Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES March 2024
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Collection of technical manuals from a USAAF radio operator.
Excellent set of manuals for any AAF radio operator display, including the old manila envelope in which they were stored. All publications are dated WWII or earlier. Comprises 2 booklets: Radio Operating and Use of Numbers (includes how to to use a slide-rule); 2 copies of the Bendix RTA-1B radio manual (as fitted in many AAF aircraft). Also included is a Traffic Glossary (dated 1921) which is for railway transport services. Originally published in 1917, it came as part of this set so perhaps the radio operator was a railway engineer prior to the war? Don't want to break up the set anyway. Lots of interesting information and ideal to compliment a radio operator display.
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Vintage enameled pin badge for the famed Flying Tigers / 14th Army Air Force.
Very nice pin-back badge for the Flying Tigers. 1.5" (3.5cm) diameter on silver plated copper alloy, with detail in the tiger enameled in white, yellow, blue and black. Well made, heavy construction with a cross-hatched checkered background pattern. Maker marked "Premier Howram" on the back in raised letters. Probably not wartime but perhaps an early reunion piece that would look great as part of a Flying Tigers display.
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American Optical Airway goggles with black frames and cushions.
Very stylish pair of flying goggles made by American Optical, 1930s and 40s. These were very popular with AAF aircrews, often worn instead of the issue B-7/AN6530 and used the same lenses. This pair has the more unusual black frames and also black rubber cushions. One cushion is slightly misshapen with some surface crazing, the other one is perfect and both remain pliable. White silky elastic strap retains elasticity through has some staining/rubber residue from being stored against another rubber cushion. Overall a very nice pair of goggles.
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US Navy Willson Pilot Goggles (Mk I).
Perhaps the perfect companion goggles for the NAF1092 helmet. This is a very early example of the Willson Pilot Goggles. Very high quality goggles which were available commercially, but procured in bulk for US Navy and Marine Corps aviators. Convex amber lenses in gunmetal plated frames. The original cushion has long since melted away and been replaced by a new well made replacement, finished as per the original with a chamois backing. This cushion will not melt or harden and looks the part. The strap is original. No markings on the central hinge (that was on later production goggles); these are marked on the frames as "WILLSON PILOT GOGGLES" (no Mk I - that didn't come until the later Mk II by Fischer Spring was introduced); and "Patent Applied For."
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RAAF other ranks side cap/forage cap dated 1944.
RAAF uniform items being made of dark blue wool are considerably more scarce than the other Commonwealth uniforms. This is a very nice example of the RAAF other ranks side cap, with a great bronzed badge and excellent label. There are a couple of small moth nips at the very back edge (invisible from the sides) but these don't affect the appearance or integrity of the hat, and it has been customized by sewing up the opening at the top, no doubt a popular style!. Size 7 and dated 1944.
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Luftwaffe Other Ranks visor cap for flight or paratrooper unit.
Luftwaffe visor cap for enlisted personnel in flight aircrew or paratroop units. Very well made, high grade cap in grey wool gabardine with yellow waffenfarbe. Nice aluminium eagle and cockade, fibre peak and ersatz leather chin strap. Leather sweatband inside and white silk or brushed cotton lining. Maker marked inside on the celluloid sweatshield to a private tailor and personalized with the initials "F.R." in small attached metal tabs. An absolutely superb example in amazing condition.
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RAF floating torch for 1941 Pattern Life Vest.
A decent example of the floating torch issued with the stole-inflated life saving waistcoat (commonly referred to as 1941 Pattern Mae West). The two-part assembly fits into the pocket on the right hand side of the waist on Mae Wests made after 1942. As is typical, the rubber coating on the wiring has hardened and is flaking off, but apart from that, this is a very clean torch. Wiring could be replaced or left as is and placed in a Mae West for a great display. The metal battery housing has 99% of its blue paint and no dings or dents. Nice crisp Air Ministry property mark and stores ref. number. The wooden floating light is in great shape and still has its bulb fitted. Like everything else, these are getting so hard to find!
