Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES September 2020
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RARE RAF "Noball" Target map/photo for V-1 launch site, Fleury, France.
RARE photographic target map for Fleury, France, showing a V-1 rocket launching site (these were known as "Noball" targets). The concrete launch ramp can be clearly seen. Photo taken 23rd April 1944 by high altitude PR aircraft and issued May 1944. Printed on heavy coated paper and measuring 16" x 11.5" (41cm x 29cm). Folded but excellent condition with slight age discolouration. These photographic target maps are quite rare.
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Pre-WWII French Flying Goggles.
Excellent condition goggles, with soft white rubber cushions and celluloid lenses in lightweight alloy frames. Strap retains elasticity. Lenses are marked non-inflammable and have age-toned to orangey-brown. Popular with early Luftwaffe crews as well.
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RARE original First Pattern WW2 Denison Smock as issued to paratroopers and glider pilots.
Excellent and genuine example of a rare first pattern Denison Paratrooper's Smock, worn by airborne troops and glider pilots on D-Day, Arnhem etc. Smock is in unissued condition, very large size 7. Couple of small holes in the Angola wool lining of the collar, and the knitted cuffs have been removed. These could be replaced if desired. The cotton body is superb and appears unworn. There is some staining to the front which might be blood or possibly brown paint from when it was painted (early Denisons were "painted" with dye in a random pattern using mops). Lovely example.
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1944 dated British Paratrooper 1942 pattern oversmock.
Originally designed to fit over the uniform, but inevitably replaced by the far more popular Denison, this oversmock was eassentially to protect the uniform during a parachute descent. Though not "flying clothing" it was most definitely worn in combat and wartime dated examples are now quite scarce (most offered are postwar dated). It was notably worn by agents flown by RAF crews and dropped over occupied Europe so they could wear civilian clothing underneath without it getting damaged by the parachute harness. As such - a great display item alongside a RAF / SOE exhibit. In perfect condition, with a DOT zip fastener, perfect working zip, 2 pockets and the traditional "monkey tail" still fitted.
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RAF Mk VII flying goggles.
A decent pair of Mk VII flying goggles with very good frames showing light use but no serious dings or dents, clear lenses with no serious delamination problems - the right hand quarterlight showing the most signs but even that not too bad. Strap still retains good elasticity but one of its friction buckles is lacking it's locking cover - perhaps a wartime loss as the strap has been secured by sewing it in place such that they fit securely and display just fine. Leather pads are still soft, though the leather is a little dry. Nose piece is good. Overall a very good displayable set of goggles.
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RAF miniature Air Gunner aircrew brevet.
Many aircrews from other nations volunteered with the RAF during the Battle of Britain, notably the countries invaded and occupied by the Nazis, but also the USA and other Allies. Once these nations were able to establish their own air force, crews were permitted to continue wearing a miniature version of their RAF qualification badge on the right side of their uniforms. While pilot wings are often seen, those of other aircrew positions are quite rare. At the time of the Battle of Britain, the position of Air Gunner was officially recognized in the RAF so this has a rightful claim in any Battle of Britain collection. Silk on wool background Excellent condition, original badges.
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RAF miniature bomb aimer brevet.
Many aircrews from other nations volunteered with the RAF during the early days of the war, notably the countries invaded and occupied by the Nazis, but also the USA and other Allies. Once these nations were able to establish their own air force, crews were permitted to continue wearing a miniature version of their RAF qualification badge on the right side of their uniforms. While pilot wings are often seen, those of other aircrew positions are quite rare. Offered is a bomb aimer (or Air Bomber) brevet. Silk on wool background Excellent condition, original badge. See Battle of Britain special section for Observer and Air Gunner brevets.
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RAF multi-place Dinghy First Aid Outfit (4-10 men) complete with almost all contents.
Scarce item, especially with contents. Kit comprises large tin, 7" x 6.25" x 3" (18cm x 16cm x 8cm) painted dark sea grey with red cross and Air Ministry nomenclature screend on lid. Base of tin is left unpainted so it can be used as a heliograph (signal mirror), though it has surface oxidation it could be polihsed up if desired. 95% of paint remains. Inside contains full cotents: bandages, lint, cotton wool, iodine, aromatic ammonia (smelling salts), tourniquet, safety pins as shown. All it lacks is the pair of scissors which would be attached inside the lid (these are usually missing, since they were often "borrowed" for other things). Nice item used with all dinghies carried on all aircraft except single-seaters.
