Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES May 2021
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF official Aircraft Recognition manual AP1764.
AP 1764 Aircraft recognition features aircraft of the Luftwaffe, RAF and French Air Force, therefore dates from 1939 to early 1940 (this edition is also library stamped 1950 so perhaps issued to Air Cadets after the war). Over 40 card sheets with photos on one side and information on the back illustrating many types, fighters, bombers and transport, all held in by cords through 3 holes in a heavy, linen covered cardboard binder with a foldover and elastic strap (elasticity gone and secured with a pin). Photos are credited to famous aircraft photographer Chas E. Brown and The Aeroplabe magazine. Very nice and quite a scarce item.
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RAF Sea Boot Socks in unissued condition.
Fantatstic pair of RAF Sea Boot Socks in totally unissued condition, with no holes, no damage or wear. No markings of any kind - which is not unusual - but 100% correct. Thigh length heavy gauge cream coloured wool socks often seen in photos of RAF pilots and crews, notably during the Battle of Britain. Impossible to upgrade.
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Good FAA Type C flying helmet wartime production, named and with traces of yellow paint.
Very nice RN Fleet Air Arm version of the Type C helmet with good leather and good chamois lining, slightly grubby from Brylcreme. This is the internally wired version but has no wiring loom installed and the internal rubber receiver holders have also long been removed. Helmet is named inside the earcup to Robinson (can't quite make out the initials or rank) and also has definite evidence that the seams were painted with yellow aircraft paint. Deserves research to learn more - but it has 3 leather tabs on the back so no question that it is an early wartime production. Appears to be a size 3 large. Zips work perfectly and retrain leather pullers. NOS sponge pads included to help maintain shape. The Fleet Air Arm variant was produced in much smaller numbers than the RAF version and is quite scarce.
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RARE RAF 1943 Pattern Escape Boot knife.
Extremely rare knife for the 1943 Pattern escape boots, in excellent condition, still wrapped in its tissue paper. This is a cheap folding "pen-knife" measuring just 3" folded (8cm) with a 1.5" blade (4cm). It was carried in a concealed pocket inside the boots and used for removing the upper suede section leaving what looked like a plain walking shoe. These knives were unmarked. Retains most of its blued finish.
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RARE RAF Type F flying helmet, 1955 dated.
Though similar to the later Type G inner helmet, the Type F is actually quite different and rare by comparison. Made and issued only from 1954-55, it was the first helmet designed for use either alone or under the hard shell crash helmet (Mk I). Made from blue Airtex fabric, it has a different internal neck strap to the later G, and stud/snaps only for the WWII generation of oxygen masks. Pictured here with the A-13A mask with which it was often worn. A great size 3 in excellent condition complete with all communications, correct receivers in large padded leather housings with wiring loom and NATO style plug. For anyone considering building upon their WWII collection to include immediate post-war jet flying kit, this is a must have helmet which is very hard to find.
Note: A-13A mask NOT included - available separately
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RARE WWI booklet by a RNAS officer "Early Flying in Orkney".
Long out of print, this 1985 booklet by Rev. Dr. T. Crouther Gordon, DFC is based on his diaries as a RNAS pilot in WWI, flying in the Orkney Ilsnads in Scotland. It includes 16 pages of b/w photographs as well as maps and drawings, over 40 pages altogether. A very interesting account.
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WWII AAF 3" Air Gunner wing in sterling silver.
Standard full-size graduation issue US Army Air Forces Air Gunner wing, not maker marked but stamped "sterling". Two-piece construction with applied winged bullet in heavily stylized art deco design. Pin back. A lovely example.
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RARE RAF survival item: Anti-snakebite kit for the Beadon Suit.
Excellent example of the Beadon suit / tropical survival kit Anti-snakebite kit as issued to all RAF pilots and aircrews flying over tropical and jungle areas. Comprises a 3 part chromed brass tube, engraved with maker, Gardner Co. London, and Air Ministry A-crown-M mark. One end unscrews to reveal a lancet or scalpel for cutting around the bite; the other end unscrews containing a capsule of sulphur to sprinkle on the wound. The sulphur is usually missing from these kits but in this case it is still present. Some of the chrome plating has worn off the central barrel but the kit remains complete and in excellent condition.
