RAF type-D oxygen mask - Eagle Squadron

RAF type-D oxygen mask - Eagle Squadron

Code: O25339

£4,500.00 Approx $5681.82, €5263.16
 

Stores reference 6D/105.  Classic fabric oxygen mask synonymous with pilots and aircrew of the Battle of Britain period.  The overall shape of the mask is excellent and the 'flexible' flat solder 'bar' used to shape the mask to the wearer's face is in place and complete/unbroken.  The majority of the cloth covering is very good, there is no replacement material and nothing held together with glue but as usual there is some moth damage.  On the right side (as worn) there is a small hole adjacent to the upper stud, on the lower panels there are six smallish holes and on the left side there is one very small hole.  In addition there is a split on this side in line with and revealing the solder bar.  For 50% of the split there is no material missing but the lower part does have fabric loss as shown.  A similar less obvious split can be seen on the same side closer to the microphone mounting ring.  It would appear that the cloth is weak/thin here and careful handling is advised.  Unusually there is virtually no moth damage at the nose which retains excellent shape.  The chamois lining has relatively light soiling and is in fairly good condition bar a couple of small holes exposing the sorbo rubber padding and a small split adjacent to the edge of the stiffener at the chin.  The microphone mounting ring is in very good condition and the stamped reference number, 6D/36 (not 6D/117), is clearly visible.  This low number may indicate the mask to be of Commonwealth issue (probably Canadian), or the mask might be an exceptionally early variant.  Other unusual features include the oxygen hose nipple being of white metal rather than brass, and the directly attached press studs are inward facing.  Their colour and spacing are also curious - the green backing is very similar to those found on harness suits and the left studs are centred at approximately 2.5", the right at 1.5".  These appear to be suitable for an early pattern D-type helmet so perhaps tailored specifically for a 'D' or another modified helmet. Further research has revealed a mask with similar 'reversed' studs being worn by the Eagle Squadron pilot F/O G.A. Daymond DFC. - see here https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205444525.  Sold as seen, unwired and without a microphone but these can be supplied separately if required.  Overall this is a very good example of a now extremely rare early mask.  Stock code O25339.

NB. The final photograph shows the mask fitted with an original type 18 microphone, instrument cord and receivers for illustrative purposes.  None of these items are included with the mask and are not for sale.