Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
LATEST ITEMS
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RARE first pattern Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type N tropical flying helmet.
Sometimes referred to as "Navy version of the RAF Type D" this helmetis correctly identified as Type N (Naval). It was the first flying helmet specifically issued to Fleet Air Arm crews, intended to house both electronic and Gosport communications, so that crews of aircraft such as the Swordfish, Albemarle, etc. could talk to each other while retaining radio silence. It was produced in small batches only and is very scarce to find. This example is in excellent, used condition. Heavy cotton drill with leather fittings, rubber ear cups inside zipped housings, "up-and-down" leather tabs for the goggle strap, leather chin strap with Bennett buckle fastening, and press studs/snaps for the Type D, E, E* or G oxygen mask. It shows very light wear and no damage, just a few marks from storage. Stitching on the leather receiver housing on the left has been reinforced neatly by hand - looks like the work of a rigger. Helmet is named inside in typical RN block letter style, but the ink is very non-distinct. Medium size which comfortably fits a male feature display head.
are well marked inside.
SOLD
RAF Mk VII flying goggles.
A good used pair of Mk VII flying goggles, the most attractive of the RAF issue (in my opinion!) due to their ultramarine blue painted brass frames retaining about 85-90% original paint. This pair is complete– never cut down as many were, and has good soft leather pads. They are fitted with clear lenses and correct grey webbing elastic strap which has lost most of its elastcitiy but is not stretched out. Frames have a few dings but overall have kept their shape well. A decent pair which will display well.
ON HOLD
AAF A-11 flying gloves with woolen inserts/liners.
Very good lightly used pair of A-11 flying gloves with their wool inserts. Dark brown leather gloves with webbing adjustment straps across the back of the hand. Well marked inside. Show only light use and no damage. Wool inserts are perfect, no holes or snags and retain their sewn-on labels. Not easy to find any more!
SOLD
AAF M-1943 Type III Emergency Goggles as issued as part of most AAF survival kits, with paper envelope.
Folding eye protection with green acetate lenses, leather surround and green webbing/elastic strap. These were carried in all survival kkits for protection against sun, wind, dust and other hazards. As issued with their paper envelope with printed instructions, and retaining paper sheets on lenses. Envelope has split down most of one side and lacks top flap. Acetate is a bit stiff and cloudy but intact — these are rare to find with the envelope.
$45 / £35 / €42
AAF and USN issue Emergency Signaling Mirror Type 1 (ESM-1) with paper envelope.
The first heliograph type signaling mirror issued in emergency/survival kits to US aviators both AAF and USN. Although the Navy had experimented with an earlier circular model, and the AAF had used RAF issue heliographs initially, this was the first standardized pattern. In great condition, appears unissued with no wear or damage. It's braided lanyard still attached and packed in its original paper envelope.
$45 / £35 / €42
RAF Beadon Suit mosquito net.
Fine cotton khaki netting/mesh hood with a drawstring at the bottom. Issued with all jungle survival kits and notably as one of the contents of the Beadon suit. Seems to be in unissued condition with no wear, or holes. No markings that I can find. A scarce survival accessory.
SOLD
AAF A-9 Hand-energized flashlight complete with original box.
Hand-powered flashlight, Type A-9 by Dayton Acme Co. (DACO). This model was specifically for the Air Corps, US Army (per box label) and is additionally labeled "Tropicalized December 1944". Good working condition. Well marked and complete with its lanyard.
ON HOLD
RAF tropical rank slides for a corporal.
Supplies of rank insignia were not always readily available in remote areas, and field promotions were common. This is a great example of how a newly-promoted NCO might improvise his rank insignia! Full size corporal stripes have been shortened to fit on an improvised canvas slide for the epaulettes/straps on a KD or bush jacket. A unusual, possibly unique modification, definitely non-regulation! Show honest use.
$45 / £35 / €42
RAF sergeant's stripes, closely matching pair.
Original wartime period sergeant stripes are becoming quite difficult to source these days, and this is a very good example of a closely matching pair, showing use (have been sewn on) but still in very good condition.
$60 / £45 / €55
Extremely RARE Yugoslavian Partisan ID card.
An extremely rare wartime Yugoslavian Partisan ID card. The Partisans, led by Tito, were not only an invaluable ally in the war against the Germans and the Italians - they were one of the most fierce and feared fighting forces. They were also incerdibly loyal to the allies, rescuing and helping numerous AAF and RAF airmen to return home to fight another day after being shot down in enemy occupied Yugoslavia, especially the treacherous mountain regions where they were largely based. They were an elite and highly secret fighting force, with no homeland, and surviving artifacts are extremely rare, making this a unique and remarkable find. There are multiple official stamps, signatures etc.. It has evidently been crudely hand-stitched at the spine to keep it in one piece. A fantastic find.
$200 / £155 / €185