Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES March 2023
(click on pictures to enlarge)
WWII era GQ factory parachutists Badge.
Though not the GQ "club badge" in gold (for those members whose lives were saved by a Gregory and Quilter parachute), these badges were nonetheless given to the men and women who jumped with the parachutes, for testing and practice purposes. Wartime manufactured badge in white metal with GQ Parachutist engraved on the back. A tribute to the brave souls who jumped with experimental parachutes to make sure they were safe for the RAF airmen.
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US Army Air Corps HB-7 headband with HS-33 headset (R-14 receivers) and long cord.
Much more scarce than the later HS-38 headset, the HB-7 headband is fitted with R-14 telephone receivers and was the standard headset worn by US Army Air Corps and AAF crews before 1943. This example is fitted with a double length cord so was probably used by a crewmember whose duties involved moving around in the aircraft, such as a toggelier (US terminology for bomb aimer) or air gunner. Standard HB-7 headband with leather covered band, Signal Corps marked R-14 receivers, long P-23 cord and correct PL-55 plug. All in excellent condition with light scuffing to leather.
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AAF T-30-S throat microphone with "M" clip.
Standard issue to all AAF aircrews throughout WWII. T-30 throat microphone complete with elastic strap and metal "M" clip (for a tighter fit and therefore better transmission). Excellent condition, most likely unissued or at least unused, strap still has full elasticity. This is the model T-30-S indicating it was made by Universal (each contractor was given a different suffix code letter).
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AAF / RAF ANB-H-1 receivers / pair.
Matching pair of AAF ANB-H-1 flying helmet receivers (also used by the RAF - ANB stands for "Army, Navy, British" in US parlance). In excellent used condition. Like all communications equipment, getting harder and harder to find on the loose and essentail for completing a flying helmet. Well marked and manufactured by Shure Bros.
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RCAF Canadian made 1932 Pattern Life Vest.
Excellent example of the Canadian made version of the super-rare 1932 Pattern Life Saving Vest. Made of yellow cotton fabric which is waterproofed inside the compartment housing the stole/bladder. Dominion Rubber Co. label marked with RAF and RCAF stores ref. information. Large size and super clean. This is an early production with no leg tapes added. Crisp stencilled markings to front, totally flexible and very clean - looks like it was never issued, although there is an L-shaped tear to the inside (see pictures). This could be repaired easily or left as is, since it does not show at all. These are getting very hard to find nowadays, but still a fraction of the price of a British made Air Ministry marked example.
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RAF Type D outer flying gauntlets in unworn condition.
A very nice pair of Type D outer gauntlets, issued from 1943 as part of the Type D system, which included electrically-heated inner gloves, wired waistcoat and heated booties. Invariably the gloves were worn without the electrically-heated inners, and often over silk liners. Like all RAF gloves, left and right hands were made in different factories to prevent theft, with the result that matching pairs are a rarity. Oddly enough, this pair is a very close match for cut and colour, but have different labels—and one is marked size 10 while the other is a size 9 (although they are very close in size). They appear to be unused and condition-wise would be hard to upgrade.
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RAF 1941 Pattern Life Vest, stole inflated type.
Superb example of the 1941 Stole-Inflated Pattern live vest. Very clean
and does not appear to have seen very much use. Leg tapes and the pocket for the floating lamp look like they were factory-added post-production dating it perhaps to late 1943 or early 44. The zip puller is Air Ministry marked and a broad arrow marked label indicates Medium size. It includes the early wooden toggle rope for attaching to the dinghy or other crew members. Exceptional condition. No stole or pads or accessories included.
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RAF Type F floating torch for the 1941 Pattern Life Vest.
A nice example of this now scarce accessory, with both the wooden floating torch and the battery housing both in excellent condition. As is so often the case, the wiring has not fared as well and the rubber coating is dried and broken, although the actual wires are still intact. Can be displayed as is or the wiring could be replaced if desired.
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RAF wartime production Mk VIII goggles.
Very good used pair of RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, introduced in 1943 and modified over the years, remaining in service until the 1960s and beyond. This pair ticks all the boxes for WWII production: grey painted brass frames with rolled edges, high pads and what does appear to be a faint A-crown-M mark on the leather behind the bridge hinge. Show lots of use but are in very good condition, no damage, clear lenses with no delamination problems and original strap which still has most of its elasticity.
