Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
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Absolutely superb and rare solid silver RAF marked match safe (pocket vesta case). 1926 Birmingham (England) hallmark.
This is a beautiful item, perfect to display with a period cigarette case. Solid silver vesta case for holding "strike anywhere" matches (vestas). Slim and curved to fit in a pocket comfortably, measuring 3.5" x 1.5" x 0.25" (8.5cm x 4cm x 0.5cm). Crisp hallmark indicating that it was made in Birmingham , England in 1926. Small banner engraved R.A.F. Lovely item.
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RAAF Navigational Computer Mk IIID in original box.
Rare Australian made and RAAF property marked ICAN Flight Computer, still packed in its original cardboard box. This is in superb condition, with a few minor surface marks but appears to have never been used. Elastic webbing leg straps still stretch perfectly, paper notepad is present and unused, and full length original pencil is in its place. Pencil is a 5B "Copperplate" made in Australia and 1940 dated. Box shows some wear but is still solid. Computer is as good as you will find and quite rare being Australian made.
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Extremely rare AAF Type A-7 shoes.
One of the rarest items of AAF flying clothing and the first pair I have ever come across. The A-7 shoes were standardized as early as 1937 and worn throughout the war. Initially developed as an insert to be worn inside the A-6 flying boots, they were often also worn alone. Made from uncoated shearling with leather seam reinforcement and felt soles with a simple drawstring tie around the top. This example shows very light use and are slightly grubby from storage. Both shoes are named. An incredible find!
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AAF Type B-8 goggles in original Polaroid box.
Excellent set of Polaroid B-8 goggles in their original Polaroid box. The box itself is quite unusual, perhaps some kind of economy measure – a simple cardboard box with printed labels on the top and inside the lid – compared to the standard laminated, hinged box most often seen. Goggles are in superb condition, showing very minimal wear and remain nice and pliable, with a fitted amber celluloid lens and good strap. Also unusual is the fact they are double marked in the moulding as Aviation Goggle No. 1065 on the top and Type B-8 on the side, as well as property USAAF. A very nice variation.
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AAF Survival Booklet: Survival at Altitude for Heavy and Very Heavy Bomber crews.
One of the less common survival booklets available to AAF pilots and aircrews, "Survival at Altitude for Heavy and Very Heavy Bomber Crews." Pocket size 66-page booklet printed 10-18-44 is essentially all about the various types of oxygen masks issued to AAF personnel; care and maintenance and how they work, as well as portable oxygen tanks, regulators and bale-out systems. There is a specific chapter about the pressurized B-29. Very interesting with lots of very useful information for the collector of flying headgear.
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Extremely rare RAF complete Type E microphone assembly, with Type C chamois covered mic., Q cord and Type C receivers
Ready to clip onto a Type D mask and slip into a Type B helmet, this rare, early microphone assembly is in very good to excellent condition. The rare chamois covered "bell-shape" Type C carbon microphone is complete with all internal parts and connected by a Type Q cord to Type C receivers (10A/7063) and bell-shaped plug. It still has its front toggle switch which is held in place by the adaptor intended to lock it in the "on" position (the adaptor appears slightly bent and the switch is able to move freely). This configuration was used from 1935 and saw plenty of action during the Battle of France and early Battle of Britain. An excellent example. Extremely rare.
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Boxed AAF T-44A microphone for the A-14 / A-10A mask with connector for British aircraft use.
An unissued, unworn and unused example of the T-44 microphone, still wrapped in tissue inside its original storage box. The microphone would be inserted into the A-8, A-9, A-10 or A-14 oxygen mask and could then be plugged into an aircraft fitted with a British radio. Impossible to upgrade.
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AAF SW-141V "Push-to-Talk" switch worn with the A-14 oxygen mask.
The push-to-talk switch enabled aircrew members in multi-person aircraft to communicate with each other without the babble of everyone else talking. The wearer could only actually communicate by holding the switch in place. Releasing the switch allowed someone else to reply. Invaluable and used extensively, primarily in bombers. This example has never been uncoiled and is as issued. It includes the leather neck strap and spring clip and leads for the mask or throat microphone. Excellent markings. Very difficult to find a better example.
