Up until the introduction of the USN and USAAF ordered Polaroid No 1065 flying goggles and the later Type B8 in 1943, USAAF and USN pilots were issued with commercial flying goggles such as the ‘blue tinted glass’ Seesall wrap around, double lens goggles or the similar designed, Wilson ‘Rocket’ goggles.
A common problem with many flying goggles since their introduction during the First World War was the issue of fogging.
Many of the early WWII flying googles such as the Seesall - ‘ Eyes for the skies' wrap around, double lens goggles attempted to address the issue with the introduction of vented holes at the bottom of their metal frames but it was not until the introduction of the single lens flying goggles such as the B8 with moulded in vents both top and bottom that goggle fogging was overcome.
These Seesall Goggles feature the chromed white metal frames with their integral streamlined ventilation slits and Seesall’s large hinged centre pin.
The single piece grey rubber face cushion has deteriorated over time and is missing the upper cushions but the blue-tinted 'Rockglass’ lenses are in excellent condition for flying goggles over eighty years old.
The matched, USN Slote & Klein AN-48440-1 WWII canvas and leather Flying Helmet is also in remarkable condition, missing only a small side strap support buckle.
Although also worn by USAAF pilots, the Slote and Klein Flying Helmet was the preferred headgear for carrier-launched pilots of the USN and island-based Marine Corps pilots being lightweight and cool in the tropical climate of the Pacific and South East Asian region.
Together, these WWII veterans of the War in the Pacific make a fantastic original and authentic aviation collectable, with their mounted, black manikin head on its 100yr old mango wood stand with plaque and detailed printed Fact Sheet and engraved plaque - all topped off with a highly detailed, custom built 1/72 or super detailed larger 1/48 scale model of the carrier launched dive-bomber, the Douglas SBD Dauntless.
What a terrific gift for any aviation enthusiast!
This SBD Dauntless Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
Your Douglas SBD Dauntless, Slote & Klein Flying Cap and 'Blue Tinted Glass' Seesall Flying Goggles, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
*An upgrade to the larger and more detailed 1/48 scale model is also available for an additional $35 (Click on the 1/48 scale option)
Both the 1/72 & 1/48 scale models are available with wheels & flaps ‘up or down’, cockpit 'open or closed and wings ‘folded or open'
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 5 - 7 weeks approx.
Did you fly, crew or maintain a SBD Dauntless or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.