Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
8 carded wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips.
4 large gilt tunic buttons, 2 domed small buttons and 2 small pocket buttons for a Royal Marines Artillery service dress uniform, plus 2 beautiful gilt enamelled shoulder rank pips. All with King's Crown. Some patina/oxidation on a couple of them (see photos) but very nicel examples, various makers in London and Portsmouth.
$45 / £35 / €42
 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |  8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
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 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |  8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |  8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |  8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
Uniforms / Hats and Clothing - British & Commonwealth
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF other ranks kit bag / duffel dated 1942.
Great display item! Other Arman's (orher ranks/enlisted) kit bag, made from sturdy white canvas with 2 blue stripes painted around it, together with his name and service number. Good clear broad arrow mark and date of 1942 stamped inside. One brass grommet is missing, but there's no damage to the bag and it doesn't detract. Really helps make a complete display.
$45 / £35 / €48
 RAF other ranks kit/duffel bag, named and dated 1942 |  RAF other ranks kit/duffel bag, named and dated 1942 |
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 RAF other ranks kit/duffel bag, named and dated 1942 |  RAF other ranks kit/duffel bag, named and dated 1942 |
RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap.
Lovely tailored officer's service dress cap in blue barathea, with a heavily padded crown, quilted liner and superb padded cap badge. Shows use, but no damage and absolutely no mothing in sight! A lovely, text book example with an unusual tailor's label: Isaac Walton (no town or city indicated - perhaps for security?). Patent leather chin strap and Roan leather sweatband. Of note is the attractive contrasting white stitching around the crown - a popular trend during the war. Has a great "crushed" look at the sides.
$295 / £220 / €255
 RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap |  RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap |
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 RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap |  RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap |
 RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap |  RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap |
 RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress cap |  RAF WWII era privately tailored officer's peaked service dress capDSCN6377 |
"Dad's Army" sidecap with Royal West Kent Regt. badge.
Excellent, original wartime sidecap—with a beautiful slider-back cap badge of the Royal West Kent Regiment—the same style cap and badge as worn by the Home Guard of Warmington-on-Sea in the classic comedy "Dad's Army!" No wear or damage but some light staining to the interior. Badge and GS buttons appear to be WWI era and this may well have belonged to someone serving in the Home Guard 1940-43.
$65 / £50 / €60
 "Dad's Army" WWII sidecap with Royal West Kent badge |  WWII British Army Sidecap |
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 WWII British Army Sidecap |  WWII British Army Sidecap |
 WWII British Army Sidecap |  WWII British Army Sidecap |
 WWII British Army Sidecap |  "Don't tell him, Pike!" |
RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943.
Very nice RAF officer's forage cap in a good size 7-1/8, maker marked Silberson & Sons, and dated 1943. Blue barathea with a lovely ochre coloured satin ribbed lining and velvet band. Very light signs of use and no wear whatsoever. No damage and a lovely gilt officer's eagle and crown badge. Curiously, it is fitted with black plastic "economy" buttons.
$100 / £75 / €85
 RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943 |  RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943 |
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 RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943 |  RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943 |
 RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943 |  RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943 |
 RAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1943 |
RAAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1944.
Very good RAAF officer's forage cap in dark blue barathea with an ochre satin lining and velvet band. Named inside to S.F. (?) Gordon with a date of 12th September, 1944. Shows some use but overall very clean and very good condition except for a very small separation in the barathea on the left hand side, perhaps 1/4-inch long and barely noticeable. Not marked but a large size (fractionally loner than the RAF cap listed above).
$110 / £85 / €95
 RAAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1944 |  RAAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1944 |
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 RAAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1944 |  RAAF officer's forage cap (sidecap) dated 1944 |
Scarce RCAF KD tunic to BCATP (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan) Air Observer School.
KD service dress tunic acquired directly from a RCAF veteran pilot who spent part of his service time as an instructor at Air Observers School #8, located at Ancienne Lorrette Airfield outside Quebec. Tunic is well-marked and dated 1942 and is fitted with scarce AOS (Air Observer School) buttons. BCATP items are scarce and would be well worth researching for more details.
$125 / £95 / €110
 RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |  RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |
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 RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |  RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |
 RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |  RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |
 RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |  RCAF KD tunic with BCATP buttons - RARE |
RARE WWII RAF Air Commodore uniform tunic.
