Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES May 2023
(click on pictures to enlarge)
USN/USMC AN6542S summer flying helmet with receivers.
Beautiful example of the late war summer flying helmet, model AN6542S, worn by US Navy and US Marine Corps pilots and aircrew. Khaki cotton, unlined, with leather straps and hard rubber noise-attenuating ear cups lined with chamois "donut" pads. Chin strap fitted with a velvet sleeve for comfort. ANB-H-1 receivers by Telephonics Corp. installed - a well known Navy contract supplier. Though similar to the AAF model AN-H-15 helmet, the AN6542S is fitted with buckles on each cheek for attaching the MSA Type C oxygen mask - and also works with the A-8B mask afvoured by some Navy crews. Labeled as a small size but most likely mislabeled. USN helmets do run on the big side, but this one fits more like a medium or large and comfortably on a male feature display head. Appears unissued and unworn.
SOLD
AAF All-Purpose Polaroid 1021 goggles in case with extra lenses.
Excellent complete Polaroid 1021 goggle kit. Though made available to all branches of the US Army, these were particularly popular with the AAF and worn as flying goggles. Even RAF Battle of Britain fighter pilot Ginger Lacey preferred these goggles to RAF issue! Unissued condition, the rubber is still fully pliable, the strap is full elastic and the fitted green lens is in good shape. Extra lenses are included with paper covering (2 green and one red/dark adaption) complete in tan cotton case/roll.
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Complete control wheel and cockpit console for a WWII B-24 Liberator bomber
Finding the control wheel of any of the heavy bombers is, in itself, a rarity, but this one is complete and still fitted to its cockpit console, ready and perfect for display. The console still has instruction signage/decals in place and 90+% of its dark green paint. The wheel is complete and functional; it turns and pulls out/pushes in. Both buttons function perfectly (spring and click). Remarkably it even still has its center cap fitted - which is extremely unusual even for museum aircraft. These are almost always the first part to be “souvenired” and therefore missing. A rare and fantastic find, especially in this kind of condition.
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RAF Type B flying helmet 1940 dated size 3 by Compton Sons & Webb.
1940 dated Type B helmet manufactured by Compton Sons & Webb, who appear to have only been contracted for one year of production - 1940. Overall good condition, the leather beautifully soft and showing only light wear with a couple of worn spots at the edge of the left cheek/chin area but nothing major. Slightly grubby chamois but no damage. Retains both Bennett buckles with full leather covering, metal tip on chin strap, good working zips with both leather pullers, one rubber and one bakelite telephone holder. Named inside both ears to J. Marrow with service number and characteristic Compton Sons & Webb offset square label inside. A lovely example of the iconic Battle of Britain flying helmet from one of the rarer makers in a large size 3.
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RAF internal wiring loom plus Type 32 receivers for the second pattern Type C, D and E flying helmets.
Wiring looms (or communication cords, as they were referenced in RAF stores) are getting extremely difficult to find on the loose. This examples is in superb condition and ready to be installed into any second pattern (internally wired) Type C, D or E flying helmet. Includes two excellent matching Type 32 telephone receivers which pop into the ear cups on the helmet, as well as the large bell plug and the smaller jack for the mask microphone lead.
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Job lot of original photographic prints of well known fighter pilots and aircraft of the Eagle Squadrons and USAAF some with annotations and signature by Mike Kelly, 71 Eagle Squadron and 64th FS.
13 original photographic prints (these are photo prints made from original negatives on photographic paper). Sizes vary from 5" x 4" to 10" x 8" and all are great quality. Features many well known personalities including Chesley Peterson, Don Blakeslee, Mike Kelly, Gene Fetrow and others. A fantastic collection. Sold as a job lot.
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WWI 1917 dated M-1911 Campaign hat in excellent condition with blue and black cords.
Excellent 1917 dated felt Campaign Hat with blue and black cap cords. Great condition with some very minor surface nips on the underside of the brim, otherwise just about perfect. Big size and retains its deep rich colour as well as its original shape.
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RAF/Army India made Airtex bush shorts.
Scarce Indian made Airtex bush shorts, worn by the British Army and RAF in the Far East. Made from the same Airtex cotton fabric as the Bush shirts and flying helmets, but seemingly far less common than the shirts. In very good condition, with a few marks but no holes or damage. No markings that I can see.
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RAF Type D oxygen mask.