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AP129 Parts I and II dated 1922 and 1923 owned by Air Chief Marshal Roderic Hill, 60 Squadron, RFC.
Very early editions (possibly first) of AP129, RAF Flying Training Manual, Parts I and II . Produced as hard back books, these manuals were specifically designed for training pilots in time of war and cover every aspect of flying in combat, incorporating the "Pilot's Notes" for numerous aircraft such as the Bristol Fighter, DH9A, Sopwith Snipe, Vickers Vimy and several others. These volumes contain a lot more information than later editions of AP129 (page count 236 and 206). This particular set was the property of Wing Commander Roderic Hill (later Air Chief Marshal) who flew in WWI with Albert Ball on 60 sq. It appears ACM Hill may have obtained Part II from Wing Commander A.F. Carlisle DFC and bar, CO of 114 Squadron, who has also signed inside. By far the earliest editions I have come across of these manuals with a lot of useful information about equipment, techniques and tactics.
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AAF A-11 flying helmet, early model, fully wired with correct ANB-H-1 radio receivers.
Very good clean example of a USAAF Type A-11 fling helmet showing very light wear, complete with braided wiring loom and ANB-H-1 receivers plus PL-354 red plug. This is an early example made from soft leather, chamois lined and having only 3 snap-fasteners on each side. The wiring is also slightly different to the later HS-38 sets, being a lighter, tan colour and each length from receiver to junction being equal in length. Size Medium but quite generous and fits a male display head perfectly. Wired examples seem to be getting harder to find these days.
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AAF A-14 oxygen mask size Large, named (possibly to a RAF or Commonwealth pilot).
USAAF / USN Type A-14 oxygen mask in a hard-to-find large size and in excellent condition. Shows very light use; the rubber is pliable with no damage or wear, including the thin rubber straps supporting the harness which are perfect. Date 10/44 and fitted with the correct microphone in its oilcloth anti-moisture wrapping. What makes it even more interesting is this mask appears to have been issued to a RAF or Commonwealth pilot or aircrew. It is stamped in several places with the name F/O A.A. Arditto. F/O (Flying Officer) is a British rank, and while there are no records of the RAF being issued with the A-14, the RCAF and RNZAF were often issued wit US equipment. An excellent example of the classic A-14 oxygen mask.
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RAF breathing tube (hose) for the Type G oxygen mask.
An increasingly difficult item to find; an excellent example of the correct wartime breathing tube/hose the Type G and Type H oxygen mask. This is the wider diameter hose found on most masks from late1944 onwards. The brass bayonet connector is Air Ministry marked and both end pieces are bound to the tube with linen whipping cord.
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RARE complete AAF M-390B braking parachute for the SCR-578 radio transmitter (Gibson Girl).
Very rare accessory for the SCR-578 "Gibson Girl" emergency radio transmitter: the drogue or braking parachute used to slow down the descent of the packed transmitter when dropped from a rescue aircraft to aircrews who had ditched in the sea. This example is complete and never used—still has factory installed safety pins installed as well as the webbing suspension lanyard (with release pins) which remains folded and tied. A very rare accessory missing from most Gibson Girl displays. This example would be impossible to upgrade. Dated August 1945.
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Rare RAF Type A flying helmet, named and dated 1940. Excellent condition.
One of the more unusual—and scarce—flying helmets issued by the RAF, and also one of the longest serving. First introduced in the early 1920s, it remained an issue item for all aircrews "stationed east of Malta" until replaced by the Type D in 1942. Notably it was issued to RAF pilots sent to the USA for training at civilian flying schools (though for practical reasons it was replaced by AAF Type A-8 and A-9 helmets shortly after arrival). This example is named, with a service number, well-marked with the A-crown-M and date of 1940. Slightly grubby from use and storage, it is in excellent condition,
retaining the small leather strap inside the back for securing goggles. Pockets on the side flaps for Gosport receivers. Lovely helmet.
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AAF A-9 flying helmet with Gosport receivers in a rare Extra Large size.
This is the largest A-9 helmet I have ever seen! While most are very snug (including those marked as being Extra Large) this is a true Extra Large. Green cotton has a few marks but absolutely no damage or thin spots i the weave. Fitted with Gosport receivers/pipes with orange powder puff pads inside, as well as leather chin strap with shearling wrap. Great label.