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WWII US Navy Survival Knife with saw blade in original fitted sheath.
The same type of knife was issued to both the AAF in the C-1 Sustenance Vests and the US Navy - with this Navy example retaining its original leather sheath. Knife is in excellent condition, with some evidence of sharpening to its blackened blade. Blade marked United GR Mich. Blade is intact with no damage and nice tight spring action; saw blade is also in great shape and undamaged (oftrn broken). Overall very good condition and difficult to find with the sheath.
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AAF Type B-8 Flying Goggles.
Very good pair of Type B-8 Flying Goggles by Polaroid. Unusual version made without the chamois backing, having a textured rubber finish instead. "Aviation green" acetate lens and green elastic and webbing strap. Very little elasticity left, but rubber is perfectly pliable and these are in very good condition, well-marked.
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RAF large floating knife for multi-place dinghy.
Curved steel blade with holes for lightness and rounded end to prevent accidentally puncturing the walls of the dinghy, cork handle and long tether to secure to the boat. Stores ref. number on blade and also embossed onto the leather sheath which is opunted on rubberized cotton and could be cemented to the side of the dinghy. Excellent condition with minor wear to the fabric. It was used for cutting the dinghy lines free of the aircraft. This is the larger of two size of knife, measuring approx. 9" (23cm).
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RAF Escape Purse MAPS ONLY Sheets 43A/B + 43C/D plus compass.
Named MAPS ONLY escape purse with 2 double-sided silk/rayon escape maps (Sheets 43A/B and 43C/D) together with miniature escape compass in waterproof pouch, named to Captain Tom Gambisi. Hard to find escape/evasion aid in excellent condition - both maps still folded and crisp as when first issued. Sheet A/B in particular is quite a scarce map.
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RAF K Dinghy Hood, unissued in original box as issued.
Literally mint and previously unopened box containing one K Dinghy hood, Stores Ref. 27C/2100. Made from rubberized cotton, the hood attached to the edge of the one man K Dinghy and formed a cowl and cape to protect the ditched fighter pilot from the elements. Though wrinkled from being boxed up for almost 80 years, it is completely pliable (not dried out and cracking or stiff from getting wet). There is one very small tear and two tiny holes (easily repairable). It was sealed inside the box after being dusted thoroughly with French chalk (the white powder you see in the pictures which will brush off easily). The elastic around the facial opening still stretches like new. A remarkable find since these are usually found in very poor condition when attached to the dinghy. Well marked with ink stamps (including "K" for K dinghy).
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RAF/RCAF officer's service dress peaked cap named.
Lovely example of a standard RAF (or RCAF) officer's peaked/visor cap, made in Canada by Muir Cap Company of Totonyo: Contracted the Dominion Government Supply. Shows use but no abuse or damage, just a little wear inside and to the very top/front where it is rubbed slightly and sweatband has come unstitched for about 3 inches. Four grommets at rear, which seems to be a common trait of Canadian made caps. Original chin strap is present and is a little blistered and swollen as patent leather tends to get with age. Fabulous heavily domed embroidered badge. Named inside but difficult to make out the name. Looks like Mac Eacheal or something like that? A good honest cap in a decent size 7. A nice example.
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WWII RAF sergeant's stripes, near perfect matched pair.
Correct WWII RAF sergeant's stripes on black felt backing, unissued and a near perfect matching pair. Very hard to find these days.
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AAF survival fishing kit complete - also issued to RAF crews in the Fear East theatre.
A fantastic find. The AAF / RAF Fishing Kit as issued with survival packs and dinghies, complete with all original contents including lures, lines, hooks, barbs, a chain attached to a line for trawling, gloves - there's even original pork rind bait wrapped in wax paper. Every compartment is full - including the extremely rare full instruction sheet printed on water proof parchment paper. All contained in the OD cotton wrapping which opens up to wear like an apron while fishing. A few rust stains (from the chain) but no damage - overall excellent condition.
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AAF Command Pilot wings by A.E. Co.
