Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
Autographs / Art / Personality / Commemorative Items
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Two rare posters commemorating the Polish Air Force Battle of Britain fighter ace Jan Falkowski (with his signature).
Two rare posters/prints commemorating WWII Polish fighter ace and Battle of Britain pilot Jan Falkowski who flew with the RAF during the war. The first is a print of a famous painting by Arnold Hodgkins, "Portrait of Poland" depicting Falkowski holding a ceremonial dagger, in front of a montage of scenes from his remarkable flying career and life. A high quality art print on textured paper enttled which was produced in 1971. The print is in excellent condition, retaining its rich colours, with no damage or creases. It has been rolled up and will be mailed in a tube. The print is one of a small number that were signed by Falkowski and the autograph is crisp and clear in blue ink. The second item is a promotional poster which was hung in bookshops to announce the publication of Falkowski's autobiography in 1971 and features the cover illustration along with the title of the book, "With the Wind in My Face." The poster has a small stain in the upper left hand corner and a very small split on the right hand edge, but is otherwise in very good condition. Two rare pieces of artwork and a rare Battle of Britain Polish fighter pilot's autograph.
ON HOLD
Fantastic and rare original poster for aircraft factory workers.
Very rare poster which was sent to aircraft factories as a morale booster for workers who despite constant bombing raids, continued to work hard producing much needed aircraft for the RAF. The poster features a letter from Stafford Cripps, Minister of Aircraft Production, and depicts 3 Hurricane fighters flying over a convoy of fighters being shipped by lorries. Rich colour printing has not faded, and though the poster was definitely used, it remains in fine displayable condition. Has been folded into four, some very minor loss in corners and has been taped on the back where it has split very slightly at the folds. These flaws in no way detract and if anything add to the historic value of the poster. Size is approximately 20" x 30" and is dated 1943. A superb poster which would make a fantastic backdrop to any RAF collection.
$250 / £205 / €235
RARE original WWII poster in the "Carless Talk..." series.
One of the most prevalent and successful propaganda campaigns of the war was the "Careless Talk Costs Lives" campaign launched by the British Government. It featured the work of several prominent artists and different designs were targeted at all branches of the service, as well as war workers and civilians. This one, titled "Keep Mum – She's Not So Dumb!" depicts a soldier of the British Army and will have been posted on Army bases and training facilities, urging soldiers not to inadvertently mention anything about their location, postings, training etc. to girlfriends, family members, even if they are well-trusted. Poster is original, measures 10" x 15" (25cm x 38cm) printed on war grade paper so quite fragile. It retains its full bright colour, but has been folded in half and has some edge nicks and tears, folds and creases with a couple of small pieces gone at the edge (see picture). A classic and very rare original.
$275 / £220 / €255
WWII original propaganda poster - Mosquito over Berlin
Original art posters are among the most difficult items to find, because so few of them have survived, yet they set off any aviation collection superbly. This is a wonderful example of the propaganda/morale-boosting publicity to be found. Printed for H.M. Stationery Office by Fosh and Cross, Ltd. of London, the poster measures 20" x 30" and depicts a RAF Mosquito bomber releasing its bombs over Berlin's "official quarter" with the simple headline/caption "Into Action." Four more Mosquitoes are getting ready to make their bombing run. The detail in the painting is truly amazing, with buildings, vehicles and even people on the ground clearly shown, as well as the nazi flag on several of the buildings. The colour is as bright and sharp as new. Overall, the poster is in good condition but was folded for many years and the wartime, lower quality paper has partly split along the folds, just a few inches at the edges, with evidence of very old tape being used to hold it together (mostly visible on the back). The only paper loss is a small nick at the top, but all these small flaws would easily be remedied with framing or professional conservation (linen backing etc). A rare and superb example of WWII poster art. Will be posted in a tube.
$475 / £375 / €435
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Lovely collection of 13 (+1 duplicate) 1940s pin-up prints.
