Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES January 2024
(click on pictures to enlarge)
WWII or early post war period commercial life vest probaby for passengers on commercial flights.
Single chamber, blue grey rubberized fabric life preserver fitted with an auto-inflation mechanism as well as a top-up tube. Fastens by one webbing tape around the waist and one tie at the front. It looks like a cross between a German Luftwaffe issue vest and a USAAF issue B-5 but is marked Knapp and Monach, St. Louis, USA on the mechanism. No other markings that I can see. Lacks cartridge but in excellent, unused condition.
SOLD
AAF A-11 intermediate flying helmet fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, large size.
A very good example of the standard AAF helmet from late 1943 until after the end of the war. Glove soft, dark brown leather lined with chamois and fitted with large, hard rubber noise-attenuating receiver cups with padded "donuts". Second model with 4 snap fasteners on each side for fitting the oxygen mask—the top snap on the left painted yellow (seen this before and no idea what the reason is). Shows only very light use and still has its AAF emblem decal on the left side of the crown. Also fitted with the stamped alloy seal to the rear goggle strap tab, bearing the serial/service number of the owner.
SOLD
Lovely 8th Air Force patch, bullion on blue felt.
This is a gem. Magnificent heavy bullion embroidered 8th Air Force patch, most probably English made, in heavy gold bullion wire on a royal blue felt background. Slightly smaller than the standard sized shoulder patch (diameter slightly under 2.5") but just superb!
SOLD
Superb RAF Mk VII goggles with extremely rare flip-up polarizing sun shield.
An outstanding pair of what are (in my opinion) the most beautiful flying goggles of the war. The RAF Mk VII were designed to replace the cumbersome and somewhat over-engineered Mk IV series, incorporating a wide brass frame finished in ultramarine blue paint, soft leather pads, split/angled laminated lenses and a simple but sturdy elasticized webbing strap. The sunshield is a vast improvement over the Mk IV series, being easy to operate and stay in any position thanks to a ratcheted bar. Screens were issued only with a few early goggles but were made available on demand for daytime use. Most were lost or broken over time and they are now extremely difficult to source. These goggles are in excellent condition. About 95% of original blue paint remains; there are no dings or dents to the frames and the leather is excellent. The sponge rubber filling on one of the pads has stiffened slightly but this does not detract. The lenses are clean and the screen shows almost no warping. The strap retains full elasticity. Always hard to find but ulrea rare i this condition.
SOLD
Superb RAF Type G oxygen mask with Type 27 carbon microphone.
Early Type G oxygen mask in absolutely incredible condition, far nice than typically found. The grey-green rubber is in great condition, pliable and with no signs of stress or surface cracks, not even in the usual areas around the nosewire lugs and valve (see pictures). The upper surface is nicely textured, indicating an early moulding, and it has the early flat hook for attaching to the helmet. Suede lining is clean and grey webbing harness remains nicely elasticized. A Type 27 carbon microphone with 90% of its original black lacquered finish is fitted, with a short connector/cord and plug. This mask is well above average condition and would be very difficult to upgrade.
SOLD
RAF First Pattern Type C helmet, lovely condition, huge size 4.
Excellent, gently used first pattern (unwired) Type C flying helmet. Superb leather, clean chamois showing light soiling inside the neck from use, rubber ear cups nice and pliable. Fitted with 3 press stud fasteners on each side for the E, E* or G mask, leather chin strap with Bennett buckle; leather covering intact and metal "V" tip present. Fore and aft goggle strap tabs all fastening downwards, making this what is generally considered the second variation of the first pattern helmet. Good A-crown-M stamp and 22C/452 on the left lower edge indicating a size 4. This is a very generously sized helmet, even for a size 4. marked with size inside (7-1/8 to 7-3/8) and named to T. A. Wilson or Wilton. An exceptionally nice example.
SOLD
"Jump For It!" stories of the Caterpillar Club, by Gerald Bowman.
First edition of this classic book, published in 1955, featuring stories of the caterpillar Club - the exclusive club for those who have had their lives saved by taking to the silk. The club was founded by Leslie Irvin, inventor of the modern parachute, though he himself never became a member (he made hundreds of jumps, but never in an emergency!). This books features stories from the early days, though World War 2 and into the early jet age, of daring escapes from aircraft by parachute. A classic! Book is solid, dust jacket with some tears and chips and the top edge missing. School prize bookplate pasted in, but no writing or damage.
SOLD
Extremely rare book on the "Bloody Hundredth" signed by the author.
Privately published in 1946 by the author, John R. Nilsson, "Story of the Century" is the history of the legendary "Bloody Hundredth" Bomb Group of the US 8th Air Force, which flew 306 combat operations out of Thorpe Abbotts in Norfolk during WWII. This book is in very good condition, a few bumps here and there and is signed on the frontispiece by the author. It contains several pages of photographs at the back, most of which have never appeared elsewhere. Printed in very limited numbers, this is a highly sought after book. Signed copies are almost unheard of. A rare investment for the serious 8th Air Force or rare book collector.
