Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES July 2021
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RARE 1942 Pattern Parachutist's Oversmock - original first year production dated 1942.
The majority of these on the collector market are late or post war production - this 1942 Pattern Parachutist's Oversmock has a manufacture date of its first year in production - 1942, making it extremely rare and desirable, since they were used when first issued, then generally ignored as the majority preferred to just use the Denison. Sleeveless jacket designed to be worn over the Denison and battledress, and discarded upon landing, it was worn by paratroopers, SOE and other agents being dropped into enemy occupied territory. Excellent condition, with full length "Swift" brand working zip in good order (non-opening, step-in design on these early types) and brass Newey snaps/press studs securing the "monkey tail" in place. Lovely condition and a rare early date.
$550 / £400 / €465 email to secure this item
WWII RNZAF hand-embroidered pilot wing.
Absolutely superb RNZAF embroidered pilot wing. Heavily padded, beautifully made from cream and reddish brown silk on fine wool and carefully removed from a uniform. Oilcloth backing. Probably the most scarce of all the Commonwealth wings and this is just a lovely example.
RAF double-sided Rayon escape/survival maps 1950s.
2 different available.
RAF Fabric (Rayon) escape/survival maps from the 1950s. One depicts Samarqand and Kabul (Afghanistan) and other shows Rangoon and Mandalay. Very relevant to the history of the time period and of course still relevant! Excellent condition, unused, still crisp and bright. Each measures approx. 34" x 24" (86cm x 61cm).
Scarce RAF / AAF 43 Series Escape Map sheet E and F, Eastern Europe and Mediterranean.
One of the most difficult to find in the 43 Series escape maps, sheet F covered Italy and the former Yugoslavia which had been broken down into Croatia and Montenegro, as well as Hungary, Slovakia, southern Germany and Switzerland. Sheet E covered northern Germany and its protectorates, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. Map has been used and is slightly faded but has no damage and still neatly folded. Overall in very good condition. This was typically used by aircrews flying out of North Africa and Southern Italy including the US 15th air force.
RAAF Battledress blouse, ID'd to WWII pilot with a long and successful RAAF career.
RAAF officer’s battledress, probably just postwar, with wing commander rank, superb WW2 RAAF wing, AFC and other ribbons. Named simply to Ingate. Wing Commander (later AV Marshal) J.L. “Jack” Ingate, DFC, AFC, flew with 600 Sqdn RAF, (Beaufighters and Mosquitoes) early in WWII. After the war, he stayed in RAAF and rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. BD jacket is in great condition and was evidently obtained prior to his award of the DFC. A nice named/attributed uniform item.
SOLD
RCAF sergeant's tunic with bombaimer brevet.
Excellent RCAF other ranks' tunic, with detached belt (but no buckle) and sergeant's stripes to both sleeves, lovely swept wing Canadian made bombaimer's brevet and medals ribbons. Labeled inside on both sides and dated 1943. No name that I can find, but there is a service number: 13084. Other ranks rarely named their uniforms because they were often handed in for re-issue. Overall very good condition with very light wear.
SOLD
1940s Chinese Air Force leather jacket with stunning painting of wings, the Chinese star and a stalking tiger.
Superb quality leather jacket in the typical style of commercially purchased jackets available in the late 1940s. Jacket has zipped front (zip is broken) 2 flap pockets with leather buttons (one button missing) and leather half belt with leather belt buckle to front. On the back is painted a pair of wings of Chinese Aviation Section major, plus the Chinese star and underneath, a prowling tiger. The art is signed underneath. Jacket is fully lined in silk with the number 48 and another signature or name, perhaps the owner of the jacket, inked inside. The artwork is 100% original and the jacket is similar to the type jacket worn by Chinese pilots flying in US aircraft during the war. Jacket shows considerable wear but no significant damage. Supplied with its scant known history, it was purchased by a collector in the 1970s and never offered on the market before.
SOLD
RCAF Type B helmet in great used condition, good size 2 or 3.
Not as common as they once were, this lovely Canadian made flying helmet is in great condition, showing light use but no excessive wear. It's actually hard to find one that has any use - most seem to be unissued, as strange as that sounds! This is a good size, probably a generous 2 or possibly a 3 and sits perfectly on a display head. High quality chestnut brown leather with chamois lining and correct RCAF marked foam cushions in the ears. Non-matching zip pullers. A great example. Note: final picture with GP&R oxygen mask is for display only; mask is available separately.
SOLD
Very good early pair of Luftwaffe single-zip Flying Boots.
