Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES July 2022
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF seat type parachute cushion/pack for the K dinghy Type A, Mk III* in unissued condition.
Fantastic canvas seat cushion/pack for the K dinghy and all survival gear for use by fighter pilots. This is the Type A (for the seat type parachute) Mk III* (denoting it has the pouch on one side for the emergency bale-out oxygen supply). Instructions for use are printed in four languages (English, French, Polish or Czech and Dutch) because by 1944, there were many nationalities flying with the RAF. Pack is complete with all straps and pockets for survival equipment, all snaps present and pack appears unissued and unused. Excellent condition. Getting very hard to find nowadays.
SOLD
Rare Fleet Air Arm flight deck aircraft handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943.
How does the saying go about London buses? A few weeks ago I had never seen one of these suits before except in photographs - now a second one has come my way! One of the most difficult items of naval flight related clothing! These one-piece overalls were specially designed for and issued to flight deck crews on aircraft carriers working in the sub-zero temperatures of the North Atlantic. The navy blue overalls are made from very heavy waterproofed canvas/denim and feature a short mandarin collar, full-length front zip with a wind-flap behind it and a full waist belt. One large flapped pocket to the left breast. Cuffs and ankles buttoned for a tight fit. Deck crews wore different coloured helmets with these suits depending on their specific duty: armaments, airframe, engine, catapult, etc. (See additional wartime photos showing deck crews wearing these overalls together with bright coloured helmets while servicing Seafires). Some also wore matching armlets for visibility. Available separately is a bright blue cotton helmet (see Flying Helmets and Headgear page). No wear or damage, but a few paint splatters on the back of one leg. Suit is well marked inside and dated 1943 and makes a fabulous display for any Fleet Air Arm collection. It is also possible that pilots and aircrews may have obtained these suits in preference to the Sidcot, since they would be very warm and practical - and could be mistaken for prestige suits in old photos.
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Reproduction flip-up sun visor for the RAF MkIV goggles.
A very good reproduction of the sun screen/visor of the correct size and dimensions to fit the early Mk IV goggles (the screen issued with Mk IVA and IVB differed in having a narrower neck and less space between the holes for attaching to the mechanism). The tint is correct, and the size is exactly right, but the material is thicker than found on an original. However, it looks the part - and originals are very difficult to come by. This one only - it came in a box full of assorted spare parts. Note: this is just the screen - no hardware attached.
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Original elastic strap for the AAF
B-7 / AN6530 goggles.
A good original white elastic strap for the AAF Type B-7 and later AN6530 flying goggles. Complete with metal clips and buckle and retaining a good degree of elasticity. Slight discolouration from age/storage but overall very good and just the job for replacing a tired and stretched out strap.
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RAF Squadron Leader's Service Dress jacket by Moss Bros.
Very good used wartime tailored uniform jacket by Moss Bros. Labeled inside with serial number and some initials (see pictures) but no name, and with ribbons for France Germany Star, Defence and War medals plus the Belgian Croix de Guerre. Very nice condition, with integral belt, all buttons and rank lace for a Squadron Leader. There is a faint impression of a pilot wing which has long since been removed. A decent tunic worthy of researching.
Chest (armpit to armpit) 19” / 48cm
(so 38” / 96cm)
Sleeve length 24” / 61cm
Please note: I am not a tailor so all I can do is lay the uniform flat and measure it to the best of my ability. I cannot guarantee fit and sell as collectible. No returns if it doesn't fit.
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RARE RAF Mk 2A jet flying helmet with transit case.
One of the rarest and most sought after of the modern era RAF jet helmets. This Mk 2A was used from the mid-1960s until the early 1970s, having a shorter service life than almost any other RAF helmet. It was the first "all inclusive" helmet (not requiring an inner helmet for the communications gear). It's primary feature was the visor which was operated by a pull-down bar and would drop automatically and lock in the event of an ejection. It was worn by pilots of high speed aircraft such as the Lightning, Phantom, etc. and famously by the Red Arrows RAF aerobatic display team flying Gnats. This example is in very good condition. Some light overall scuffing from use, but no damage and with the visor mechanism in perfect working order - including the fragile, lightweight plastic over for the visor, which so often broken or missing. clean interior with all communications gear. Comes in its transit case complete with padding, retaining bungees and clasp but no key.
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AAF Type N-6 16mm Gun Camera for P-47, P-51 fighters etc.