Perhaps tame and innocent by today's standards, but considered glamourous and even risqué in the 1940s, these lovely ladies were found on many a barrack room wall or inside the lid of many airmen's trunk or footlocker. There are 14 altogether, including one duplicate, so a baker's dozen. All in excellent condition and mounted in photo album pages (but easily removed). Each is approximately 5" x 7.5"
and are signed by artists Billy DeVorss and Art Frahm.
$70 / £60 / €65 for the set
"Alone no more" fine art print by William S. Phillips, in as-new condition.
Fine art print, never removed from its folio or exposed to light and well-stored, retaining its rich, bright colours. Depicts B-17G "Sweet Rose O'Grady" of 427th BS, 303rd BG which flew more combat missions than any other aircraft in its unit. The aircraft is flanked by two Spitfires of 241 Squadron. Signed and numbered by the artist (394 of 850). Large, panoramic print measuring 36.5" x 14.5" (93cm x 36.5cm). Still in its original Greenwich Workshop folio. Priced below current after-market value.
$325 / £270 / €315
Remarkable personalized first edition of one of the classic books on early WWII RAF fighter pilots, "Squadrons Up" by Noel Monks.
Squadrons Up was written early in the war and published at the beginning of what we now call the Battle of Britain. It features stories about the men who flew in the Battle of France and focuses on 73 squadron and its iconic New Zealander "Cobber" Kain, the first "Ace" in the RAF. This book was given as a Christmas gift by one of the WAAF nurses who was stationed at Kirton in Lindsey, and who knew these brave men. She attached three personal photographs of the personnel of 73 squadron, including "Doc" Outfin, Cobber Kain and several other notable RAF pilots. Kain was killed in June, 1940 so photos of him are quite scarce and this is a superb piece of history. Noel Monks was the Daily Mail War Correspondent who was "embedded" with the RAF in France and the book itself is highly regarded - but this unique personalized edition is a wonderful piece of history with its own intrinsic value. No dust jacket and has a scorch mark to front cover but otherwise nice tight binding and very good condition.
$150 / £130 / €150
10 wartime British photo postcards of US Lend Lease aircraft.
Formerly the property of Yale University Library, these 10 postcards feature US built aircraft in RAF markings, including some rare and early types (Brewster Buffalo, Curtiss Mohawk and C and D models of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress) as well as Hudson, Boston, Liberator, Martlet and Maryland. Great condition and unused except for the Yale stamp o the back and a faint ink stamp "Specimen of British War Literature..." on a couple of them.
$35 / £30 / €34
50 year Commemorative Lindbergh coins x 2.
Commemorative coins struck to mark the Golden Jubillee of Lindbergh's historic solo flight across the Atlantic, in May 1927. Coins are the lightweight aluminium type, but very detailed. 1.375" (35mm) diameter, showing the head of Lindbergh with characteristic flying helmet and goggles on the obverse and the "Spirit of St. Louis" above the Eiffel Tower on the reverse. I would guess these were for some kind of promotion or giveaway but are no doubt collectible in their own right. Very good condition with minor surface rubbing. Price is for both coins.
$25 / £20 / €24
Set of 12 official posters (reprints form 1970s) for every Olympic games, 1912 to 1972 including Berlin 1936 and London 1948.
Complete set of 12 Olympic poster reprints from 1912 to 1972 (printed in 1972). Each is printed in full colour, 10" x 14" (26cm x 36cm). Stockholm 1912, Anvers 1920, Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932, Berlin 1936, London 1948, Helsinki 1952, Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968, Munich 1972. Excellent condition with minor edge nick (no paper loss) on one or two only. Still bright and rich colours. Will be sent rolled in a tube. A small sample selection illustrated but all are present. While these have no direct military connection (except perhaps the 1936 poster) they are historically significant and make great displays.
$75 / £62 / €72
Thunderbolt, the history of the 56th Fighter Group, signed by the author, WWII ace Robert S. Johnson.
