Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES October 2023
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Fantastic and rare wartime RAF/RCAF headgear and document grouping: Type C helmet, Type G mask and RCAF log book, history and photos all to one man.
Incredibly rare opportunity to own a wartime issue Type C helmet / Type G mask which has been together since 1944, together with the log book of the owner—all in fantastic condition. The owner was W/O Laurence Stuart Nicol, who joined in January 1943, qualifying as an Air Gunner in December the same year on Whitleys, then posting to England and converting to Wellingtons at RAF Kinloss then Halifaxes at Riccal and Marston Moor, then to Lindholme. On his last flight before posting overseas, his aircraft crashed on take-off, an event which is well written up in the copy of "Contact" (included) and and news-clipping, along with photos of the crash and another of Nicol at a veteran's parade. His RCAF discharge certificate is also included. First version internally-wired Type C is superb, gently used but no wear or damage. Leather is excellent and chamois lightly soiled inside. G mask is absolutely outstanding—best I've seen for a long time—no damage, not even the usual stress cracks, and the nosewire absolutely solid in its lugs. Still has all 3 rubber bands on the straps. Mask also has the heavily stippled upper surface to prevent frosting. All items are named to L.S. Nicol.
SOLD
RAF / SOE bar or swinger type escape compass.
One of the earliest types of escape compass issued to RAF crew members for easy concealment in clothing. It consisted of a small magnetized steel bar, approx. 3/4" long, with a small brass knob riveted in the centre. The idea was that the brass knob was held and the bar would swing such that the red blob of paint pointed north. Though effective, production involved a lot of handwork and it was soon phased out in favour of simpler designs. Consequently this is now one of the more difficult compasses to find.
SOLD
Fantastic named caterpillar pin + 325th Squadron patch + documents to AAF B-17 pilot/POW.
Named / engraved Irvin Airchute Company caterpillar pin, together with squadron patch, medal ribbon bar and various documents to Charles D. Easley, 325th Bomb Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group, B-17 pilot who was shot down April 11, 1944 and became a POW at Stalag Luft 1 (Barth). Easley had enlisted as a private in the Field Artillery but was granted a discharge to join the Army Air Corps in 1941 (original certificate included). He was commissioned as a second lieutenant aviation cadet and joined the 92nd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in England and flew 28 missions from RAF Podington before he was shot down. Comes with some history but there is plenty of scope for more research. The pin is the Irvin British issue type: gold with "ruby" red eyes. Named caterpillar pins with documentation are quite rare and this is from one of the elite bombardment groups of the 8th Air Force (the 325th BS/92nd BG led the final bombing mission of the 8th AF over Germany in WWII).
SOLD
Scarce AAF A-11A flying gloves with matching wool inserts, all labeled.
AAF fighter pilot's flying gloves as a complete set. The A-11A out leather glove in very good, used condition with no wear or damage, jut honest use. Well marked inside. Much more unusual is the fact that these come with their correct knitted liners in brown wool and both have their labels sill attached. Liners are in very good condition, although one has some slight damage to the forefinger. A scarce item!
SOLD
Original replacement cuffs and waistband for B-10 jacket.
Original knit cuffs and waistband for a B-10 flying jacket (Would also work for a B-15). New, old stock olive drab wool knit in a matching set, unused and in perfect condition, with no moth nips or snags. If you have a B-10 jacket with tatty cuffs and waistband (as most are) this will bring your jacket back like new. One set only, all 3 pieces (one waistband and 2 cuffs).
SOLD
RAF one-man K-Dinghy pack, Type A Mk 3 for seat type parachute. FAA use.
Complete K-Dinghy pack Type A Mk 3 as worn by fighter pilots as a seat cushion attached to their seat-type parachutes. Heavy khaki canvas, in very good condition, if slightly dusty from storage, with all internal pockets for dinghy accessories and survival aids, multi-language instruction panel to top, lanyard with scarce connector for attaching to the Mae West. Marked to 827 squadron, Fleet Air Arm.
SOLD
Flying Headgear of the World by Jim Weld.
The book which started it all for many collectors! Published as a very limited edition in 1980 and long out of print, this was the first book to focus solely on flying helmets, goggles and oxygen masks. Though it contains a few inaccuracies—purely because so little information was available, and most of it was educated guesswork by collectors—it features a very good selection of headgear from the US, Great Britain, Germany and Japan plus France, Italy and the USSR, including many very rare items. Being the first of its type means it belongs in every collector's library. Very good used condition; former owner's blind emboss library seal on first page, minor separation to lower spine (which does not affect the integrity of the book). Overall a very clean used book that is a collector's item in its own right and very difficult to find.