16mm gun camera which was installed inside the wing of fighters including the P-51, P-47, P-38 etc. and electronically activated as the gun button was pressed to record footage of actual combat with enemy aircraft. This example has the added feature of a detachable viewfinder mounted on one side, so it could also be used manually - missing from most examples. Camera is in excellent condition, with no damage or dings, just very light wear. Lens by Eastman looks very good. Back opens to receive film canister and camera is well marked. manufactured by Morse Instrument Co. of Hudson, Ohio.
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RAF tropical issue skull cap for 1941 pattern mae west.
Often overlooked as a rescue accessory, and originally inserted into the small pocket on the 1941 pattern life vest, the skull cap served two purposes: to protect the wearer's head from the sun and provide better visibility for rescue. It was first announced in May 1942, but after relatively short service use was found to be ineffective and its use/issue was ordered to be discontinued in December 1943. Two versions exist: one with the neck flap (for tropical regions) and one without, for colder water use. This example of the tropical type is in excellent condition, with a number "92" stenciled on the flap. Once fairly common, these are now becoming much more difficult to source.
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RARE and historic set of five Admiralty Charts for South Coast of England.
This is a remarkable set of engraved charts and the photos really do not do them justice at all. There are 5 charts altogether, covering the coastal waters from Dorset to Kent as far as North Foreland and The Thames and including the Isle of Wight. These were drawn and first printed in the 19th Century as engravings from soundings taken by Victorian Royal Naval ship's captains, with updates up to the late 1930s. Each shows all depths, sandbars, land masses, shoals, etc as well as an elevation of the coast for recognition and navigation. Vital for navigation at sea and across the English Channel. These are the 1930s editions used during WWII. They are printed (engraved) onto very heavy, high quality paper (more like card). These have been used and are grubby, with a few tears at the edges and a couple of holes/worn spots in creases, some stains, but are quite amazing and would look fantastic framed - but they are huge! Each is 28 inches high, with varying lengths up to 60 inches. Very poignant is the one featuring the Strait of Dover, first published in 1875 - this edition from 1937. This would be the chart needed by the sailors who made the crossing to Dunkirk to rescue British and French soldiers in May 1940. A rare and incredible collection, these came from the estate of a Fleet Air Arm observer.
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RAF Type B helmet. Believed to be early Sterling production 1935/36 - with the addition of rare guide plates for Mk IV series goggles.
Lovely RAF Type B helmet, synonymous with the Battle of Britain but used by all RAF aircrew from 1935 and throughout WWII. Leather is in great condition, soft and supple. Interior chamois is very grubby but undamaged. Both Bennett buckles have lost their leather coverings, but both zips retain their leather pullers. Zips are in good working order and receiver housings contain one bakelite and one rubber telephone holder (as was common practice). New "old stock" RCAF sponge pads are included to preserve the shape of the housings. Helmet is fitted with the guide plates for attaching Mk IV, IVA or IVB goggles, meaning it was used in 1940. Helmets fitted with the guide plates have never been common, but these days seem extremely hard to find. It has a satin diamond shaped label inside, but the printing has completely washed out, however the only manufacturer which used printed satin diamond labels was Sterling - and these large printed labels are only found on very early helmets dated 1935 and 1936. Though the size is washed out, this helmet fits like a size 3 (large). There are two names inked inside: Boylan which is clearly legible and another which might be Harlan or Harley, but is less easy to discern. A very scarce, early Type B in overall very good condition except for the flaws as noted.
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Wartime production RAF Mk VIII flying goggles.
Very good used set of wartime production Mk VIII flying goggles, having a nice A-crown-M stamp on the leather behind the hinge (the A and M are crisp, the crown is visible but fainter). Leather is soft and supple, and the clear lenses show only very slight delamination. Frames have no dings or dents and 90%+ original paint. Strap still has elasticity, although curiously it has been shortened by about an inch by folding and stitching; this definitely appears to be a period modification so perhaps they were just too big, even in 1944! A very good pair of goggles to display with an "I was there" helmet.
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RARE RAF Ops Room sector map red pointer and counter (2 items).
Extremely rare accessories for a RAF Ops Room display. Two pieces, both red: one a shield shaped pointer in metal used for tracking enemy aircraft. The shield shape indicates that an aircraft has been heard by observers (an arrow indicates an aircraft sighted); the circular counter is plastic and indicates that the aircraft is circling. The colours refer to the 5-minute segments marked on the sector clock. When positioned in conjunction with the "Raid Blocks" (used to indicate height, numbers etc) on the large map in the Ops Room, viewers could tell exactly where an aircraft was, what direction it was going, what it was doing and how long it had been there. Amazing piece history!
