RAF MARK VA FLYING SPECTACLES + LEATHER SPARES CASE - BATTLE OF BRITAIN
SOLD
For sale are a superb and very rare pair of RAF Mark VA Flying Spectacles, by Newbold & Co. Ltd., London. 22C/156. The spectacles are complemented by their original leather spares wallet.
Introduced in 1940, the Mark VA Spectacles were issued to pilots, observers and air gunners, and can be seen in use during the Battle of Britain (mostly with Coastal Command and Fleet Air Arm crew).
The pair for sale are the VA version, fitted with ‘sun vizor’ - otherwise known as the anti-glare flipshield; celluloid side windows; laminated clear glass Crookes A2 lenses; and metal side arms with half press-studs, intended for connection to opposing male press studs, manually fitted to the airman’s flying helmet.
The spectacles are in very good condition. The frames are in very nice shape, with only minor paint loss. The side arms retain their shape, and the celluloid side windows have only slightly distorted (as is common on most pairs found). The rubber nose-piece is also in uncommonly good condition. The flipshield operates perfectly, and has only minor surface marks. The only flaw to speak of is that the top of the frame has disconnected slightly on the right-hand side (when worn). This does not affect the way the spectacles display, and for this reason I have left the spectacles exactly as they are. I am certain the frame could easily be fixed, should the buyer wish. Period photos evidence that these spectacles were prone to breakage.
The original leather strap is also included and in unused condition. The strap is nicely marked with the Air Ministry stamp, reference number, and manufacturer details. The strap (or headband in correct Air Ministry terms) was intended for use when a helmet was not worn, though period evidence would suggest the strap was more often used than not.
The spectacles come with their leather spares wallet. Often missing from surviving pairs of Mark VA Spectacles, the leather spares wallet was intended to house two additional pairs of spare lenses; bakelite tube of 'Everclear' de-mist compound; two press studded plates and a nose hook that would have been sewn to the flying helmet (to which the side-arms of the spectacles could be fastened); rear 'headband' strap, for securing the goggles when a helmet wasn’t in use; screwdriver; and an illustrated instruction booklet.
Sadly the majority of the components are missing, with only the tube of ‘Everclear’ de-mist compound remaining, and of course the ‘headband’. The case itself though is in lovely condition, with no significant wear to the leather. All snaps function perfectly.
Overall this is a superb pair of very rare spectacles, ideal for completing a Battle of Britain collection.
Additional photos are available upon request.