Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES March 2021
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF 1941 Pattern Life Vest in excellent condition.
Absolutely superb 1941 pattern life vest "Mae West", large size with side pocket for floating lamp, grab handles, pouch for dye pack, small pocket for skull cap or heliograph, leg tapes and flap for lever mechanism. Great Air Ministry label, all buttons and perfect working Lightning zip. Very clean with no damage or wear. Initials "W.M." inked on label. No stole or kapoks. Very difficult to upgrade this one.
SOLD
Original WWII period storage/transit boxes for RAF and other British equipment.
Excellent to complete a display or to store valuable collectible items.
As follows:
Large box for storing 10 flying helmet wiring looms. Includes corrugated packing and label.
Box for Type 57 microphone (H mask)
Box for Type 25 microphone (E, E* and G mask) 2 x variations:
Box with end flaps
Box with separate lid
Small box for signalling whistle
Box for control cable for control column (De Havilland Mosquito)
Box for adaptor tube/hose for D mask
Box/carrying case for civilian respirator
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RAF unwired Type D flying helmet named to a Mosquito pilot, together with a large and extensive grouping of documents and paperwork to the owner.
A lovely example of a used Type D flying helmet of the scarce intermediate, unwired pattern, named inside both ears to Allan Charles Biggar. Biggar was a RAF officer and nightfighter intruder Mosquito pilot with 256 squadron. Fabric is a bit grubby from use, especially the brow area, but is undamaged and overall very good condition. Rubber ear cups are flexible so telephone receivers could easily be installed. Included with this helmet is extensive paperwork to him, including his rare Flying Clothing Card which of course references this helmet. Paperwork includes his pay books, service and release books, permits and ID cards - and also that of his wife who served as a WAAF. Also includes a letter from the Air Ministry recalling him to service in 1954. It is rare to find so much documentation with a piece of flying clothing! Also includes some brief and cursory research material. The Flying Clothing Card alone is a rare and highly valued item, an absolute gem which includes loads of information on items as issued.
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RAF first pattern unwired Type C flying helmet, named with service number.
Very good used Type C flying helmet of the early, unwired pattern, with leather chin strap and Bennett's buckle. It had 4 goggles strap tabs but the forward pair have been removed long ago - not an uncommon modification to integrate better with the Mk VII and Mk VIII goggles (the tabs were originally intended to accommodate the Mk IV series). Leather is in great shape, chamois lining is slightly grubby and has a couple of tiny holes, with one minor split in the "donut" pad over the right ear, however this is inside a fold and invisible. Rubber ear cups are flexible. Named inside both ear cups to Duffield with a service number. Though this is the second "style" of unwired Type C (with 3 snaps either side for a Type E* mask and all goggle strap tabs pointing downwards) it is an early helmet, with the buckle having "Bennett" engraved on. The chin strap also retains its metal "V" tip. A very nice example which is quite researchable.
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Lewis helmet with DH style Gosport receivers and tubes, brown leather.
Very good, used example of the popular Lewis flying helmet favoured by RAF pilots of the Auxiliary squadrons during training, often adapted and modified for operational use. This is an early model, and is made in brown leather - most found are black - and is fitted with De Havilland style chromed Gosport receivers and tubes. Shows plenty of use but no damage, very high quality leather which is in lovely condition, soft and supple. Great D. Lewis label inside.
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Scarce early AAF type A-11A flying helmet.
Lovely example of the early production run of A-11 helmet, later re-issued as A-11A. These early pattern helmets were made from a higher grade of cape leather which soon ran out forcing a change in the contract. Early examples had no provision for attaching the mask, with snap fasteners being added in the field as needed (or in this case, not added, perhaps suggesting use of the A-8B mask, or the A-9/A-10 with Juliet harness). The helmet also features an elasticated gusset at the back instead of the strap and buckle fitted the later A-11. Spec. label has been removed - most likely because this helmet was redesignated mid-production. I would estimate it's a Large size. It is stamped inside with the AAF acceptance mark and is in overall very good condition.
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Luftwaffe electrically-heated flying boots.
Absolutely stunning pair of Luftwaffe electrically-heated flying boots. These boots are in immaculate condition, showing very light wear and no damage. Original Wilop soles are well marked and each boot is labeled next to the zip runner. Great sheepskin linings, black leather shoe section and black suede upper all in superb condition. Good working zips and electrical connectors still in place, not cut off as so many were. Very difficult to upgrade this pair.