Uniform items to officers of Air Rank (equivalent of generals) are extremely rare and do not often come up for sale. This is a lovely example of an Air Commodore's tunic, with an interesting modification. The tunic is WWII pattern, with 4 equally spaced, full-size buttons down the front (the new pattern, introduced in 1947, featured 3 full-size and one flat button, concealed behind the belt). The buttons however, have been replaced during its working life—no doubt because an officer of such standing could do so—with Kings Crown anodized (sta-brite) type. Sta-brite were created and trialed in 1950 but not actually issued until around 1954 (by which time, all buttons were Queen's crown). Since these sta-brite buttons feature the Kings crown, this Air Commodore clearly wanted to be ahead of the crowd! So, to clarify: a wartime (or pre-1947) tunic with rare first-generation anodized KC buttons. No name unfortunately, but it is in great condition and has a lovely set of KC pilot wings, medal ribbons including OBE and loops for wearing a full medal bar. Tailored by Simpsons of Piccadilly.
$550 / £410 / €480
 RAF Air Commodore service dress tunic |  RAF Air Commodore service dress tunic |
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 RAF Air Commodore service dress tunic |  DSCN7427 |
 DSCN7426 |  RAF Air Commodore service dress tunic |
WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944.
WAAF uniform items are much more difficult to source than their male counterparts, since the WAAF was such a small branch of the service. This is a lovely service dress cap, made from high quality wool. The peak shows some surface crazing but nothing serious; chin strap is very good, lining is also very good. WD ink stamp indicates a date of 1944 and, through difficult to photograph, the inside of the crown clearly shows a WD broad arrow, size 7 and date of 1944. Hat came with an original wartime photograph of the owner, named to the reverse. Definitely could be researched. Overall a very nice cap.
$440 / £325 / €385
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
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 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |  WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
 WAAF other ranks service dress cap with photo of owner, WD label dated 1944. |
RAF Other Ranks Service Dress tunic belt and buckle.
Often missing from RAF OR service dress uniforms. Blue wool serge belt with brass 2-prong buckle. 3 sets of holes. Excellent condition. Wartime period.
SOLD
 RAF Other Ranks Service Dress tunic belt and buckle |  RAF Other Ranks Service Dress tunic belt and buckle |
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 RAF Other Ranks Service Dress tunic belt and buckle |  RAF Other Ranks Service Dress tunic belt and buckle |
Royal Navy officer's working dress blouse
The Royal Navy equivalent of "battledress" – introduced in 1944 after much petitioning, primarily by members of the Fleet Air Arm, who found wearing their double-breasted dress uniforms impractical for flying duties – hence this is effectively a FAA aircrew uniform item (ordinary seamen aviators had a different version without the guilt buttons). This example is in excellent condition and appears unissued and unworn. Dark blue wool serge with gilt buttons and patch pockets. There are a couple of tiny moth nips which are mostly to the back of the shoulders or under the arm and not seen when displayed or worn.
$280 / £215 / €255
 Royal Navy officer's working dress blouse |  Royal Navy officer's working dress blouse |
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 Royal Navy officer's working dress blouse |  Royal Navy officer's working dress blouse |
 Royal Navy officer's working dress blouse |  Royal Navy officer's working dress blouse |
8 carded wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips.
4 large gilt tunic buttons, 2 domed small buttons and 2 small pocket buttons for a Royal Marines Artillery service dress uniform, plus 2 beautiful gilt enamelled shoulder rank pips. All with King's Crown. Some patina/oxidation on a couple of them (see photos) but very nicel examples, various makers in London and Portsmouth.
$45 / £35 / €42
8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips | 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
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8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips | 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips | 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips | 8 wartime (King's Crown) Royal Marines uniform buttons + 2 RM rank pips |
RAF mess dress uniform trousers, named and dated 1939.
Excellent pair of pre-war RAF mess dress trousers i fine barathea wool, tailored by Gieves for L.H.M. Hely and dated 4/39. Complete with all buttons. There is some minor moth damage; one 1/4-inch nip and a series of 5 or 6 pinhead size holes down the outside of the right leg, spaced about 4 inches apart, that are difficult to see. There is another tiny hole on the outside of the left leg and a couple of holes just below the waistline (would most likely be concealed by the jacket). None of it is very serious and practically invisible from a few feet away. Nice early date with a name to research and of course expertly tailored.
$100 / £78 / €92
 RAF officer's mess dress trousers |  RAF officer's mess dress trousers |
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 RAF officer's mess dress trousers |  RAF officer's mess dress trousers |
 RAF officer's mess dress trousers |
WWII issue Service Dress tunic to a Warrant Officer pilot.