Superb wartime example of a full size AAF Command Pilot wing made by A.E. Co of Utica, New York and modified from a standard pilot wing by adding the star and wreath. Professionally done and a wonderful example with the very early green plastic clutch fasteners.
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Stunning and rare WWI miniature French "FIX: wing badge; from which the RNAS and eventually the RAF designed its iconic eagle.
Absolutely lovely miniature "FIX" eagle badge dating from early WWI and made in France. 1.25" (32mm) and appears to be gold but I cannot find any hallmarks other than the name "FIX". History tells us that a high ranking Royal Navy officer purchased one of thee badges for his wife and liked it so much that he insisted it be adopted as the flying badge for the RNAS - and later of course it became the cuff and shoulder badge for the RAF. This is the first miniature I have seen and it is exquisite in its detail and construction.
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A selection of scarce and beautifully made full size USAAF WWII wing badges.
Liaison Pilot wing. Sterling marked and with a fantastic frosted finish and feather details. SOLD
Service pilot wing. Sterling marked. Lovely wing.
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Flight Engineer wing. Clutchback, hallmarked Gemsco Sterling. Late WWII or early postwar. SOLD
AP2014A – EXTREMELY RARE RAF Pilots Notes for the Mk I Kitty Hawk aircraft.
Extremely rare RAF Pilots Notes for the Mk I Kitty Hawk aircraft. Only 560 of these aircraft were built for the RAF, and of those, 100 were shipped to Canada, Australia and Turkey. The later version with more powerful Packard built engines were preferred - so an early edition of the RAF Pilot's Notes for the Mk I with the Allison engine is very rarely encountered. This advance publication example is dated 9-41 and has heavy black covers with gold titling and includes several pasted in and hand-written amendments. Very good condition and an incredibly rare edition.
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Scarce RAF Air Ministry marked Mk III goggles, dated 1935.
Excellent used pair of scarce Mk III flying goggles, dated 1935. These are the British made, Air Ministry marked version, not the more common Canadian made type. Very good condition, with nice clean celluloid lenses, good strap with solid springs, both stoppers present. Pads slightly stiff in places, as is usual with these, but very good leather and nice clear, if slightly light, markings, including the A-crown-M and extremely early date of 1935, making these a rare and desirable set. Frames with 90-95% of original blackened finish.
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WWII RAF aircraft course indicator / compass.
Air Ministry marked course indicator / compass, also believed to be from a heavy comber aircraft (Wellington, Stirling, Lancaster, Halifax etc). I believe this connected with the autopilot to maintain course and direction. 5" (12.5cm) i diameter. Date coded 1943 with what I presume to be a later test/inspection date of 1950. Ideal for building an instrument panel and very good condition.
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AAF "Flight Ace" tan crusher, officer's service dress cap.
Very nice summer weight, tan wool crusher cap, made in San Antonio, Texas by Ace Manufacturing Co. and branded "Flight Ace". High quality cap with front and rear chin strap, good gilt badge and soft leather sweatband. Sponge rubber padding had dried and is crumbling. There are a few very small pinhead sized moth holes, mainly out of sight. Overall a very nice cap. Service number C6799 written inside. Size 7.
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Superb RAF Type B Helmet, large size 3, dated 1939.
An absolutely superb RAF Type B flying helmet in excellent condition, showing very light use, in a desirable size 3 and dated 1939, making it perfect for the Battle of Britain display. The leather is in excellent condition, soft and supple, as is the chamois lining. Retains both telephone holders inside the zipped ear pieces, and in common with many of this time period, one telephone holder is rubber and the other is bakelite. The earpieces are padded with original NOS RCAF marked sponge cushions. Helmet also retains both leather pullers, metal "V" tip on chinstrap and full leather covering on both Bennetts buckles (both of which are marked "Bennetts" indicating early production). Even the press studs/snaps retain 90-95% of their brown lacquered finish. Overall this helmet would be very difficult to upgrade.
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WWII RAF aircraft gauge with test date 9/45.
