WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy Pilot Flight Goggles - Private Purchase - RARE

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy Pilot Flight Goggles - Private Purchase - RARE:
$799.99

You are offerding onaFANTASTICand RARE set of WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy Pilot Flight Goggles! These were used by many fighter and bomberpilots throughout the war.

From the end of WW1to the 1930s, Japanese aviation was greatly influenced by French, British, German, and American developments. During this period, the Japanese military designed and developed its own \"cat\'s eye\" style from 1939 to 1945.

The standard clear glass flight goggles used by the Navy and army air forces used the goggles mainly during take-off and landing, to protect their eyes from dun and debris, and strong wind in the cockpit. In a closed cockpit the goggles could protect the eyes from drafts.

According to former navy pilots, Saburo Sakai and Sadamu Komachi, during flight, goggles were only worn in the cockpit when needed. They stated that the goggles, although necessary, often decreased direct visibility and hampered their peripheral vision. However in a tropical Environment such as Rabaul, pilots would track mud into the cockpits on their boots. This mud would eventually turn to dirt, andduring flight, and subsequent maneuvering of the aircraft, this dust could get in the eyes. Sakai further said that he did not wear goggles during dogfights against other fighters, but that he did wear goggles when he attacked bombers only because they shot back, and he wanted to protect his eyes in case of flying shrapnel.

The Japanese Navy Air force used seven Cat’s Eye styles of flight goggles. These were standard clear glass (dark frames and cushion), private purchase (light-colored metal frames with white cushion), amber tinted, green tinted, fur mask, electrically heated, and experimental anti-fog.

Private purchase goggles are identified by their unique dull silver or platinum-colored aluminum frames with while velveteen-padded cushion. These goggles were of very high quality, and according to Sakai and Komachi, these private purchase goggles were all high demand amongst naval night petty officers and above.

Made by MAN (Manchuria Manufacture Co.), this Imperial Japanese Navy Airforce \"Private Purchase\" goggle set is in SUPERB used condition. Fitted between the aluminum frames and velveteen cushionsare two curved elliptical glass lenses (2 sandwiched per side), which was an early attempt by the Japanese at safety glass in case the goggles shattered or broke during use. No cracks in the lenses, and they remain VERY clear! Both upper corners featured embossed logo, whichI believe is for the \"MAN\" company. They are clearly Navy issue, due to the unique shape, color, and style. Some slight marks and wear, but that is expected, due to the age. No damage to the frames, and they still retain 98% of their original finish! The elastic straps are still solid, with no fraying, but the elasticity is a bit stiff. Otherwise an EXCELLENT and VERY RARE addition to any collection or display!

Please email me if you need additional photos or information.

------------------- PAYMENT -----------------

Payment should be made within 7 business days at the end of the sale unless buyer contacts me for other arrangements. I accept all forms of payment.

PLEASE DO NOT PAY UNTIL YOU ARE INVOICED!!

------------------- SHIPPING -----------------

My goal is to ship within 7 days from sale end. However, depending on circumstances, it may take up to an additional 1 week from receipt of confirmed payment. If you need it shipped sooner, please let me know and I will do our best to accommodate.

------------------- TERMS OF SALE -----------------

Most of my items are vintage, and as such are AS-IS, so you must therefore expect a degree of wear due to age and/or usage. I will describe each sale to the best of my knowledge and take as many photos necessary to ensure you are pleased upon receiving your item. All sales are final, so please make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction before you purchase.

------------------- ABOUT ME -----------------

Although my passion is the Me109, I do offer many other German Aircraft (Fw190, Me262, etc.), as well as USAF and Japanese items. Occasionally I do offer many non-vintage items such as prints and art relating to the time period. As a private collector myself, I am constantly on the lookout for historical memorabilia, authentic photographs, artwork or anything unique relating to military aircraft.

------------------- COPYRIGHT -----------------

All pictures and descriptions used in my sales under COPYRIGHT and I foroffer the use of these photos and information in any manner such as paper or electronic (internet) publications or otherwise. Use is solely based on my authorization only.