Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES August 2021
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Rare RAF Beadon Suit escape/evasion folding knife and spike.
One of the more illusive accessories for the Beadon survival/escape/evasion suit and back pack is this heavy duty folding knife. 5" (13cm) long when folded, with 3.5" (9cm) knife blade and a 3.25" (8cm) spike. Similar simple construction to the escape boot knife but much more robust, made from heavy gauge steel, the knife has no markings. Good stiff spring action it shows light surface oxidation and minor surface dings. A useful and formidable tool/weapon and a tough item to find.
SOLD
RAF Type D flying helmet with internal wiring, neck-flap removed.
Lovely, gently used example of the desert/tropical pattern Type D helmet with internal wiring, first issued December 1944. Early examples of the unwired Type D helmet were produced with the neck flap as a detachable accessory, but there is no evidence that the later, internally wired types were ever issued this way - however, there is some photographic evidence that some pilots and crews may have removed the flap as it could get in the way of turning the head frequently. This helmet has had the flap very neatly removed and the edge properly finished, suggesting it was done by a tailor rather than a rigger. Helmet is otherwise in excellent condition, clean, with a good lining and rubber ear cups still completely pliable. Wiring loom, receivers and plugs all in excellent condition. An interesting customized variant which has been nicely done and displays well.
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RAF Type E* oxygen mask with correct narrow tube in excellent condition.
Examples of these early rubber masks are becoming extremely difficult to source nowadays, especially in such good condition and with the correct narrow tube fitted. This example appears unissued and is one of the very desirable early models, factory modified from a Type E by adding the expiration valve and replacing the harness (note the original AM stores ref. number has been obliterated and a new inventory number stamped on). Rubber is pliable and shows no damage, just slight misshaping from storage which is eliminated once it is displayed with a helmet on a head-form. Correct narrow tube and circlip, plus Type 48 microphone fitted. Very light surface crazing in the corrugations of the hose but nothing serious. Clean webbing harness with some slight elasticity remaining.
SOLD
RAF knitted wool scarf/comforter dated 1942.
Blue-grey knitted wool scarf/comforter in unissued, unworn condition. 8.5" x 30" (21cm x 76cm) double thickness with seamed edge and superb white ink stamped Air Ministry crown, maker's name and 1942 date. These accessory items are quite scarce because they were useful and warm for wearing long after the war. There is a light mark on the back which looks as if something may have spilled on it. I haven't attempted to clean it because it hardly shows and does not detract. There is no damage and no sign of wear. Note, this was an official issued item, not a private purchase or "Comforts Committee" donation.
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RARE WWII Japanese cigarettes with aviation design.
Complete unopened packet of cigarettes, WWII era, with superb aircraft illustration to front of pack. Cigarettes are still sealed in wax paper inside. Pack is slightly creased but no damage and cigarettes are in perfect condition.
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RAF Turn and Slip indicator gauge Mk Ia, believed to be from a Lancaster.
Turn and Slip indicator which shows degree of sideslip while turning. In great condition, believed to have come from a Lancaster bomber. Large gauge, 4.5" in diameter x 4.5" deep (11.5cm x 11.5cm). Nice A-crown-M ID and hand painted with update/refurbishment to Mk Ia* and also marked RCAF on back.
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RAF autopilot cockpit control Mk VIII for Lancaster, Halifax, etc.
Pitch control wheel assembly for the Mk VIII Auto Pilot as fitted on the Lancaster, Halifax and other RAF heavy bombers. Large bakelite construction in excellent condition, well marked with broad arrow and stores ref. number.
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RAF / RCAF Morse code aircraft identification transmitter switchbox No. 2 Mk III. 5C/372
Transmitter for aircraft identification, it sends out a steady signal or can be overridden to tap out a Morse code message. Perfect condition and appears to be fully-functioning, hinged on left to open and printed instructions are inside. A rare item that saved many lives!
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Extremely RARE Wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask, dated 2/45 in unissued condition.