SOLD
RARE RAF 1932 Pattern Mae West, set of original kapok flotation cushions.
Extremely rare accessory item - and original set of kapok pads for the 1932 pattern life saving waistcoat - better known as the Mae West. made of oil soaked cotton ad stuffed with teased kapok, the cushion added buoyancy to the life vest so that even if the stole/bladder was damaged, the vest would support a downed pilot in the water. These early sets comprised 3 pads: 2 rectangular side pads and one shaped neck cushion which were joined together by a cotton webbing tape. This is a genuine used example, faded, stained and with 2 very small (and very neat) period repairs on one of the rectangular pads. No markings remain - washed out or faded with time. Stains may be from dye marker. First one of these I have seen on the loose in many years. If you have an original 32 pattern Mae West lacking the kapoks, don't hesitate on this set!
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Extremely RARE RAF flying helmet wiring loom for installing ANB-H-1 receivers in a Type C, D or E helmet.
RAF flying helmet wiring loom/cord Type 2186 for using ANB-H-1 receivers in a Type C, D or E helmet. Used by both RAF and AAF pilots and aircrews. For installation in an internally wired RAF helmet, the wiring is specially configured for attaching the AAF receivers. I have literally only ever seen 3 or 4 of these. This unissued and unused example is in perfect condition and includes its original cloth tag with instructions, plus a superb unissued pair of ANB-H-1 receivers. As rare as it gets and impossible to upgrade.
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US Air Service winged propellor collar devices, French made.
Very stylized blackened bronze wings with fine detail and vertical 2-bladed propellor attached. No markings but style is distinctly French. though a nice matching pair, one badge has lost much of its blackened finish revealing fine feathering detail.
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A-8B Oxygen Mask, Vietnam era, Medevac use.
An excellent example of the A-8B Oxygen Mask, first introduced in 1942 for AAF aircrews and remaining in service until the 1960s and beyond for Medevac crews. This example being later, still carries a 42 Contract Number, but is moulded in modern silicon rubber which is more stable, making it ideal for display or re-enacting. The rebreather bag is excellent, with no splits or perishing. While the hardware is modern plastic instead of bakelite and cardboard, these could be replaced, and the nylon straps could be replaced with leather. Includes breathing tube and connector.
SOLD
Collar strap for the RAF Irvin jacket.
One of the hardest to find accessories for RAF flying kit! A genuine original black elastic collar strap for the Irvin jacket. Attaches to the small "eyes" on the back of the collar and helps keep the collar up when pulled over the head around the neck. Complete and no damage but little elasticity left.
SOLD
RAF Oxygen Mask head harness.
A very scarce accessory used by pilots and crews of long range reconnaissance aircraft, transports, etc. later in WWII as an alternative to flying helmets. The white cotton webbing "skeleton" harness supports the oxygen mask and a radio headset (Type C headband) can be worn on top. Primarily designed for the Type G mask, it could also be worn with the Type E* and H mask. Grubby from use and storage but otherwise in excellent condition.
Note: Mask NOT included.
SOLD
RAF Escape / Evasion Phrase card.
Folded sheet of paper containing simple phrases translated into French, Polish, Russian and German languages; useful to an evading airman or escapee shot down in enemy occupied territory. Early examples were printed on stiff card but later in the war as more were needed, they were printed on lightweight paper as with this piece. Would have been wrapped in cellophane to protect it, now absent. Single sheet 16" x 4.75" folds down in 4 panels to 4" x 4.75" (10cm x 12cm) in excellent condition.
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Lovely, early AAF pilot wing, full-size by Bailey, Banks and Biddle.
One of the rarest and most sought after of WWII AAF wings manufacturers. This B, B & B sterling marked 3" wing is in great condition except the pin has become detached - however the original pin is still present and could easily be repaired. A lovely early wing.
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WWI US Air Service early collar devices, matched pair, made in France.
Beautiful French made pair of First World War US Air Service collar devices. Bronze crossed Signal flags with torch and silver winged globe superimposed. just gorgeous. Pin back. These were later replaced with the winged propellors.
