December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 241:
Description
This lot features a museum-grade, complete assembly of iconic World War II Royal Air Force RAF Pilot Headgear, representing the equipment worn by British and Commonwealth aircrews during the Battle of Britain and the early to mid-war bomber and fighter campaigns.
The core of the assembly is an Early Pattern Type C Leather Flying Helmet, constructed of segmented brown leather with a deep, combat-worn patina and pronounced creasing. This early pattern is characterized by its simple design before later modifications. Integrated into the helmet are the correct period black rubber earphone cups, which house the communication speakers and are marked with original stores numbers. The helmet retains its leather chinstrap harness.
The assembly is completed by two essential, correct accessories: the Type E Star Oxygen Mask* and Mk VIII Flying Goggles. The Type E Star Oxygen Mask* is clearly visible, featuring its black rubber facepiece and the distinctive gold-toned metal microphone cover, marked with a stores reference R 920. The mask is correctly secured to the helmet via adjustable canvas straps and snaps. The helmet is further fitted with a pair of Mk VIII Flying Goggles, recognized by their large, clear lenses, leather-backed frames, and elasticized fabric strap. The E Star mask is intact, but the rubber is starting to show its age.
Completing the flight communications system is the original black rubber coiled communications cord and a long, fabric-covered wire terminating in a period jack plug, all correctly wired to the ear cups. This complete, untouched, and fully assembled set is a stunning, definitive example of WWII RAF aircrew gear.
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