Vintage WW2 AAF Bomber Gunner Aviator Goggle Kit MINTY

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When conducting high altitude bombing runs over occupied territory in the skies above Europe and the Pacific, American bombers were often savaged by marauding axis fighters which hid in the sun's blinding glare to mask their attacks. To counter this, the Army Air Force developed the "Variable Density Goggle," which was designed to allow gunners to view attacking aircraft while looking directly into the sun and to see their tracer rounds as they walked them into their targets. This type of goggle is described and depicted on pages 97 and 270 of Mick Prodger's excellent reference, "Vintage Flying Helmets." Made by Polaroid, this early set of FIRST GENERATION (far more desirable than the later versions that do not have the flip shield) Variable Density goggles is in super-clean, apparently un-issued condition and would extemely difficult to upgrade. All features operate properly, the rubber body remains very soft and flexible, and the headstrap still retains a good deal of its original resilience. The goggles are date-stamped 1944. The original storage can is also included and is in similarly excellent condition. In addition to a lable on its lid, inside you'll find an instruction booklet glued to the interior lid which describes how to use the goggles. Also included are two additional red replacement flip shields (still sealed in read more