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RAF Heavy bomber gun turret position indicator.
Similar function as the position indicator above, this was used in the gun turrets of RAF heavy bombers such as the Wellington, Lancaster, Halifax and Stirling. It gave the rotation of the turret, from left to right, in degrees. Instruments other than those found in the cockpit tend to be more difficult to find.
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RAF aircraft Fuel Gauge, believed to be from a Lancaster.
RAF Fuel Gauge from a Lancaster bomber. Gauge indicates available fuel remaining in Tank No.2. 2.5" in diameter and 3" deep (6.5cm x 8cm) in very good condition. Well marked including patent information moulded into plastic on back. I can only imagine how many hours RAF pilots and flight engineers stared at this on the return journey from a mission over Germany.
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RAF oxygen mask microphone Type 48 fitted with gauze anti-moisture shield.
Excellent example of the Type 25 microphone as fitted in Types E, E* and G oxygen masks, finished as a Type 48 with the short wiring cord and plug for connecting to internally wired flying helmets, Type C, D and E. What makes it especially nice is this example is fitted with the gauze anti-moisture shield, secured in place wit its spring-bar clip. A couple of vey small chips in the bakelite backing plate of the microphone which do not affect the mask in any way (and would not be seen if installed in a mask). Otherwise, microphone retains 95%+ of black painted finish, clean cord and plug.
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AAF "Know Your Airplanes" Plane-O-Graph ID recognition disk.
One of the best aircraft ID devices of the war and a fabulous home front item! This huge (13" diameter) disk can be rotated to show a picture plus details of each aircraft. On the back is a selection of squadron patches. Disk is in excellent condition, with minimal wear and chips - but best of all is it comes with its original paper envelope, which is extremely rare and unusual to find. Envelope has some wear and tear and a few minor chips but is essentially intact. Great item.
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AAF Training Booklet for Air Gunners "Get That Fighter".
Named to Pvt. David Ackerman, Class 44-8, Squadron E. 4" x 7" (10cm x 18cm) comb bound booklet on deflection shooting techniques for air gunners, including samples of both German and Japanese fighters. Where to aim, how to succeed - specifically in fighters flying directly at the air gunner. Great book with numerous fold-out pages, well illustrated throughhout. Dated November, 1943.
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AAF paddles for the multiplace life raft with reflectors.
Set of 2 paddles, each in two parts joined together with spring clips, for the multiplace dinghy carried on USAAF bomber and reconnaissance aircraft as part of the raft kit. Blue painted paddles doubled as reflectors to attract passing ships and aircraft having a special reflective surface on one side of the paddle blade. Some scratches to paint and a minor ding to the corner of one blade, otherwise a very good used set with serial/part number still clearly visible. These make a great display.
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Superb Luxor Meyerowitz No. 6 flying goggles in original tin.
Luxor Number 6 goggles originated in the late 1920s but remained popular well into WWII. Issued to US Air Corps airmen, No. 6 were sold commercially all over the world and worn by military pilots and aircrews as an upgrade over their issue. They were especially popular with European competition and aerobatic pilots on the 1930s (photos even exist of their use by RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain). This pair is in wonderful condition. The rubber cushions are still soft and pliable, not hardened as are most. The bulbous convex lenses are undamaged and the strap, though lacking much of its elasticity, is in good condition and still retains its sewn embroidered label. The name H.C. Ahrens is written on the strap. Complete in their original aluminium tin. An outstanding example.
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Original spare replacement lenses for Luftwaffe Model 295 goggles.
Two sets available. These are the clear, curved (cylindrical) large glass lenses for the Luftwaffe Model 295 flying goggles made by various companies including Auer. Winter, Wagner and others. Two lenses, left and right, in their felt pouches (one grey, one brown) as issued in the tins or boxes in which the goggles were supplied. These are in perfect condition and appear unused. When you need them, you need them! Good idea to keep a spare set handy.
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USN AN6542S helmet with scarce boom microphone.
