Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
ARCHIVED SALES Feb 2025
(click on pictures to enlarge)
RAF oxygen mask tube with clothing clip and screw-in connector for Type G or H mask.
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Difficult to find accessory in perfect condition with no damage or cracks in the rubber corrugations. Plastic screw-in connector at the mask end and brass connector for the oxygen supply, both secured with correct linen twine.
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 RAF oxygen mask tube with clothing clip and screw-in connector for Type G or H mask. |  RAF oxygen mask tube with clothing clip and screw-in connector for Type G or H mask. |
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 RAF oxygen mask tube with clothing clip and screw-in connector for Type G or H mask. |  RAF oxygen mask tube with clothing clip and screw-in connector for Type G or H mask. |
 RAF oxygen mask tube with clothing clip and screw-in connector for Type G or H mask. |
Luftwaffe AK39 Armkompass.
Worn by all fighter and bomber pilots and perhaps by other aircraft crew members as well, the armkompass had multiple uses - as a back up while flying and for navigating on the ground in the event of ditching or being shot down. It was usually worn around the wrist, over the flight suit, but fighter pilots often attached it to their life vests. Since much of mainland Europe was occupied by the Germans, they had little need of escape items and were more concerned with survival until rescued - hence a large and functioning compass for aircrews. This example is in good condition; there is a thin crack in the clear plastic casing (doesn't show up much) and it has lost all of its internal fluid, but it still works well. No other damage and leather strap is excellent. Another item which used to be common, but not so much any more.
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 LW AK39 Armbandkompass for fliers |  LW AK39 Armbandkompass for fliers |
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 LW AK39 Armbandkompass for fliers |  LW AK39 Armbandkompass for fliers |
 LW AK39 Armbandkompass for fliers |
Great War map/plotting board as used by RFC observers, Dated 1913 and London maker marked. Possible connection to 26 sq.
Excellent knee-board plotter with built-in compass, protractor and scale ruler, with rotating bars for attaching a map/chart of the area being flown over. Though originally designed for ground-based artillery spotters, these saw extensive use by RFC observers. Dated 1913 and made in London, it has a South African property mark (broad arrow in a "U") which makes it more interesting. 26 sq. was the only South African squadron in the RFC.
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 Great War map/plotting board as used by RFC observers, artillery spotters etc. Dated 1913 and London |  Great War map/plotting board as used by RFC observers, artillery spotters etc. Dated 1913 and London |
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 Great War map/plotting board as used by RFC observers, artillery spotters etc. Dated 1913 and London |  Great War map/plotting board as used by RFC observers, artillery spotters etc. Dated 1913 and London |
 Great War map/plotting board as used by RFC observers, artillery spotters etc. Dated 1913 and London |
Vintage TWA commercial pilot wing badge by Blackinton, 10K gold filled.
Vintage commercial aviation items are growing in popularity, especially those from now defunct airlines. This is a lovely pair of TWA (Trans World Airlines) pilot wings, maker-marked Blackinton (maker of high quality military wings and badges) and marked 1/20 10K Gold Filled to the reverse. Excellent condition, full size. From the days when "getting there was half the fun."
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 TWA commercial pilot wing badge |  TWA commercial pilot wing badge |
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 TWA commercial pilot wing badge |
Fantastic and rare original 1916 WWI Recruiting poster featuring RFC artillery spotting aircraft and heavy artillery gun and crew silhouetted against a blue sky.
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"Be honest with yourself. Be certain that your so-called reason is not a selfish excuse – Lord Kitchener. Enlist Today". Colour recruitment poster, No 127, published by Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, London, 1916. This original poster is in absolutely superb condition, fresh and bright ink showing no fading. Very slight damage to bottom left hand corner on border (not affecting image) which has been professionally retouched, and mounted on archival linen for framing. Unusually it features both air and ground forces in co-operation as well as the quote from Lord Kitchener. Approx. 20" x 30" - an absolutely superb poster!
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 WWI Recruiting poster 1916 |
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Extremely RARE secret report (Aero 2250) by Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment (division of the the Royal Aircraft Establishment) on Towed Gliders in WWII.
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Extremely rare and valuable source of history and information about troop carrying gliders used by the British and US Army and RAF during WWII. Includes multiple pages of real photographs (on photographic paper) and fold out sheets with diagrams. Various means of towing, types of cable, rocket assisted take offs, all technical data in detail, profusely illustrated.
