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Original WW2 RAF MK VIII Goggles - Air Ministry Marked
SOLD
Code: 50434
An original pair of MK VIII RAF goggles in excellent condition complete the Air Ministry mark to the leather bridge piece.
The MK VIII goggles are arguably the most iconic of all RAF goggles, coming into service during 1943 and stay in use with the RAF until the 1960s.
These fantastic goggles still retain their original Air Ministry stamp and 22c/ stores number which is stamped into the leather between the two eye pieces. Many pairs of MK VIII goggles on the internet do not in fact have this AM stamp and those that do are much more sort after by collectors.
The elastic strap is a good original example and not a later copy. It is most likely original to the goggles and features an interesting teardrop shaped leather pull tab which I have not come across before. There is a small amount of corrosion to the metal section of the strap adjuster and a small split between the elastic and the leather end on one side, although this could easily be repaired.
The brass frames are in good condition with brass showing through in the more worn areas. These particular goggles feature a much darker blue frame than normal, possibly repainted by the original owner, although to what purpose I'm not quite sure!
The chamois backing of the goggles is really excellent and doesn't look to have seen much use. The tapes between the two eye pads are also in very good condition and the tinted lenses are also good but with some signs of delamination, as they invariably do.
There is a small amount of stitching which has come loose between the leather nose piece and brass frames on one side although this is only noticeable on very close inspection and does not effect the way the goggles display at all.
An excellent original pair of WW2 RAF goggles in great condition with the much sought-after Air Ministry 22C stamp. This would compliment and RAF collection without a doubt!