One of the rarest and most sought after items of RAF flying kit, and used exclusively throughout the Battle of Britain. 100% original, genuine Type D mask which, like most, has suffered a little from the ravages of time, but still displays quite well. Most of the damage is in the usual place: in between the folds on the nose, with some other smaller holes and frayed areas elsewhere (see photos), however if displayed on a helmet with goggles in place, most of the damage would not be seen. The chamois lining is good, although the small "V"-shaped section at the chin/neck is torn. Mask has not been fitted with press studs or face defenders though these could easily be added if required. I have definitely seen far worse and it is what it is–an extremely rare piece of kit.
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FAA wing and Lt. Commander's rank epaulettes.
The perfect insignia for completing the above officer's working dress blouse, or just for displaying in a badge collection. A lovely set of WWII RN/FAA badges. The epaulettes (shoulder boards) are a perfect matched pair for the rank of Lt. Commander and are maker marked "Stephen Simpson, Preston and London" with KC buttons and gold bullion lace on a white leather backing. The wings are also WWII period, with King's Crown and oilcloth backing; nicely padded with a good overall patina. Excellent set.
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AAF A-8 Flying Helmet with Gosport tube receivers.
Standard issue summer flying helmet for the US Army Air Corps in the early days of the war, although somewhat shortlived, because it was largely upstaged by the A-9. This particular A-8 was used for training purposes, having Gosport inlet tubes fitted, together with orange "powder puff" cushions inside. Lacking its chin cup and label, but I would guess size L or XL the way it fits a male mannequin head. Has some threadbare areas showing mostly on the inside (which all these early unlined cotton helmets seem to have) but for all that remains intact and displays well. An honest example of a helmet that was never produced in huge numbers and is now becoming fairly scarce.
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US commercial flying cap with hinged, drop-down sun shield.
Though not an issue item, this type of cap proved popular with AAF pilots, especially those flying transport and reconnaissance aircraft over long distances. Several companies manufactured them, most notably Polaroid. Though not marked, this example is similar to the Polaroid model. A good quality cotton baseball style cap with a leather sweatband and stiff, green felt-lined peak with a green tinted shield that folds down when needed. A simple, effective and popular design for 1940s aviators, military and civilian.
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Excellent 1938 dated RAF Type B flying helmet with potentially important historical attribution.
Lovely example of a RAF Type B helmet with what could be some significant history. Inside the helmet is written "Hatfield 1938." Hatfield was a private aerodrome, built and owned by Geoffrey de Havilland and where de Havilland's most famous aircraft were developed and first flown - notably the Mosquito. It was a very important airfield in WWII and was bombed, despite being camouflaged. Curiously, this B helmet has no label inside (does not appear to have ever had one) nor any AID stamp, suggesting it may have been obtained privately and used by a test pilot at Hatfield. There is a name written inside which could be significant but it is difficult to read. The helmet is a perfect textbook early Type B in excellent condition, with very little wear and no damage. The leather and chamois are very clean and it retains its leather zip pullers, leather covering on both Bennett buckles and rubber receiver holders. A pair of perfect RCAF marked sponge pads have been inserted to hold the shape of the zipped ear cups. I believe it is a size 3.
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US Navy silk scarf made from segment of parachute.
Lovely wartime Naval aviator's silk scarf, made from a panel from a parachute and retaining the printed USN property mark in two places. The scarf itself measures 72" x 20" and is well-finished, double thickness and in excellent condition, with no damage. Wonderful use of an unserviceable parachute, long before the days of recycling!
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RAF survival / rescue skull cap for the 1941 pattern mae west.
Superb example of this once fairly common survival item that seems to be getting harder and harder to find. A nice early one made from silk (or artificial silk) which has most likely never been used and was stowed in the pocket of a mae west for many years. The block printed style of the name "J. Hall" suggests Fleet Air Arm issue and it has a crisp Air Ministry crown and code number as well. It would be difficult to find a better example.
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RAF female connector for the K-Dinghy tether.
First come, first served! This is one of the most difficult accessories to find, and one about which I receive more enquiries than just about any other. These small connectors are attached to the loops on the mae west and snap onto the longer "male" connector attached to the K-dinghy pack. They are invariable missing, or badly corroded. This example is in just about perfect condition. It was removed from a wartime issued and worn 1941 pattern mae west which was beyond saving; those with a keen eye will note that the sleeve on the attachment bar is plastic. There has been some debate lately as to whether plastic sleeves were used on the larger male connector - and I think this is perhaps clear evidence that plastic sleeves were most definitely in use during the war. A small but exceedingly rare item.