13" x 8" and over half-an-inch thick. Printed in WWII and marked "Top Secret" with a later library stamp of 1948. Includes drawings and schematics of several highly secret weapons under development: Rotachute, Rotaplane and unmanned gliders. ​
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 Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |  Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |
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 Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |  Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |
 Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |  Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |
 Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |  Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |
 Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |  Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |
 Extremely RARE report (Aero 2250) by the Royal Aircraft Establishment on Towed Gliders in WWII |
RAF Warrant Officer Flight Engineer's service dress jacket dated 1945.
Nice example of an issue pattern RAF service dress uniform for a warrant officer, tailored in blue barathea wool with a blue/grey satin lining, good 1945 dated label and a nicely worn heavily-padded Flight Engineer's brevet to the left chest. Worn wings always suggest use while on operations, because the parachute harness would tend to rub the silk thread (even if a mae west is worn). Jacket shows use but no excessive wear or damage. The wool has that nice "shiny" look in a few places. Sadly no name but flight engineer uniforms are not too common in my experience.
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 RAF warrant officer / flight engineer's SD tunic |  RAF warrant officer / flight engineer's SD tunic |
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 RAF warrant officer / flight engineer's SD tunic |  RAF warrant officer / flight engineer's SD tunic |
 RAF warrant officer / flight engineer's SD tunic |
RFC / RNAS Air Board Technical Notes attributed.
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Early edition of the Air Board Technical Notes for aircraft rigging for 21 different different types flown by the RFC and RNAS. Numerous fold-out pages with diagrams plus photographs of details. Over 1-inch thick. Named inside the cover to H.J. Castle, Air Mechanic 2nd Class, with his serial number. Air Mechanics were also required to fly the machines and when there was a shortage of officer pilots, they were the first to be recruited as sergeant pilots. Well worth reseraching.​
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 RFC / RNAS Air Board Technical Notes attributed. |  RFC / RNAS Air Board Technical Notes attributed. |
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 RFC / RNAS Air Board Technical Notes attributed. |  RFC / RNAS Air Board Technical Notes attributed. |
 RFC Air Board Technical Notes attributed |  RFC Air Board Technical Notes attributed |
 RFC Air Board Technical Notes attributed |  RFC Air Board Technical Notes attributed |
 RFC Air Board Technical Notes attributed |  RFC Air Board Technical Notes attributed |
RFC aerial steel "flechette".
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Steel aerial darts (known as "flechettes") of various designs were carried on RFC aircraft and dropped on enemy aircraft, zeppelins and used as anti-personnel weapons over the trenches. This example is 5.5" long with a 4-bladed tail fin and a very sharp point. This would easily penetrate a steel helmet when dropped from height. Surface rust but would easily clean up. A vicious anti-personnel weapon which makes a great display alongside any WWI RFC or infantry collection.​
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 RFC aerial steel "flechette" |  RFC aerial steel "flechette" |
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Luftwaffe signal/rescue flag (reproduction).
Original Luftwaffe signal/rescue flags are one of the most difficult items to source to complete the survival equipment carried in the Channel trousers. This is a very high quality reproduction made from similar silk/satin to the correct size and colour of an original. The flag was attached to a telescopic pole and could be used as a sail or waved to attract the attention of rescue boats and aircraft. It was carried, together with the aluminium telescopic pole, in the lower leg pocket of the Channel trousers. An excellent reproduction at a fraction of the cost of an original.
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 Luftwaffe signal/rescue flag (reproduction) |  Luftwaffe signal/rescue flag (reproduction) |
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 Luftwaffe signal/rescue flag (reproduction) |
Box of WWII, Korean War /Cold War USAF flying helmet electronics and accessories.
Job lot of very useful electronics for USAF flying helmets of the 40s, 50s and 60s. Invaluable spare parts for restoration or completion of WWII / Korean War / Cold War jet helmets. Please look carefully at the photographs - I cannot identify every item individually, but everything you see is included. Bargain price for all.​
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 Box of USAF Korean War /Cold War flying helmet electronics. |  Box of USAF Korean War /Cold War flying helmet electronics. |
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 Box of USAF Korean War /Cold War flying helmet electronics. |  Box of USAF Korean War /Cold War flying helmet electronics. |
 Box of USAF Korean War /Cold War flying helmet electronics. |  Box of USAF Korean War /Cold War flying helmet electronics. |
 Box of USAF Korean War /Cold War flying helmet electronics. |
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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 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 |
USN miniature pilot wing for sidecap (or "sweetheart").
