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U. S. N. / Marine Corps AN6540-2L Flying Helmet - A good late WWII example with the designation AN 6540-2L. The 2 signifies the size as a medium; USN issue helmets came in four sizes with 1 being small, 2 medium, 3 large and 4 Ex-large. The L suffix denotes "leather" - as opposed to W for winter or S summer. This suffix was not always added. The leather shell is in excellent virtually unmarked condition and all seams are tight. The chin strap has the velvet cover in place; the leather shows minor cracking. The second buckle, often mistaken as a "second chin strap" is actually for the direct fitting of an oxygen mask -usually the A-8B. The silk drawstrings are missing and this helmet displays a common fault in that the receiver housings both have slight cracks at the 12.00 and 06.00 positions. This occurs because over time, the rubber dries out and shrinks. The receivers on this helmet are JT-ANB-H-49 by Joyce Teltronic Corp and would suggest this helmet has been used post war as the receivers date to a 1949 contact. The helmet is fully wired ;the loom shows minor abrasion but this does not detract and is fitted with a PL 540 jack plug. The Inside of the helmet is very clean indeed showing evidence of light use only. The woven label confirms the designation and the maker as Slote & Klein against contract N-Z288S-12364. This is a late WWII contract number and probably indicates made during 1945, but retrofitted or modified with later communications. Not mint but a very decent display example of a helmet that does not turn up every day. More detailed photographs available on request. Many thanks to our friend Mick Prodger for assistance with the identification and description of this item.
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£185.00
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'Eaglet' Flying helmet by D.Buegeleisen - Strauss & Buegeleisen was founded in 1910 by Elias Buegeleisen of New York, and manufactured aviators goggles under the 'Resistal' name. Brothers Joseph and David Buegeleisen joined the company, with Joseph heading up sales in the Detroit area and David was the West Coast representative. Both brothers subsequently left the business with David Buegeleisen producing helmets under the 'Eaglet' brand, based in San Francisco.. These were marketed to the aviation and motorcycle markets. This example is in fine original condition with the four segment shell made from glove soft brown leather to a cut similar to that used by the USN in the 1930's. The rear carries two goggle snaps both clearly marked 'The Eaglet Helmet' with the snaps supplied by United Carr. The chin strap is in good shape as is the large chromed buckle. Inside the lining is a little grubby but with no damage, commensurate with a a helmet that has seen service and is now over 80 years old. The ear section of the lining carries extra padding for additional comfort. No size is marked but we estimate this to be medium/large and would equate to an RAF size 3+. Mick Prodger illustrates an 'Eaglet' helmet on page 187 of his excellent 'Vintage Flying Helmets' as well as an unnamed example of similar design used by a Braniff airline Pilot in the 1930's. This fine helmet would sit happily in a flying helmet collection although we see no reason why it could not be used for vintage flying or by the classic car fraternity. More detailed photographs available on request.
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USAAF A-9 Summer Flying Helmet - mint and probably unissued example. The A-9 was virtually identical to the factory modified A-8 and was essentially an emergency procurement item first issued just 17 days after the USA entered WWII.
This example is fitted with 5 hooks to take the A-10 oxygen mask. No communication equipment is fitted and the helmet remains exactly as it left the factory in 1942 against order no 42-19386 P. The draw strings for adjusting the fit are still in place and the goggle snaps are perfect. The leather chin strap is shearling lined for added comfort and stamped on the inside AN. The interior of the helmet carries a woven label and the size is a Medium;'powder puff' pads are fitted for ear comfort but can be easily removed if communication equipment was added.
This is a text book example of this modest but important Army Air Force summer flying helmet from WWII which would be impossible to upgrade
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HS-18 Headset Receivers - A good set of the standard AAF receivers, often seen used in conjunction with the 50 Mission Crusher cap and dating from WWII. The receivers are marked R-14 Made by Murdock MFG Co, for Signal Corps US Army. They also carry and ink stamp SC 380. The aluminium framed headband is embossed HB-7. The tan leather headband is also in good shape as are the rubber ear covers that are marked MC-162-A. The only issue with this set is the communication cord and jack plug has been cut off so this set could provide a source of donor parts to upgrade your own set or alternatively would provide an entry level set that still displays well despite the missing communication cord.