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RAF K-Dinghy mast guy rope.
Another uncommon accessory. One of the guy ropes used to hold the mast of the K-Dinghy in position. Coiled length of rope (complete) with an "S" hook at one end and a simple spring clasp at the other. If you need one, you need one. The rope line is perfect, the clasp has some surface oxidation but overall excellent condition.
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RAF Mk IIIa flying goggles as worn in the Battle of Britain.
An outstanding example of these rare and highly sought after goggles which typify the RAF fighter pilot of the Battle of Britain. The acetate lenses have light surface scratching (which looks worse in the pictures due to the light reflecting). Frames are excellent, sprung straps are perfect with no issues, leather is excellent and nice crisp Air Ministry markings including a date of 1939. Both stoppers and air-vent trumpets intact. There is a name written on the strap which has blurred and is therefore difficult to read but perhaps with careful study could be attributed. A very good example of a hard-to-find pair of goggles.
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AAF A-9 flying helmet wired with HS-18 headset, EX-Large.
While the humble A-9 flying helmet has never been considered rare, examples such as this, finished as used in the early days of the war with the regulation leather earcups correctly installed and R-14 receivers fitted with the short Y-cord and PL54 plug, are not at all common —especially in size Extra Large, as is this one is. An excellent example of the helmet most 8th Air Force fighter pilots arrived in England with (before quickly discovering the RAF Type C). Retains its label and size tag. Shows very light wear and is named to the front to R. Marcellos with a service number 3137. Lovely helmet.
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US Air Corps / Signal Corps boxed, unopened set of R-14 telephone receivers (pair).
A rare opportunity to own a matching pair of R-14 radio telephone receivers which have remained sealed in their boxes since March 1942! A set of 2 R-14 receivers - the type used by the Army Air Corps and Air Forces prior to 1943 and fitted in A-8, A-9, B-5 and B-6 flying helmets. Extremely rare and up to the new owner whether he chooses to open the boxes or not!
Note this is a PAIR!
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RAF 1941 Pattern Life Vest "Mae West" complete with original kapok pads and stole (bladder) with inflation mechanism.
An exceptionally clean example of this now scarce Mae West, complete with its correct stole (bladder) and kapok pads and including the rare inflation lever mechanism.
The yellow cotton vest is clean, bright and undamaged, with a great Air Ministry label indicating "Flap Type" (it isn't - this was a case of old labels being used up). It has leg tapes, grab handles, pockets for the floating torch and skull cap as well as the empty dye pouch, placing its production at mid-to-late 1943. The stole is in good condition with some slight stiffness and minor flaking of the rubber coating in the collar/neck area, but remains pliable everywhere else. Clear crisp markings show a test date of 11/44. The lever mechanism is chrome plated with a clear engraved or stamped A-crown-M mark on the handle. The kapok pads are original wartime production and also have faint stores reference marks. These life vests are becoming very rare to find in such a complete and displayable condition.
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Rare USN Flying Jacket Style
37-J-1a.
Ostensibly the first official flying jacket issued to US Naval aviators, and introduced in 1937 (as indicated by its nomenclature). The jacket was made from heavy grey green Bedford Cord with a black cotton lining, zip front, two patch pockets and elasticated wool neck, cuffs and waistband. There is a single button with a fabric loop at the neck to fasten the collar. The label in the neck bears the information: "Bueau of Aeronautics, Navy Department, Style 37-J-1a, Contract Nos 45151, Sigmund Eisner Co. Red Bank, NJ." Overall in very good condition, with perhaps a little fading or variation in places to the colour. Inside the back is stenciled 357 with a hand painted "C" all in yellow paint. Very minor nips to the collar and one cuff but otherwise quite remarkable. Great working talon zip. An amazing and very rare early flying jacket.
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Rare late war Italian Air Force mesh summer flying helmet in excellent condition.
Similar in appearance to the RAF Type E summer flying helmet, this rare Italian made helmet was produced later in the war for the co-belligerent Italian Air Force flying mostly British and US aircraft against the Luftwaffe. It was designed to accept British receivers and a Type G oxygen mask to be compatible with RAF aircraft. Of higher quality than the British version, this example is in near perfect, unissued condition, the fabric, leather and chamois are clean clean and the rubber ear cups totally pliable. Large size 58. Wartime Italian headgear is quite scarce and this being produced so late is not commonly found and often mistaken for its RAF counterpart.