WWII issue Service Dress tunic to a Warrant Officer pilot. Officer quality tailoring from fine barathea wool, yet this is an issue uniform rather than privately tailored. While officers were generally expected to provide their own uniforms from private tailors, other ranks and NCOs, being less well paid, were supplied from RAF stores. Since Warrant Officers were senior NCOs who wore officers' uniforms, they were provided with officer quality materials. These were not common and don't turn up on the collector market all that often. Though not named, this Warrant Officer's SD tunic is a beautiful example of an issue "officer grade" uniform, and includes a lovely well-padded pilot wing brevet.
$250 / £190 / €230
 RAF Warrant Officer pilot's service dress tunic |  RAF Warrant Officer pilot's service dress tunic |
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 DSCN2068 |  IMG_7139 |
 RAF Warrant Officer pilot's service dress tunic |  RAF Warrant Officer pilot's service dress tunic |
RAF 1937 pattern webbing set with belt, cross-straps, canteen, Webley holster and ammo pouch.
Very nice RAF 1937 pattern webbing set, with all components showing equal wear, with owner's service number on belt, cross-straps and canteen cover, holster dated 1943 and ammo pouch dated 1942. Canteen cover is dated 1942. Other markings are there but faded. All hardware is made of brass with a good patina. Canteen is wool covered and retains original cork. A very nice set which will display well on a RAF tunic or uniform. RAF webbing is getting harder to find these days.
$250 / £205 / €230
 RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |  RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |
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 RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |  RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |
 RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |  RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |
 RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |  RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |
 RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |  RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |
 RAF 1937 webbing set with canteen |
RAF other ranks sidecap dated 1943.
Excellent RAF other ranks' sidecap in excellent condition, showing virtually no wear. Maker marked and dated 1943. Size 6-1/2 so may have been issued to a WAAF (they also had the option to wear these). Perfect for display and has a lovely well polished badge and correct KC buttons.
$75 / £60 / €68
 RAF / WAAF other ranks sidecap dated 1943 |  RAF / WAAF other ranks sidecap dated 1943 |
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 RAF / WAAF other ranks sidecap dated 1943 |  RAF / WAAF other ranks sidecap dated 1943 |
 RAF / WAAF other ranks sidecap dated 1943 |
RAF War Service Dress blouse dated 1945, modified to open lay-flat collar.
Quite a rare variation of the standard War Service Dress blouse. Dated 1945, this would have been manufactured and worn with a standing collar that could be fastened up to the neck. Some officers and senior NCOs would have their tailor modify the neck to an open "lay-flat" collar, which was finally introduced as standard in later, post-war patterns. This is an example of a wartime blouse which has been modified, very nicely (though somewhat roughly on the inside). It has also had some period repairs to the back, which again have been very nicely done so as to be almost invisible. An interesting and scarce modification. All good period insignia including a nice flat Navigator brevet.
$300 / £220 / €265
 RAF navigator's war service dress blouse, 1945 dated, modified to lay flat collar |  RAF navigator's war service dress blouse, 1945 dated, modified to lay flat collar |
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 RAF navigator's war service dress blouse, 1945 dated, modified to lay flat collar |  RAF navigator's war service dress blouse, 1945 dated, modified to lay flat collar |
 RAF navigator's war service dress blouse, 1945 dated, modified to lay flat collarDSCN2550 |  RAF navigator's war service dress blouse, 1945 dated, modified to lay flat collar |
 RAF navigator's war service dress blouse, 1945 dated, modified to lay flat collar |
RCAF officer's Service Dress uniform jacket to an Air Gunner Flying Officer.
Very nice, high quality RCAF officer's Service Dress jacket to a Flying Officer/Air Gunner. Very good condition showing only light wear, with a lovely RCAF Canadian made Air Gunner brevet. Good labels inside jacket but no sign of an owner's name.
$175 / £205 / €245
 RCAF officer's Air Gunner service dress tunic |  RCAF officer's Air Gunner service dress tunic |
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 RCAF officer's Air Gunner service dress tunic |  RCAF officer's Air Gunner service dress tunic |
 RCAF officer's Air Gunner service dress tunic |  RCAF officer's Air Gunner service dress tunic |
 RCAF officer's Air Gunner service dress tunic |
WWII dated RAF PT Shorts.
A seldom found accessory for an airman's kit. Blue grey cotton shorts used with a white t-shirt for PT every morning. In very good condition. This airman had the good sense to replace the drawstring tie with elastic which retains its stretch. Size 36 waist and well marked with a 1942 date. Very good condition.
$50 / £35 / €42
 WWII era RAF PT shorts |  WWII era RAF PT shorts |
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 WWII era RAF PT shorts |