A very nice matching pair of Luftwaffe flying boots, with single zips, well marked with RB nr. and faintly dated 1941. The double zip boots were phased out at the end of 1940 (for economy to preserve metal for munitions) so these single zip models are early production. Nice also to note they are NOT electrically heated, nor converted. Great Zip brand zips in good, smooth working order, original soles, clean sheepskin linings. One period repair to upper section of right boot which doesn't show. Unmarked but a large size - at least 11 US/10 UK.
SOLD
RAF Type D Flying Gauntlets in unissued condition.
Remarkable pair of RAF Type D Flying Gauntlets in unissued condition. Not a good colour match, which is typical, since left and right gloves were generally produced in different facilities, but both are size 9 and have matching labels with nice Air Ministry markings. Once common, these are now getting harder to find in such good condition.
SOLD
Fabulous RAF Oak-cased Mantle Clock with Elliott movement dated 1937, with all original parts and in perfect running order.
Absolutely superb RAF mantle clock, dated 1937, its movement by F.W. Elliott. This type is known as the "small" mantle clock, though it is quite large, at 14.5" high x 9" wide and 5.5" deep. It was most often seen in NCO mess rooms and became known as the "Sergeant's mess clock" though it undoubtedly found its way into many officers' messes as well, due to its pleasing size and appearance. The case is oak and may have been revarnished at some point in the past. The movement was recently cleaned and serviced and is in superb working order. There is a small crack in the pendulum, but this in no way affects the running of the clock. The back of the clock has a locking door; the original convex glass door face opens by a small brass button. The silvered "oyster" face is crisply engraved with the RAF crest. Both keys are present (for the back door and for winding). I gave the key 12 turns and it ran perfectly for a week, losing perhaps 1 minute every couple of days. A slight adjustment to the weight on the pendulum would I'm sure correct this. An absolutely stunning clock and the perfect centrepiece for any RAF collection.
SOLD
RAF wartime service dress jacket to a F/O pilot.
Service dress uniform jacket with pilot wings and cuff rank to a Flying Officer. No label or name with which to ID the owner unfortunately, and it appears there was a row of ribbons below the pilot wing, now absent. Nice heavily padded pilot wing and overall very good, gently worn condition, with no damage undue wear or mothing that I can find.
SOLD
Very nice early RAF Type B flying helmet.
Getting very difficult to find these days - this is the first I have been able to offer in quite a long time. Very nice, good used example of the classic and iconic Type B helmet, synonymous with Battle of Britain fighter pilots but worn throughout all Commands from 1936-1941. This example is an early, pre-war model, evidenced by the heavy padding to the front of the skull and the fact that both telephone holders are brown bakelite rather than rubber. There is also clear evidence that it had a diamond shape label, which was removed in accordance with AMOs and replaced with a simple ink stamp showing the size, Air Ministry crown and stores reference number. Size 2 (medium). Leather is in great shape, with only minor scuffs to the ear cups and slight wear to chin strap; inside chamois is very clean. Both zips are in good working order, both zip pullers present, both Bennett buckles with full leather covering, metal V-tip on chin strap. A very good example of a used, early Type B helmet.
SOLD
RAF external wiring loom for the early, unwired flying helmets - Type B, C, D and E.
Microphone assembly, Type 26, to use its correct RAF parlance. Comprising a maroon Type Q cord fitted with a Type 25 microphone and bell-shaped plug. Microphone has paint loss to the edges but no damage, and includes its original rubber gasket/ring. Plug is also excellent. Braiding on the cord has a few worn areas, most noticeably on the microphone lead, but could doubtless be tidied up with care. These early external leads are becoming extremely difficult to source.
SOLD
RAF Flying helmet Gosport receivers and tubes.
Excellent set of RAF Gosport receivers and tubes, for installing in a flying helmet, Type B, C, D or E. Good bakelite receivers with moulded Air Ministry marks and stores ref. numbers, metal tubes with braided fabric covering culminating a Y-shaped connector to the aircraft peaking tube system. Known colloquially as "profanity strainers" by flight instructors!
SOLD
Royal Navy private purchase officer's SD uniform shirt.
Very high quality white heavy cotton shirt of the type worn by officers of the Royal navy and Fleet Air Arm. Typical half-button front, pullover style with long sleeves and attached, long pointed collar. Labeled "Monument" Regd. Brand and with a typical period name tag with the initials "OSM." The perfect and correct display to go with a Fleet Air Arm Reefer jacket or working dress (battle dress) blouse. Very good condition with all buttons present, no damage, just a few rust stains which are mostly in areas that would be concealed if worn or on display.