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RAF ground crew, mechanic's oil syringe/injector.
Scarce, solid brass injector pump for lubricating aircraft engines, hydraulics, and other moving parts etc. Lovely AM markings and 1941 date. 14 inches long but unscrews into 3 pieces. Still has oil residue (not leaking, just smells of aero-engine oil inside). Well made and makes a superb display alongside flying equipment and aircraft parts.
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RAF mechanics copper punch.
Copper punch for knocking out rivets on damaged aircraft to remove and replace panels. 1936 dated, nice AM markings. Well used and slightly misshaped (being soft copper so as not to damage the aircraft). Great piece. 6” long and quite heavy (copper value alone is probably half the price!).
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AAF Type A-9 flying suit pants, intermediate.
In excellent condition, these A-9 flying suit pants show very little use, only very light marking from storage, with all zips and buttons in good working order and the OD cotton fabric still showing great colour. Designed for wear with the B-9 jacket, these were also frequently worn with the B-10 and B-15 jacket. This pair has a great label, and an unusual and uncommon manufacturer: The Paul Reed Company. Size 38.
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Scarce AAF Type AN-H-16 Winter Flying Helmet.
By far the most difficult of the WWII AAF flight helmets to find, largely because it was not produced in anywhere near the same quantities as the A-11 intermediate and AN-H-15 summer versions. The US Navy version of this helmet is more common (AN6540 series) but AAF labeled examples are very scarce. This example is in very good condition, and appears to have been issued and worn but quite gently. The shearling is nice and soft with very little evidence of the usual surface cracking to the polyacrylate coating. The rear goggle strap studs show oxidation and partial separation, as is the case almost without exception, but they are still present and still attached to the shearling, which is unusual. I suggest not closing the straps down to preserve that. There is one small surface nick beneath and behind the right hand earcup, but it shows no signs of worsening. Great woven spec. label shows nomenclature and AAF property. There is a nice white AAF ink stamp to the top as well. Overall a very decent and displayable example of a scarce helmet and in a large size.
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US Navy / Marine Corps Mark IV flying goggles.
The most scarce and perhaps most attractive of all USN / USMC flying goggles of WWII, the Mark IV utilized B-7/AN6530 lenses in a more streamlined, chrome plated frame and a more comfortable, thin rubber cushion. This pair is one of the nicest examples I have seen, showing very light use or storage wear. The frames are heavily plated, amber lenses are clean and free of cracks and scratches, brown rubber cushion is pliable and grey elastic strap still has good stretch in it. A lovely example of these stylish goggles which are very seldom found.
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RARE early wartime RAF Visual Haze Screen Mk I for flight observers.
One of only two of these I have ever come across, and referenced as an item of flying clothing (22c/872). It is constructed of bakelite with perspex windows of different tints and colours designed to reduce haze and glare in conditions as labeled. Shaped like a pair of pince-nez and to be hand-held by a flight observer, in primarily maritime aircraft, looking for enemy ships and submarines as well as aircraft. Shaped so it could be used with goggles and an oxygen mask. Nice crisp Air Ministry mark and nomenclature. Though labeled as Mk I, I have never seen nor heard of a Mk II. Great condition.
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AAF CBI pilot's custom made tan cotton shirt/jacket.
Absolutely superb theatre made (custom) shirt/jacket for a colonel in the AAF with direct embroidered US and winged prop collar badges and colonel's oak leaves, plus embroidered pilot wings, AAF patch and CBI patch. Made from heavy cotton drill with detached belt and correct US Army buttons. AAF patch is a theatre made example with yellow border, beautifully made. CBI patch has "colour run" from washing - red had bled into white stripes so they appear pink. Shows wear but no damage or worn areas. A lovely example of theatre made clothing.
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RARE wartime economy RAF flight sergeant's crowns in plastic.
Very scarce matched pair of wartime economy RAF flight sergeant's crowns. usually made of brass, the need for brass for munitions necessitated use of cheaper materials for many insignia. These flight sergeant's crowns (worn above the chevrons) are an excellent example in superb condition, complete with pressed fibreboard backing plates and split pin fasteners.
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RAF "Gt. Britain" shoulder title.
