Original Item: Only One Available. This goggle type has its roots in France, with most references relating them to ‘early French types’. The earliest advertisement sighted for this kind is dated 1904. They may have been a development of the 19th century ‘Railway Spectacle’ with protective glass side panels. They could be folded into a very compact shape and allowed good peripheral vision.

The goggles' initial hay-day was the period of the 1900s up until early WWI. Numerous advertisements for the type appeared in European and American magazines and catalogs during that period. Evidence would suggest that versions were made in France, Germany, Britain and the United States and probably elsewhere. In the few years before WWI the aviation world was small and comradely, although very competitive, with air shows and competitions being regularly held throughout Europe (mainly France and Germany) and America. At such events the clothing and accessories of notable pilots were perused and subsequently bought. So at the commencement of WWI aviators were tending to wear similar equipment; French goggles and flying helmets were popular universally. During WWI, however, more robust, nationally distinctive goggles types were designed by the various belligerent countries and these tended to eclipse these pre-war lightweight Edwardian types.

Probably the scarcest pattern of WWI flying goggles and so few have survived that most museums do not have a set on display. When Mick Prodger published his classic reference work 'Vintage Flying Helmets' he was unable to source a set for inclusion. It is understood they were experimental when first issued to Royal Naval Air Service pilots in 1917. Each set was contained within a custom made wooden case that held 16 colored lenses (or officially designated "light filters") that were intended to assist with locating and spotting enemy ships, submarines and Signal Flares from the air under different conditions. Some were for looking through haze, while others were for spotting oil on the surface of the water, or for locating shadows under the water or even enemy guns flashing over the trenches! The set was completed when issued with an instruction manual giving directions for use and even an address for pilots to write to with their observations as to how these worked in practice!

This superb example is complete and despite being over 100 years old appears to be in almost unissued condition.

The booklet shows some staining to the cover and the staples are rusted but is still readable and indicates a print date of June 1918. The box is in great condition as well as the filters. There are 8 PAIRS (16 total lenses) for the full set; each pair of filters is numbered and shows some age fading but are undamaged. The goggles themselves are virtually mint and the brown leather is still soft. The cloth bound edge is fur lined and remains pristine, as are the felt face pads. The fabric backstrap is complete but has lost its elasticity over the last 100 years and now needs to be handled carefully. The strap is marked in pencil with a 'K' and the metal clip and adjustment clip are rust free.

This set is museum quality and we will more than likely never encounter a set like this again. These are perfect for any early war aviation collections and comes ready to display!