Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Flying Helmets and Headgear
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition.
Superb example of the iconic RFC cowl type hooded flying helmet. Butter soft leather with a chamois lining around the chin/neck and inside the crown, with a fur lining around the head. Cord tightens the facial opening and is secured by the leather chin strap and buckle. Trapezoid ear flaps and padded leather cylinders for wind deflection and narrow straps tighten the forehead. Crisp, clear War Dept, broad arrow marking inside. Best of all it retains 90% of its fur - most of these helmets found today have the fur rubbed or moulted away. An absolute stunner with shows light use and a couple of minor marks on the front, but very hard to find better.​
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$1,345 / £1,100 / €1,310
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Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. | Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
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Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. | Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. | Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. | Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. | Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. | Royal Flying Corps Cowl type, fur-lined leather flying helmet in excellent condition. |
RARE variation of the RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) .
A very scarce variation of the Type E helmet which is fitted with the Type 2186 wiring loom (10H/5229) and ANB-H-1 receivers plus the rare bakelite end-caps for noise attenuation. These wiring looms were installed in Type C, D and E wired helmets for use with US radios in lend-lease aircraft operated by both the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. Helmet shows use but no wear or damage and is a large size (3 or 4). The end caps alone are extremely rare. The wiring still retains its coated linen tag with instructions. A very rare find.​
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$700 / £585 / €685
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RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) | RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) |
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RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) | RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) |
RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) | RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) |
RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) | RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) |
RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) | RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) |
RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) | RAF Type E flying helmet, internally wired with scarce Type 2186 cord (for US ANB-H-1 receivers) |
RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965.
Successor to the C, D and E helmets of WWII, the Type G followed the Type F into service in the mid-1950s. Blue Aertex cotton with large oval leather padded earcups to keep out noise, the G helmet could be worn alone or with a Mk I bone-dome/crash helmet over it. This helmet is in very good, used condition and complete except for the internal telephone recievers (all wiring is present and correct). It is fitted with the scarce mask attachment hooks and chain mechanism together with a Type P/Q oxygen mask. Mask is in very good condition, the rubber soft and pliable, with one very small split at the internal edge. Helmet is dated 1965 making it suitbable for the V-bombers or Shackleton, but also worn (with the bone-dome) in Hunters, Jet Provosts, Lightnings, etc.
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$200 / £165 / €195
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RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 | RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 |
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RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 | RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 |
RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 | RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 |
RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 | RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 |
RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 | RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 |
RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 | RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 |
RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 | RAF Type G flying helmet wired and with Type Q oxygen mask. Cold War era circa 1965 |
Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet.
A rare early wartime Imperial Japanese Navy flying helmet in outstanding condition - unissued and unworn with minor soiling from storage. Brown leather with an orange velvet lining and a great label. The fold up peak is secured with a wooden button, as is the small strap at the top (copied from European WWI era helmets). The two goggle strap tabs to the rear have no buttons - these were NEVER sewn on! U-shaped pouches are sewn on each side for Gosport or electronic receivers. Rectangular green cotton patch to the rear for the owner to write his name, but since this helmet remained unissued, it is blank. Leather chin strap and leather covered buckle, all in amazing condition. Shown in last 2 photos with goggles listed separately. A fantastic find.
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$650 / £520 / €625
Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet | Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet |
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Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet | Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet |
Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet | Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet |
Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet | Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet |
Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet | Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet |
Early Imperial Japanese Navy summer flying helmet |
RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet.
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One of the true "Holy Grail" items for collectors of flying helmets. Designed by USAAF senior flight surgeon Col. Malcolm Grow and produced by Wilkinson Sword from overlapping manganese steel plates covered with leather, the helmet was trialed and combat tested in very limited numbers by both AAF and RAF crews. Production was expensive –later examples made in the USA were fabric covered – but it was quickly superseded by the simpler M-3 and M-5 steel helmets. Very few exist today. This example shows definite signs of use but no damage, just a couple of minor worn spots to the leather at the edge of the steel. Fitted with its chin strap ad lift-the-dot fastening. Overall a very good to excellent used example.
Note: shown with A-11 and Type C helmets for demonstration only - these are not included.
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$3,200 / £2,500 / €3,025
RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews | RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews |
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RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews | RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews |
RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews | RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews |
RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews | RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews |
RAF / AAF British made Grow (M-4) anti-flak helmet for aircrews |
RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36.
Excellent example of the 1930 Pattern Helmet which was the true predecessor of the Type B. Beautiful leather with a very clean chamois lining and built-in chin strap. Small printed label inside is difficult to read but says "Size 3" and dated 1936. Both od the attached "Mickey Mouse" ears are Air Ministry marked and dated 1935. bakelite telephone holders are fitted for intstalling receivers or Gosports. A scarce helmet which remained in service throughout WWII.
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$550 / £425 / €510
RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. | RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
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RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. | RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. | RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. | RAF 1930 Pattern Flying helmet dated 1935/36. |
RAF Type D flying helmet, second pattern, internally wired with correct cord/loom and Type 16 telephone receivers.