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USSR early wartime flying helmet.
Early wartime Soviet Air Force flying helmet in excellent condition, high quality leather with yak fur lining and long neck-wrap and long chin strap, typical of the type worn by Russian fighter pilots in drafty cockpits in the first few years of the war. Helmets wired with communications were not available to Russian flyers until much later in the war. Despite being produced in large numbers, , these helmets are not common and especially nice to find in such good condition. Note: goggles show are not included but are available separately.
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USSR early wartime flying goggles.
Exceptionally nice pair of Soviet flying goggles of the type issued early in the war and typically worn with the unwired yak fir lined flying helmet. Folding glass lenses for good all round visibility, pressed tin frames and a leatherette mask edged in fabric. Elastic strap still has life in it, and goggles are overall in very good, clean condition.. Note: helmet is shown for display only and is not included, but is available separately.
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US Marine Corps attributed Bausch & Lomb aviator sunglasses in metal case.
Very good pair of WWII aviator sunglasses by Bausch & Lomb, in a felt-lined brown metal case named to Manuel Martinez, Police Dept., USS West Virginia, Marines 7th Div. B&L logo engraved on case. These are the type that were issued to aviators in all branches of the military and were also available commercially. Gilt frames, dark green tinted lenses, comfort cables and faux mother-of-pearl brow bar. No chips or significant scratches; a very good pair with the possibility of some research.
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RAF Night Vision/Gunnery Training Goggles in box.
Rubber face mask with curved lens apertures, brown velvet lining and grey elastic webbing strap. The frames were issued with a variety of different lenses and filters to simulate night conditions for training either indoors or outside. This pair has a set of yellow acetate lenses fitted, which is unusual, as most had two layers of glass with a tinted filter in between. They are also ink stamped in yellow with the stores ref. number. Very good condition, still pliable and contained in their issue box with original wrapping.
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Breathing tube (hose) for the RAF Type D oxygen mask with braided, flecked covering (reproduction).
Reproduction breathing tube (hose) for the Type D oxygen mask. A very accurate and precise copy of the original tube, complete with its braided fabric covering in black cotton with a yellow fleck. Original tubes are very rare and most are extremely fragile. This recent copy is correct in every detail, including its 36" length. This was specially made for the Sefton Type D reproduction masks and are now highly sought after for display or re-enactment purposes.
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Rare Early WWII Soviet Flying Goggles with box and cleaning cloth.
Extremely rare early wartime Soviet Air Force flying goggles, in unissued condition, and complete with their original cardboard carton and felt cleaning cloth. The style is primitive, copied from First World War types used by both the British and French Air Forces, made from heavy black oilcloth edged in red cotton fabric with a simple cotton tie-strap at the back. Angled, hinged glass lenses for good peripheral visibility. Flying kit from the USSR is still extremely rare but to find a set of goggles in unused condition and still having the original packaging is very unusual. Most often seen in photographs with the fur-lined cowl type helmets favoured by Soviet aircrews in the early days of the war.
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Private purchase "Skyway" goggles often preferred by AAF airmen.
A very good pair of Skyway goggles, the design based upon the B-7 / AN6530 and fitted with the same size lenses, same rubber cushions and same strap, but with a cheaper, black painted finish instead of nickel plating. These were often worn by trainee pilots and feature acetate lenses instead of glass, for safety. Separate cushions are an unusual upgrade and have a chamois backing. They show only very light use and the strap retains its elasticity.
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US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in blue cotton.
One more carrier flight deck crew helmet, this time in blue cotton. Each "station" in a flight deck crew had its own colour coded helmet so that pilots could distinguish between mechanics, armaments fitters, launch crews, etc. This blue cotton unlined helmet is in excellent condition. Standard USN stye with long chin strap. These helmets were often purloined by pilots, and sometimes modified to install communications equipment. This example is original and unmodified.
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RAF plastic whistle for the 1941 Pattern life vest.
This cheap production plastic whistle was introduced late in the war to save cost, preserve brass for ammunition and provided a signal device that would not stick to the mouth in extreme cold (the way that the metal whistles did). Despite being a cheap option, these are now much harder to find than the earlier metal tube and snail ditching whistles. Slightly warped but no damage, and includes its lanyard for tying on the the eyelet on the collar of the life vest.
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RAF Type D flying gloves matching pair, size 9.5.