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Scarce WWII USAAF Flight Surgeon wing in its original box of purchase, unworn.
Scarce full-size (3.125") USAAF Flight Surgeon wing in sterling. Two-piece construction (applied cadeuscis to a standard observer wing). Made by A.E. Co. and sterling hallmarked. In its Blumberg Bros. New York box as sold. Box is marked "Acid Test" so evidently they tested their wings before selling them, evn though the wing is sterling marked. Clutch back fastening. Still has its flat, frosted silver finish. Lovely example. Used to have cellophane on the box window but remnants only remain.
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WWII "Home Front" police officer's truncheon.
15.5" (40cm) in length, and made from solid hardwood, the truncheon has been synonymous with British police officers for centuries, though modern truncheons are quite different. In WWII, the truncheon was made of wood and just as much a part of the uniform as his whistle and gas mask. A few dings in the wood but a lovely example. Missing its leather wrist strap, but the hole is there and it would be easy to replace.
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Australian made, 1943 dated Army Battledress blouse with No.3 Commando shoulder tabs and Combined Operation patches.
Very nice quality wool serge battledress blouse with 1943 dated label and the addition of No. 3 Commando shoulder tabs and Combined Operations patches to both sleeves as well as pips for a Lieutenant, Royal Marines. There is no name and no provenance to go with this battledress, but the insignia are machine sewn to the sleeves and appear original. Please feel free to ask questions of if more detailed photographs are required I will do my best to provide them. Since there is no history or provenance, it is priced as what it is – a lovely example of a scarce BD with rare insignia.
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USAF Vietnam "Broken wing" award for a crashed pilot evader who "walked home."
An unofficial "Broken wing" award to a USAF pilot (in this case a Command pilot) shot down in Vietnam who then "walked home" (note foot superimposed on shield). Back of wing stamped with date, May 3rd, 1968 and a partial serial number or award number? Worth researching. A great souvenir.
SOLD
AAF winged props, matched pair with "15".
Excellent matching pair of AAF winged prop collar devices, one with a number "1" and the other with a number "5" affixed. No idea of the significance? 15th Air Force? 15th Squadron? Someone out there knows!
SOLD
US Army WWII webbing belt dated 1942.
Excellent WWII US Army webbing equipment belt dated 1942.
SOLD
Japanese "Battle Carried" silk flag.
Beautiful example of the type of flag carried or worn into battle by Japanese soldiers and airmen, often with messages of good luck from loved ones written on, this example is unwritten on, but shows definite signs of being carried into war, with light staining, slight fraying at the edge and a couple of very small holes from wear. They could also be used as distress / rescue signal flags. Age toned quality silk with a silk-screened sun and tie strings reinforced by red silk triangles. Approx. 36" x 30" (92cm x 80cm).
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Large size (4") RAF signal mirror / Heliograph as issued with all survival dinghies.
The larger and somewhat more scarce version of the heliograph / signalling mirror which was issued with all dinghy/raft kits. This 4" (10cm) version was considered more accurate than the personal 2" (5cm) version carried by individuals and differed only in its size and in having etched concentric circles for targeting potential rescue vessels and aircraft. Includes steel mirror with printed instructions on rear and sighting tool attached by cord in cotton carrying/storage case. Minor oxidation on sighting tool, otherwise an excellent example.
SOLD
Small Japanese Navy "Rising Sun" flag - personal size.
Printed on cotton, this is the type of flag carried by soldiers and aviators for good luck and as a reminder of their service, also used for identification if ditched and awaiting rescue. 18" x 13" (46cm x 33cm), very good condition, though slightly grubby.
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RAF Emergency Flying Ration Mk II (empty tin).
Wartime RAF Emergency Flying Ration Mk II tin which would have contained barley sugar, chewing gum, energy tablets and malted milk (Horlicks) tablets. Issued as part of the K dinghy survival pack but often carried and eaten on the way back from long missions. Excellent condition, no damage.
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WWII AN6519-1 life vest, pneumatic in excellent condition, dated Sept 27, 1944.
Essentially the redesignated name for the B-4 life vest after the agreement between branches of service to co-operate with use of compatible equipment. This "mae west" life vest is in impeccable condition, showing very little wear or any signs of use. Rubberized fabric is in flexible condition, clean and with all fittings. Well marked with the homogenous "Property US Government" so that it might have been issued to the AAF, USN, USMC or Coast Guard - or indeed to US army paratroopers. This is the fully modified version of the B-4 with all additional straps in place. Hard to find in better condition.