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AAF early war production Type B-4 Life Preserver.
A very good example of the AAF B-4 life vest, one of a very early production batch (manufacture date is November 1942). Early models were initially produced without the rear strap connecting the collar to the waist strap, and this has been field modified to add the rear strap. It has also had the dye marker pouch and shark chaser pouch cemented into place between the front and rear inflation chambers. These are noted by Technical Order stamps on the front. It is also well marked with several inspection dates. The vest is overall very clean and the rubberized fabric remains nicely flexible. There is minor fraying in places along the edge of the rubberized fabric but nothing serious. The oral inflation tubes are original, thin gauge rubber and show age but remain intact and also flexible. Overall a very good vest. These are becoming more and more difficult to source, especially the early models with all its correct modifications.
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RAF Yellow Skull Cap for stole-inflated (1941 Pattern) life saving waistcoat.
Small but significant accessory for the Stole-Inflated (1941 Pattern) life vest.
The cotton skull cap was carried in the small breast pocket of the life vest and intended to be pulled on and tied under the chin using the tapes, in the event of ditching or parachuting into water. It had two functions: protection for the head against wind and sunburn and as an aid to being spotted by rescue craft. In the end it proved ineffective in both cases and it was declared obsolete after a fairly short service life. This example is in superb, unissued condition.
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AAF USN AN6530 flying goggles.
Very good pair of classic USAAF issue flying goggles with light green lenses. Good frames with the early tube vents, one-piece rubber cushion which has some slight surface crazing but remains pliable, unusual suede backing instead of chamois, but it does appear original wartime. White elastic strap still has elasticity. Overall a very decent pair of goggles.
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RAF Baxter, Woodhouse and Taylor Buoyancy Suit for Air Gunners.
A rare find - especially in such good condition. The suit, developed in 1942 by Baxter, Woodhouse and Taylor (yet forever known as the "Taylor" suit) was intended for use by air gunners who couldn't wear a standard life vest in the confines of a tight turret, yet were somehow able to wear this bulky and heavy suit. It did provide both warmth (in the aircraft and in the water) and would keep an airman afloat in the water for some time. They were padded with kapok between the yellow outer shell and the brown quilted lining, and had extra kapok pads (the same type fitted in the Mae West) inserted in pockets on each side and behind the neck. All zips in good working order, no damage other than a small worn spot near the left knee pocket. It has the pocket for the floating torch (flap cover absent) and the flap and webbing tape for the dye pouch is also absent, but these can be sourced and could be restored quite easily. Other than that it's slightly grubby but overall very good condition. Retains its internal braces (suspenders) for taking the weight of the suit. This is the wired version and retains its electrical connectors and wiring for the heated gloves. Looks excellent on display. Kapok pads are not included but I do have a set available if required.
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Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles.
A good pair of these large lens flying goggles which display well, despite missing a small section of the soft rubber cushion on the left side of the frame. The cushions are light, spongy and still flexible with slight surface crazing but are basically sound and quite decent. Frames and lenses are excellent and strap retains elasticity. The centre bridge has the classic double screw/nut adjustment. No markings that I can see.
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RAAF Type B flying helmet with label dated 1943.
Excellent example of the Australian made variant of the Type B helmet, in black leather (probably kangaroo) with a clean chamois lining. Helmet is a decent size, fits a male display head well and has a great label with its Australian War Dept production code: V-501, and a date of 1943. It is fitted with "face defenders" that would be attached to the Type D oxygen mask and has NOS sponge cushions to help keep the shape of the zipped ear cups. A beautiful helmet.
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RARE 1942 dated Croatian Air Force flying helmet.