Price for both pieces.
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Sweetheart earrings made from RAF cap buttons.
Superb pair of earrings (screw back type, not for pierced ears) made from the smallest wartime RAF cap buttons (from a sidecap) with brass fittings to the back. Superbly made and no doubt given to this airman's favourite "Popsie". They are in excellent condition and have been kept clean (traces of "Brasso" in the details of the moulding). Quite unusual and worthy of any collection of "sweetheart" jewellery.
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RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles, Battle of Britain era.
Very nice set of Mk IVB Flying Goggles, with good lenses showing minimal delamination with one chip to front of left lens that doesn't detract, frames with hardly any dings retaining almost all its painted finish, good loops and well-marked strap. A couple of the rivets on the brow bar are slightly loose, but this does not affect display or functionality and could most likely be easily fixed. The rubber pads are, as usual, hardened, but overall these are in very good shape. Like all early RAF flying kit, they are getting harder and harder to find.
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RAF survival kit / Beadon Suit snakebite kit.
A scarce survival item but very important part of the Beadon Suit equipment and tropical issue survival packs. The snake bite kit (or anti-snake bite kit, really!) comprised a small chrome plated brass tube with two ends that could be unscrewed, revealing at one end, a small lancet and at the other, a capsule of sulphur. The idea was to cut the affected part of the flesh away and sprinkle the sulphur powder to prevent infection. This example is in excellent condition, retaining 100% of its plated finish and crisp, clear markings including the Air Ministry mark and the maker's name, George Carsberg of London.
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RARE RAF bomber crew electrically-heated high-altitude/cold weather muff.
One of the rarest and perhaps most unusual items of flying clothing used by RAF bomber crews was this electrically heated hand-warmer or muff. Made by Windak who produced a lot of RAF cold weather flying kit, this muff is in excellent condition, with only very minor snags in the knit wristbands. It was used by all crew members such as gunners, bomb aimers etc. (when not actually engaged in combat activities) to keep from getting frostbite when flying at high altitudes and also for wounded crew members. Excellent labels, including A-crown-M label and red label marked 24 volt, which was standard on all RAF heavy bombers. Yellow label indicates Mark 2. Complete with wiring and plug marked 5c/2202. A very rare piece of flying kit, missing from many Bomber Command collections.
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RAF Type 21 Microphone Assembly complete with Type C receivers.
A very rare opportunity to acquire a superb and complete Type 21 microphone assembly, as worn with the Type D oxygen mask, first issued in October 1940. This assembly comprises a Type 20 electro-magnetic microphone with 99% of its original paint/lacquer finish intact (it even still has its inner rubber band fitted over the wiring connectors). Type Q external wiring cord in superb condition, bell-plug, also in excellent condition, and the cleanest pair of Type C telephone receivers you will find! An absolute gem and perfect to complete a Type B helmet/Type D mask ensemble. These assemblies are so difficult to find these days, and this is a near pristine example.
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RAF / USAAF Pilots Notes/instruction manual for the C-47 Dakota, with crew signatures and history with 310 TC.
Fabulous and unique example of the Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions (Pilot's Notes) for the C-47 Dakota issued to both USAAF and RAF crews by the Douglas factory in Oklahoma City. (It includes a glossary of terminology between British and American English!). Large format (9" x 12" / 23cm x 29cm) 100+ pages with card covers, lots of photographs and diagrams. Signed on the inside cover by the crew of a 310 TC C-47 shot down over Belgium who evaded capture with copy of the story included. Also contains a letter hand signed by the USAAF liaison at the factory. A superb piece of history.
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Extensive RAF documents and paperwork to Bomber Navigator including rare "Target Token".
Fantastic and extensive paperwork and document grouping to a RAF Navigator who flew missions over Europe and the Far East, eventually ditching and being captured. Included is a rare "Target Token" for a mission over Cologne, suggesting he was with a RCAF squadron (Target Tokens were a Canadian "thing"). He later served with 203 squadron and became a POW after ditching in the Sunda Straits off Sebesi island. He sent the report to his base of the incident and his original pencil note is included. Also included are navigation notes/coordinates for his ops, numerous orders and official papers, various letters including to his mother about him being reported missing, 2 scarce navigation charts from ops over Europe, several newspaper clippings, and a fascinating handwritten journal of about life in London during the blitz (1940-41), before he joined the RAF. This is a really interesting and comprehensive collection of items, all contained in the Navigator's Log Book folder.