It was common for Commonwealth and foreign pilots serving in the RAF to wear shoulder titles displaying their nationality. In some cases, English pilots posted to "foreign" squadrons sometimes wore unofficial shoulder titles proclaiming their English or British origin. Call it service humour. These are quite scarce. This example would appear to be Canadian made and might have been worn by someone training in Canada, as many pilots and aircrews did. Single title.
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RAF "England" shoulder title.
It was common for Commonwealth and foreign pilots serving in the RAF to wear shoulder titles displaying their nationality. In some cases, English pilots posted to "foreign" squadrons sometimes wore unofficial shoulder titles proclaiming their English or British origin. Call it service humour. These are quite scarce. This example would appear to be Canadian made and might have been worn by someone training in Canada, as many pilots and aircrews did. Single title.
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RARE RAF Emergency Flying Ration Mk II complete with all contents.
Pocket sized tin 4.5" x 3.25" (11cm x 8cm) marked Emergency Flying Ration Mk II and with lovely A-crown-M Air Ministry mark plys stores ref. number 27P/7. This was issued with all one man life raft / K dinghy kits and survival kits for fighter pilots. Very difficult to find complete with all contents. Has been opened to view and check contents but all are present and correct: barley sugar sweets, Horlicks tablets, chewing gum and energy tablets. Instructions on bottom of tin and inside tin lid. Minor oxidation on outside, no damage to tin or to contents. A fantastic find.
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RAF AP2580A training manual for fighter pilots, "Bag the Hun!"
48-pages, 7" x 6" booklet for helping fighter pilots estimate range and angles for shooting down enemy fighters. Contains instructions and a series of exercises, with rotating dials and an acetate disk with printed ring and bead site for completing a series of tests at the back of the book. Acetate sheet still present and in excellent condition, contained in envelope pasted inside the back cover. Minor wear to cover. Published April 1943, this edition reprinted November 1943. Great training aid which also features some early cartoons of Gremlins. A rare official publication.
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Scarce RAF transitional/prototype Type C flying helmet; early first pattern modified for an internal wiring loom.
I have only ever handled one or two of these rare Type C helmet - essentially an early first pattern intended for an external cord, converted for internal wiring. This is an example of the first model Type C - with fore and aft goggle tabs in up-and-down configuration and only two studs for attaching a Type E mask. The helmet has been factory (or rigger) modified by opening up the rear seam, adding two strips of leather for securing an internal cord, then cutting a small opening on the left hand side for the connector. It differs from previous examples I have seen by having brass eyelets inserted on each side for feeding the wires through. Helmet is unmarked but i would guess a size 3. It is in lovely condition, the leather and chamois clean and soft and the rubber ear cups are nice and pliable (one is slightly misshaped from storage but perfectly flexible). It has lost half of the metal "V" tip on the end of the chin strap, but the Bennett buckle retains its leather covering. A rare and interesting example.
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Late WWII RCAF mesh flying helmet.
Based on and similar to the RAF Type E flying helmet, this Canadian made variant is well made from cotton mesh, unlined, with a leather chin strap and rubber ear cups that fit standard RAF Type 16 or 32 receivers or Canadian equivalent). Labeled inside and a generous size 3 (large) the hemet has press stud/snap fasteners for externally mounted wiring and an oxygen mask. Felt internal ear pads show some minor surface mothing but no damage. Helmet is slightly grubby at the back but overall excellent condition.
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Very scarce Battle of Britain RAF Mk IV Flying Goggles complete with anti-glare screen.
The original pattern for the Mk IV series goggles, these Mk IV goggles feature hinged frames with each lens in separate pieces - a design which proved difficult to manufacture and fragile in use, such that the process was refined twice whilst still in development - resulting in the Mk IVA (plastic frames) and IVB all being introduced simultaneously in June 1940, with the IVB being the preferred pattern and most widely produced. The IVA was the least successful model, and few survive, the IV was produced in small numbers and is considered very scarce. This pair is in exceptionally good condition, with good frames, clear lenses and retaining its polarizing ant-glare screen to aid spotting the "Hun in the sun." Rubber pads have hardened as per usual, but blackened brass frames are very good with no serious dents or dings, leather fittings are excellent and strap retains nice clear Air Ministry stamp and stores ref. information. Loops are very good, screen is clean with very little warping and only light surface scratching. Screen mechanism, with exposed spring, is in excellent working order. A lovely example of a pair of Battle of Britain goggles that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
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Very scarce RAF Battle of Britain "Prestige" flying suit patch, 65 Squadron.