One of the rarest of all RAF wartime oxygen masks, because very few were manufactured and issued during WWII. The Type H was developed more or less alongside the Type G and ready in 1943, but used much more complicated moulding techniques and the Air Ministry didn't believe it offered significant improvement over the G. Initial production batches were limited to PR pilots only, because it offered better visibility and was slightly lighter than the Type G. Wartime dated examples are therefore extremely rare. This example is not only dated 2/45, but is in fantastic condition, and appears unissued. No wear inside or out, just slight age discolouration. Rubber has no stress cracks and is as pliable as new. Paper tag is still attached to microphone lead. This example would be extremely difficult to upgrade.
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RAF ground crew overalls dated 1944.
Super rare RAF ground crew overalls known as “denims”. One piece suit in blue grey denim, with an internal belt with rubber buckle, rubber buttons up the front and at the cuffs and ankles, plus large buttoned pocket to left thigh. One rubber button missing, but doesn’t show when it’s fastened and on display with all the others done up. (The reason the buttons and fastenings had to be rubber is because metal zips and buttons could cause a spark). Beautiful clear A-crown-M stamp and size 12 plus date of 1944. Size tag sewn in neck. A few paint splatters but that’s is actually to be expected. No damage (one arm seam needs a little restitching). No holes and still good colour, with slight fading at the knees. These things are incredibly rare because most were worn and used after the war. Much harder to find than a Sidcot suit!
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WAAF kit bag dated 1944.
Superb WAAF kit bag, well-marked and dated 1944. Large, heavy blue grey canvas bag measures 28" x 14" x 8" (71cm x 36cm x 20cm) with large eyelets for securing with a rope and lock and a flap which snaps with heavy duty brass Newey fasteners. Sturdy carrying handles. Owner has painted their name, service number and WAAF in whitewash paint to the outside of the kit bag. No holes or undue wear. Overall great condition. First I have ever seen!
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WWI Mk I Brodie pattern steel helmet issued to all branches of the British Army, including the RFC.
Very nice displayable example of the now scarce Mk I Brodie pattern steel helmet, the first standardized protective helmet issued to British and Commonwealth troops in WWI. A small batch of pre-Mk I helmets with a raw (unprotected) edge preceded the Mk I. This model was introduced in 1916 and this example was manufactured by Thomas Firth & Sons Ltd of Sheffield. (FKS) was one of the marks used by Firth from 1916-1918. Firth ceased production in 1918. These helmets were issued to all branches including the Royal Flying Corps and would make a great addition to any RFC display. Fitted with original liner, felt pad and strap, the helmet is in great condition and even retains riveted in instruction tag!
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RAF WWII internal wiring loom for Type C, D or E helmet.
Excellent, unissued RAF WWII internal wiring loom for the internally wired Type C, D or E helmet. NIce even tan/khaki colour braided wiring. Complete with bell-shaped plug jack and female socket for mask microphone. Getting harder to find all the time.
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Extremely rare RAF microphone assembly Type D for the Type B oxygen mask or Type E microphone carrier.
Perhaps the most rare of all RAF mask mounted microphones (even more so than the Type 18/19 microphone) is this Type D microphone assembly, as fitted to the Type B oxygen mask/Type E microphone carrier mask. the Type B oxygen mask and Type E microphone mask differed only in that the Type B mask had a spigot for an oxygen tube (similar to the D mask). Both were made of tan waterproofed cotton lined with linen. Microphone is is excellent condition, with operating switch, 95% + original black lacquer finish and powdered cork insulation remaining, with excellent maroon braided external loom attached. Last picture shows microphone carrier mask mask with microphone and wiring assembly fitted. NOTE: sale is for microphone only. Mask is NOT included. The rareness of this microphone cannot be overstated.
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USAF Vietnam era broken wing "walk out" badge.
A standard USAF pilot wing, from which one wing has been carefully cut away and reattached in a "broken wing" configuration. The story is that these were presented to pilots who crashed or force landed but walked away to fight again. A good, clutch-back N.S. Meyer marked wing engraved "FR 71" presumably the pilot's initials and year of his incident. An interesting memento.
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Extremely rare RFC WWI "Warren" Aviation Safety Helmet by Christies.