SOLD
RARE WWII book - Men of the RAF - sketches by Sir William Rothenstein.
An important and long out of print book featuring 40 sketches of RAF airmen, officers and aircrews by Sir William Rothenstein, published in 1943. These drawings are considered valuable not only for their artistic merits, but because in several cases, the flying kit being worn was experimental and this may well be the only record we have of its existence. Foreword by ACM Sir Charles Portal and an introduction by Rothenstein about life in the RAF, followed by high quality prints of his drawings. This is a highly sought after and very important record of RAF personnel and the kit they used. Slight foxing but nothing that interferes with the artwork. 1cm corner loss on page 11 (not even close to the text). Hardcover, no dust jacket, overall very good condition.
ON HOLD
RAF / SOE concealed swing or floating compass.
Small, flat magnetized compass needle measuring just 1.25" (3cm) which was easily concealed by sewing into the shirt collar or other clothing items. Could then be floated on water or suspended from a length of thread to aid in evading capture and escaping. The double dot (marked N) points towards North. Works perfectly!
SOLD
RAF / SOE battledress/trouser button escape compass.
Set of two dished battledress or trouser buttons which would be randomly sewn into place on the uniform to avoid suspicion. One made from brass (as other buttons) with a small "spike" on the top for balancing the second button, which was made from magnetized steel. When the steel button is placed on the spike, it is free to spin, with the double dot pointing north, to aid in map reading for evasion and escape. Excellent condition and works perfectly.
ON HOLD
RAF socks as issued with the Beadon survival suit/Tropical backpack.
Extremely rare accessory for the RAF Beadon suit/Tropical backpack. It was very important to have clean, dry socks when evading capture in tropical regions and spare socks were issued as an integral part of the survival kit, so that one pair could be washed and dried while the other was worn. See last photo for illustrated list of contents of the survival kit. RAF blue socks, unissued and unworn, labeled and dated 1944.
SOLD
RAF Beadon suit/Tropical survival pack leather gloves.
One of the more scarce items carried in the Beadon suit and Tropical Survival backpack: Leather gloves with separate index finger and reinforced section across the palm and around the finger. Strap across the back of the wrist for tightening. These were worn when using the machete and other tools to prevent getting blisters which could easily become infected. See last photo for illustrated list of items issued with with Tropical survival kit (the same items were issued with the Beadon suit). This is the first pair of these I have ever come across. Far more scarce than aircrew flying gloves.
SOLD
British Army Motor Transport driver goggles
Standard issue general urpose goggles, most commonly associated with MT (Motor Transport) drivers, including despatch riders etc. Sometimes mistaken for flying goggles because of their resemblance to the Mk II. Comprise a leather face pad and aluminium frame with glass or perspex lenses and an elastic strap. Most had a blue grey elastic strap but this pair has had the strap replaced with black elastic. replacement appear period and the sewing is typical of a rigger (going over and and over again!). Decent displayable condition for any MT display.
SOLD
AAF Glider Pilot / Troop Carrier 4-pocket tunic, named with fantastic bullion Glider Pilot wing.
USAAF officer's style 4-pocket tunic, made in San Antonio and named to James B. Reed who must have bought the uniform while training at Hondo, Texas, Class 44-8. Lovely bullion glider pilot wing and felt AAF shoulder patch, plus 1st Troop Carrier DIs on both epaulettes together with enamel Flight Officer "blue pickle" insignia. Once he completed his training and graduated as a Glider pilot he will have received a commission so to find a tunic still with the "blue pickles" and the wing attached is quite unusual. Some moth damage to left lower sleeve and skirt of tunic which does not detract too much. Definitely worth researching.
SOLD
RARE WWII Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) officer's peaked/visor cap.
A very rare offering. A WWII period Mexican Army officer's cap. The Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana or FAM) was a branch of the Mexican Army, and one squadron (201) famously served in the Philippines with the AAF 58th FG flying P-47s. (a photo of a group of 201 sq. pilots is included for reference). FAM fighter pilots—like those in the USAAF and other air forces—favoured the slouched, "crushed" look which this cap has. It also has a front and rear chin strap like AAF officers' caps. Well marked inside and made in Mexico City. The national cockade was missing when this cap was acquired and the seller has replaced it (see photo showing missing cockade with clear imprint of where it had been). Rank bars, buttons and all other components are original to the hat.