Prior to the outbreak of WWII and for the first few months of the fighting, RAF fighter pilots often wore white flying suits – a throwback to the pre-war days of air displays, trophy races and pageants where the elite display pilots wore white suits to distinguish them. These "prestige" suits, as they became known, remained popular throughout the Battle of Britain as an alternative to the heavy Sidcot suits, and some pilots added neatly embroidered badges depicting the crest of their squadron - though this practice was actively discouraged towards the end of the Battle of Britain when the RAF began to venture into enemy territory, because if captured, it immediately gave the enemy useful information about squadron strengths and locations! Original examples of these embroidered badges are now quite rare. This is a lovely example of a used crest, embroidered on white cotton, for use on a white suit. 65 Squadron was active and flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain, making this a very desirable badge.
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RAF Channel Islands shoulder titles x2.
RAF pilots and aircrews from other countries were permitted to wear shoulder titles proudly displaying their nationality. So too did others from different territories, and when the Channel Islands were occupied by the Germans, many escaped and joined the RAF. Offered is a pair of scarce Channel Islands shoulder titles on black wool for other ranks, possibly a sergeant pilot. Not a perfect match but very close. Price for the pair.
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ARP (Air Raid Precautions) official's armband or armlet.
White cotton arm band with printed letters ARP for Air Raid Precautions, worn by officials who were appointed by authorities (or volunteered) to ensure black out regulations were maintained and take charge in the event of an air raid, shepherding people to shelters, treating casualties etc. Elastic straps are stretched out but armband is clean and in great condition.
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RCAF early pattern other ranks jacket with high collar and faux french cuffs.
Scarce early pattern RCAF other ranks tunic, made in serge wool, with a high buttoned collar and faux French cuffs (essentially a double row of stitching approximately 3 inches up from the end of the sleeve). All buttons have been removed but are present in the pocket, as are the correct embroidered shoulder eagles. It includes a sewn-on matching belt but lacks the brass belt buckle (easily replaced). Inside there is a faded label with the owner's name in brown ink (Renee Cherrett). There is also a large manufacturer's ink stamp inside, indicating a date of 1942 - very late for this pattern. Overall condition, apart from having its buttons and insignia removed, is very good and with a little work this would make a great addition to any collection.
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Outstanding example of a RAF Type B Flying Helmet in a large size 3.
This Type B helmet is one of the best I have seen in a long time. The leather is in absolutely fantastic condition, the interior chamois is clean and soft. Helmet retains its rubber
telephone holders, both Bennett's buckles with full leather covering, metal "V" tip to chin strap and both leather zip pullers. Zips work perfectly. I fitted a new/old stock pair of RCAF cushions to maintain shape. There is evidence that it used to have a manufacturer's label inside, long ago removed (in accordance with Air Ministry regulations of 1940) and instead the helmet has been stamped with Air Ministry information and size markings. A very generous size 3 (large). There is also a faint hand-written name inside which appears to be Birch, N.R. or similar. A truly lovely example of this iconic helmet in a rare larger size.
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Extremely rare and highly sought after Luxor 12 flying/motoring goggles made famous by RAF pilots in the Battle of Britain.
The Rolls Royce of commercial flying goggles, and the only commercial type officially approved by the Air Ministry. Luxor 12 goggles by E.B. Meyerowitz of London featured large, laminated Triplex safety glass lenses in chrome plated frames with soft orange rubber cushions. They are regarded as synonymous with the Battle of Britain era, largely because they were used at a major photo shoot featuring RAF fighter pilots who all posed wearing the same helmet and goggles! This is a nice, used pair in overall good condition. The orange rubber cushions are slightly stiff from age but still retain some flexibility (most are rock hard). This pair also features yellow tinted lenses for viewing through haze. The elastic strap is stretched out and has lost most of its elasticity. Lenses show very little sign of delamination, and chrome plated frames are excellent. Contained in their beautiful, well-marked leather case.
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Reproduction kapok pads for the 1932 pattern green Mae West.
A brand new, unused set of reproduction pads for the 1932 pattern green Mae West. Would be ideal for one of the excellent reproduction waistcoats produced by Neil Seaton or Stephen Silburn. They have replica marking with Air Ministry stamps and a date code of 1939. I believe they are actually stuffed with genuine kapok. Set comprises 3 pads, one for the neck and one for each lobe of the waistcoat, all joined by cotton webbing tapes.