One of the rarest of the Axis powers' flying helmets! Croatia – then a state in the country of Yugoslavia – allied itself with the Germans early in the war and fought against other Yugoslavian states. This helmet therefore is made to the same pattern as Luftwaffe helmets, but from heavy tan canvas with grey leather straps and a brown silk lining. If anything, made of slightly higher quality materials than the German equivalent (the grey leather is beautifully soft). It has hooks and a strap for attaching a German 3-strap oxygen mask and has been tailored to allow a headset to be worn with it, but there is no evidence of any receivers or cups ever having been fitted. The top metal mask loop has some oxidation. Lovely nomenclature label inside which includes size (1A) and date of 1942 as well as the owner's name. Shows little wear and is overall in excellent condition. A very scarce helmet.
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AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with great history including Hollywood connection.
A well used (with good reason!) AN-H-15 flying helmet which belonged to a well known Hollywood film cameraman with wartime and postwar use. Cliff Shirpser was an aerial film cameraman before the war who joined the AAF in WWII and pioneered use of his own cameras mounted in B-25 aircraft flying with the 10th AF in the CBI. After the war, he continued his work as an aerial photographer, wearing this helmet (and his A-2 jacket) while working on Hollywood blockbusters. His professional work included just about every well known movie made between 1921 and 1964, including Gone with the Wind, Ben-Hur, Flying Leathernecks, Run Silent, Run Deep, Flying Tigers, Destry Rides Again, Mutiny on the Bounty and dozens more (a full list will be included, as well as photo copies of documents and photos of Shirpser). This helmet was part of a large grouping of items belonging to Shirpser that included another identical helmet all sold long ago; I kept this one purely because of its historical interest and association with the movie industry. Helmet is a size Large, complete with HS-38 headset. It is grubby and has no chin strap, but no damage. A fantastic piece of AAF CBI / movie history which comes with a lot of research!
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RAF dinghy pack "female" connector for Mae West.
Small but incredibly rare accessory for the RAF stole inflated life saving waistcoat (popularly known as 1941 pattern Mae West). These small connectors were attached to the grab handles on the life vest and the screw type connector from the K dinghy pack was then attached to it, so that upon landing, even in rough seas, the dinghy pack and its valuable contents would not be lost. It could however, be quickly disconnected and discarded once the dinghy was inflated and the pack empty. One only available.
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RARE black "plastic" whistle for RAF life saving waistcoat.
Initially, RAF crews were provided with a small metal whistle for attracting rescuers (and other crew members), but in the ice cold waters of the English Channel the metal could stick to the lips and cause injuries. Towards the end of the war, a plastic whistle replaced the metal "ditchin" whistle. Two types were produced, one in white plastic and one in black. The "plastic" was actually a vegetable based concoction and did not survive well, making these late war whistles scarce and difficult to source. The black in particular, are less common that the white ones for some reason. This example shows none of the usual deterioration or warping and is in excellent condition.
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RAAF sidecap in perfect, unissued condition, large size, with badge.
RAAF sidecap in perfect, unissued condition, with sewn tag inside labeling it as Q.84 and size 7-1/8 and dated 1943. Comes with excellent bronze cap badge which has never been affixed to the cap. Fantastic conditon, would be virtually impossible to find a better example.
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RARE RAF Pilot's Seat Type Parachute complete with canopy.
One of the more difficult — and sought after —items of RAF equipment is the seat type parachute. This is an excellent and typical example of a late war parachute, Type S-2 with nylon lines and canopy. The harness is in very good condition, clean white webbing with a red/blue fleck and nice broad arrow ink stamps to both shoulder straps. Correct "bang box" with full circle lock and steel fittings. Label is marked IAC (Irvin Air Chute) with two inspection date stamps: 12 Jan 1945 and 19 Feb 1945. Pack is khaki coloured and has a label which reads IAC Pack Type S Mk 2 for Nylon Rigging Lines and dated 12 Jan 1945. Another ink stamp reads 11 Aug 19 - - (year is worn from being under the bungee cords). Serial numbers on harness and pack are matching. Canopy is white nylon. I have not unpacked the chute but pulling it out from the corners of the pack it does appear to be complete. Back pad is also khaki and has no label but a broad arrow ink stamp. Seat cushion is later or possibly US type, more green in colour. Overall a very nice and perfectly displayable example of a very rare item.