SOLD
Good set of Irish made binoculars and webbing case for British Army/RAF use, case dated 1943.
A good small pair of binoculars, marked Pollock & Co. Lid, Dublin, together with a non-matching khaki webbing case, maker marked Finnigans, Ld, and dated 1943 with a broad arrow stamp. Webbing strap is marked ZL &TL and also dated 1943 with a Canadian broad arrow stamp. Binoculars are smaller than the case, so not a perfect fit, but since both are Irish, they may have been switched by a previous owner. Both are definitely of the same era. Case is in perfect condition and binoculars are very good, with decent optics and perfect leather strap. Could do with a clean but that's all. This is as they came so will sell together.
SOLD
RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle).
Very good example of these now quite scarce whistles which were issued to all aircrew from 1942 on. Popularly known as "ditching" whistles but actually used by downed aircrew on land or in the water in order to locate each other. Usually worn attached to the collar of the Aircew Blouse (War Service Dress) but could also be attached to the life vest. Well marked, original whistle retaining its original plated finish.
SOLD
RAF Type C flying helmet, first pattern, unwired, with label - needs TLC.
RAF Type C helmet, fist pattern, designed for external wiring and fitted with a leather chin strap and Bennetts buckle, with fore-and-aft goggles strap tabs. This is made in India under contract to the Air Ministry by Phelps & Co. and has a small cotton label inside the crown. Leather is in great condition, chamois lining is clean and helmet appears to be unissued. Rubber ear cups are pliable. Inside the forehead and the chin flap are lined with green velvet. The only issue this helmet has is that the top centre seam running from front to back has split for 2" / 5cm but this could be repaired with care. Curiously, the two front goggle strap tabs are bright red on the back! Overall a nice helmet that would be great with a little work.
SOLD
USAF Vietnam era A-14B oxygen mask.
The A-14 first saw service with the AAF in 1943, but remained in service for many years, eventually being produced in synthetic silicon rubber as the A-14B. Basically identical to the wartime model, though made from all new moulds, it served in the Vietnam war for pilots flying reconnaissance aircraft and others not requiring pressure breathing. This example is dated 1959-62 and is in great condition, except for lacking the webbing straps and with a few minor splits in the corrugations of the hose (easily fixed with contact cement or Superglue). Not an easy mask to find. The thin rubber straps of the mask harness, often so weak on the wartime A-14, are very strong.
SOLD
AAF Type 2 Body Armor for pilot.
rare example of the AAF body armour as issued to pilots. The Type 2 body armour, which was specifically for pilots, comprised a fully armoured chest plate filled with overlapping manganese steel plates, fitted with a back pad that contained no steel plates - because the pilot's seat was armour plated for protection from behind. Though it was sometimes worn with the groin protector, more often than not it was worn alone. Well marked and labeled and in excellent condition, clean with no wear or damage. One of the more difficult items of AAF flying kit to find.
SOLD
AAF T-44 microphone assembly for connecting US communications to RAF radio equipment.
T-44A microphone assembly, comprising a braided cord with a RAF style bell plug for connecting to a RAF radio set, but fitted with a JK-26 jack and MC-233 for use with USAAF flying helmet and oxygen mask. Excellent condition, except for some faded areas on the braided covering. It's not damaged, just faded, whether by light or something spilling I have no idea but it remains strong and and no weakness. I have had a few of these recently but this is the last one.
SOLD
RAF anti-snakebite kit as carried in the Beadon Suit.
A scarce survival item which was issued as part of the equipment carried in the Beadon Suit as well as other survival kits issued as needed to aircrews. This anti-snakebite kit comprised a small chrome-plated brass tube with both ends unscrewing. One end reveals a sharp cutting tool or lancet for cutting out the infected area, and the other end contains a small capsule of sulfur for treating the open wound after cutting. The capsule, usually missing, is present in this complete kit which is in excellent condition and is well-marked with the maker's name (Gardner Co. London) and the Air Ministry acceptance mark (A-crown-M).
SOLD
RAF issue Sea Boot socks.
