MkIII Flying Goggles
Item
Title
MkIII Flying Goggles
Description
Introduced around 1935, MK III goggles used curved celluloid lenses fitted into narrow blackened metal frames with velveteen cushions and large leather surrounds intented to protect the wearer from the elements (most of the RAF fighter aircraft in service in the mid-1930's were still open cockpit). Hinged in the centre, the frames were fitted with small air intake on each side at the top to prevent condensation from forming inside the lenses. Two small buffers were soldered to the frames at the hinge to prevent the wearer from folding the frames the wrong way. The goggle strap comprised cloth wrapped steel springs joined at the back by a length of leather with an adjustable friction buckle.
Date
Identifier
021.006.002
Provenance
Worn by Dwight Barber RCAF who flew Spitfires and was a friend of John Gillespie Magee, USA/CAN pilot and author of "High Flight."