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RAF Stole Inflated (1941 Pattern) life vest with stole (bladder), lever inflation mechanism, kapok pads and RARE sea dye marker pack.
An outstanding and complete example of the Stole Inflated life saving waistcoat (commonly referred to as 1941 Pattern Mae West). This is a rare find. The vest is in excellent condition, showing light use but no wear or damage. All leg tapes and handles fitted, excellent label with the handwritten name Sgt. Stone. Fitted with original May 1945 dated stole in excellent condition, no damage or stiff areas, fitted with the correct Air Ministry marked chrome lever mechanism for inflating the vest. Vest is also fitted with pocket for the floating light, toggle rope for securing to the dinghy and/or other crew members. Best of all, the vest has an original and undamaged sea dye marker pack secured inside the flap on the left hand side (part of the stitching is cut to reveal the dye pouch). The dye pack is one of the toughest accessories to find for the Mae West. Finding one complete in this condition is extremely rare.
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Excellent RCAF uniform and log book grouping.
Outstanding and complete grouping to a RCAF pilot and flight instructor. Grouping comprises his uniform service dress cap and jacket, both in excellent condition and large size with superb RCAF wings; his log book covering training flights from March 1944 to October 1945 (training at EFTS in Pendleton, Ontario, then onto Ansons at 1 sqdn, OC in Manitoba before being posted as an instructor). Also includes his dog tags, silk flying scarf, a portrait photo of him wearing this uniform and cap, his Canadian Service medal and a couple of issued booklets. A lovely grouping that will display well. Please see photographs for more details.
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WWII RCAF / Canadian armed forces radio headset with receivers, cord and plug.
Early wartime Canadian made radio headset. The aluminium headband is a universal design often seen in period photographs of ops rooms and in reconnaissance aircraft. Receivers are marked "Receivers Headgear M.C. (Can)." Rubber pads with felt "donuts" are similar to those found in Canadian flying helmets. The small Paxolin mounts (where the wires attach to the receivers) have broken but this could be fixed quite easily and does not detract anyway. Complete with braided cord and single pin plug. Nice set.
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USAAF aircraft fitter's access panel spanner/wrench.
Scarce accessory for any AAF display. The aircraft fitter's wrench was used for quick removal of access panels and engine cowlings on aircraft in order to speed up the process of maintenance and repairs. All that was required was a 90° or 180° twist with the right sized head (3 heads on this example) to remove the fastener. Steel with plastic handle marked Air Corps.
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RARE RAF survival booklet for the Far East/Tropics printed on oiled silk.
A very rare late WWII RAF survival booklet, issued in escape boxes as well as the Tropical back pack and the Beadon suit. Bright yellow cover and pages are all printed on oiled silk to prevent damage from the rain and humidity. 5.5" x 4.5" (14cm x 12cm) 40 pages total, including s few blank pages at the back for notes. many diagrams and of interest, at the back, a series of portraits of various races /nationalities for profiling who the friendly natives would be.
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Ultra rare MI9 / SOE issue silk map showing location of prison camps in France.
This has to be one of the rarest of all so-called "escape" maps – although its actual use was more for SOE agents and members of the French Resistance to locate where prisoners might be held or escaping from rather than for escape/evasion issue to aircrews. White silk, approx. 13" x 13" (33cm x 33cm), printed one side with black ink and the locations of all Stalags, mostly located in Northern France, identified. Well marked M.I.9 and "Secret" as well as "Front – Stalags Location." Absolutely immaculate condition and its rarity cannot be overstated.
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RARE MI9 Pencil concealing a thrusting, stabbing weapon.