Very good, clean example of the later war RAF Type D flying helmet issued from December 1944 for desert and tropical wear ("East of Malta" per AMOs). Complete with its correct internal wiring and Type 16 receivers. Helmet is marked as a size 2 (medium) and fits a standard display head comfortably. Shows only light use, no wear or damage. Nice AID stamp and what looks like initials written inside. Good rubber ear cups and elastic in the chin strap. A textbook example.
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$495 / £380 / €455
RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers | RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
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RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers | RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers | RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers | RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
RAF Type D flying helmet, full internally wired with receivers |
US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in bright green cotton.
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Bright green cotton helmet, with a long buckled chin strap, as worn by US Navy aircraft carrier deck crews. These were produced in different bright colours, with each colour denoting crew duty (engineer, armourer, airframe tech, fire/rescue etc). They were alos worn by pilots, especially carrier born fighter pilots, who had them modified by adding earcups and receivers. Snaps fitted to rear, probably for attaching a wiring loom/headset. Nice USN ink stamp on chin strap, excellent condition.
$75 / £60 / €70
US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in bright green cotton | US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in bright green cotton |
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US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in bright green cotton | US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in bright green cotton |
US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in bright green cotton | US Navy carrier flight deck crew helmet in bright green cotton |
AAF Type A-9 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL.
Nice Type A-9 flying/training helmet, which superseded the A-8. It features hooks for the A-9 and A-10 oxygen mask, and a fleece covered chin strap which integrate better with the mask. Dark green unlined cotton, with off-white powder puff pads and the more scarce bright red plastic Gosport receivers. Size Extra-Large and in excellent condition, with one very small factory repair above the right ear.
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$125 / £95 / €112
AAF Type A-9 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers | AAF Type A-9 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers |
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AAF Type A-9 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers | AAF Type A-9 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers |
AAF Type A-9 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers | AAF Type A-9 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers |
AAF Type B-5 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL.
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B-5 flying/training helmet fitted with blackened copper Gosport receivers. Shearling fleece has a dark brown polyacrylate finish and medium leather reinforced seams. Fleece is in excellent condition and helmet shows only light wear. Fitted with a fleece lined chin cup and red velvet powder puff earpads, with no provision for oxygen mask fittings. Helmet shows light use but no wear or damage.
$225 / £170 / €200
AAF Type B-5 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL | AAF Type B-5 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL |
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AAF Type B-5 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL | AAF Type B-5 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL |
AAF Type B-5 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL | AAF Type B-5 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers, size XL |
AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers.
Excellent WWII AAF B-6 flying/training helmet. Constructed from shearling fleece with reinforced leather seams and painted with a waterproof polyacrylate coating, it is fitted with blackened white metal Gosport receivers and has orange velvet powder puff ear pads. It is fitted with hooks for the A-9 and A-10 oxygen masks and has a fleece covered chin strap. Marked as a size M, it fits a display head comfortably. Shows very little wear and no damage.
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$195 / £150 / €180
AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers | AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers |
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AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers | AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers |
AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers | AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers |
AAF Type B-6 flying/training helmet with Gosport receivers |
Extremely rare Mk I HSAT Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by glider pilots as well as paratroopers...
Properly known as "Helmet, Steel, Airborne Troops" (HSAT) it was also worn by RAF and Army glider pilots. Introduced in 1942 it was worn in Crete, on D-Day, Market Garden (A Bridge too Far) and throughout the war. Now extremely difficult to find - this near perfect, unused example is dated 1943 and well-marked to BMB (Briggs Motor Bodies). Size 6-5/8 and displays very well. Early horsehair padding sealed with a hard black coating and a heavy, blackened leather chin strap. Amazing condition. Looks superb as is or with a net and scrim, or with Mk VII or Mk VIII goggles for a glider pilot display. This pattern remained the standard until the leather strapping was replaced with a simplified webbing chin strap in 1944. Retains almost all its original sand-textured painted finish. An absolute beauty, all original and in fantastic condition.
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$2,995 / £2,250 / €2,680
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers | Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers |
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Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers | Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers |
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers | Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers |
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers | Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers |
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers | Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers |
Mk I Paratrooper helmet as worn on D-Day by RAF and Army glider pilots as well as paratroopers |
AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition.
Lovely, unissued example of the AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet introduced in 1944 for use in hot climates. Clean inside and out, never had receivers installed but rubber holders are pliable with no edge cracks or damage, Size medium but actually quite a generous size. This is the early version with 3 snaps/press stud fasteners on each side for attaching an oxygen mask. This one would be very difficult to upgrade.
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$95 / £75 / €90​
AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition | AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
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AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition | AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition | AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition | AAF AN-H-15 summer flying helmet, unissued condition |
1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes.
Commercial flying helmet by the well known Air Associates brand, mid-1930s. Very similar to the type issued to US Navy aircrews; excellent quality leather with a chamois lining and fitted with blackened copper Gosport receivers for training and internal communication. Shows honest use but no damage or undue wear. Lovely helmet.
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$150 / £120 / €140
1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes | 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
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1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes | 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes | 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes | 1930s Air Associates commercial flying helmet with Gosport tubes |
AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask.