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U.S. AN-H-16 Winter Flying Helmet - The AN-H-16 is described by Jon A. Maguire in his excellent 'Gear Up' as 'one of the more difficult WWII flying helmets to locate today' and that was written back in 1995! It is scarce simply because it was not produced or issued on a wide scale. The US Navy had its own version (despite the AN designation of this helmet) the AN6543 which is much more common. This example appears to have had minimal service use and is in close to perfect display condition. The leather shell is very soft with all its original finish in place with the seams tight and is set off nicely with a large AAF logo stamp to the front brow. The helmet is fully wired with ANB-H-1 receivers by Roanwell fitted and attached to a classic Y loom and finished with a PL-354 jack plug. The leather chin strap retains a shearling rubbing strip and the silk laces are still in place. The snaps for an oxygen mask are correctly spaced for an A-14 with the left side fitted with two single straps, one high and one low, and the right side positioned for the clip. The only issue with this helmet is both the snaps for the Y loom rear straps are a little tender, a fault common with shearling lined helmets. To ensure these are secure we have cemented the end of each strap in place so they are no longer operative yet on display this restoration is virtually undetectable. Inside the helmet is close to mint. The shearling is again stamped with the AAF logo and the woven label confirms this is a desirable Large size and the helmet was manufacturer by Bradley Goodrich Inc to an order nos. (33-038)44-3755 which we assume to be a 1944 contract. In conclusion a hard to find fully wired helmet in excellent display condition in a large size that would sit happily in a specialist helmet collection. Many thanks to Mick Prodger for his assistance in preparing this description.
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USAAF AN-H-15 Summer Flying Helmet - A good issued example of the Army Air Force classic summer flying helmet of WWII and the helmet of choice for fighter pilots serving in the Pacific campaign. This pattern was designed as a replacement for the A-9 helmet and was standardised in April 1943. This example is unwired but the receiver housings are still very supple and it would be a simple job to upgrade with an appropriate wiring loom and a set of ANB-H-1 earphone receivers. The khaki 'Byrd' cloth shell is in good condition but some service marks commensurate with an issued helmet. The front brow is marked with the initials D.H. and repeated on the back leather strap is 'D.B.H.' so we assume the original owners initials. The helmet carries an AAF ink stamp to the shell, with a similar stamp inside. Four oxygen mask snaps are fitted so is a late war variant. This is confirmed on the woven label inside that indicates a 1944 contract date and the helmet was manufactured by Bradley Goodrich Inc; it is also marked 'Large'. The chin strap is fitted with a velvet anti- rub cover and is stamped H 4263.
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USAAF A-8 Summer Flying Helmet - The A-8 flying helmet dates from May 3rd 1933 when the design was standardised but was moved to limited standard in March 1941 and was declared obsolete in September 1944. The A-8 was issued without provision for receivers or oxygen equipment although many were factory modified initially to take the A-8 series of masks. Receivers, when fitted, were held in place by leather receiver cups. The A-8 helmet was actually used in this guise by the first US fighter pilots to arrive in England during the spring and summer of 1942. This example is an unmolested version exactly as issued with a dark olive four segment cotton shell and goggle retaining straps to the rear. The front brow of the shell is stamped with a large AAF logo with Army Air Force below. It also features an original chestnut brown leather chin strap buckled at both sides; this shows some staining and signs of use. Later examples were modified with a fleece lined chin strap which also involved cutting and refinishing the sides of the helmet so it could be used with the A-9 or A-10 masks. Both draw strings are still in place. Inside the helmet carries a woven cloth label confirming the helmet designation and 'DWG 33G 5979' and 'A.C Order No. 41-2047-E.P'. An identical label is shown on page 88 of Mick Prodger's excellent 'Vintage Flying Helmets' reference book and dates our helmet to 1942, which is very late for an unmodified helmet to turn up. The size is indicated as 'Medium'. The A-8 is much harder to find now than the A-9 that replaced it and this pattern was also used in unmolested form by paratroopers in training, in much the same way as the RAF B type, without receiver cups fitted. The A-8 also saw service with the AAF in China and during the early war against the Japanese. Perhaps not the most sexy of US helmets but with its early introduction and unmodified specification and the fact it saw service in one form or another until almost the end of WWII it should form an important part in a US or general flying helmet collection. Thanks again to Mick Prodger for assistance with this description.
