 did not have a long service life, because it did not integrate well with the new generation of rubber oxygen masks. As an interim fix, some A-8 helmets were modified, either in the mill or by a rigger at the quarermaster's stores, but cutting out the sides of the helmet and adding a leather chin strap instead of the hard leather cup, in order to accommodate the A-9 mask. At the same time, hooks were added to the top and sides to attaching the mask. This is one of those modified helmets, but appears to be in unissued condition. Marked as a size Medium, it is more generous than most of these early cotton helmets and displays well on a male head.
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WWI Imperial German aviator helmet.
Black goatskin leather helmet, typical of the type worn by Imperial German aviators during the First World War. Six-panel pinwheel pattern construction and sheepskin fleece lining with a coarse, field grey linen lined neck flap, plus small flaps over each ear with snap closure. These same helmets remained in use after the war for motoring and motorcycling and were adopted by glider pilots in the 1930s. For this reason it is very difficult to date them exactly. In excellent condition and a large size.
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US Navy Aviation Circular Letter 35-43 regarding ferrying of naval aircraft.
18-page letter containing full and detailed instructions for the ferrying of naval aircraft. A very interesting document, which includes a one-page amendment letter attached at the back. Of added interest is the fact that both the letter and the amendment are signed by Admiral J.S. McCain, Deputy Chief of Air Operations and of course the father of the later Senator John McCain.
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Watch carrying case for master navigational watch Type AN5740 unissued in box.
Another absolutely pristine and rare piece of flying equipment. The carrying case for the AN5740 navigational watch, still packed in its original box with corrugated padding and two original copies of the small instruction sheet. the case is coated in grey enamel and retains 100% of its finish. It has a brass data plate attached and locking lid with a swivelling window for viewing the watch without touching it. the wtach is held inside by springs and mounted on a black felt cushion. A rare and sought after item (the cases are considered more scarce than the watches) and one which would be virtually impossible to upgrade.
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AAF Oxygen mask extension tube with clip.
Fairly scarce accessory for the WWII AAF bomber crewman, seen extensively in the recent "Masters of the Air." Fabric covered extension hose for the oxygen mask, used by most crew positions n US bombers. Good flexible tube with connector that attaches to the ene dof the mask hose, complete with the clip that hooks on the flight suit or jacket. The other end attaches to the oxygen source in the aircraft. Great condition.
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RAF Mk IIIa goggles, unissued dated 1936.
Simply stunning pair of Mk IIIa flying goggles, the type synonymous with Battle of Britain fighter pilots. Blackened frames are in amazing condition, lenses are like new, leather and elastic strap is perfect with no damage or loose springs. Velver cushion is still soft although the internal padding has stiffened somewhat. Beautiful A-crown-M marked strap with date of 1936. Stoppers and trumpet air vents both present. These are highly sought after and getting very difficult to find. This pair would be extremely difficult to upgrade.
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AAF M-5 anti-flak helmet in unissued condition.
The ultimate design of anti-flak helmet produced and issued to AAF aircrews in WW2 was the model M-5, which utlized the basic shell of the M-1 helmet, complete with a built-in webbing and leather suspension liner. Both sides were cut out to accommodate a headset or the receivers in the flying helmet, and covered with elongated, hinged ear covers in the shape of inverted pears. The entire helmet was then covered with flocked OD green paint – the flocking to prevent freezer burn when handling at altitude. This example is in about as perfect condition as it is possible to get. Unissued and never worn, it retains 100% of its flocked finish, which is extremely rare, because the coating was delicate and rubbed off easily. Leather is superb, helmet is clean and untouched. This helmet would be very difficult to upgrade.
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Air Associates US Navy pattern flying helmet with Gosport receivers.
Essentially this is a commercial flying helmet, but prior to the issue of the M-450 and NAF1092 pattern helmets, most US Navy flying kit was purchased off the shelf from commercial manufacturers. This particular helmet is a perfect example of the type of flying helmet purchased by the US Navy in the early 1930s and used by students while training. Made by Air Associates, it's a high quality leather helmet with a chamois lining, and features the ubiquitous chin cup. Overall very nice showing use and some wear to the edge but nothing too serious. Great label and still wih its built-in Gosport receivers.
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Superb padded RAAF pilot wing.
Lovely wartime British-made RAAF pilot wing, embroidered in cream silk on dark blue melton wool with a light blue wreath with a black oilcloth backing. Nicely padded and never sewn on. A scarce wing.
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Lovely Canadian made New Zealand pilot wing.
Lovely wartime Canadian-made RNZAF pilot wing, embroidered in cream silk on black wool felt with a brown wreath and red-filled crown. Nicely padded with black paper backing. Never sewn on. A scarce wing.
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AAF Officer's "Flight Ace" visor cap.
