Helmet variants

Hi

There are four patterns of Fleet Air Arm helmet;the earliest ones were converted RAF C type helmet`s with B type helmet zip ear receiver housing`s sewn on(at the time the FAA didn`t have their own helmet`s).
The next one looked like the one pictured but had a leather chin strap and didn`t have the extra small straps on the back for the wiring loom(these are marked with a crown and anchor stamp on the chin area).
Both the first and second pattern had external wiring while the third and fourth patterns had internal wiring.
The third one looked exactly like the helmet pictured but without the two extra straps on the back of the helmet.This was the last war time pattern FAA helmet and lastly you have the one pictured which was post war.
All the helmets came with fitting`s for Gosport tubes except the first converted helmet`s.
Some third pattern one`s also come with a linen label attached with instructions on how to convert the wiring for American receiver`s for when the helmet was used in a lend lease aircraft.

The other type of FAA helmet are the D type cloth helmet for tropical use of which there are several patterns.

I hope this helps.

I really must get out more!
BS

Goggles

Hi

The goggles are standard Mk111a`s.

WW2 Parachute

Hi

The set up is definitely post war.The metalwork on post war harnesses stayed the same as wartime until the black quick release sliders were introduced(in the sixties i believe).What you have to remember is that the packs are interchangeable from the harness so unless all the serial numbers match(both pack and harness)there is no guarantee that they started life together.

I have added a picture of a wartime setup.

If the buyer looks at one of the cross straps on the back of the harness,on the inside of the strap will be a label with the date(unless it`s been removed or it has a tear in it right where the date is!)

I do know of at least one dealer who stamps these post war harnesses up with ww2 dates.

Spade grip I/D

Hi

The grip is an AH2040 type which was used in several types of aircraft.The column the grip is mounted on is similar to a Hurricane control column top but the bottom of it is not correct for that type of aircraft and as far as i can tell it is of the type used in a Blackburn Skua.
I stand to be corrected as i am far from an expert in these matters but i hope this has been of some help.

AH 8090 Grip

Hi
The AH8090 grip is for the Tempest 2,5 & 6,Spitfire 22 & Meteor 1.It comes with the electric firing button as used in Typhoon/Tempest and Defiant aircraft(the small round button with the fire/safe ring).The grip number for the Firefly 1,2 & 3 is AH8272.These numbers come direct from the Air Ministry AP`s and i also own examples of both of the above mentioned grips.

In reply to the above posts i can confirm that the grip and column are indeed from a Defiant.I have attached some pictures of the restored grip.The serial number is correct and the grip is the same as my earlier Defiant Dunlop grip.The only difference being that this one is made of mag alloy.If anyone knows of a call light box for sale(forlorn hope i know)i would be most grateful.