[THE "D TYPE" GREEN CLOTH OXYGEN MASK]
The "D" Type 'Green Cloth' Oxygen mask is THE classic flying kit item.
I can count on the fingers of two hands the number of "D" Masks I've had in this condition over the last 40 years.....As serious collectors will be fully aware, they are 'incredibly rare' in any condition and survivors in this level of preservation are simply just not out there. Most (99.9%) were trashed & destroyed during the war and only a minuscule number (of normally well battered examples) have come down to us almost 80 years after the battle.
This mask is a very exceptional and genuinely used example which from experience only saw about 6 months usage in 1940.
It has also clearly been in an original pairing with the "B" Helmet as the mic-tel plug & wiring loom between the 10/a microphone & helmet ear pieces is totally intact and has never been removed from either item.
There is only one tiny and totally insignificant hole in the green cloth which is invisible as it sits inside a natural fold to the lower left of the nose bridge. Mentioned for complete accuracy.
Otherwise, the green outer cloth and all its stitching is 100% intact and shows signs of only quite normal and light hand soiling through squadron use. The inner chamois lining & stitching is also totally intact with zero issues and is incredibly good and clean with only the very lightest of facially produced soiling....very unusual as these are normally filthy, cut up and almost a health hazard !!
<--Even the most fragile light chamois lower chin gusset (usually ripped or removed) is totally fresh and intact !
All four of the connector press studs are fully operational and mounted on the original connecting white canvas stud strips.
The 10/A 11994 microphone is totally operational and intact and is retained in the mask ring by its original cotton thread stitching. The black painted exterior surfaces of the microphone show quite normal levels of paint loss to the contact surfaces through natural use.
In short ....a seriously outstanding and rare example.
[THE "B" TYPE LEATHER FLYING HELMET]
This is also a sheer classic "Battle of Britain" (1940 Dated) Size 2
(6-7/8th -7 ) 'fits most' helmet by Compton & Webb, of London.
Condition wise this is about as good as it gets in the pecking order of genuine 'light use' helmets. The exterior surface is pretty much 'as made' with the full colour and smooth leather chroming still intact. All the interior soft chamois leather surfaces are 'clean-normal use' and pretty much visually match the condition of the oxygen mask interior and are totally stitch intact with zero issues. Most "B" Types that show up are "leather carcass only" , but this rare example still contains all its wiring and electrics.......right down to the BIG PLUG !
The original manufacturers label is present and displays the all important "1940" date.
The label is annotated in black ink with the original owner's name:
P/O R. RAWLINSON , who we are currently researching.
All the Bennet buckles are good and the metal "V" to the end of the chin strap is also present. The right hand zip speaker housing which displays the obligatory leather embossed RAF stores reference number of: "AM Ref No. 22c 66" retains its original shaped interior foam cushion, but the left hand foam cushion unit is currently absent (fully replaceable).
[THE MkIVb FLYING GOGGLES]
These MkIVb 's also are the classic 'RAF issue' pairing which came 'from the stores' to the Battle of Britain pilots. This pair are a very nice set with practically no delamination of the lenses. The elastic, fibre and leather straps are all good and are complete with their original buckles. The nose bridge pad is almost new and shows that these have been virtually unworn.
The paint is virtually as issued with only minimal marking.
As is totally usual, the rubber face pads are hard, but can now be replaced if required ( we wouldn't bother ).
Overall, this assembly is a magnificent and totally original 'museum quality' set which is worthy of the finest collection and would do complete justice to a totally accurate re-enactment display at somewhere like an R.A.F. BIGGIN HILL flying day.
[NOTE]This ultra rare and totally superb rig was recently located on behalf of a waiting client, but is now ONLY available because his wife found out he was buying it and threatened divorce proceedings if he purchased the item.
The Moral ? ....."Don't involve women in mens' business (in my wide experience it's always fatal !) ....and situate your computer in your shed, and NOT in the back room !!
PRICE BREAKDOWN & FULL DETAILS ON REQUEST .....01342-870926 ....or DRAGONBRIT77@GMAIL.COM
HURRY ..,..THIS IS A REAL 'ONE OFF' AND WILL BE GONE IN A HEARTBEAT ! .......
SOLD (.M.S.) EXPORT
Alan