2nd World War (Battle of Britain era) RAF Officers uniform

Excellent accurate replicas of flying helmets and masks can be bought from Stephen Silburn of Sefton clothing. He trades as Izavailable on eBay and can be contacted through there. His work is top notch and can be seen in Hendon and Duxford amongst other places he also supplies film companies. I am in no way associated with Mr Silburn, other than being a happy owner of his B type helmet and D mask also a C type and E* mask He can also repair original items as he has worked on some of my original helmets. Whilst not inexpensive his work I feel is good value and will last a lifetime. Better than risking original very expensive items.

For battle of Britain you will also need a microphone for your mask, originals are rare and very expensive £500-£1000 if bought from specialist dealers. Replicas are available and come up from time to time on eBay. You will also need goggles. I do not know of any replica goggles that are correct for BoB period so you will have to get an original pair. There are several patterns that are correct for the period but my personal favourite is the MkIIIa a good pair currently costs around £250-300.
Hope some of this is of help and has not put you off!
jdh

Yy

Does anyone have any suggestions on the cheapest way to get a full WW2 RAF officers uniform, SD tunic, shirt, Hat/Flying helmet+goggles,SD trousers and Boots.
I know it’s probably a very expensive business getting such things but is there a ‘Minimum cost way’ to do it?

I’m looking for Pilot Officer/Flying Officer ranks

Chris if you are looking for a uniform for re enacting, then go with the just post war tunic, it is identical except you need to add a 4th front lower button. Make sure you have kings crown buttons. Trousers are the same and both of these are always available on well known auction sites. You should be able to pick up a 1950’s tunic & trousers for no more than £70.

Flying helmet will set you back, as you will have to go with an original one, the C-Type is the cheapest option, but if your keen to portray a B of B pilot, you will need a B-Type which are twice the price of the C.

Boots, again plenty available, but all vary in price depending on pattern.
I have collected this stuff for 30 years, and seen prices go sky high !

As said the uniform is possible, but flying kit is expensive.

Jules

Regards

Chris

Are post war types cheaper and can they be easily converted to like like wartime types?
I like your idea John Green, I might think about that actually

Drawings of these uniforms must be in some archive. There are plenty of photos. Perhaps it would be more practical and cheaper to find a very good dressmaker ?

If you decide to go this route, I do know such a person. She is in Hampshire.

Can you clarify if you mean period or replica?

Moggy

Sorry, I am looking more for replicas, I know the period stuff is very expensive naturally.

I have seen adverts from Epicmilitaria.com and Soldier of Fortune who supply replica items. I dont know about the quality or accuracy of either supplier but would welcome comments from anyone who has purchased from them. Also if anyone can post photographs of the correct outfits from early way years that would be of interest. I have some already but they are not mine to post here.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the cheapest way to get a full WW2 RAF officers uniform, SD tunic, shirt, Hat/Flying helmet+goggles,SD trousers and Boots.
I know it’s probably a very expensive business getting such things but is there a ‘Minimum cost way’ to do it?

I’m looking for Pilot Officer/Flying Officer ranks

Regards

Chris

If you want genuine……..there is no ‘cheap’ way, end of. All very expensive items now, even early war nice SD tunic and trousers are not cheap, if in good nick (unless you are very lucky with a charity shop find, but you’re more likely to win the lottery in all honesty these days)

B type helmet and MkIII goggles alone could be close to 4 figures these days……maybe more!!

Can you clarify if you mean period or replica?

Moggy