Lovely miniature USN pilot wing, with pin-back. 1.5" (4cm). Lovely detail, sterling +1/20 Gold Filled marked. Worn on sidecap but also presented to sweethearts.
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 USN sweetheart pilot wing brooch |  USN sweetheart pilot wing brooch |
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Good wartime AAF 8th Air Force shoulder patch.
Excellent wartime US made 8th Air Force shoulder patch. Evidence of being sewn on but bright colours and excellent condition.
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 Good wartime AAF 8th Air Force shoulder patch |
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 Good wartime AAF 8th Air Force shoulder patch |
RAAF Type B helmet, large size dated 1943.
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Excellent, unissued example of the Australian made Type B helmet. Kangaroo leather exterior and chamois interior is in excellent condition throughout. Zips in good working order and ear-cups padded with NOS sponge pads. Quite difficult to find in the larger sizes and this one is marked 7-1/8 on its 1943 dated label. Lovely helmet.
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 RAAF Type B flying helmet |  RAAF Type B flying helmet |
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 RAAF Type B flying helmet |  RAAF Type B flying helmet |
 RAAF Type B flying helmet |  RAAF Type B flying helmet |
British Army tank crew and RN Fleet Air Arm throat mic. No.2 Mk II
Contracted by the Army for use in armoured vehicles, the No. 2 Mk II throat microphone was also adopted by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm for use in low level aircraft such as the Swordfish. This example appears unissued and is still in its original box. Minor oxidation but no damage and cable is completely pliable. Wired for Army vehicle radio as manufactured - for FAA aircraft use, the single pin plug would have been replaced by a rigger with a 2-pin female aircraft radio jack. Note: the RAF did NOT issue or use throat microphones during WWII - only the Army and Fleet Air Arm. Unusual to find one in such good condition and boxed.
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 Army/ Fleet Air Arm throat mic. |  Army/ Fleet Air Arm throat mic. |
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 Army/ Fleet Air Arm throat mic. |  DSCN6372 |
 DSCN6370 |  DSCN6369 |
EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's highly-secret coded interceptor chart.
This is the only example of one of these I have ever come across: a coded sector chart specifically for LW nightfighters, comprising an aerial chart/map divided into grids with codenames, subdivided into 9 smaller squares with numbers. As we know, the LW used daily changing codes and clearly this shows the codes and how they would easily be rotated. To vector a pilot to the correct location would be very simple and impossible for the enemy to know - then it would be up to the pilot and observer - using the Lichtenstein radar - to home in on the enemy aircraft. The chart measures 65cm x 42cm printed on mimeograph type paper. Very few survived — it was paramount to destroy them in the event of being shot down or captured. No one I have talked to has ever seen one of these code charts before — but it is what it is and the period photos show an example in actual use. Codes translate as follows: Bussard (Buzzard) = Einzelflieger (single pilot); kurier (courier) = small group; gross kurier = large group; Fahnlein (flag) = very large group. So they could be vectored as follows: "Kurier Otto Paula 6" to indicate small enemy force east of Bonn. The only other piece of information he would need is the altitude. Even if the message was intercepted, the Allies would have no clue that the nightfighter was onto them. Note: photos of LW pilots studying a similar chart.
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 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
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 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
AAF Waltham 8-day 24-hour aircraft clock.
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Large (4-inch diameter) aircraft 24-hour dashboard clock by Waltham. There are no other markings to indicate type or date, but the clock is in good running order, despite having several craks to the glass. The glass is holding together just fine (it was taped when I received it, but I removed the tape and it is still holding together well - and keeping good time. It will be carefully packed (as I do everything else) but I cannot guarantee the glass in transit.
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ON HOLD
 AAF Waltham 8-day 24-hour aircraft clock. |  AAF Waltham 8-day 24-hour aircraft clock. |
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 AAF Waltham 8-day 24-hour aircraft clock. |  AAF Waltham 8-day 24-hour aircraft clock. |
1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multiple pages of Standing Orders.