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RARE RAF/RCAF Pilot Liaison Officer armband.
Worn by the senior officer at Empire Flying Training Schools so he could always be identified as the "go to" person in charge. This armband is an absolute work of art - which is how you know it was for a senior officer! Made from the finest scarlet melton wool, lined with khaki cotton drill and embroidered with a bullion crown over a gilt cap eagle and the letters PLO in black, the back is fitted with press stud/snap fasteners to adjust the size and small hooks for securing to the upper sleeve. This is the first of these I have come across, though it is reminiscent of the "Captain of Aircraft" armband sometimes seen - though also extremely rare. A very rare piece of identifying insignia.
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AAF British made ETO Field Jacket, Enlisted Men for an Air Gunner.
Superb example of the ETO jacket for enlisted men (officer's were identical but made of finer wool). Khaki/green wool serge with a heavy cotton drill lining and concealed double breasted front to keep out the wind and cold.This example with a nice embroidered Air Gunner wing to the front, sergeant's stripes, plus a lovely "stubby" winged 8th force patch to the left upper sleeve. Broad arrow marked and dated 1943. Light wear and use only; the hanging tab has been resewn in and there is a partial service number inked in the collar.
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Pre-WWII era Polish Air Force NCO's service dress cap.
Distinctive grey wool high fronted cap with stiff composite peak with turned metal edge and plush velvet band with bullion wire star. The ersatz chin strap has suffered from heat exposure but remains intact. Inside is maker marked with a sewn label to the satin lining. Oilcloth sweatband. The badge was attached before the cap was completed and the lining sewn into place. Lovely cap.
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WWII AAF officer's overseas cap.
High quality "chocolate" doeskin overseas cap with gold/black piping, sterling pinback captain's bars and miniature Air Corps winged propeller. Named inside and retaining label indicating size 7-3/8. Excellent condition with no damage and only light wear.
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RAF rank slides for Group Captain, khaki dress uniform.
Unusual to find rank slides for such a high ranking officer on KD cotton drill. Wartime period slip-on rank slides for the epaulettes.
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Pair early pinback AAF winged props in sterling.
Though not a matched pair, these are very close and came as a set. Both are marked "sterling" though one has a plain back and the other a snowflake back. Great set.
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WWII large USN "Pilot Wing" desk or door ornament.
A very large and superbly well-made brass USN pilot wing measuring 9.5 inches across. Perfect display accessory for the collector of US Navy flying gear!
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US Navy Air Gunner Training Manual "Get that Fighter."
NAVAER publication 00-80S-32 "Air Gunners – Get That Fighter" dated February 1944. 7" x 4" 48-page booklet specifially for Air Gunners on how to defend bomber and reconnaissance aircraft from fighter attack, including use of deflection shooting, cones of attack, etc. Fully illustrated with diagrams and explanatory notes. Great booklet in very good condition, named to a Fleet Air Arm Telegraphist Air Gunner.
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US 48 star, 12" x 18" double-sided printed cotton flag.
Not sure if this was issued as part of the survival kits in WWII (and Korea) for identification purposes, or for sewing to the back of a jacket for ID. No sleeve for a pole or tie tapes, otherwise I would think perhaps vehicle use. Unissued, excellent condition, folded and starched.
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AAF embroidered pilot wing, white silk on chocolate felt.
Quite unusual to see AAF wings embroidered onto chocolate coloured felt, and this is a wonderful example. Lovely detail, full size wing.
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Felt embroidered AAF shoulder patch.
In excellent condition, no mothing, wear or damage.
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Unissued, unworn US Army Field Jacket "ETO" for enlisted personnel, made in UK.
Absolutely incredible condition ETO Jacket which predated the enlisted Ike jacket which replaced it. Not a common find these days, especially in the larger sizes and in this condition. Popular with AAF aircrews because it had the double fly front to keep the cold wind out. Made from the same khaki serge that British BD was made, this example is a size R42: 42" chest, 37" waist. Great label. Almost impossible to find a better, cleaner example.
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Very good used pair of WW2 AAF B-3A flying gloves.
Nice pair of B-3A flying gloves in a good size 9. Well marked with faint AAF logo to outside and nice clear white ink stamping inside both gloves. Leather is soft and pliable with light wear and no damage. A very decent pair. Getting harder to find all the time these days.
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