Very rarely encountered, the "Warren" safety helmet was widely used by Royal Flying Corps pilots and aircrews early in WWI. It comprises a well-padded cork shell covered in oiled cotton fabric which extends over the ears and all around the head, offering ultimate protection in the event of a crash or being thrown clear of the aircraft. Mr. Warren ably demonstrated the efficacy of his helmet by routinely hurling himself at any nearby wall while wearing one! Condition of this helmet is very good, the only real wear being inside, where the leather crown lining has torn - however the labels are perfectly intact. The painted/waterproof brown covering has rubbed slightly at the skirt but the fabric is undamaged and the chin strap is good. The suspension liner and drawstring remain complete - and it retains its labels. This is an early example of the Warren, having no vents in the top, and made by Christies of London. Displays beautifully. Final 2 images show a RNAS pilot wearing a Warren helmet flying a BE2c aircraft, and Mr Warren, demonstrating the helmet. A very rare and desirable early aviation helmet.
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RAF Goggles, Flying, Lightweight - commonly known as "Mk II Goggles."
Very scarce goggles, synonymous with the Battle of Britain, because although obsolete, many pilots were so unhappy with the Mk III and IIIa, these were brought out of "retirement" and reissued. This pair shows a lot of wear, though they are substantially intact, with good clean frames. Strap is soiled and worn. There are a couple of very small holes in the fabric eyeshield and the leather covering the springs - though the springs are in good shape and not stretched out. NOTE: Lenses are replacements made from tinted acryllic - a perfect match for originals (see listing below). Very decent displayable example of rare goggles.
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AAF B-7 Goggles with separate cushions.
At first glance these B-7 goggles look great; the frames, green lenses and strap are all very good. Even the cushions look good on display - originals complete with raised contract number moulded into the top of the rubber. They are soft and pliable - but sadly - and inexplicably - there is small triangular piece missing from the outer edge on both side, and the rubber has split along the rim on both sides. The symmetry of the "missing piece" is such that I honestly wonder if it was cut deliberately (no idea why!) and I'm sure with a spot of superglue the split could be repaired suitably enough for display; they look great! However - they are priced according to their condition.
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Picture Post magazine dated May 4, 1940.
"Hulton's National Weekly Picture Post," to give it its full and correct title. Nice early wartime copy of the popular British magazine in very good condition, no tears or damage, only slight creasing and bent corners. 44-pages, large format (26cm x 35cm) with great photographs throughout; feature article on the Fleet Air Arm with great pictures of flying kit! Also an article by H.G. Wells - and oh those wonderful old advertisements! Magazines are not only interesting because of their content, they help to make a great diorama for a ready room or mess scene.
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AAF winged prop devices with inverted chevrons.
Gilt, officer's winged prop collar devices with inverted chevrons mounted above. No idea of the significance of these. One-piece, clutchback, unmarked, very good condition.
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AAF winged prop devices, snowflake pattern pinback.
Gilt and silver officer's winged prop collar devices, slightly smaller than standard, with snowflake pattern on the back and pin fastening. 2-piece construction, Possibly English made from the pin fastening style. Very nice.
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Pre-war/early WWII AAF winged propellor officer's collar devices in gold.
Excellent early matching pair of officer's winged propellor collar devices in gold. Marked "acid test" the gold is crisp and shiny with excellent detail. Early style clutches attached.
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AAF early winged propellor officer's collar devices (no.2).
Good matching pair of AAF officer's winged propellor collar devices. Maker marked with the NS Meyer shield to back and fitted with old style clutches. A very good pair.
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Job lot of very large photographic prints of well known fighter pilots of the Eagle Squadrons and USAAF.
This is a quite remarkable collection of very large photographic prints (actual photo prints on photographic paper). Each is 14" x 11" (36cm x 28cm) and features such icons as Godfrey, "Kid" Hoffer, Hively, O'Regan, Coen and more. There are 8 of these photographic prints, plus a slightly smaller (11" x 8" / 28cm x 20cm) photographic print mounted on matt board and also a cover from LIFE magazine with a similar print of a P-47 "Jug" pilot. These are almost all cockpit shots or depict the pilot with his nose art and many are great studies of flying helmets and clothing. A fantastic collection. Sold as a job lot.