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RAF / USA Sweetheart brooch in sterling silver.
Lovely hand-made brooch, marked sterling silver, comprising the RAF eagle insignia with the letters USA above. 2" (5cm) across. The style is very similar to the Gaunt made 1942 USA badges awarded to all American airmen serving with the RAF, including the famed Eagle Squadrons. A lovely item.
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Very rare wartime Air Commodore's service dress uniform jacket.
Wartime service dress uniform items from officers of "Air Rank" (equivalent of generals) are very difficult to source. This is an absolute beauty! An Air Commodore service dress tunic in very good condition - some very small minor moth nips to one lapel which does not show up badly or detract - otherwise excellent. Lovely padded earlywartime pilot wings and ribbons for the DSO, DFC, AFC, 39-45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star (with rosette), Burma Star and War medal. The jacket is labeled and there is evidence of a name but it is feint - however this could very possibly be researched from the medals to determine the owner. Clearly he had history and saw combat.
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Wartime Royal Navy officer's peaked (visor) cap.
Very good WWII Royal Navy officer's peaked cap - tis type cap was worn by all RN officers. including the Reserves and of course the Fleet Air Arm, and is therefore the perfect display alongside a Fleet Air Arm flying helmet ensemble. Excellent condition, showing light wear. Dark blue/black wool body with black mohair band, patent leather chin strap and very heavy bullion cap badge. Green backed leather peak, leather sweatband marked "Real Roan Leather" and "diamond" pattern quilted padded lining. All stiffening has been removed to give the cap that "crushed" look so often associated with aviators. An excellent example.
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Exceptional RAF Type B Flying Helmet Size 3.
One of the best looking Type B flying helmets I have seen for a long time. Always a scarce item, and highly sought after by collectors, this example shows almost no sign of use or wear, inside or out. The leather is soft and supple, and the chamois lining is pristine other than being very slightly soiled on the "donut" pads inside the earpieces. Retains its A-crown-M label, though not dated and A-crown-M stamps to the eft and side and faintly on the earpieces. Zips work perfectly and retain both leather pullers; chin strap still has its metal "V" tip and both Bennett buckles have their full leather covering. Receiver housings retain telephone holders (one rubber and one bakelite as was so often the case) and contain their original sponge rubber cushions, not RCAF replacements (cushions are a little dry but better to leave them original). A truly outstanding example of this iconic "Battle of Britain" flying helmet in a large size 3 and the kind of condition that would be very difficult to upgrade.
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Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet.
First announced in December, 1944, the internally-wired version of the Type D flying helmet was worn in all combat zones east of Malta (desert and tropical regions). Made of satin lined cotton twill and featuring a neck flap fo sun protection, the helmet was of the same pattern as the leather Type C. This example is in excellent condition, full wired with Type 32 receivers, internal cord and jack for mask microphone as well as the typical "bell" plug. Unmarked but either a generous size 2 (medium) or a snug size 3 "large). Almost no signs of wear or use and the only detraction is that the bell plug has some slight damage: about half the edge/lip has broken way. However this does not detract from the overall appearance, and does not affect the function of the plug. An excellent helmet.
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Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen and early leather strap.
Now becoming one of the most difficult items of RAF flying headgear to find, Mk VII goggles still fitted with an original drop down polarizing screen to help find the "Hun in the sun." This set is in excellent condition, the frames retaining their shape well, without any of the dings or dents usually found. Leather is excellent; chamois pads are clean. The rubber padding inside has become a bit crumbly, but this doesn't detract. Lenses have not delamiinated, but there is slight discolouration (which looks worse in the photos than in real life). Guaranteed 100% original including the "flip" screen, which has only light surface scratches and is not warped. Best of all, this pair is fitted with the rare, early leather strap. All in all a fantastic pair of goggles which would be difficult to improve upon.
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Rare RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens.
Fantastic and extremely rare set of Royal Italian Air Force issue flying goggles by Breveto Fopais, featuring an adjustable bridge and independent flip-up sun screens. Alloy frames with glass lenses, celluloid screens, rubber cushions and elastic strap. Overall very good condition, showing use but no damage. Alloy frames are discoloured in places, lenses are good, rubber cushions are excellent, still pliable, strap has lost some elasticity, and flip screens are in great shape and work well. Shown with a summer issue silk flying helmet (not included) these were issued and worn throughout hostilities. Fopais was a major supplier of flying kit to the Regia Aeronautica. Lovely, stylish design.
SOLD