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USAAF A-11 Intermediate Flying Helmet - A complete and fully wired example of one of the classic US Army Air Force flying helmets, standardised on August 6th 1943 and was used extensively in WWII and beyond seeing front line service in the Korean War. Everything is as it should be and all in all in really great display condition. Made from a brown cape leather shell with a soft chamois lining. The helmet carries an AAF decal to the front left and a similar even crisper stamp to the inside lining. Receivers fitted are the ANB-H-1 pattern; the one on the right has a minor chip to the edge but as this is inset it is hardly noticeable. A Y loom is fitted and is correctly wired to a PL-54 jack plug. The helmet features 4 snaps each side indicating this was a late specification helmet although the final version carried threaded oxygen mask snaps. An oxygen mask clip is fitted to the right side. The original manufacturer's woven label is attached to the inside rear of the lining, confirming the specification as Type A-11 spec nos 3189 and the size as 'Large' The contact number would appear to date it to 1944 and the manufacturer was Bradley Goodrich Inc. It is also marked 'Property of A.F. U.S. Army'. The lining itself is in good shape with evidence of only light wear. The only minor issues is a split in the leather lining inside one of the receiver 'doughnuts' probably caused when the receiver was originally fitted. This hardly detracts and is unnoticeable when on display. The chin strap and buckle are perfect. A fine example of this classic US helmet of WWII in a desirable large size and worthy of a new home in a serious USAAF collection! More detailed photographs available on request.
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USAAF Air Crew Cap Heavy Type D1-A - This cap is just post-WWII and is used with an A-1A flying shirt and E-1A trousers. Like most clothing from the period just post WWII, all these items came in blue, green, and sage green. The green clothing usually had no suffix, such as "D-1", the blue clothing usually had an "A" such as D-1A, and the sage green usually was "B". This example is in very good issued condition with clear AAF decal to rear and inside issue label. Size large.
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US N-2 All Purpose Goggles - Manufactured by Polaroid against Stock No.37-G-3050, these were issued as an 'all-purpose' goggle in WWII, and used by USAAF flight crews but also by ground forces including tank crews and Para troops. They feature many of the attributes of the B-8 pattern but rather more basic in construction. The frame is made from a beige sponge rubber fitted with an elastic back strap and were issued with a clear lens (as fitted) as well as two shades of green and a red tinted lens. The red lenses were for air gunners use as it enabled them to see tracer bullets far more clearly under daylight conditions, in a similar manner to the Variable Density Goggles which we are also listing today. This set is in excellent original condition with no perishing of the rubber or back strap. They come complete with a cloth pouch marked 'Polaroid All purpose Goggle Kit No 1021' and has various pouches to hold the spare lenses and a paper packet (that shows some damage) which was issued by Polaroid and marked 'Goggle M-1944' and shows how to change the various lenses in the kit. A very complete set in excellent original condition on offer at a modest price.
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USAAF Goggles, Variable Density with Visor Attachment - This set are in mint unissued condition and come complete with the original tin marked American Optical Company stock No.74-G-79-40. The flip shield mount is dated and below stamped US. The variable density red lenses operate using the central knob and rotating this anti clockwise darkens the lenses thus giving differing degrees of density from clear through a range of pinks/reds and enabled the wearer to track targets in the vicinity of and across the face of the sun. The goggles were also fitted with a red plastic 'flip-down' visor which is marked 'Filters by Polaroid Corp and used for reducing glare in bright sunlight. This pattern of goggles were intended primarily for use by air gunners. The Rubber frame is is in perfect condition as is the elastic back strap. The inside of the metal case lid has an instruction sheet pasted in and the set is completed with the addition of two spare plastic flip shields in issue envelopes. It would be hard to find a crisper example of these highly engineered WWII specialist gunners goggles.
