WW2 RAF MKIVB Flying goggles - Short-loop Modified

WW2 RAF MKIVB FLYING GOGGLES - SHORTLOOP MODIFIED. A good used pair of these early war flying goggles, iconic in images of Battle of Britain pilots and aircrew. These pair have the very rare short loop modification. This was a simple modification, a kit was issued allowing the large ear loops to be shortened, and the strap lengthened. This was done so the MkIVB goggles could be used with the new C-type flying helmet, introduced in 1941. 

This pair is in pretty good displayable condition. The frames retain a lot of the original brown finish, with minimal wear and loss. The goggles are fitted with an original set of correct MKIV goggle lenses. They do have some delamination but are relatively clean with some delamination, there is a small crack in the left lens. In the middle, the leather nose pad is still attached and stitched in place. It is in lovely condition with no damage, still soft and supple with chamois to the reverse. The foam inside is still soft and hasn't gone hard. 

To the reverse of the goggles, the 4 foam face pads have survived remarkably well, they still retain good shape and color. With little or no crazing to the rubber, they are still lovely and soft and spongey. 

The strap arrangement consists of two shortened ear loops, these have been shortened and reattached with 4 flat head bolts, as photoed. The two shortened loops are in good condition with no damage to the brown fabric covering. The leather strap is then stitched around the shortened loops, where the strap connects you will find a brass collar that allows the strap to slide up and down the shortened loops. These brass collars are again part of the modification kit. 

The leather section of the strap has 1 sprung section, the sprung section that is attached is part of the modification. This is in good condition without issue, still retaining good springyness. The leather section itself has some minor loss to the brown finish but it's not too bad. Nicely marked with a large A.M. crown, stores reference number 22C/167, "GOGGLES MARK IVB", manufactured by "J.R FLEMING LTD". A pretty good set of these rare modified goggles, perfect for display in any RAF display, collection, or museum. 

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