Excellent example of a WWII USAAF officer's cap by Ace Manufacturing Co. of San Antonio, Texas. The "Flight Ace" was made with AAF officer's in mind although, of course, any branch of the US Army could purchase one! Made from gabardine wool with contrast stitching, high quality leather peak, wide front and rear chin strap and satin lining, this was the cap to be seen in! Not a true "crusher" in the sense of having a soft peak, it has a great "saddle" shape and is completed with a lovely gilt badge and buttons. Minor staining from badge (looks far worse in the pictures).
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Scarce US Air Corps Type A-1 Flight Moccasin / Shoe.
The first official item of footwear issued to the US Army Air Service / Air Corps in 1924 and designated, at that time, as a "flight moccasin" rather than a flight boot or shoe. It was made of horsehide and lined with shearling, with a flat sole, no heel (except for a reinforcement of leather) and fastened with three straps and buckles across the front. It was later redesignated as Flight Shoe, Type A-1 and remained in AAF inventory until declared obsolete in 1944. This pair has no labels or markings, as were many in the early days of the Air Corps. Very good used condition, the leather is in great condition, nicely tanned with age. All straps and buckles intact and the lining is complete and strong. Not a common find.
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RAF 1933 Pattern Gauntlets, as worn during the Battle of Britain.
Very good pair of 1933 Pattern Gauntlets. High quality leather gloves, lined with calfskin, with straight zip fastener. Both nicely marked with A-crown-M and stores code. One is dated 1940 and the other 1941. One is labeled size 8-1/2. Both are marked with the same RAF service number. Not a perfect matching pair, but very close in every way (left and right gloves were made in separate facilities to discourage pilfering – so "pairs" rarely matched). There is a 2" separation at the seam of the right hand glove on top of the hand, but this is an easy repair.
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Superb US Navy fighter pilot's log book grouping VF-8 flying F6F Hellcat.
This is a stunning US Navy flying log book to a carrier strike pilot who went through the V-5 flight training program, then joined VF-8 flying the F6F Hellcat from the deck of the USS Bunker Hill. He carried out 43 strike missions against numerous targets including Palau, Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and many more. He took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. He was credited for a direct hit on a Japanese destroyer and received 2 DFCs, 7 Air Medals and 2 unit citations, among other awards. Log book comes with 11 excellent period photographs of him and his squadron. A superb and rare log book grouping.
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US Navy / Marine Corps oxygen mask microphone Type RS-83# plus extension cord and push-to-talk switch.
Another scarce accessory for the US Navy flying headgear. The RS-83 microphone was mounted inside the Type C oxygen mask. Microphone includes its cord and an extension cable with a push-to-talk switch. Excellent, unissued condition.
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Wartime RAF / RCAF manual for the Tiger Moth Gipsy Major engine
The companion volume to the Tiger Moth instruction manual. This is the manual for the Gipsy Major engine which powered the De Havilland DH 82C Tiger Moth training aircraft. Same size but with a red semi-rigid leatherette cover, it is filled with fold-out diagrams showing the engine's systems. Scarce manual.
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RAF Aircrew Training Manual.
Large, hard bound volume comprising several sets of APs for training all RAF aircrew cadets in all crew positions, including Pilot, Navigator and Air Gunner, with course notes on Principles of Flight, Air Navigation, Meteorology, Weaponry (including the Browning .303 machine gun and small arms) amongst others - as well as a section on Maths. Various dates (all wartime). This heavy volume measures 9.5" x 12" and almost an inch thick! An important manual which would have been issued to all RAF aircrew in training.
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"Laughs with the Forces" - 1943 magazine featuring cartoons from Punch and Giles and others.
For many people growing up in England, it wasn't Christmas without the yearly book of cartoons by Giles, the famous cartoonist whose work appeared every day in the Daily Express. Giles was hard at work during the Second World War as well, and this lovely piece of nostalgia features his early work, along with cartoons from Punch, as well as numerous anecdotes and jokes about the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. 48-pages, 5.5" x 8.5" (14cm x 22cm). Excellent condition, with one small tear at the spine. Brilliant British military humour.
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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.
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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.
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AAF B-29 Superfortess Pilot's Training Manual.
The bomber that arguably had the last say in WWII, dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This original wartime edition was printed in February 1945. Cardboard covers and 3 screw/bolt binding so that pages could be added/deleted as necessary. This example is named to a Lieutenant Leverett G. Richards. Everything you need to know to fly the B-29 Superfortress.
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RAF copy of the engine notes for the Curtiss Kitty Hawk fighter / Allison engine.
The P-40 Kitty Hawk aircraft was used in a limited capacity by the RAF, primarily in the Western Desert, where it proved successful. Documentation for the RAF version of the aircraft is few and far between and this is a scarce and interesting booklet on the Allison engine. Comprises photographic copies from the American manual printed on photographic paper, with the "official" RAF ink stamp to the reverse.
Air Ministry marked and dated June 13, 1943. Excellent condition.
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Official Air Ministry manual / dossier for Avro Lancaster B Mk III ME545 and the Round the World Flight of 1946.