SOLD
Rare MI9 escape compass / pencil clip.
One of many ingenious inventions of Clayton Hutton at MI9. This simple pencil clip was magnetized to work as a compass by balancing it on the pointed end of any pencil or pen. A small dimple on the inside of the clip rested on the point of a pen or pencil and point north. It would pass most inspections and searches and proved invaluable to downed aircrew or POWs. One of the less common escape/evasion compasses. Pencil shown is for display only and not included.
SOLD
Boxed RAF Bayonet Union Plug Mk IIIB for Type D mask hose/tube.
Rare accessory to complete a RAF Type D oxygen mask. Brass plug union connector for the 5ft hose/tbe fitted to RAF Type D oxygen masks as used from 1937-1941 including the battle of Britain. In its well-marked cardboard box with original paper wadding. Minor surface scratches to brass but excellent condition, engraved with A-crown-M property mark and dated 1939. Getting very difficult to find.
SOLD
RAF 1936 pattern Flying Boots, large size 10 in great condition, 1938 dated.
Very good, clean pair of 1936 Pattern Flying Boots in a big size 10 UK (11 US) and dated 1938. The leather is excellent with no damage, no excessive wear and overall very clean. Sheepskin linings are also clean and undamaged. Wartime period replaced (or at least reinforced) soles. Great A-crown-M leather puller tabs inside both boots with owner's name and service number and history can be supplied. Lovely boots and in a rare large size.
SOLD
US Army Air Corps Type B-6 flying helmet.
A very good used example of the standard US Army Air Corps winter flying helmet as issued at the beginning of the war. Made from reversed sheepskin (shearling) and painted with a dark brown polyacrylate coating, this example has never had earcups attached so was likely worn with a headset over the top, which was a common practice in many crew positions on bomber aircraft. It is fitted with hooks for attaching the A-9 and A-10 Standard oxygen mask. Though marked as a small size, the helmet comfortably fits a male feature styrofoam head and displays well. It has no indication of dry rot often found on shearling clothing and shows only minor surface wear to the painted polyacrylate coating.
SOLD
ARP Warden's hand bell for announcing the "all-clear" after a raid.
The hand bell was used by ARP (Air Raid Precautions) Wardens to signify the "all-clear" after an air raid/gas attack. This is a superb example measuring 10.5" tall with a diameter of 5". It retains its original clapper and wooden handle with is maker marked JB and dated '39. The bell is cast in bronze and marked A.R.P. along the edge. It is also engraved around the shaft "FIDDIAN" – I have no idea what that refers to! As with the ratlles, many were repurposed after the war as school bells or simply melted down as scrap. Lovely example and a rare find.
SOLD
ARP Warden's Lamp in outstanding condition in original box complete with spare bulb.
The condition of this scarce ARP (Air Raid Precautions) Warden's lamp is quite remarkable. It has never been used; looks like it has never been out of the box! Black painted metal housing features a shroud/hood over the light so it shines only downwards. The inside of the shroud is painted white to give maximum reflection. Battery housing is clean and has never had a battery inside. Bulb is fitted in the lamp, with a second, spare bulb clipped inside the hinged lid of the battery compartment. Fitted with a carryong handle and a clip for attaching to a belt or pocket and could also be attached to a bicycle. Comes in its original plain cardboard box imprinted with nomenclature and WD stores codes. Impossible to upgrade.
SOLD
ARP sterling silver badge with silver hallmark of 1936.
Sterling silver ARP badge, worn by early volunteers of the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) department on civilian clothes. These badges were beautifully made by authorized jewellers and hallmarked accordingly. The ARP department was founded in 1935, with local authorities in charge of their own groups on a largely volunteer basis, until the Air Raid Precautions Act of 1938 made it a consolidated organization. The hallmark indicates this example was made in London and dates to 1936. A very early example. It was obviously valued by its owner, because a safety chain has been added to prevent its loss. Lovely badge!
SOLD
RARE Cowl/hooded flying helmet in dark brown leather with possible RNAS use.
Extremely rare find. The cowl type flying helmet was very popular with observers, as well as pilots, in the RFC and RNAS – but the RNAS were known to prefer dark brown or black leather for their flying kit while the RFC liked the lighter tan or brown leather. Flying clothing worn by officers prior to 1917 was privately purchased, and this is a beautiful example of a high quality cowl helmet crafted from dark brown leather, making it very possibly used by a RNAS officer. The leather is excellent. The interior is lined with sheepskin fleece and has thick brown fur inside the crown, with the lower cowl lined in herringbone blanket wool. The side flaps are rounded rather than trapezoidal and roll forward to make wind deflectors, a feature of very early flying helmets. Closure is by typical English period "basket" snaps, which have oxidized and require care; a couple have partially pulled out of the leather but all are present, attached and left unsnapped (oxidation suggests exposure to salt which also points to RNAS use). The fur is worn across the top of the facial opening but the interior fur and fleece is complete and intact. Tightening straps across both sides of the brow and an external chin cord, strap and buckle are fitted. A very rare variation of a scarce and desirable early flying helmet.