Air Ministry marked pressure gauge, 2.5" (6cm) in diameter, with RAF stores ref. number and handwritten testing date of 9/45 o dial. It's actually an auto controls pressure gauge, probably from a Lancaster. The bomb aimer would take control of the aircraft shortly before the target. Ideal for building an instrument panel and very good condition.
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WWII RAF Prismatic Gunsight Type G1.
An early experimental gunsight used in conjunction with a gyro on some early fighters including the Spitfire, as well as many turret mounted guns. Very good condition and great Air Ministry mark with A-crown-M and dated 1940, this is in good condition with reasonably clean optics, (though there is a small hairline crack in the glass, which does not affect its function). An interesting item to display alongside the much larger and more popular reflector gunsight.
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RAF multi-place dinghy rescue kite for raising "Gibson Girl" transmitter antenna.
RAF box kit, still in its storage tube and complete with its line. The kite was issued with the multi-place dinghy and was intended to be flown in order to raise the antenna for the "Gibson Girl" transmitter. Storage case has some rust stains, but nothing serious. Kite appears to be in perfect condition - I did not want to remove it completely in case I cannot get it back in!
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Early wartime RAF external wiring for the B helmet/ Type 19, Type 21 or Type 25 microphone.
Early external wiring loom as used on The Type B and early Type C helmets in conjunction with the first electromagnetic microphones, Type 19, 21 and 25. This is the early "fat" type cord (not twisted) with a tan braided covering. Though complete with its bell plug and wiring connection loops for receivers and microphone, the cord is sadly not on the best condition. The braided covering has several worn and frayed areas. There doesn't appear to be any damage to the wiring so the problems are mostly cosmetic and could perhaps be tidied up by coiling the cord and whipping the exposed areas with cotton thread. Still a rare find and priced according to its condition.
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RAF Beadon flying suit with extremely rare silk scarf still attached.
One of the best examples of this excellent flying/survival suit I have come across. Introduced late in the war primarily for the Pacific/Far East theatre, the suit was constructed of lightweight cotton with numerous pockets each designed to hold survival / evasion aids. One of its features almost always missing, is the silk scarf which was attached to the neck of the suit and tucked inside an internal flap. This example still has its scarf attached! Overall the suit shows only very light use and is slightly grubby, with a light stain on one leg (looks worse in the photos than in real life). All zips work perfectly and are marked "DOT Made in England". The knitted wool cuffs are undamaged and there are only one or two very minor snags to the knitted wool collar. Never a common item, these suits are now quite difficult to source and this is the first example I have ever come across with its scarf.
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RAF Mk VII flying goggles, early issue with leather strap.
Very good pair of Mk VII flying goggles, with ultramarine blue painted brass frames, leather and chamois cushions and early leather strap with Newey press stud fastener and spring connectors. Frame shows slight dings and ripples but retains its shape well, the white painted nuts good and tight. 95%+ original blue paint and correct lenses with blue frames. Overall a very nice example of these god looking goggles which are getting difficult to find these days.
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RAF wartime other ranks knitted wool gloves.
Wartime RAF issue woolen gloves for other ranks. These are the type that were made by housewives who joined the "RAF Comforts Committee" and provided knitted clothing including jumpers, scarves, balaclava hoods and these gloves for serving airmen. Unissued condition with a few small holes which could be darned or left as is for display.
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Superb original WWI WRAF photograph
Excellent and large fornat original photograph showing three women of the WRAF in WWI. an outstanding example of the uniforms they wore c.1918-19. Approx. 4" x 6" with slight creasing / cracking at bottom corners.
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WWII RAF Radio Operator/Mechanic badgefor other ranks' KD / tropical uniform.
Radio Operator/Mechanic badge for other ranks tropical KD uniform. Both unused in excellent condition.Red and black silk embroidered on melton wool.
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RFC pilot wings from old TV production "Wings".
Lovely set of Royal Flying Corps pilot wings. Very authentic looking, but the lovely silk embroidery is on black felt rather than a fine wool background. According to Warren Carrol's excellent reference, this pattern was made for the 1970s BBC TV series "Wings" starring Tim Woodward and Nicholas Jones (see screen shot attached). They even have the correct paper backing. Lovely set - with interest and value based on their actual on screen use.
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