Absolutely superb pair of RAF Type D gloves - the best I have seen in a long time and, unusually (especially for late war), an almost perfect match. The labels are different (being made in different facilities) but the pattern, size, style and close colour match is remarkable. Both are marked with stores ref. information and labels are sewn in (as opposed to being glued in as most were).
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AAF officer's "chocolate" wool shirt with insignia.
Superb AAF officer's private purchase "chocolate" wool shirt, complete with correct small size captain's bars to right collar and winged prop device to left. "Chocolate" was coined for the very dark green colour wool shirts, jackets and caps often preferred by AAF officers; and this is a lovely example. Shows virtually no wear and still has original creases. All original buttons and tailors label in the neck.
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RAF Type D oxygen mask reproduction by Sefton Clothing.
The very best reproduction available of the extremely rare Type D oxygen mask. Made by Sefton Clothing using the original pattern and materials that are as close to originals as possible, this is the perfect filler for any collection or for re-enacting. Original examples are becoming extremely difficult to source and very expensive. This example, complete with accurate markings inside, shows very light use (from a re-enactor's collection). Perfect condition and will mate well with any genuine RAF microphone (Type E, Type 19 or Type 21). It will also go well with the reproduction Type 19 listed separately. Roughly one-tenth of the price of an original.
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RAF Type 19 microphone assembly with reproduction Type 18 mic. by Sefton Clothing.
Superb replica of the Type 19 microphone assembly by Sefton Clothing Co. which includes an original external wiring loom (Type Q cord) fitted with genuine Type 32 receivers, all wired to a reproduction microphone which is actually based on an original Type 25 microphone. The replica housing has been modified to accurately represent a Battle of Britain issue by removing the on/off switch (this was an Air Ministry Order from summer 1940) and includes the stores ref. number ink stamped to the chamois. Sefton no longer makes either masks or the microphones and these are now quickly becoming collector's items in their own right. Excellent condition, with a few minor worn/frayed spots on the cord. Includes an original wartime bell-shaped plug. An excellent display item at a fraction of the cost of an original.
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AAF wiring loom for a T-44 microphone assembly.
Wiring loom for the T-44 microphone assembly, missing the actual MC-1 microphone and the receiver jack for the headset. Cord is in excellent condition and fitted with the correct US made RAF style bell plug. The metal band identifying the cord is rusty but otherwise this would restore nicely.
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WWII AAF pilot's / aviator's sunglasses with metal case.
Very good pair of AAF sunglasses with felt lined metal clamshell case. Green lenses in gold tone frames with comfort cables, plastic browbar. No markings that I can see but overall very good condition. These may have been private purchase but identical to the issue type (which were often procured from existing commercial stocks).
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Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm officer's working dress blouse, 1944 dated, in unissued condition.
Introduced in 1944, largely as the result of petitioning by FAA aircrews who wanted an army/RAF style battledress to wear for flying instead of their double-breasted uniforms. The RN finally gave in and two types were issued, a fly-fronted (concealed buttons) version for all ranks, and this gilt button type, exclusively for officers. This example is in excellent condition, possibly unissued, and would be very difficult to upgrade. Though available to RN officers in all trades and professions, it was especially favoured by aircrews.
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AAF Type A-14 oxygen mask in original issue/storage box.
A very good example of the A-14 oxygen mask, field (or factory) modified by adding the "anti-freeze" baffle inside—note the extra plastic studs for mounting. Mask is in excellent condition, the rubber soft and pliable with no issues. The thin rubber straps supporting the webbing harness also superb with no weakness. Hose shows no cracks or weak areas. Fitted with its correct AN-MC-1 microphone with cord and 2-in plug. Size Medium and dated 11/44 . Storage box is in very good condition, with a few marks and creases but complete and dated 10/44. All around a great mask and getting harder to find in this kind of condition.
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RAF wartime oxygen tube bayonet connector Mk IV.
Unissued, unused and still wrapped in wax paper. Brass oxygen tube bayonet connector fitted with alligator clip. Perfect condition and well-marked with Air Ministry Stores Ref. No. It just needs a tube.
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Royal Flying Corps early shoulder tabs in brass.
Brass R.F.C. shoulder flashes as worn on the early Royal Flying Corps other ranks' uniforms upon its inception in 1912 but replaced soon after by the embroidered Royal Flying Corps on black wool. Lug back, excellent condition with some evidence of polishing.
SOLD