Yet another ultra rare invention from the mind of Christopher Clayton Hutton at MI9 — a standard HB pencil (marked English Make and with the HM Stationary Office crown) carefully cut in half lengthwise and part of the "lead" (graphite) removed. The space inside, between the two ends of the lead, is hollowed out to accommodate a steel stabbing or thrusting weapon, wrapped with whipping at one end to provide a grip. Concealed weapons such as this were carried by SOE agents to overpower enemy guards and other military personnel. This example probably used for demonstration purposes was never glued together.
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USAAF plastic ditching whistle dated 1943.
US Army marked snail type whistle which had multiple uses, including as a ditching whistle by aircrew forced to evacuate their aircraft either by parachute, forced landing or ditching. Made from green plastic insteadcof brass or other metal, which was much easier on the lips in freezing conditions. Excellent condition and nice clear markings including date of 1943.
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US Army Air Corps Type A-1 flying helmet/mechanic's cap.
US Air Corps mechanic's cap which quickly converted to a flying helmet as and when necessary for the mechanic to test the aircraft after working on it. In WWI through the 1920s and into the '30s, aircraft mechanics — though never licensed — were required to know the basics of flying an aircraft so that they could "test fly" the machine after working on it, much the same as a mechanic test drives a car before returning it to the owner. This OD herringbone twill cap would be faced backwards and the ear flaps tied under the chin with tapes to make a flying helmet. They continued to be issued well into WWII. Quite a scarce item to find these days. This example in excellent, unissued condition with a 1931 contract date.
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US Army Air Corps Type D-1 style goggles (sunglasses) with blue lenses.
Rare 1930s-WWII D-1 style goggles (which are actually sunglasses but all protective eyewear was classified as goggles at the time). These are the type with rare blue lenses. Very attractive with the hinged centerpiece, and though not engraved with the USAC mark, are in all aspects identical to the standard D-1 goggles as issued, except for having bright blue lenses instead of the standard green. The comfort cables retain their covering and complete with blue felt-lined case. Very stylish and in outstanding condition.
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RAF quilted rayon liner/inner suit for the 1940 and 41 pattern Sidcot Flying Suit.
Padded and quilted brown rayon inner suit for the 1940 and '41 pattern Sidcot flying suit, which replaced the "teddy bear" suit issued from 1930 with the earlier version of the suit. Photographic evidence suggests that this suit was often worn alone—without the outer Sidcot suit—but it could also be worn with the 1930 pattern suit. Brown rayon with a full length front zip fastener, full length waist to ankle zips and sleeve zips. All zips in good working order, good label indicating a large size 7. Overall in excellent condition with perhaps some minor fading in areas, but hadly noticeable.
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WWI US Air Service aviator's gauntlets with trigger finger.
Lovely pair of WWI US Air Service aviator's flying gauntlets with separate trigget finger, beautifully marked including the date of January 24, 1918 in unissued condition. Glove/hand is in constructed from high-grade cream coloured leather and the gauntlet section is reversed "rough out" leather. Size 10. This pair would be very difficult to upgrade.
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AAF HB-7 headband with HS-38 headset worn by bomber crews.
Actually worn by all aircrews at some point, the standard headset throughout the war. Great condition and named to "Holder." ANB-H-1 receivers fitted with MX-41AR rubber cups and fitted with the short cord and red PL-354 plug. Some minor chafing to the braided cord but nothing serious and overall very good used condition.
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RAF / MI9 collar stud escape compass.
One of the cleverest of Clayton Hutton's concealed compass devices was this collar stud. Since all RAF ranks wore shorts with separate, detachable collars, it was a simple matter to build a compass into to front collar stud. The glass front was painted over (paint could be scraped off later to reveal the compass rose). Excellent working condition. Note: this is an early production using the "wagon wheel" type compass rather than the later "star" pointer.
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Rare complete set of AAF flyer's anti-flak armour comprising
M-1/M-2 vest (front and back
with built-in apron) and attached M-5 groin armour.
