SPECIAL FORCES | vintageflyinghelmets

US Navy Slote and Klein AN6540 summer flying helmet in unissued condition, no receivers fitted.

Unissued condition later war USN / USMC summer flight helmet made uunder contract N288s. Size Medium which equates to Large in AAF equivalent (same size as the AN-H-16 above!). Impossible to upgrade!

SOLD

Scarce Great War Royal Flying Corps cowl type flying helmet.

Now harder than ever to find, these cowl type helmets were issued to all RFC pilots and aircrews, though they are said to have been favoured by gunners who had to stand up in their turrets and were exposed to cold air - however photgraphs show they were also worn extensively by pilots of both figher (scout ) aircarft and bombers. In overall great display condition, the leather is very good, although it could probably use some dressing. The chamois lining is also good and the War Dept issue stamp can be seen, though faintly, inside. The fur area has moulted, as is common, and the skin shows some minor insect damage, but this doesn't show when displayed. The helmet retains it's earflaps and original chin strap and nuckle. The padded cylinders were clearly removed at the time (as was common practice - they were found to be useless at deflecting sound and actually caused more noise from vibrating). The keather is evenly faded around their stitch holes showing this was definitely a period modification. A very scarce helmet in good to very good condiiton.

SOLD

RARE 1942 dated Luftwaffe rubberized linen night bombing target map of Aberdeen and Peterhead, Scotland.

Small scale map measures 53 cm x 43 cm (23" x 17") printed in colour on brght yellow rubberized linen. Single-sided in outstanding condition, very clean and no folds or pin holes as are usually found. These were carried in night bombing aircraft - the yellow background and bright features showing up well under red cockpit lighting. Being waterproof they could also be used for sailing / navigation in the event of ditching or baling out at sea. Maps shows depths of North Sea off the coast of Scotland as well as major targets on the northern Scottish coast. Aberdeen was bombed very badly in April 1943 by waves of Luftwaffe bombers coming from bases in Norway. These target maps are quite rare and highly sought after accessories and make attractive displays alongside Luftwaffe flying kit.

SOLD

RAF Sherry glasses from the officers' mess.

A matching set of four sherry glasses from an RAF officer's mess, dating from c.1930 to WWII. Excellent condition with no cracks or chips and etched RAF crest. Would prefer to sell as a set, since all are matched, but if no interest will split and sell individually.

All 4: $150 / £120 / €130

Each: $45 / £35 / €40

RAF egg cup from the officers' mess.

Eggs were a very rare commodity back in WWII and reserved only for those flying on ops. (everyone else had to make do with powdered eggs). Imagine arriving back at dawn after a long night raid and being able to enjoy a soft boiled egg - it was quite a luxury. This egg cup is exquisite: bone china made by Aynsley, with a blue glaze, gold leaf trim and RAF crest lithographed in blue. No cracks, chips or damage - perfect condition.

Vintage Flying Helmets

Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors

Special Forces

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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.

$1,195 / £950 / €1,050 email to secure this item

RARE SAS / Airborne Windproof Trousers, unissued condition, dated 1943.

Extremely rare and highly sought after item of clothing issued to British Special Air Service, Airborne troops and SOE agents. This pair in unissued condition dated 1943. Complete with drawstring waist-tie. Size 1, so quite small (which may explain their incredible condition) but still perfect for any WWII Special Forces display. Impossible to upgrade.

$695 / £550 / €615 email to secure this item