The official, original Air Ministry manual prepared for and used on a historic round the world flight, departing from RAF Watton on October 21st, 1946 and returning on December 17th. Her mission, as an equipment test bed with the Radio Warfare Establishment & Central Signal Establishment at RAF Upwood and RAF Watton was to service test radio communications, navigation, radar and radio direction finding equipment, British and American, in place at RAF stations throughout the world. This dossier includes lists of all equipment being tested (much of which was secret and classified at the time), route maps of the flight, technical data on ground receiving stations and RAF stations en route, frequencies used, reports and detailed results. The minutes of all meetings, both prior to, during and after the flight are included. Historical notes include problems to be anticipated en route in certain areas (India, Suez etc), which were still under British rule at the time. A fascinating and historic document containing information that contributed greatly to the future defence of Great Britain and the Commonwealth.
Approx. 100 pages including fold-out maps, checklists etc.
Prior to the Round the World flight, ME545 served operationally in WWII with 186 Sqn, 218 Sqn (code XH-L nose art “Lovely Lou”), 22 MU, 15 MU and 38 MU before being transferred to the Radio Warfare Establishment & Central Signal Establishment at RAF Upwood (as WB-E) and RAF Watton (as V7-E).
The aircraft was scrapped, 25 April 1950. Some copy photos are included.
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Extremely rare 1944 dated RCAF zip-front battledress blouse.
One of the rarest items of Commonwealth uniform/flying kit - this is the first I have ever been able to offer. Though never introduced for RAF crews, the RCAF produced - for a short time - a zip-front Suits Aircrew (battledress) blouse for wear by aircrew only. Though similar to the Blouse, Aircrew it featured a concealed front zip fastener with a single button at the waist. This example is in near new condition, with very light wear. Though named inside, it has no insignia attached, but a great label dated 1944 and Canadian WD proofed. Superbly tailored, the Lightning zip works perfectly, there is little evidence of wear and no damage. A very rare uniform/flying jacket.
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Extremely rare RAF Type E oxygen mask complete with narrow tube, Type 26 microphone including Q cord, receivers and plug.
One of, if not the, rarest of the WWII RAF oxygen masks to find, because its design was changed shortly after issue. It was replaced by the E* (E-star) which featured an inspiration valve in the left cheek and an improved elastic webbing strap. All masks held in inventory were returned to the factory for modification to E*. Only those which had already been issued remained unmodified. This example is in very good, gently used condition. The rubber is in very good condition, nice and pliable, with no sign of hardening or turning "sticky." It does have a few surface stress cracks around the microphone and on the right hand check, but these are not serious. There is a very small split at the nose (where the rubber is thinnest) but again, this is not serious and will not spread if handled with care. Correct narrow tube is fitted and secured with a circlip. There is minor surface cracking within the corrugations and where it stretches around the aluminium inlet pipe, but there are no major issues. The mask is fitted with a Type 26 microphone assembly with full length Q cord, Type 16 receivers and "bell" plug. It would be hard to find a better example.
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RARE RAF oxygen tube and Mk IIIB connector for the Type D oxygen mask.
Extremely rare accessory for a Battle of Britain headgear display. This is an early example of an unbraided hose / tube for the RAF Type D oxygen mask, made from salmon coloured India rubber. The tube is not without some issues but is complete and intact and does retain a fair amount of pliability. It does have some deep cracks and a few hard areas (please look at photos) but can be carefully attached to a D mask and arranged for display. The key to this item is its rarity; very few of these early original hoses survive - and this example is better than most. Complete with a brass Mk IIIB bayonet connector marked "gunfire" and dated 1939.
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Scarce AAF complete anti-flak armour for an Air Gunner.
Complete set of anti-flak armour for an air gunner in a heavy bomber such as the B-17 or B-24, primarily used by aircrews of the 8th Air Force stationed in England and developed by the Wilkinson Sword Company. Set comprises the full M-1 chest and back armour with the M-4 groin apron or "sporran" attached. The set is in very good condition, with no damage, just honest wear and a few storage marks, some rust stains. OD green canvas fabric over steel plates with a white corduroy backing. Well marked and labeled and complete with its Quick Release red pull tab so it could be discarded quickly in the event of ditching or bailing out. Very difficult to find.
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AAF Type A-6A pilot's flying boots by Converse in amazing condition.
Absolutely stunning pair of A-6A Pilots Flying Boots. Polyacrylate coated sheepskin uppers with leather reinforcement and supple, pliable rubber galosh section. Thick fleece lining with all straps and buckles intact and smoothly operating zip fastebers. Manufactured by Converse and specifically labeled as "Pilot's" flying boots. 100% AAF decal on both boots. The best pair I have seen in a long time. The condition of these boots is amazing and they would be very difficult to upgrade.
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RAF / Army officer's private purchase service dress gloves.
Excellent pair of RAF or Army officer's private purchase service dress gloves. Soft brown leather with a knit lining and single press-stud/snap fastener at the wrist. Show very light use. These were worn by RAF and Army officers while on duty and in fact many RAF pilots preferred to wear these instead of the issued flying gauntlets. Most were worn long after the war and so they are not common.
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