Synonymous with fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain, yet worn by all aircrews throughout the war, these over-the-knee wool socks provided extra warmth in cold cockpits and exposed turrets. Made from heavy off-white wool, this pair is not an exact match, but that is often how they were issued. Colour is the same and they are very close in size, but the ribbed pattern is slightly different. Nonetheless they are in very good condition showing minimal wear and are very clean. Perfect for display together with the 1936, '39 or '40 pattern flying boots.
SOLD
AAF parachute silk scarf.
Silk scarf made from a section of WWII Army Air Force parachute. No markings but it is quite clear from the seams what it is and the material is correct for WWII era manufacture. Single thickness, nicely finished at the edges with the ends left raw for that fringed look. Clean example. Approximately 72" long by 12" across. Perfect for completing an aviator display or for wearing on a cold day!
SOLD
WWII AAF Swallow-Tail Guidon 80th Troop Carrier Squadron.
Gorgeous 2-sided swallow-tail guidon pennant in heavy blue cotton, with OD green cotton inside the flagpole channel and gold/yellow felt machine sewn winged-prop insignia and numerals. 30" x 20" and just impeccable condition. A couple of very tiny (pin-head sized) moth nips in the felt which are barely visible. The 80th Troop carrier squadron flew on D-Day, dropping 101st Airborne paratroopers, and then dropping supplies the following day. A superb guidon.
SOLD
RAAF Bedggood Australia 1936 pattern flying boots in excellent condition.
Excellent pair of 1936 pattern flying boots made by Bedggood of Melbourne, Australia for RAAF issue. These were also issued to USAAF pilots serving in the Far East theatre and were always popular with US flyers. This pair is a large size 10 (Fitting 6) with original soles and heels, which is rare to find. Condition is excellent and they have been well looked after. The leather is supple and there is no loss of fur/fleece to the insides. Quite scarce and a great find in this condition.
SOLD
RARE RAF / RAAF / USAAF "goolie" or blood chit for Malaysia and the South Pacific (number 1).
One of three very rare "goolie" or blood chits on offer this week. These were carried by Allied pilots and aircrews flying over the jungles of Malaysia and throughout the South Pacific theatre. Comprises a card, 5.5" x 3.5" (14cm x 9cm) bearing an official message written in Pidgin English on one side with the English translation on the back, contained in a envelope with an illustration of what looks like a Bristol Blenheim over Australian and US flags. The Australian government coat of arms is at the top of the message. Excellent condition with a couple of minor creases. A rare item.
SOLD
RARE RAF / RAAF "goolie" or blood chit for Malaysia and South Pacific (number 2).
Another very rare "goolie" or blood chit carried by Allied pilots and aircrews flying over the jungles of Malaysia and throughout the South Pacific theatre. This one comprises a sheet of paper 6" x 6" (15cm x 15cm) printed on one side with an official message written in Pidgin English beneath the coat of arms of Australia. On the back is a graphic illustration of two neckerchiefs or bandanas. A separate piece of tissue paper, 8" x 2.75" (20cm x 7cm) bears the translation of the message. Another very rare item.
SOLD
RARE RAF "goolie" or blood chit for Malaysia and South Pacific (number 3).
The third of this grouping of very rare "goolie" chits carried by Allied pilots and aircrews flying over the jungles of Malaysia and throughout the South Pacific theatre. This one comprises a sheet of paper 6.25" x 6.5" (16cm x 16.5cm) printed on one side with an official message written in Pidgin English. It appears to be especially for British aircrews because it bears the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom above the message. On the reverse is the English translation. Has been folded and has some creasing as well loss to the paper on one corner, but the complete message is intact.
SOLD
Excellent looking plastic replica model of a Walther P-38 for display.
Excellent looking full-size plastic model of a Walther P38 semi-automatic painted to look realistic and would make a great display with a Luftwaffe uniform or flying kit ensemble - and safer than the real thing! Made from an old model kit, it has many moving parts (slide action, hammer, trigger, safety and magazine all move). painted to have that "worn" look.
SOLD
Excellent looking plastic replica model of a P08 parabellum "Luger" for display.
Excellent looking full-size plastic model of a Walther P08 parabellum "Luger" painted to look realistic and would make a great display with a Luftwaffe uniform or flying kit ensemble - and safer than the real thing! Made from an old model kit, ithe toggle action works, trigger moves etc. magazine seems to be stuck but might come out with patience. Painted to have that "worn" look, complete with "wood" look to the grips.
SOLD