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RAF 1941 pattern life vest REPRO kapok pads.
Well made reproduction kapok pads for adding to a 1941 pattern RAF stole-inflated life preserver. The ink stamped markings are a bit over-the-top, but aside from that, these do the job until an original set can be found. Originals, like everything else, are becoming more and more difficult to source.
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RAF Type S Mk2 Seat Type parachute harness with pack and D-ring/ripcord
Wartime parachutes and even components are now extremely difficult to source, but this near complete wartime pattern parachute is perfect for display purposes. Comprising the original harness with red/black fleck and large broad arrow ink stamps, GQ label with serial number (matching the pack). It has the chocolate brown back cushion and sand coloured pack, plus the D-ring and ripcord. 100% original and in very good, clean condition. Though the silk canopy has been cut, the risers are still correctly folded in place inside the pack. Pack has been lightly padded with stuffing for display, but will be shipped empty. One of the fasteners for the main pack has the very tip broken off, but this does not stop the pack from closing properly and it does not show. While having a complete parachute is wonderful for a collection, one without the canopy is much better to display on a mannequin because it doesn't have the weight to pull the mannequin over or put undue stress on the clothing and flying kit. Lacks a seat cushion and bungee cords but these can be sourced, and the assembly is otherwise complete. Though well marked I can find no evidence of any date stamps and the checking card is absent - but this assembly ticks all the boxes for a WWII period seat type parachute: fully rounded QR "bang" box; correct webbing and hardware. A superb, wartime display offered at substantially lower price than a complete seat type with silk.
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RAF Pilots and Flight Engineer's Notes for Avro Lancaster Mk I, III and X dated April, 1944.
Original wartime publication (not one of the reprints from the 1960s and more recently). Booklet shows use and wear but is complete and in good condition. Usual multiple fold out pages with diagrams of the cockpit, flight controls, instrument panels and fuel systems etc.
46 pages plus 6 pages of pull-outs. Original Pilot's Notes are quite scarce and highly sought after.
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WWI US Air Service issue pattern flying helmet.
The standard pattern flying helmet as issued to aviators in the US Army Air Service at the tail end of WWI. Soft leather helmet lined with blanket wool, with rectangular ear flaps, long chin strap and short bill. It also had short goggle retaining tabs on each side and was stamped on the back with Quartermaster's Stores information. The ink stamping, in reddish purple ink, is almost always blurred to obliteration, but contained words to the effect of "US Air Service" followed by a date (usually May 1918 based upon previous examples I have handled). The ink stamping is illegible but obvious what it represents. One of the goggle tabs is missing, and there is a small rectangular area of leather cut away on the rear, just below the ink stamped nomenclature, otherwise this helmet is in very good condition. Few are found these days due to to the poor quality of leather and tanning process used, this being a rare survivor in above average condition.
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RAF Irvin Air Chute parachute D-ring.
Trapezoidal "D" ring pull-handle for an Irvin parachute - I think for a back type parachute because the hole for the cable is on the "short" side of the "D", requiring an "upwards" pull. Nicely marked and retaining its nickel plated finish. If you need one, you need one!
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Rare Luftwaffe enlisted man's visor cap with green waffenfarbe for Air Traffic Control.
One of the most rare and difficult to find Luftwaffe enlisted ranks uniform variations: the Air Traffic Control division with green piping or waffenfarbe. This cap is in excellent conditon (presumably Air Traffic Controllers did not wear their caps too much!). A well made, high quality cap, grey wool with no signs of damage; leather sweatband, white satin lining with sweat-shied displaying maker. Ersatz/fibreboard peak, patent leather chin strap, stamped aluminium insignia. A rare cap.
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RAF first pattern Type C helmet, with "up and down" goggle tabs and 2 fasteners for the mask, fitted with a complete Type 35 microphone assembly/external wiring loom.