Quite a scarce variation of the AN6542S summer flying helmet, with the addition of a boom microphone and ANB-H-1 receivers with Navy style rubber coated wiring, as well as having snaps/press studs added for the A-14 oxygen mask. The use of boom microphones came late in WWII and is synonymous with the early helicopters first used in WWII and later in Korea. This is a perfect example of an early boom microphone conversion which shows use but no abuse or damage. The rigger who attached the boom mic. has carefully removed the chin-strap buckle to the right hand-side of the helmet in order to accommodate the microphone. It was a fairly common (and necessary) modification for the boom mic. to function. What’s great about this helmet is that the buckle and its leather piece are still attached to the other end of the strap! So the helmet is absolutely complete and as worn. Medium size (Navy helmets always run on the large side and this is more like a large). Great display item.
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ULTRA RARE Early RAF Type E oxygen mask with correct tube, cord and receivers.
Not the later E* (E-star) — this is a complete and original Type E oxygen mask, early moulding with correct narrow tube. Full external wiring harness (Type 26 microphone assembly with receivers and plug). The rubber is perfect and completely pliable, with the expected stress cracks around microphone and a small crease at the nose. One leather strap is slightly sun-faded, the maleable metal plate across the nose has a miinor crease and the chamois lining is slightly grubby from use or storage. Light oxidation on hose clip. This is about as good as it gets—and would be very difficult to upgrade. The E mask had a very short service life and is considerably more rare than a Type D. It is also the mask most commonly associated with the RAF Eagle Squadrons.
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RAF evasion/escape purse "MAPS ONLY" with maps 43 C/D plus miniature compass.
A scarce evasion/escape item that doesn't come along all that often. The escape purse is made of waterproofed cotton, marked "Maps Only" to clarify it doesn't contain any currency. it os also marked C/D denoting it contains sheet 43C and 43D, printed back to back on a single sheet of Tenasco (synthetic silk). 43C covers Holland, Belgium, France and Germany. 43D depicts southwest France, southern Germany and Switzerland. These maps offered the primary escape routes for RAF and USAAF crews flying combat missions over Europe. The purse also contains a standard miniature compass. This purse is in remarkable condition; it has been opened very carefully to examine the contents, but the map is in as new condition, perfectly clean with its original crisp folds in place. Compass works perfectly. An excellent example that would be very difficult to upgrade.
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Stole/bladder for the RAF 1941 Pattern Life Vest Mae West.
Medium grey fabric covered inflatable stole (bladder) for the Stole Pattern Live Saving Vest (commonly known as 1941 Pattern). Nicely Air Ministry marked with maker PBC (P.B. Cow) and a testing date of 7.45. Production date is obviously earlier than that because of the AM mark (instead of WD arrow) but is not indicated. Condition is excellent. No hard spots or crisp bits and fully pliable. The oral inflation valve operates (I have not blown it up because the last thing you need is to have it full of moist air - nothing will rot it quicker). The valve must have lost its rubber sleeve at some point and is wrapped in black tape, but this looks fine. Thse are getting very hard to find these days - especially in such good condition.
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Fabulous Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm officer's service dress uniform jacket and trousers, named and dated 1945.
Named to James Graham Belsey who flew Walrus and Swordfish aircraft. Commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on October 11th 1939. On 13th February 1940 he was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant, and is later recorded in the Navy List as serving aboard HMS Renown as a Walrus pilot. Promoted to Acting Temporary Lieutenant Commander on 28th March 1945, by that time having been awarded an OBE (1st January 1945). The uniform is superb quality and excellent overall condition. Medal ribbons for the OBE, 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star (with clasp for the Mediterranean) and the Burma Star (with clasp for the Pacific). To the left sleeve is a lovely original pair of Kings crown Fleet Air Arm pilots wings. Bullion rank to Lieutenant Commander to each sleeve. Tailors label of 'Gieves', with typed details '1.5.45' and the name 'J. G. Belsey', along with '(P)' denoting pilot and service number '36298'. Deserves much deeper research.
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Smiths RAF Mk 3A Stopwatch dated 1943 in good woking order.
The stopwatch was built for accuracy to within 1/5 of a second and was thus used by navigators and bomb aimers for precise timing over target areas. Well marked with the AM and stores ref. number. Slightly less well defined, but visible, is the serial number 74197/43 denoting 1943 production. Clean dial and crystal—a beautiful working example.
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Pre-1952 RAF 99 Squadron flying suit badge for the Beadon suit.