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RAF Type B flying helmet in excellent condition, size 4, named inside and 1939 dated by B. Sterling.
Superb example of the iconic Type B helmet, forever associated with the Battle of Britain. This is a rare size 4 (the largest size made) and is very generous in size. The leather is excellent, soft and supple with only minor surface rubbing and a clean chamois lining. Small label inside the crown indicates it was made by B. Sterling, the original contracted makers of the Type B, and dated 1939. Retains its leather zip pullers, Bennett's buckles with full leather covering and metal tip to chin strap. Fitted with bakelite telephone holders and sponge rubber cushions. The helmet is AID stamped inside, and named to McKay with his serial number and No. 1. Squadron. Well worthy of research. A lovely helmet.
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RARE RAF Mk IV goggles, complete with polarizing flip shield.
Second in rarity to the Mk IVA goggles, and not to be confused with the Mk IVB, the Mk IV goggles rarely turn up these days. They were produced in quite small numbers and required a lot of handwork to finish them. The black painted brass frames feature hinged window frames which open to permit the lenses – each in two pieces – to be changed. The elongated leather nose cover is lined with velvet. The strap is dry and has some surface crazing but strong and well marked with A-crown-M, stores ref. no. 22C/111 and manufacturer "Lever". Rubber cushions have, as per usual, hardened and parts broken away, but these are out of sight and do not detract. The goggles are fitted with the polarizing flip shield for spotting the "Hun-in-the-sun". The plastic screen has a deep scratch / partial crackbut this has not separated and will remain intact with careful handling. Good clear lenses. The rarity of the Mk IV cannot be overstated and this is a lovely, displayable pair of goggles.
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4 x uncut Eagle Squadron patches from the 1942 Hollywood movie production, plus original photo from Universal Studios.
A fantastic find for Eagle Squadron collectors or movie memorabilia collectors. 4 uncut Eagle Squadron patches made for the film "Eagle Squadron" in 1942, starring Robert Stack. Almost identical to those made in England for Eagle Squadron pilots, these are directly embroidered onto correct wartime RAF uniform barathea wool. In studying still images of the film, it can clearly be seen that these are the correct film prop patches (see photos showing close up: besides the overall look and shape of the eagle, the right hand thigh/shank of the eagle is longer than the left). These were obtained from Universal Studios, many years ago, together with the original 8” x 10” photo print of the Disney artwork and press release to the back, all included with the sale.
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Pacific war aircraft relic 3. Piece of shrapnel from a bombing raid by a Japanese "Betty" bomber.
A small piece of shrapnel, 3" long, gathered after a bombing raid on American ships during the invasion of Okinawa. Though small this is dense and heavy so is probably a piece of the bomb casing designed to inflict maximum injury. An interesting relic well worth researching and displaying in a Pacific War collection.
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RARE original D-Day US Army Paratrooper's ID armband / brassard.
Primarily associated with US paratroops landing in occupied Europe on June 6, 1944, the armband provided instant recognition for the local population. These were also worn by other troops serving in occupation zones. Original examples are now quite rare and numerous copies exist. This is a genuine wartime armband printed on oilcloth with punched holes for pinning around the upper arm. Some age discolouration and creasing, flaking at the folds but colours are bright. Overall a very good example.
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Iconic RAF Type B helmet with Type D oxygen mask and Type E microphone assembly.
Speaking of "Holy Grail" items! A complete and original RAF headgear set from the 1939-1940 era as used i the Battle of France and Britain. Type B helmet is in great condition, size 1 but generously cut and fits a standard male feature display head just perfectly. No label but a nice crisp A-crown-M stamp inside. Helmet appears unissued - leather is soft and chamois lining exceptionally clean, all buckles intact and leather zip pullers present. Fitted with an original Type D mask in similar condition, showing almost no wear, but has evidently had some issues with mothing to the outer wool and has been restored/repaired to fill the holes. The restored area is confined to one area on the left hand side and some smaller areas under the chin, but is done in a way that is almost invisible from more than 2 feet away. The whole display looks stunning. The mask is fitted with a superb Type C microphone and Q cord (Type E microphone assembly) with receivers installed in the helmet. The rarity of this amazing set cannot be overstated.
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