*ULTRA RARE* ORIGINAL RAF D TYPE OXYGEN MASK BRAIDED HOSE + 6D/101 CONNECTOR

SOLD
 
For sale from my private collection is an extremely rare, braided version of the D Type Oxygen Mask hose. 6D/80.

The D Type Oxygen Mask was introduced in the 1930s, and utilised a constant flow oxygen system which necessitated a 5ft length of rubber tubing, complete with Mark IIIB * (6D/101) connector, to enable fitting to the aircraft's oxygen system. Whilst early iterations are found in either the unbraided tan india rubber, or the gold-braided iteration, the quintisential version seen in the majority of photos of Battle of Britain pilots shows the braided version found here with the black and yellow fleck. Consequently this particular hose is highly sought after by Battle of Britain collectors.
 
Most original hoses - if you can find one - have not survived well, with the majority hardening or splitting completely. This particular hose has gone that way, and sadly split into several sections. The rubber is brittle in parts, although I do believe this is its 'final form' and it will not deteriorate further if stored corrrectly. 
 
The braiding is still in good condition, and the hose still makes for an impressive display. There is some fraying to the braiding at either end, but this is normal as this is where the hose meets the respective connectors. As the photos show, the fleck pattern consists of 4 tightly-spaced yellow flecks that run around the hose, an inch apart. This pattern was distinctively different from the colour of the wiring cables so that pilot's would not confuse the two.
 
By contrast, the Mark IIIB* Connector is in excellent condition and completes the set perfectly. Despite the condition of the hose, it is still possible to attach it to a D Type Oxygen Mask and I am happy to advise the buyer on how best to facilitate this.

Original hoses for the D Type Oxygen Mask are extremely rare, and most collectors would be forgiven for investing in a reproduction to complete a display. This is a unique opportunity to obtain an original hose in the ubiquitous 'Battle of Britain' configuration with the black and yellow braiding.

You may never find another.

Only selling due to a minor upgrade.