SOLD
RAF Type C Flying Helmet, first internally wired model as introduced in March1944. Large size 3.
Excellent example of the first model internally-wired Type C helmet announced in AMOs March, 1944. Sometimes referred to as "3-tab" version because the wiring is fully internal and there are only 3 tabs at the rear for securing the goggles (later models of Type C, and the internally-wired Type D and E helmets, had 2 additional short tabs for securing the cord and are referred to as "5-tab" models). This is a very clean helmet showing light use but no wear or damage. Leather is superb, interior chamois only slightly dusty. Includes complete wiring and correct Type 32 telephone receivers. Of interest is the fact that the microphone plug socket on the left cheek is secured by running the bolt and nut through the helmet. Verdigris on the inside indicates it has been that way for a very long time! Helmet is a large size 3 and is overall in well above average condition.
SOLD
RAF 1941 pattern gauntlets.
A good pair of RAF 1941 pattern flying gauntlets. As is often the case, not a perfect match - but very close in appearance. One is marked size 9 and the other size 10 - though in fact there is no discernable difference and without doubt they were issued and worn as a pair. They show use but the leather is very good and soft, if somewhat grubby. There is a very neat period repair to the index fingertip on the right hand, but you have to look hard to find it. I would say these belonged to a gunner, because the right hand shows slightly more wear than the left, and is a little dirtier, especially around the trigger finger. Both zips work perfectly. Overall a vey good, used example, both nicely marked.
SOLD
Wartime RAF / RCAF Manual for De Havilland DH 82C Tiger Moth primary trainer.
Official factory instruction manual / Pilot's Notes for the De Havilland Tiger Moth, the primary trainer aircraft on which every RAF and Commonwealth pilot first learned to fly in the 1930s and during WWII. Blue semi-rigid leatherette cover is packed with fold-out pages and diagrams of every working system on the aircraft. Very extensive and comprehensive. This would be invaluable to an owner of a Tiger Moth as well as being a wonderful collectors item. It is actually stamped inside to the RCAF and instructions are specific to the RCAF. Canada of course operated training schools at which many RAF, RCAF, RAAF and other pilots learned to fly before being posted back the the UK for combat operations.
SOLD
RAF Stole Inflated Life Vest (known as 1941 Pattern), complete with fitted inflatable stole.
Good examples of this "Mae West" are becoming increasingly difficult to source, and this is an absolute cracker! The vest is extremely clean, complete and undamaged, showing only very light wear, with a great Air Ministry label - plus the name "Masterman" inked to the front. It has all it's tapes, handles and pockets for dye pouch, floating torch, skullcap, etc. and is a scarce size Large. It is also still fitted with its October 1944 dated inflatable stole (bladder). Stole is slightly crispy in a couple of very small places, one at the neck and one at the bottom of the lobe, but remains perfectly flexible. Oral inflation tube is completely flexible. No cartridge inflation mechanism/trigger is fitted.
SOLD
RAF Dinghy First Aid Outfit Type 3 (empty).
RAF First Aid Outfit, Type 3 for Aircraft Dinghy, comprising a small tin, measuring 4.25" x 3.25" x 3.75" (11cm x 8.5cm x 9.5cm) with residue of its original red sealing tape around the lid. List of original contents printed inside the lid. Slight oxidation and a few surface scratches but no dings, dents or damage. No contents. One of the more unusual and harder to find First Aid Outfit containers.
SOLD
RAF first pattern Type C helmet with Type E* oxygen mask, complete external wiring and correct tube.
An outstanding example of this now extremely rare combination, issued and worn circa 1941-42. Lovely Type C helmet of the early unwired pattern, leather chin strap and Bennett buckle, clean, soft leather and chamois lining, pliable rubber, with scarce later first pattern noise attenuation (note zig-zag stitching around ear cups). Superb original E* mask in fantastic condition, no damage, no cracks or splits, clean chamois edging and fitted with correct early narrow tube and circlip. Also with a complete and rare external wiring loom (Type Q cord) with Type 16 receivers and bell plug. Slight scuffing to back of helmet, otherwise quite superb and very difficult to upgrade. Helmet is most likely a size 3.
SOLD
RAF oxygen mask tube for wartime G / H Type masks.