SOLD
RAF Type D flying gauntlets.
As with most RAF flying gauntlets, not a perfect matched pair: one is size 8 and the other 8.5 - but clearly worn together and a very close colour match, so excellent for display. One is AM marked, the other broad arrow. Both show equal light wear and use but no damage. Leather nice and supple.
SOLD
Excellent pair of RAF 1941 Pattern Flying Boots.
Outstanding pair of RAF 1941 Pattern Flying Boots in brown suede with brown rubber coating around welt, sheepskin fleece lining, original rubber soles and heels and Lightning brand zips. All in excellent condition, the rubber welt, so often cracked and disintegrating or melt, is pliable and undamaged - also uses the early brown rubber. Suede is clean. Ankle straps (which was the only difference between these and the 1940 Pattern Boots) are detached but present. Could be sewn back or left as is. Heels and soles are original and show light wear. Appear to have never had a tongue fitted. A lovely pair of boots.
SOLD
RAF Battle of Britain period Irvin jacket dated 1939 and named.
Battle of Britain Irvin jacket with a1939 dated label inside - complete and in great condition except for a couple of small nicks and one tear in the right shoulder that has been repaired. It doesn't look bad from the outside and is patched with old leather on the inside. My feeling is the repair could probably be “undone” and more professionally finished or restored, but even if left as is, it still displays well. This is an early, high quality, and very rare Battle of Britain jacket with Dot zips, all in good working order. There is an inked name on the label: Rayner. No initials, rank or service number unfortunately. There were at least four pilots with the name Rayner that I have been able to find - ALL of them distinguished: John William Rayner (who served in the RFC in WWI and returned to active service in 1940), Bob Rayner (who sank a U-Boat), Ted Rayner, (who served as an instructor), and
Roderick Malachi Seaburne Rayner, who was an ace with 87 Squadron in the Battle of Britain. A rare jacket in overall very good condition.
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RAF Type H electrically-heated gauntlets.
Scarce mid-late war Type H electrically heated flying gauntlets in excellent condition. Superb quality leather, butter soft and supple, with fleece-lined black rayon inserts firmly attached. Though made separately (as were all RAF gloves) they are a very close match - the only difference being one label is sewn to the outside of the rayon insert and the other is sewn t the inside! 24v, great labels with broad arrow marking. Excellent condition showing the lightest use; this pair would be very difficult to upgrade.
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RARE late war AAF Type A-10A summer flying helmet complete with HS-38 headset.
The A-10 saw very limited production due to the development of the similar AN-H-15 intended for both Army and Navy use. The improved A-10A summer flying helmet was a "last hurrah" for the Army Air Forces. Introduced in 1945 and featuring minor modifications over the A-10, it was the last flying helmet independently procured by the Army Air Forces and examples of this scarce helmet are missing from many collections. It differed from the AN-H-15 in having cotton goggle strap tabs and a different chin strap arrangement. This is example is service used but overall very good condition. It is slightly grubby and shows wear to the brow liner inside but displays well. Fitted with correct ANB-H-1 receivers, long cord and plug.
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Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C helmet, fully wired and with Gosport tubes + Type G oxygen mask.
Very good used example of the late war naval version of the Type C flying helmet, fully wired with radio and Gosport communications. Leather is in excellent condition, as is the chamois lining, though it is grubby from hair oil and shows use but no abuse or damage. Fitted with correct receivers, internal (partly enclosed) wiring loom and plug for the oxygen mask as well as the bell-shaped jack plug - as well as Gosport tubes used for inter-crew communications while en route to target to preserve radio silence. Braided cord has a couple of worn spots, nothing serious, and rim of bell plug is chipped and broken away, but again, this doesn't particularly spoil its appearance for display. Size 2 (medium) so fits well on a standard male feature display head. Chin strap somewhat stretched out. A true veteran! Complete with its companion Type G oxygen mask. Mask is in fair to good condition, with some age effects to the rubber around the edge. Still pliable and still retains nosewire in lugs, and actually displays well, just gives the appearance of being crumbly and fragile, though it is actually more sturdy than it looks. Good harness with early "flat" hook. A decent entry level mask and a great piece of genuine history. named inside the earcup so could be researched.