1966 paperback edition by Ballantine books, in very good condition, with slight yellowing to paper but no damage or bending of spine. Signed and dedicated by Robert S. Johnson to a high-profile collector in whose library this has reposed for many years. This is the story of the 56th Fighter Group but more importantly, the story of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, as told to well known aviation author martin Caidin by Robert S. Johnson, one of the "Jug's" most successful pilots. (Just found one of Robert Johnson's business cards in the book, being used as a bookmark - so that will be included even though it isn't pictured).
$75 / £60 / €72
Two original wartime pencil drawings of aircraft - extremely high quality artwork.
The first drawing 7" x 5.5" (18cm x 14cm) of a Luftwaffe Heinkel III. On heavy art paper, signed by the artist and dated 1942. The second is 10" x 9" (25cm x 21cm) on art paper, trimmed and mounted on card. (My first thought was an Me 109, but I think it might be a Dewoitine 520). Signed and dated 1941 by the artist with 3 additional signed messages, all in French. This is an excellent piece of art and well worth researching. Price for pair.
$55 / £42 / €50
Rare book "Bluenoser Tails" signed by author "Punchy Powell."
Published in 2007, and now out of print, "Bluenoser Tails" is a compilation of war stories from the 352nd Fighter group. The stories were collected and edited by one of its original pilots, Robert H. "Punchy" Powell, and this copy is signed by him and is in excellent condition. 8.5" x 11", $374 pages, hard cover (casebound) with numerous colour and black and white photos, as well as great artwork throughout. A rare book - and author signed copies are great investments.
$175 / £130 / €150
Fighter Aces of the USA by Toliver and Constable, First Edition, signed by 2 aces.
Long out of print and reprinted many times, this is a 1979 dated First Edition of this classic work by Toliver and Constable, complete with its original dust jacket (one small tear to top near spine, otherwise excellent). Book is in great condition and has been signed by 2 US fighter aces on the title page. Marked on spine with initials of previous owner.
$65 / £55 / €60
2 superb 8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm) photographs of AAF Tuskeegee Airman Major Gordon M. Rapier, one signed by him.
2 large b/w photographs, from wartime originals, of AAF Tuskeegee Airman Major Gordon M. Rapier, DFC, pictured standing by his P-51. One of the photos is signed (and dedicated to a well known high-proflie collector and museum benefactor). In excellent conditon.
$60 / £50 / €55 email to secure this item
Large b/w photograph of 550 sq. RAF, posed in front of a Lancaster, signed by Allan Rose.
Large photo, 14.5" x 7" (37cm x 18cm) on heavy photographic paper (textured paper, hence slight glare in image, not present on actual photo). Signed to a well-known high profile collector and museum benefactor. 550 sq. was formed from C Flight, 100 sq. and only existed from October 1943 – October 1945, created specifically for the air offensive against German industry. Rare photograph.
$60 / £50 / €55 email to secure this item
Tumult in the Clouds, the autobiography of James A. Goodson, signed by the author.
The autobiography of James A. Goodson, fighter ace with the Eagle Squadrons and later with the AAF 4th Fighter Group. Book is signed on endpaper by Goodson. First edition, published in 1983 in excellent condition with personal owner's library stamps to page edges and inside book.
$75 / £60 / €69 email to secure this item
Escort to Berlin by Gary Fry and Jeff Ethell. Signed by two 4th FG pilots.
First edition, published 1980, the history of the 4th Fighter Group, AAF, signed by two members of the 4th Fighter Group (and former Eagle Squadron pilots). In excellent condition.
$75 / £60 / €69 email to secure this item
Jimmy Doolittle autograph on booklet by Barrett Tillman.
Short 8-page article on Jimmy Doolittle by well-known aviation historian Barrett Tillman with full-colour card cover signed by Jimmy Doolittle. 8.5" x 11" Published by the American Aviation Historical Society, the article is full of photos and interesting narrative about his life - "The First 80 Years." Excellent condition and would look great framed.