So hard to find these days! Correct breathing tube (hose) for the wartime Type G and H oxygen mask. Corrugated rubber tube with plastic screw connector for mask end and brass Mk IV bayonet connector with clothing clip for the other end, stamped with Air Ministry mark and Ref. No. Excellent condition with no cracking between folds. Each end secured with heavy twine and shellacked.
SOLD
RAF Frock, White / seaman's wool knit sweater as worn by RAF crews under the jacket or flying suit.
A good wartime example of the type of seaman's sweater worn by RAF aircrews. While perhaps not the exact pattern of the "Frock, White" (which had a slightly lower neckline) this is the type of sweater frequently seen in wartime photographs of RAF pilots and aircrews, and corresponds to the correct wartime pattern worn by the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, with reinforced diamond shaped cotton patches on the inside of the neck. In this example, a serial number has been inked on the patches. In overall very good condition except for one small area of damage at the waist as shown in the photographs. A rare and desirable sweater.
SOLD
Very good RAF 1936 Pattern Flying Boots, typical Battle of Britain use, dated 1938.
Very good pair of 1936 pattern flying boots, black leather with fleece lining, leather soles and rubber heels. Never resoled or reheeled, 100% original as issued and named inside to R. Smith. Pullers are Air Ministry marked and AID stamped. Size 7 fitting 6 and dated 1938 making these perfect for the Battle of Britain era. Show some use but no abuse or damage, other than a small worn spot on the sole of the left boot. Overall a very good pair of these ever more rare flying boots.
SOLD
RAF officer's wool scarf of exceptional high quality.
Beautiful wool scarf in the RAF colours of navy, sky and maroon, all sewn together as separate panels. Soft, extremely high quality wool - possibly merino or cashmere - could be worn for walking out or for flying duties as I'm sure many were. Private tailor's label to corner. Scarf measures a generous 70" x 12" (180cm x 30cm) and has a couple of very small, minor nips which do not detract.
SOLD
RAF issue Sea Boot Socks postwar unworn.
Superb pair of RAF Sea Boots Socks of the type issued and worn by RAF pilots and aircrews in WWII, but of more recent vintage. Marked E.W.B. and sized in centimetres (26cm) but with the RAF stores ref. number. Most probably issued for wear by Air Sea Rescue personnel in launches or helicopters, but in every way identical to wartime issue.
SOLD
AAF CBI 10th AF officer's 4-pocket green uniform tunic.
Honest and unmessed-with 4-pocket tunic with pilot wing, medal ribbons, CBI patch to right shoulder and 10th AF patch to left. Pictures show it a little dusty but this brushes off. Light wear but very good condition, with all correct insignia, captain's bars and overseas stripes. No name or ID that I can find.
SOLD
Extremely rare Luftwaffe Model 10-6701 double strap "fighter pilot's" oxygen mask in green rubber.
One of the most difficult items of Luftwaffe flying equipment, this 10-6701 double strap mask is often referred to as the "fighter" or "fighter/bomber" mask because it was designed for the LKpN101 mesh helmet associated with fighter pilots. It is in absolutely superb condition. Unlike so many of the later black rubber masks which are dug from wrecks and renovated with replica parts, this mask is 100% original and one of the rare early types moulded in green rubber. Probably built as a 10-67 and factory modified to "double strap" configuration (the strap tabs are black rubber). Mask is supple and pliable , including the hose, and has age toned nicely (the lighter colour visible behind the straps). The hose has toned to a brownish green but is completely flexible and in great condition. There are no external moulded markings visible on the mask indicating type or manufacturer - this may be because the tabs which secure the strap are cemented over the top of the typical location of such markings. It is marked inside the nose indicating it is a size 2 with a mould date of 43/7/1 (January 7, 1943). Original connector and clip with "AB" stamped on the recess indicating manufacture by Auer. Harness retains elasticity. This is one of those "Holy Grail" items sought by collectors, and in this condition would be very difficult to upgrade.
SOLD
Fantastic Luftwaffe Battle of Britain aircrew chest-parachute and pack complete.
An absolutely superb and complete Luftwaffe chest-type parachute, comprising the pack and its original silk canopy, both marked with the same serial number and date of manufacture (December 1937) and date of checking (September 1940). Dates correspond perfectly for use in the Battle of Britain! incredible find! Pack is fitted with correct nickel plated D-ring and short ripcord/release with pins, attaching rings for clipping to harness and bungee cords (some have lost a bit of stretch). Pack shows some wear externally and label has minor tears but no loss and all markings are perfectly legible. When found, pack had been deployed but has been professionally repacked as seen i last photos showing markings on silk and canopy laid out for inspection. (It goes without saying you can't jump with this - but it IS complete).
