RAF MARK IVA FLYING GOGGLES + FLIPSHIELD - BATTLE OF BRITAIN

RESERVED
 
For sale is an extremely rare pair of RAF Mark IVA Flying Goggles, complete with the correct “screen, antiglare” (flipshield / visor) featuring the short enclosed bayonet spring mechanism. Stores reference 22C/136.
 
This is the interim and rarest variant of the Mk. IV series, manufactured exclusively by Clement Clarke Ltd., London in extremely limited numbers, before being superseded by the Mk. IVB. The Mk. IVA is distinguished by its black moulded composite frame, with lenses mounted in light metal subframes, introduced in an attempt to reduce the weight of the earlier brass-framed Mk. IV.
 
The goggles are in superb overall condition, particularly for this fragile pattern. The composite frame displays exceptionally well with no damage, and the leather nose piece and chamois backing are in excellent condition and display very nicely. As is common with this series of goggles, the rear rubber face pads are new replacements by Sefton Clothing Co., as the original pads had deteriorated completely.
 
The lenses are original to the goggles, however the inner metal subframes are no longer present. When I purchased the goggles from the original owner, I was advised that the lenses had buckled out of their subframes, and that the frame was too delicate to risk attempting refitting. The lenses are securely installed, and the absence of the subframes is not visually apparent when displayed.
 
The goggles are fitted with their correct anti-glare flipshield (visor) with short enclosed bayonet mechanism. The screen is in good condition and displays very nicely; the mechanism is intact and operates as intended, with only light wear consistent with age.
 
Only a small number of Mk. IVA goggles are believed to have been procured by the Air Ministry, and due to the vulnerability of the composite frames, surviving examples are now exceptionally hard to find. This pair are one of only a handful known to have survived, and were the first example I have been able to purchase in over 20 years of collecting.
 
Overall, a highly desirable and extremely rare pair of RAF flying goggles, and one that is almost always missing from even advanced Battle of Britain collections. This may be a rare opportunity to acquire an example that is unlikely to be repeated.