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Unissued RAF Mk VIII Flying Goggles in box with extra lenses and demist cloth.
Excellent pair of RAF Mk VIII Flying Goggles of true wartime vintage with crisp A-crown-M (Air Ministry) mark indicating 1943 production. In amazing, unissued and unworn condition, still in original box. Box shows a little wear and some staining but goggles are pristine and come together with tinted lenses and demisting cloth in small tin. These are getting very hard to find in such complete condition and quality. Very slight rubbing to paint from box lid and minor signs of delamination to lenses, otherwise perfect.
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RAF / FAA floating knife for K-Dinghy.
Quite a scarce survival item: the knife for the K-dinghy is significantly smaller than that issued with the larger multi-place dinghies. Intend to be cemented to the side of the dinghy, it was often attached to the Mae West, especially by Fleet Air Arm crews, so the dinghy could be cut loose quickly in an emergency ditching. Well marked with Stores Ref. No. this example is in excellent condition, retaining its cord, leather scabbard and rubberized backing fabric.
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RAF / FAA Large Heliograph signal mirror for dinghy.
The heliograph signalling mirror was made in 2 sizes: a 2" diameter version which was carried in the mae west pocket, and this 4" version which was issued with all dinghies. This larger size was the preferred and recommended type, with the smaller version being considered less accurate and effective. The larger version is not often seen these days. this example is in excellent condition, with no rusting or staining as often found.
SOLD
RAF Type 48 microphone boxed, unissued.
RAF Type 48 microphone (Type 25 microphone with short lead and plug for internally wired flying helmets). Unissued, unused and still in its box, with tissue paper wrapping. This microphone was for the Type E, E* and G oxygen masks. Impossible to find in better condition.
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Early Luftwaffe leather flying gauntlets of very high quality.
Beautiful pair of leather flying gauntlets, well marked inside and typical of the type in use n the later 1930s and beginning of the war. Extremely high quality leather, light brown with honey coloured leather lining. The exterior colour very slightly mismatched on the back (most probably slight fading with age and exposure to light). Single strap and buckle for tightening the wrist, with the buckle heavily chrome plated. Just a lovely pair of gauntlets
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RAF / army motor cycle desptach rider's gauntlets dated 1943.
Superb pair of motor cycle despatch rider's gloves / gauntlets made from yellow leather and issued to RAF and army motorcyclists. Similar to flying gloves (and may well have been used as such) the glove part is lined with fleece and the gauntlet/wrist section is lined with soft chestnut leather. Well marked with a War Dept broad arrow and dated 1943 with maker stamp to Ricketts Ltd. of Yeovil. Owner has written his serial number on both gloves, which, interestingly enough, are a perfect matched pair! Size 9.5.
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WWII British Army Royal Tank Regiment beret dated 1945 with original white metal badge.
Excellent and rare example of the army black beret with Royal Tank Regiment badge. Manufactured by Kangol with a clear date of 1945 and broad arrow stamp which includes coded letter "Z" that also stands for the year 1945. Great condition and large size. The black beret with Tank Regiment badge was made famous by Montgomery (even if he did add another badge!) but represents some of the bravest and toughest of Britain's special forces in WWII.
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1945 dated RAF War Service Dress blouse (battledress) in huge size 16.
Perfect example of the post 1943 War Service Dress blouse, unissued, unworn and no insignia ever fitted, in a size 16 (6'2" / 38" chest / 34" waist). Manufactured 1945 and evidently checked again on October 27, 1953 when it was probably surplussed out being no longer the issue pattern. Outstanding condition.
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Scarce original WWII Glider Pilot Regt. cap/beret badge, slider back
A lovely example of a rare cap/beret badge in white metal with brass slider on the back. As we remember the 76th anniversary week of operation Market Garden and the courage it took to fly a gigantic aircraft made of a wood and fabric with no engine on a one way mission into Holland.
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RAF Pre-WWII bullion full size Observer half-wing/brevet.
Superb, heavily padded pre-WWII RAF observer brevet in silver and gold wire on a blue barathea wool background. This would be worn on the full dress uniform and is actually far more scarce than the pilot wing. Absolutely beautiful example.
SOLD