Extremely rare complete set of flyer's anti-flak armour. This set was specifically for pilots and crew members who were in a seated position throughout the flight in vulnerable positions exposed to enemy fire and flak. The set is complete, in excellent condition and extremely heavy. Overlapping manganese plates with OD canvas covering on the front and white corduroy lining. This is the only example I have ever seen with the groin and thigh armour attached and is complete with all straps, tabs and press stud fasteners.
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RAF D mask hose (reproduction) with original Mk IIIB bayonet connector.
Original hose for the Type D oxygen mask are extremely difficult to source, and most are in poor condition, since the rubber technology of 1940 was not at its best, and 80 years of storage hasn't helped. This is a very accurate replica of the tube/hose with a braided covering of black fabric with a yellow fleck. The brass connector is a genuine original Mk IIIB in excellent condition and correctly held in place with linen whipping. Perfect for completing your Battle of Britain display.
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AAF miniaure "sweetheart" bomb aimer wing.
Lovely miniature US AAF bomb aimer wing, with pin-back. 1.5" (4cm). Lovely detail, sterling marked.
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RARE AAF Type A-9 oxygen mask with "Juliet" strap.
Nice example of the rare Type A-9 Short oxygen mask worn by AAF pilots and crews prior to the introduction of the A-14 in 1943. This mask saw a lot of service with B-17, B-24 crews as well as fighter pilots. Mask shows use and the rubber has darkened but remains in excellent condition, completely pliable with no signs of aging or wear, other than the usual issue with deterioration of the small lugs holding the nose wire having reacted with the metal wire. The nose wire has pulled out but is present and mask displays well. Hose is in excellent condition and mask includes the rare "Juliet" strap for wear wth the A-8 or B-5 helmet.
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Cross of Honour of the German Mother in gold (Mother's Cross).
Commonly referred to as the "Mother's Cross" was instituted on December 16, 1938, to encourage the growth of the Aryan population. There were three classifications: a gold coloured cross for 8 or more children, silver for 6 or 7 and bronze for 4 or 5. The reverse has in raised letters the date it was instituted along with a facsimile of Adolf Hitler's signature. These were not made from precious metal. It has a blue and white ribbon. Great condition with no damage to the enamel and full ribbon attached.
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WWII named Caterpillar Club gold pin.
Extremely hard to find these days - an original Caterpillar Club pin in gold, with the red "ruby" eyes and in catch to back. Just a fraction over 3/4" long (23mm) and named/engraved to T/S H.U. Dionne. Although this is a British style Caterpillar pin (the US types were larger and silver), the name would seem to indicate a US serviceman (T/S or Technical Sergeant being a US Army rank). New arrival so I have not had time to do any research on the name.
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Rare and unusual RAF concealed tunic button compass.
Concealing a compass inside a tunic button was one of Clayton Hutton's ingenious ideas as head of MI9. These are now very scarce and highly desirable among collectors. This one however, is something of an anomaly, since it is built into a RAF button usually only found RAF tunics c.1920-21 (although it is known that some high-ranking officers who remained in service in WWII did continue to wear their older uniforms). This came from the estate of a well-known collector, and I have shared pictures with several respected peers. The general consensus is that it does not have the traits of most reproductions (or fakes) and would appear to be genuine. It is a right-hand thread (standard), has the later type compass (star as opposed to wheel) and is in good working order, despite the crack in the glass. Could it have been made for a high-ranking officer who retained his old uniform and either wanted an example or actually embarked on a mission? Perhaps even one attached to MI9? If only it could talk!
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US Navy headset receiver pads.
Hard black rubber noise-attenuating earcups lined with chamois donuts, model NAF-48490-1 for attaching to the ANB-H-1A receivers when fitted to a headband. These were also used on flying helmets and in some cases M-450 helmets were modified by cementing these in place or sewing them using a border of chamois. Matched pair.
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