Superb silk embroidered squadron patch of the type worn on flying suits and prestige suits, but this example is embroidered on the same blue-grey heavy cotton from which Beadon suits were made. Badge is uncut and has been displayed in a frame so the background fabric has faded very slightly but the silk still its retains its full rich colour. 99 squadron has a long and illustrious history and served in Burma from 1942 to 1945 before converting from Wellingtons to Liberators in preparation for the invasion of Malaya, making it extremely likely that crews would have been wearing the Beadon suit at that time. The badge depicts a leaping Puma and is surmounted by the King's crown.
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RAF Mustang III Pilot's Notes - an early reproduction
One of the early reproduction copies of the WWII RAF Pilot's Notes for the Mustang III long-range fighter. This was the RAF version of the P-51D. With original wartime copies of Pilot's Notes now fetching well over £100, this very early reproduction in an affordable alternative. It was probably printed in the early 1960s and doesn't have the "Reproduced..." legend o the front as most of the copies do. It is discreetly placed on the back and is a very high quality copy - indistinguishable from an origonal with all pull-out photos and diagrams etc. The blue covers are even faded exactly like an original!
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D-Day Military/Aviation Map (Sheet 9D):
Abbeville-Dieppe, France, dated June 1944.
Paper map — Sheet 9D — showing the strategically important region around Dieppe and Abbeville, printed at the time of the D-Day invasion. It would have been top secret at the time, studied and very likely carried by all branches of the military, especially RAF personnel flying cover above the troops in the landing craft. Abbeville was a major airfield used by both sides during the war and Dieppe was the focal point of the Allied invasion. Folded (correctly) with one very small tear in the centre, labeled in chinagraph on the back and few small tape marks but overall very good condition.
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USAAF Target photographs and Interpretation Report, Jan 13, 1943, Lille.
Two target photographs plus a 3-page interpretation report on the photos, following a daylight bombing raid by USAAF B-17 bombers on January 13, 1943 attacking locomotive/train yards in Lille, France, Jan 14, 1943. Two-page document with two aerial recon photos. Lists bomb groups and escort squadrons. While target photographs seem to be abundant, to find them with the accompanying report is quite unusual and this is the first such example I have come across. The two photos are marked and show clear signs of damage and fires/smoke. The raid was carried out by 64 B-17 bombers of the 422, 324 and 358 squadrons, 8th Air Force. Intelligence report is dated January 15. Very interesting reading!
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Amazing, complete and detailed file/dossier for a WWII Soviet Air Force fighter pilot.
A remarkable dossier on the career of one USSR pilot beginning in 1936 and running until 1955. Over an inch thick with board covers wrapped in blue cloth and full of documents and notes—many written by hand and some typed, plus a photograph of the subject. Lots of signatures and official stamps. Thankfully someone has annotated a few pages with sticky notes indicating such things as ranks (promotions), awards, certifications, etc. This is like a diary, log book, with combat reports, complete career details and personal information all rolled into one. It appears he engaged in combat numerous times and is credited with at least one kill (Me 109) during WWII. A goldmine of information which begs for translation. A truly rare and unique find.
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WWII US Navy silk scarf, rigger made from a section of parachute.
Silk scarf made from a section of US Navy issued parachute. These were not uncommon during the war but don't surface very often these days! Just a segment or panel from a damaged parachute turned inside out and sewn together to be double thickness (note USN anchor mark shows through as a mirror image). Light rust stains but no damage. Approximately 60" x 12"
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RAF folding survival knife for the Beadon suit.
Steel (unblued) version of the knife in very good condition with minor surface oxidation. Overall 5” with 4” blade (blade has been sharpened). It’s really like a supersized version of the escape boot knife with the addition of the “spike” type blade. Very simple manufacture and no markings, but quite heavy and robust. These are getting very difficult to find.
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AAF Type B-11 Flight Parka in excellent condition.
Yet another absolutely superb AAF flying jacket, the B-11 Parka was for extreme cold weather flying, such as over the arctic circle or around Greenland. This coat apears to have never been worn and is complete with all buttons, good working zip, clean shell and lining and retaining its label. Very difficult to upgrade on this one.
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RAF Air Temperature Gauge
Mk II believed to be from a Lancaster.
Mk II Temperature Gauge from a Lancaster bomber, used to measuring the outside air temperature in degrees Centigrade (or Celsius). 2.75" (6.5cm) diameter and in good condition, well marked and with clean, crisp A-crown-M engraved to back. About 1.5" of original cable attached.
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