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Return to WW1 & WW2 British Militaria Index

1RAF-1. Dark brown leather, flying helmet with flexible black rubber cups for holding earphones. Four leather tabs with brown painted snaps for holding goggle strap and a leather tab with buckle adjustment at center back. Four snaps on left side and one snap and hook for oxygen mask on right. Adjustable gray elasticized chinstrap with brass snap. This pattern helmet is designed for internal wiring. The ear cups hold “Type 32” black Bakelite earphones marked “REF No. 10A/13466. The wiring loom and jack plug are missing. Interior is chamois lined and padded around earphones. Left side of helmet, just below the chinstrap is stamped 22C/87(?) cant quite make out the last number. There were several different numbers for this helmet as it was improved through the war. Exterior leather exhibits light to moderate signs of age and wear, one minor spot worn through the leather to the base cloth. It appears the oxygen mask or something had rubbed against the leather. Light verdigris corrosion on most of the metal snaps, Brown paint on snap heads aged, worn and chipped. Interior chamois is dark and overall soiled from use and storage. Chinstrap exhibits moderate age and use. Small size. The description may make the helmet sound worse than it really is. QUITE SCARCE. Over the years these helmets have become increasingly difficult to obtain, this example is a sound and worthy collectible. Vg.  $295.00 SOLD

WW2 Royal Australian Air Force One-Sided Silk Escape Map For South Borneo

1RAF-2. Approximately 23-1/2in-x 34-in. two color, one-sided silk escape map, South Borneo, Inset “A.” Printed in black and brown colors. Illustrates towns, cities, main roads, railways, altitudes, contours, etc, etc. Used in various survival and escape kits; this map can be folded very small and easily carried in a pocket. The silk material is unaffected by moisture, its difficult to rip or tear and can be used as a scarf or sun hat. The map is a durable and useful piece of survival equipment. This map was prepared at the direction of R.A.A.F. Headquarters. Fold marks from storage. Moderate fraying to edges, which is normal with these types of maps. Only a small portion of the map is shown. Light use. SCARCE. Excellent condition. A great piece of original WW2 survival memorabilia. $65.00 SOLD

1RAF-3. A silver-plated metal frame, folding goggle with clear, sort of teardrop shaped, lenses. Brown ventilated leather face pad with internal spring to insure close fit. Adjustable, light olive colored elasticized cloth headband sewn to leather tabs on each side of goggle. Inside headband is marked “AM” with crown, (air Ministry), “22C/826” and dated 1940. The clear lenses are in excellent condition, the silver finish on the metal frame has deteriorated from storage, the leather facemask and headband are excellent, and the adjustable buckle on headband has spots of verdigris. The goggle comes in a sturdy 2-3/4in high x 7-3/4in wide x 1-1/8in deep gray painted metal container with a hinged lid. Paper label on outside top of container reads, “ Warning Do Not Use Abrasive Cleaning Materials On Goggle Lenses. Air Ministry Office.”  An additional label inside lid reads, “A (crown) M Goggles Mark II, Type 22C/826.” This label has a red over stamp that reads, “ Modified 22MU RAF 1944.” The container is in Vg condition exhibiting minor scratches to paint from storage and moderate rust spots on inside and outside labels. Unissued. Overall the unit is Vg+.  $135.00 SOLD

1RAF-4. Wide black flexible rubber frame, shaped to fit close over nose, with clear lenses. Front of frame stamped in yellow lettering, “22C/1041,” as well as “NES 12” within a circle. Dark brown suede like face pad and adjustable gray colored elasticized cloth headband. Lenses are ventilated by use of the black cylindrical tubes seen on the exterior top and bottom of the lenses. Inside headband is stamped with yellow ink, 22C/952,” as well as a broad arrow proof. This goggle is usually fitted with a dark lens to simulate night flying situations. The suede facemask has separated from the frame in spots along the bottom edge, (easily glued back). Light surface rust patina on the metal parts of the headband. An inexpensive goggle that looks well displayed with a helmet. Overall Vg+.  $59.00

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