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USAAF B-6 Winter Flying Helmet - Standardised on 15 September 1941 these helmets saw widespread use and this example is in fine issued condition. The brown finished shearling leather is soft and has a nice vintage patina and seams all good with no damage or other problems. It is fitted with correct hooks in for use with A-9 and A-10 oxygen masks as well as the later snaps for use with the A-10R or A-10A masks. It comes fully wired with R-14 receivers fitted with correct Y loom and PL-54 jack plug. Inside is shearling lined and fitted with nice USAAF label that indicates a 1942 contract date. This pattern was replaced in 1943 by the AN-H-16. No size shown but we estimate medium+ plus and perfect on display head as shown. Drawstrings still in place and perfect shearling covered chin strap and buckles. I think hard to find nicer issued example. Further detailed pictures available on request.
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U.S.A.A.F. Flying Helmet named to 1st Lt. Talmage L Ambrose - A fine AN-H-15 Summer flying helmet manufactured by the Bates Shoe Co. with a contract number dating it to 1944. Manufactured from beige cotton helmet the size is marked as medium. The cloth is in excellent condition. Shows minor storage soiling and age wear only. AAF labelled. Good strap complete with velvet chin pad protector. The helmet is fully wired with the receivers stamped ANB-H-1 and made by the Rola Company and over stamped SC3339A, both connected to a communication cord marked Headset HS 38. The helmet is fitted with snaps and clips for oxygen mask attachment. Inside the helmet is in excellent issued condition and is complete with a woven AAF label. What lifts this helmet from the good to the exceptional is that stencilled inside is named to the wartime owner Ambrose service number 0767060. Subsequent research confirms the helmet belonged to TALMADGE L. AMBROSE, born in Akron, Ohio. On completion of his training he was posted overseas to European Theatre on Operations and assigned to 373 Fighter Group, 410 Fighter Squadron, joining the unit in Normandy flying the P -47 Thunderbolt. He flew 84 missions, destroying at total 11 enemy aircraft. His kill tally including four FW 190-D's in one afternoon over Hanover, Germany on April 8, 1945, and for this action he was awarded a DSC. In addition he won the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 17 man, Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Pacific Theatre and European Theatre Medals with 5 Battle Stars and Unit Citation Medal. During one operation Ambrose was shot down by 22 mm ground fire over Siegfried Line. Indeed a helmet with history and something rather unique for a serious AAF collection!
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USAAF Polaroid Variable Density Goggles - This set are in mint unissued condition and come complete with the original tin marked American Optical Company Contract N.X.S.S. 27918. The front of the goggles are embossed AO (for American Optical) and Polaroid. The variable density red lenses operate using the central knob. This pattern of flight goggles was designed for use by Air Gunners to aid spotting tracer in different light conditions. Rubber is in perfect condition as is the elastic back strap. It would be hard to find a crisper example.
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USAAF 'Flighter by Bancroft' Officer's Summer Crusher Cap in Tan - This is an excellent issued example named to H.W. Beraufen inside the leather peak. The internal hat band is embossed Flighter by Bancroft curve controlled. An original gilt officer's badge is attached and the leather chinstrap is in place. No moth damage and a well above average example of this classic WWII crusher. No size marked but appears to be about a medium.
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USAAF A-9 Flying Helmet - A good original example in olive drab canvas but does not ever appear to have had receivers fitted. The helmet incorporates various clips and snaps for goggle and oxygen mask attachment and the leather chin strap is fitted with a sheepskin cover. Inside is a manufacturing label confirming the helmet is a type A-9, together with a 1942 contract date. It also features a further webbing label stamped AF-13 and another size label marked Large, although we would rate the helmet not bigger than medium. A nice original WWII helmet at an entry level price.
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USAAF A-14 Oxygen Mask & Hose - As issued with original card storage box. The mask is in near mint condition and marked medium, made by The Ohio Chemical Company and is embossed property Air Force, US Army and dated 5/44. The mask is fitted with a full harness in similar condition. It would be hard to find a nicer example to display with your USAAF headgear.