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A superb piece of history, well worth researching in depth. the hard cover book is marked "Official Use Only" and dated 1916. It features multiple fold out pages with diagrams of 13 different aircraft types in service with the RFC, and 11 different types of aero-engine - a wealth of information. THe book is named inside the cover to E.T. Baker No. 18 Squadron and includes, folded up in the back, numerous sets of standing orders, including: General Rules of the Air;
Notes for Pilots;
Hun Tactics;
Faults of Almost All New Pilots. A remarkable set of documents.
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ON HOLD
 1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |  1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |
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 1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |  1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |
 1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |  1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |
 1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |  1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |
 1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |  1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |
 1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |  1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |
 1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |  1916 dated Royal Flying Corps Technical Notes attributed to 18 Squadron pilot, together with multipl |
Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers.
One of a handful of these hand-crafted reproductions produced in recent years for use in movies, television and a lucky few collectors who managed to get hold of one. To the best of my kowledge they are no longer being produced because the original materials cannot be sourced. The Type 18, flat-fronted chamois-covered microphone is made to the exact specifications and from the same materials as an original, with the addition of an original Type Q cord and Type 16 receivers (cord and receivers are correct for the Type). Since original Type 19s are extremely rare and now changing hands at 5-figure prices, this is an excellent and more economic alternative.
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 Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |  Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |
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 Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |  Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |
 Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |  Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |
 Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |  Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |
 Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |  Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |
 Type 19 microphone assembly - superb, crafted reproduction with original cord, plug and receivers |
AAF T-44A microphone assembly.
Long, braided Y-cord with a MC-1 microphone and JK-26 at the short end for connecting to the A-10 or A-14 mask and HS-38 headset. Long end terminates in a US made RAF style aircraft "bell" plug, enabling AAF headset and mask to be worn in RAF aircraft. Unissued condition.​
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 AAF T-44-A microphone assembly for A-10, A-14 oxygen mask |  AAF T-44-A microphone assembly for A-10, A-14 oxygen mask |
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 AAF T-44-A microphone assembly for A-10, A-14 oxygen mask |  AAF T-44-A microphone assembly for A-10, A-14 oxygen mask |
Royal Navy officer's cap badge in bullion, King's Crown WWI era.
Excellent, well-padded officer's cap badge embroidered in gold and silver bullion wire with a silver anchor and red velvet padded King's crown. Lovely patina. Worn by Naval officers of all branches, including the Fleet Air Arm.
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 Royal Navy officer's cap badge in bullion, King's Crown WWI era. |  Royal Navy officer's cap badge in bullion, King's Crown WWI era. |
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RAF Mk VIII aircrew anti-glare spectacles with correct case.
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Excellent pair of Mk VIII aircrew spectacles, anti-glare, in their fitted velvet lined metal case. Spectacles are in great condition, with good frames, tight hinges and lenses having one tiny chip on the rear (at the edge of the frame so it cannot be seen and doesn't interfere with vision). Maker marked WOC (Wheway Optical Company) on brow bar, plus nice clear Air Ministry mark and stores ref. number on both frame arms. Case is solid with great markings and full stores ref. information visible, but cloth covering has wear around the edges. The cases are quite scarce - many of these spectacles turn up in Mk VIIIA cases which had different markings.
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 RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Spectacles with caseDSCN3504 |  DSCN3505 |
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 DSCN3506 |  IMG_7620 |
 IMG_7622 |  IMG_7621 |
 DSCN3503 |
Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles.
Perfect match for the helmet above. Very good pair of Imperial Japanese flying goggles, of the standard pattern issued to Navy Air Force pilots and aircrews. Distinctive so-called "cats-eye" lenses in laminated glass, with reddish brown lacquered frames on brow velvet cushions with a brown elastic strap. Overall condition is extremely good with no evident wear. Strap retains some elasticity. No markings of any kind.
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 Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |  Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |
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 Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |  Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |
 Imperial Japanese Navy flying goggles |
AAF M-1943 Type III Emergency Goggles as issued as part of most AAF survival kits, with paper envelope.
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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.
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 AAF M-1943 Type III Emergency Goggles as issued with survival kits with envelope |  AAF M-1943 Type III Emergency Goggles as issued with survival kits with envelope |
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 AAF M-1943 Type III Emergency Goggles as issued with survival kits with envelope |