Authentic Vintage Militaria: RAF Type G Flying Helmet & Variable Density Goggles

Description

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this item will support the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity in Cambridgeshire, UK

Establishing a date of manufacture for any Type G flying helmet is notoriously difficult, as the model has to be among the longest-serving items in the history of the RAF - introduced in 1963 to replace the similar Type F, they saw service on the V-Bombers including the legendary Vulcan, the Lightning, the Harrier, the Nimrod and the Tornado and were incredibly still in use as late as the 1990s, making them the last of the non-protective flying helmets in active service. We believe that this one dates back to relatively early on during that period, around the mid to late 1960s.

It's an issued item and the name of the corporal it was issued to can be seen written in blue ballpoint pen inside the helmet - unfortunately, his name is far too common to be able to track down his records in the hope of narrowing down the date. It's a little faded from its original shade of blue but is in excellent condition overall, without rips or cuts in the linen fabric and with all pop studs and brackets (designed to be used with an oxygen mask) are in good order; the NATO-type communications plug is still attached. Inside, the leather ear pads are in such remarkable condition we're reluctant to say they're definitely original: they're the right type and the wiring behind them is correct, but they're so clean and soft that we wonder if they might be repros. The goggles currently attached to it are unlikely to be original, but we'll leave them in place.

The second item in the listing is a pair of American Optics Variable Density goggles, which we suspect are older than the helmet - very possibly, World War II. Unusually, the remain in their original tin with most of the label still affixed to the lid - unfortunately, it hasn't protected them from the ravages of time and, while the rubber of the goggles and strap is still surprisingly supple, it won't be long before it splits if you try to actually wear them. The density adjustment, which rotates a Polaroid lens so as to increase/decrease opaqueness, is still functioning and would have allowed the wearer to track objects in the sky even in very bright conditions - they were primarily used by anti-aircraft gun crews.

Please note that our white porcelain head is not included in the listing.

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

Further Details & Enquiries

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

Payment

We only accept payments made through one of eBay's many approved methods. Please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within two working days.

Delivery

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within two working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Evri to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which require a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Collection

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

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Returns

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items, subject to the cost of the chosen return method being reasonable. Please contact us before proceeding if unsure.