Doolittle was one of the most influential aviation pioneers most well known of course for organizing and leading a retaliatory raid on Tokyo from an aircraft carrier following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
$125 / £100 / €115 email to secure this item
Fantastic and rare original 1916 WWI Recruiting poster featuring RFC artillery spotting aircraft and heavy artillery gun and crew silhouetted against a blue sky.
"Be honest with yourself. Be certain that your so-called reason is not a selfish excuse – Lord Kitchener. Enlist Today". Colour recruitment poster, No 127, published by Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, London, 1916. This original poster is in absolutely superb condition, fresh and bright ink showing no fading. Very slight damage to bottom left hand corner on border (not affecting image) which has been professionally retouched, and mounted on archival linen for framing. Unusually it features both air and ground forces in co-operation as well as the quote from Lord Kitchener. Approx. 20" x 30" - an absolutely superb poster!
$250 / £180 / €210 email to secure this item
Extremely rare and long out of print biography by US Marine Corps fighter pilot "Combat Aerial Escapades" by J. Hunter Reinburg.
Combat Aerial Escapades - a pilot's log book by J. Hunter Reinburg, was published in a very limited run, privately, by the author in 1966. This copy is signed and dedicated by the author and further annotated by a former RAF aircrew to his friend, a long time collector of some repute. A great read by a very interesting fighter pilot.
$60 / £48 / €55 email to secure this item
Classic Flying Tiger memoir, "God is My Co-Pilot", autographed by Robert L. Scott
One of the best known and widely loved autobiographical accounts of the Flying Tigers, "God is My Co-Pilot" was written by Colonel Robert L. Scott in 1943 when the war was still going on and he was very much active. This is the 1976 ballantine edition of the book, but it is signed in person by Colonel Scott, and included is a black and white photograph of Scott which he has also signed on the back. The book is in excellent condition, with minor wear and very slight yellowing to the pages but no damage. 2 signatures for the price of 1!
$150 / £115 /€135 email to secure this item
Warriors who ride the Wind: Flying Tigers... 14th Air Force by William F.X. Band, with a pasted in bookplate dedicated and signed by 11 of the original Flying Tigers pilots.
From the same distinguished library as the above. Second edition of William Band's book on the Flying Tigers (Castle Books 1993), dedicated to the owner and signed by 11 of the original Flying Tigers. Excellent condition. Almost impossible to find so many of these signatures all together in one place!
$250 / £190 / €215 email to secure this item
Art print by Robert Taylor:
Hurricane Scramble
One of 4 Robert Taylor First Edition fine art prints offered. This is Hurricane Scramble, published by the Military Gallery, Bath, England, 1987, this is number 726 of an edition of 1000 and is signed by Crowley Milling, Peter Brothers, Bea Beamont and Bob Doe as well as the artist. Has been displayed and framed but retains full colour value and clarity. A superb print and a great investment at well below the current gallery price. Will be sent rolled up, ready to frame.
$495 / £350 / €405
Art print by Robert Taylor:
Fourth Fighter Patrol
One of 4 Robert Taylor First Edition fine art prints offered. This is Fourth Fighter Patrol, published by the Military Gallery, Bath, England, 1987, this is number 58 of an edition of 1000 and is signed by Don Blakeslee, Jim Goodson, Chesley Peterson and Jim Clarke as well as the artist. Has been displayed and framed but retains full colour value and clarity. A superb print and a great investment at well below the current gallery price. Will be sent rolled up, ready to frame.
$750 / £535 / €610
RARE Artist's proof signed by Robert Taylor:
D-Day Airborne Assault.
This is NOT a print but an artist's proof, one of only 135 released for sale (this is number 12). D-Day Airborne Assault, published by the Military Gallery, Bath, England in 1994 is signed by Warren Emerson, Clayton Gross, Sid Harwell, William B King, Maurice Long and Miles Wagner as well as the artist. Has been displayed and framed but retains full colour value and clarity. A superb investment at well below the current gallery price. Will be sent rolled up, ready to frame.
$925 / £655/ €755