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Skyway Flight Goggles - A classic example of US made American Optical flight goggles, named on the nose bridge to the manufacturers Skyway. These would be commercial flying goggles dating to the inter war period 1920 -1940. The black painted frames are in exceptional condition as are the rubber face pads which show no sign of the normal perishing. These are stamped 6885021-2. The black painted frame indicates the goggles were manufactured by Ficher Spring Co. and were patented. The clear perspex lenses are in clear condition as is the back strap which retains good elasticity. An excellent display set of pre war commercial flying goggles which were designed to accept standard Air Corps lenses. This set was recently worn by actor Martin Kemp for a photo shoot to tie in with his recent appearance on the TV show 'Dangerous Adventures for Boys'.
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USAAF A11 Flying Helmet - A complete and fully wired example of one of the classic US Army Air Force flying helmets of WWII. Everything is as it should be including a clear AAF deckal to the left brow and a similar stamp to the inside lining. Receivers are pattern ANB-H-1. The original manufacturer's woven label is attached confirming size medium, a 1944 contract date and made by Consolidated Slipper Corp. It is fully wired with loom and jack plug marked PL.-354. This helmet has just been returned from a photo shoot and was worn by actor Martin Kemp to tie in with his recent TV appearance in'Dangerous Adventures for Boys!
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USAAF A-10A Oxygen Mask - An excellent example manufactured by Acushmet with serial no. 3134A and in a medium size. Also stamped Property Air Force US Army. The rubber is in excellent condition and the mask if complete with the original oxygent tube. The harness is in place and has all the correct hooks and snaps and displays extremely well with the A-11 flight helmet we have also recently listed.
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RCAF B Type Flying Helmet - A very well presented example as issued to RCAF air crew in the early part of WWII. The leather is soft and supple with no repairs or other damage. The snaps and buckles are in place and working. The receiver housings have been fitted with one carrying a Canadian made lightning zip and the other a dot. Both look original to the helmet. Interestingly, snaps have been added to the front of the helmet - a feature not normally seen on RCAF B types, as the appropriate oxygen mask carried an integral harness. These were actually fitted to this helmet to attach a leather face mask which could well be theater made to protect crew members in open positions. The mask that came with the helmet is included in the sale. Inside the lining shows normal service wear but is in generally excellent condition. No stamps or labels are fitted and the helmet is a good size, probably equating to an RAF size 3. We have had a few of these over the years but this is probably the best example of date.
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RCAF Issue 'B' Type Flying Helmet - WWII, with zip receiver housings. This helmet was used by an RAF Spitfire pilot on photographic reconnaissance missions. In good issued condition. Medium size.
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US Army Air Corp no. 1A Flying Helmet by Western Electric - A very scarce and early example, this represents the very first US helmet to incorporate radio telephone equipment and saw limited use in the final years of WWII. The earliest examples laced up the back and over the crown of the head, while this is a slightly later version with lacing in the neck area, but the crown is fitted with an adjustment strap. The tan leather receiver covers are marked H8 and both the wiring snaps are present and working, although the helmet is unwired and receivers are not fitted. Due to problems with the development of a suitable oxygen mask to accompany the 1A helmet, its issue and use was restriced. The tan leather is in exceptional condition, as is the blanket lined interior, which is fitted with a woven label to Western Electric. The helmet is marked medium, but appears to fit somewhat larger.
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USAAF, Gunner's Face Mask - WWII, for frost protection in open gun ports, dated August 1942.
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USAAF Flak Helmet - WWII, designed to be worn over regular flying helmet.
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USAAF ANH15 Cloth Flying Helmet - without wiring, near mint un-issued condition.
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AN-H-15 Flying Helmet - Fully wired with fitted receivers, loom and jack plug. Made by Bates Shoe Company and contract date 1944. Medium size. Minor service wear. Complete with oxygen mask attachment clip.
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USAAF 'Para' Flying Helmet - WWII, Ref. NAF 1092.
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USAAF Gunner's Face Mask - WWII, brown leather, suede lining, original elastic straps.
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M4 A2 Flak Helmet - Introduced in June 1944. Green cloth covering with hinged ear flaps, as used by USAAF in late WWII. Clear manufacturer's label, named to Industrial Canvas Prod. Corp. In excellent original condition and this variant is becoming increasingly hard to find.
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USAAF Goggles - WWII, variable density with original issue tin, near mint.
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