Very early Type C helmet, fully wired with a scarce Type 35 microphone assembly, comprising a maroon external wiring loom (Type Q cord) with low/high impedance switch box, Type 25 microphone, bell plug and RCAF marked Type C-3 receivers (equivalent of Type 16). Helmet is in excellent condition, the leather clean and supple. It is one of the first production Type C helmets, with "up and down" fore and aft goggle strap tabs and just 2 snap fasteners each side for attaching a Type E mask. Helmet has 2 names (or rather one name and one set of initials) inked inside the chamois lining. It shows light use but is cleaner than most. Bennett buckle is complete and chin strap retains metal tip to end. Microphone is fitted with its correct rubber gasket/ring. Receiver cups on helmet are so perfect and pliable I believe they might be Sefton replacements. If so, they have been professionally installed and almost impossible to tell. Helmet is a size 3 (large), indicated by the perfect embossed Air Ministry crown and stores ref. number on the left hand side. An absolutely superb example of the very scarce first production Type C with a rare external wiring loom. This pattern Type C is probably more scarce than a Type B helmet.
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Incredibly rare US Army Air Corps Type A-5 Oxygen Mask, complete with rubber tubes and internal deflector.
The first example of one of these I have ever come across - and it was worth the wait! The Type A-5 oxygen mask was introduced in 1932 and was produced in limited numbers even though it remained in AAF inventory until 1943. Full-face leather mask, lined with chamois, features an inlet and outlet pipe, with a rubber "deflector" system to prevent oxygen going directly into the mouth. The tubes and deflector are still in place. Leather is perfect, chamois lining has a couple of tears and worn spots. Elastic straps still have some stretch in them. Rubber is still pliable. A fantastic find and an ultra-rare early US Air Corps oxygen mask.
RAF Type H oxygen mask, 1963 dated.
The Type H oxygen mask was first issued in 1944, but remained in service with the RAF until the 1980s with very few modifications. This example is dated March 1963 and is in excellent condition. It has the later, small microphone, but is in all respects identical to the WWII model. It has also been modified for use with an enclosed oxygen system - having the expiration valve closed and plugged. Will attach to a Type C, D or E wartime helmet as well as the later Type F and G.
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Scarce accessory: bailing cup for the Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot (1-man raft).
Collapsible rubberized fabric cup, with handle, which was issued with the Luftwaffe one-man raft to bale out water collecting in the bottom of the raft compartment. Could also be used for collecting rainwater for drinking. Collapsible cup is made from rubberized fabric, yellow outside and black inside, with a reinforced bottom and a handle fixed on the side. The rim was wire reinforced to hold its shape. Fabric has gone quite stiff from storage and age, but can still be reshaped somewhat and displays well. No holes or damage. Hard to find on the loose.
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RAF Escape / Evasion map France and Spain - Cold War era (1953).
Not often encountered and obviously never used, but basically identical to World War Two issue escape maps, except much larger, this double sided map is printed on water resistant fabric (Rayon) and shows the entire area of both France and Spain, plus the south coast of England and northern coast of Morocco. Folded but in perfect condition. Ideal to go with any Cold War jet pilot display.
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USAF Brigadier General's uniform jacket dated 1961 and ID'd to Hayne.
Excellent Cold War era USAF Brigadier General's uniform jacket named and dated 1961, with fantastic direct embroidered bullion Command Pilot wings and US collar devices, as well as multiple ribbons and Brig. Gen/ stars to shoulder straps. Name plate to right chest says Hayne. Jacket is in excellent condition and has a tailor's label indicating Far East Exchange Service, as well as a MIL SPEC label inside the pocket. Worthy of research.
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RAF Air Vice Marshal service dress tunic, immediate post war (pre-1952).
Excellent RAF Air Vice Marshal service dress tunic from the immediate post war period. Jacket is the post war style of 3 buttons with a concealed 4th button, but has pre-1952 Kings crown buttons and WWII issue pattern pilot wings. Sadly not named - the label has been removed, possibly by the family prior to disposing of it. The medal ribbons might provide a clue to the ID. Additionally there is a small black button inside the tunic for attaching an award. Excellent condition. Air Rank uniforms rarely come available.
SOLD