Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 190:
Description
A set of United States Navy instrument flight training goggles manufactured by the American Optical Company of Southbridge, Massachusetts. Identified as Device No. 1-F-4b, Type 1, these goggles were designed for simulated blind flying training during WWII through the Cold War era. The construction features a black molded rubber frame housing cobalt blue-tinted lenses. The interior rim is padded for comfort, and the unit is fitted with an adjustable gray-green elasticized fabric head strap. These goggles functioned as part of a training system where, when used with an orange-tinted aircraft canopy, the student pilot’s vision was restricted to the instrument panel while the instructor retained outside visibility. The goggles are accompanied by the original two-piece stapled cardboard storage box. The box lid is printed with the following nomenclature: GOGGLES FOR SIMULATED BLIND FLYING, DEVICE No. 1-F-4b, STOCK No. T93-G-563200, TYPE 1, QUANTITY ONE, CONTRACT No. N140-61339s-42980B, AMERICAN OPTICAL COMPANY, SOUTHBRIDGE, MASS. The N140 contract prefix identifies procurement through the United States Navy Supply Depot.
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