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Excellent example of the early wartime A-9 flight helmet, as issued without ear cups but fitted with snap/stud fasteners for the A-14 mask (2 each side positioned correctly for the strap attachment). In all other respects, the helmet appears to be in unissued and certainly unworn condition. GReen cotton with lambswool fleece pads inside and fleec wrapped leather chin strap. Size medium with a good label inside.
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$70 / £55 / €65
AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask | AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
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AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask | AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask | AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
AAF Type A-9 flying helmet with snaps fitted for A-14 oxygen mask |
US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943.
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Issued for cold weather conditions as protection against frostbite, these masks were also issued to aircrew exposed to extreme cold at altitude, after it was discovered that frostbite was responsible for more injuries then enemy action. It could be worn under a flying helmet and oxygen mask without any problems. This is an unissued example (eye holes never cut out) and retains its original QM label, which is very unusual. Appears to have got wet in storage but no damage or ill effects. Elastic strap still stretches like new. Haven't seen on for years and never with the label.
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$120 / £95 / €112
US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 | US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 |
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US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 | US Army and AAF Mask, Field, Chamois dated 1943 |
US Army knitted balaclava style head and face protector.
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US Army knitted balaclava style hood issued to all branches of the Army including AAF air and ground crews servng in colder climates. Heavy, ribbed knit pattern in OD wool with facial opening that could be pulled under the chin to accommodate an oxygen mask. Nice 1941 dated printed QM label indicating manufacture by Lion Knitting Mills. Very good condition with no damage.
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$85 / £70 / €80
DSCN8954 | DSCN8953 |
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IMG_0182 | DSCN8955 |
US navy NAF1092 flying helmet, ID'd. Large size and great condition.
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Lovely example of the standard issue US Navy and US Marine Corps intermediate flying helmet form the late 1930s until about 1943-44. Goatskin leather with chamois lining and chamois lined chin cup. Manufactured by Slote and Klein to Naval Aircraft factory contact specs. Helmet has a name and serial number to the inside of the brow/peak of J.T. Pope and CF1. Size 7-1/4 with an unusual early sewn chin cup. No earcups for receivers ever sewn on, but it is stamped in the back "USN". Not an uncommon helmet, but ID'd examples are always nice.
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$120 / £95 / €112
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Scully "Air Mail" luxury privately purchased commercial flying helmet, 1930s.
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One of, if not the, most luxurious privately purchased flying helmets of the interwar era, c1930. The beautiful Scully "Air Mail" helmet by Scully Bros. of Los Angeles was made from the softest glove leather and lined with butter soft suede. The helmet has elasticated gussets on each side for a snug fit, sturdy copper Gosport pipes and receivers, a rolled leather edge for comfort. Slightly dark staining on one side (looks like it might have been lying in oil at some time) but this looks worse in the pictures than real life and does not affect the feel or quality of the leather – there is no residual oiliness. Great label and large size. Lovely helmet.
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$165 / £138 / €155
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US Airmail pilot's helmet by Scully Bros. | US Airmail pilot's helmet by Scully Bros. |
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US Airmail pilot's helmet by Scully Bros. | DSCN5775 |
DSCN5777 | US Airmail pilot's helmet by Scully Bros. |
DSCN5772 |
WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet.
A very scarce accessory - cotton helmet as worn by Royal Navy deck crews while manhandling aircraft on the flight decks of aircraft carriers during WWII. Each colour denoted a specific role or duty and I believe royal blue indicated starboard general duties. Simple unlined cotton helmet with a chin strap and buckle (essential for it not to be blown off in the high winds and propwash). Size 2 (Large) in unissued condition. See last photos for wartime colour photos of helmets being worn on cover and editorial in Illustrated News dated 1943. Note: this helmet is not the same as the US Navy issue deck helmets which were often modified into flying helmets by USN pilots. Very scarce item and the last one of a small batch I obtained a while back.
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$75 / £65 / €75
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Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet.
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The Type F flying helmet was first developed and tested in 1950 as a successor to the ubiquitous Type C, because a new helmet was needed that would A) house new telephone receivers with larger noise attenuating pads and B) fit underneath a crash helmet (or "bone dome") when needed. The Type C remained in service for many years. The Type F, finally introduced into RAF service in 1954, was in service for less than a year, quickly superseded by the Type G which, though similar, featured additional mask fittings for the new P/Q series and a more comfortable, integral nape strap. Made from the same blue-grey Airtex fabric as the Type G, the two are often confused. This example has seen better days but still displays quite well. Rust stained on one side with a small tear (about 3/4" long) in left crown area, and one or two pinhead sized holes in the Airtex, it has a couple of the snap fasteners pulled through, although these are still present and could be repaired easily. It includes the hard-to-find large leather/rubber ear pads in good condition and, rather than a label as was sewn to later production helmets, it is ink stamped with sizing information (size 2, medium). Lacks chin strap in photos but I have now installed the correct chin strap. A very scarce helmet that is still quite reasonable for display and priced accordingly.
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$50 / £47 / €52
Scarce early RAF Type F flying helmet |
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IMG_7776 |
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