SOLD
Superb quality RAF pilot wing, mid-east made.
Beautifully made, heavily padded RAF pilot wing, heavy silk, hand-embroidered on a fine woven black wool background with well worn black paper backing. Style is typical of a high quality middle-eastern made wing, perhaps Egypt or Iraq, with the addition of 3 pop studs to the rear for attaching to the tropical uniform or bush jacket . Slight wear and very slightly grubby but a superb example.
SOLD
Unique RAF officer's mess silver plated drinks platter with RARE engraved signatures.
Silver plated platter (probably a mess drinks tray), a gift to the officers' mess "From the Officers of C Flight 28/10/39" and with the engraved signatures of 18 fighter pilots. All were commissioned pilots on "C" Flight of 14 Flying Training School, RAF Kinloss. Within weeks of signing, one was killed on the training course, one drowned when his Hurricane crashed in the north sea when on a routine patrol. Three at least were in the Battle of France (one force-landed at Dunkirk), two went on to the Battle of Britain, one served in Malta, another killed on his way to Greece when his troopship was torpedoed, two KIA on night intruder missions, another KIA on a fighter sweep over France. A poignant piece of history. Marked EPNS and serial numbered to reverse. Excellent condition, no dings or dents. 10.5" diameter (26cm).
SOLD
RAF Bomber Command Reunion Dinner menus, invitations and itineraries, including one signed by Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris.
Several souvenir RAF Bomber Command reunion dinner menus for 1977, 1980 and 1981. The 1977 menu is signed on the back by Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris, MRAF. It includes the original dinner invitation. The 1980 menu also includes the invitation and an itinerary of events. There are 3 copies of the 1981 menu which also includes a printed itinerary. These are from the personal collection of Mr Ray Callow who was the executive director of the Bomber Command association at the time. The VIP guest list is staggering! Price is for all and includes of course the Bomber Harris signature which is nice and clear, blue ink (looks like a felt tip pen). I will also include the compliments slip from Mr Callow (not pictured).
SOLD
RAF other ranks ID "dog tags".
A complete set of both service tags to a RAF serviceman, H.A. Harrison, indicating his religion (Roman Catholic), service number and blood type, together with the cord on which they were worn. Excellent condition.
SOLD
Scarce RCAF named and 1938 dated 1924 pattern Full Dress (ceremonial) tunic.
Absolutely superb 1924 pattern RAF full dress tunic, made in Canada with RCAF uniform buttons and named to Flt. Lieutenant J. Boyd with a date of July 6, 1938. Highest quality wool with gold bullion lace decorations, including fixed epaulettes, quilted lining and tailor's label (W.R. Johnston & Co of Toronto). Superb example of service regalia. RCAF tunics are considerably more scarce than RAF.
SOLD
Pre-WWII RAF George VI full dress ceremonial sword with scabbard.
Pre-WWII RAF ceremonial sword as worn by officer's on ceremonial occasions. Note: this is a later production sword with the grip made from celluloid rather than covered with fish-skin. Blade is marked "London made" on the edge, near the hilt. Sword is clean and in very good condition, with perhaps 1-2mm of the tip broken off, which is barely noticeable. Leather scabbard also in great condition with one small ding to the brass tip. Please ask questions and feel free to request specific additional photographs if required.
SOLD
RAF Flying helmet receivers Type 16 REPRODUCTION.
Excellent looking reproductions of the RAF Type 16 telephone receivers as used with the Types C, D and E Flying Helmets. Made from plastic, they can be wired by looping the wiring loom around one of the screws. Very realistic looking, including accurate A-crown-M moulding and stores ref. number. With real ones becoming very hard to source, these will look the part at a fraction of the cost and help keep the shape of the rubber ear cups in the helmet.
SOLD
"Juarez" pin-back.
Lovely stylized, full-size pilot wing of the style issued in El Paso and consequently thought of as being made in Juarez, Mexico. Marked sterling with a pin-back fastening. Beautiful original wing. Missing the "rolling" lock on the catch, otherwise superb with lovely patina.
Waltham 8 day Aircraft clock mounted in a superb wood base.
Purportedly from a B-17G bomber, this aircraft clock is unmarked except for "8-Days" to face and "ADJ" on the back (I have not opened it to look for more markings). It is in non-working condition and I have no idea if it just needs cleaning or more extensive work. The base in which it sits is quite beautifully made and someone went to great lengths to make an attractive presentation. Take a chance - could be the bargain of the year!
SOLD