SOLD
RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1956.
Decent, used example of an early post war RAF Type H mask, moulded from grey-green rubber and fitted with the early Type 57 microphone. The rubber is nice and supple, with a few stress cracks on the lugs holding the strap harness and around the valve, but overall a perfectly displayable mask in a size Medium. Some minor loss to the bakelite housing of the microphone but the switch operates fine. Chamois lining sligjtly grubby from use. Indentical to the wartime issue but considerably cheaper, and perfect to display with a Type C, D or E wartime helmet or with a Type F or G blue cloth helmet.
SOLD
1939 dated ARP Warden's Brodie helmet.
Lovely complete example of the Air Raid Precaution Warden's helmet, painted black overall with a large white "W" front and back. Retains about 85% of its black finish outside, inside has original factory green paint. Helmet is fitted with its original liner and chin strap, all in very good condition – sorbo pad has hardened and oilcloth shows wear but remains flexible. Chin strap still has its springs working well. Nice clear 1939 date and maker mark which looks like KG.
SOLD
WWI-1920s era headset with receivers and wiring.
Second of two radio headsets offered from an old collection. Excellent condition and quality, probably dating from WWI or the 1920s, complete with receivers and wiring but lacking plug. Brown bakelite receivers are marked Airline Special by Lakeside Electric Works, Chicago. Khaki canvas covered headband. Possible military or early commercial flying use.
SOLD
RAF silhouette comparison poster Typhoon / Focke Wulf 190.
One of three similar posters offered. Scarce and unusual RAF silhouette comparison poster showing the difference, in outline, between the RAF Hawker Typhoon fighter and the Luftwaffe Focke Wulf 190. 13" x 8" (33cm x 20cm). Has been folded into quaretrs with some pinholes in the corners, but overall very good condition. Date stamped July 19, 1942. This would have been pinned up in ops rooms and crew ready rooms so fighter pilots and air gunners could readily identify the types. Great accessory for a crew room display.
SOLD
RAF silhouette comparison poster Mustang / Me 109.
One of three similar posters offered. Scarce and unusual RAF silhouette comparison poster showing the difference, in outline, between the RAF North American Mustang fighter and the Luftwaffe Messerschmitt 109. 13" x 8" (33cm x 20cm) and dated 16 June, 1942. Has been folded into quarters with some pinholes in the corners, but overall very good condition. This would have been pinned up in ops rooms and crew ready rooms so fighter pilots and air gunners could readily identify the types. Great accessory for a crew room display.
SOLD
AAF A-10A oxygen mask with T-44 microphone assemby installed, complete with original storage box.
Excellent example of the AAF Type A-10A oxygen mask set up for ETO use, most likely in a fighter. It has been fitted with a T-44 microphone assembly, incorporating the US made British-style bell plug for use in RAF aircraft or at least aircraft fitted with a British radio. Shows only minimal use; the straps have been custom-fitted. Metal fittings show oxidation but no damage and open/close just fine. The rubber is in excellent condition, totally pliable with no cracking in the corrugations or stiffening of the rubber. Mask dated 4/44. Includes box of issue which was also used for storage - box dated 7/44.
SOLD
Immediate postwar RAAF battledress blouse to a Canadian flight lieutenant.
Dark (navy) blue battledress blouse of the Royal Australian Air Force dating from 1946-52 - the postwar cut but pre-1952 with KC buttons. Has Canada shoulder titles which are machine sewn on and evidence there once was a pilot wing above the left breast pocket. Great condition but no ID (label appears to have been removed).
SOLD
Fantastic late war Fleet Air Arm Seafire and Hellcat pilot log book grouping with photographs. Detailed Combat entries / credit with 1/2 Zeke.
A total of six log books and International glider pilot's license. The log book of primary interest is labeled "II" (there is no book I). It begins in August 1944 on Seafires with 885 squadron. First flight in a Hellcat November 1944; HMS Ruler, December 1944; 1844 Squadron HMS Indomitable May 1945; on his first combat flight he shot down a Zeke (Zero); several ops until war ended. Highly detailed entries, log book also contains 17 original photographs including a kamikaze attack on a nearby ship. His CO wrote in his log book "It's a pity the end of the war has stopped your flying career - you promised to have good success." It actually didn't stop and he continued flying with ULAS and Air Experience flights for Air Cadets, plus private flying, documented in the other log books. There are several photographs in the post war log books as well. An amazing career well-documented. FAA fighter pilot log books with combat are extremely rare.
SOLD