Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
Escape / Evasion / Survival
(click on pictures to enlarge)
EXTREMELY RARE RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945. Relisted because this item cannot be shipped outside the USA.
One of the rarest and most difficult to find accessories for completing a late war RAF fighter pilot flying equipment display, this is the only example of one of these I have ever seen. In correct RAF stores ref. parlance, this is the "Dry Breathing Assembly, Emergency, Mk I" for high altitude bale-out, Stores ref. 6D/541. Introduced late in the war for use in high-altitude, high-performance fighters, it fit into the long narrow pocket on the outside of the Type A Mk III K-dinghy pack. It comprises the oxygen tank/bottle and valve assembly, D-ring for activation. and long narrow rubber tube which connects to the small outlet pipe on the special oxygen tube/hose for the G or H mask. All in superb condition and dated September 1945. Well marked and tagged with a later inspection/calibration card. An incredibly rare item. G mask, high-altitude mask tube and dinghy pack are shown only for context and not included with sale. Rarity of this item simply cannot be overstated. NOTE: Shipping within US only.
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$1,500
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 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
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 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
 v |  RAF Emergency bale-out oxygen supply Mk I, complete, dated 1945 |
AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured.
Scarce 16-page pocket sized (4" x 5") booklet of instructions for officers and me of the AAF in the event of capture or landing in a neutral country. This was probably issued at the same time as escape/evasion kits but clearly labeled as
"Not to be taken into a plane or aboard a ship." Lots of details about what tricks the enemy will use to try and gain information and how to guard against it. Interesting stuff. Dated 1/44. Poor quality wartime paper but overall very good condition. Centre pages are loose but it's all there. I have never come across this particular item before.
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$75 / £60 / €68
 AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |  AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |
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 AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |  AAF instruction booklet on what to do if captured |
WWII Easco clip-on life jacket light with red lens, issued to all Royal Navy personnel including Fleet Air Arm aircrews.
Waterproof Easco battery-operated light for attaching to a life vest. These were never issued to RAF crews - the Air Ministry issued only the more robust floating light with a battery compartment that held two batteries and a white light which was shown to be brighter; the Royal Navy however, issued these Easco clip-on red lights to all personnel on board ship, for use at night and in the event of being lost overboard. This included Fleet Air Arm crews who had more faith in them because of the red light, which the RN believed showed up better at night against the phosphorescent whitecaps. There are numerous photographs of FAA crews wearing these lights. This example is in excellent condition.
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$30 / £24 / €28
 Easco life jacket light, WWII issued to all Royal Navy personnel including Fleet Air Arm aircrews |
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 Easco life jacket light, WWII issued to all Royal Navy personnel including Fleet Air Arm aircrews |
 Easco life jacket light, WWII issued to all Royal Navy personnel including Fleet Air Arm aircrews |
 Easco life jacket light, WWII issued to all Royal Navy personnel including Fleet Air Arm aircrews |
 Easco life jacket light, WWII issued to all Royal Navy personnel including Fleet Air Arm aircrews |
RAF anti-snakebite kit as carried in the Beadon Suit.
A scarce survival item which was issued as part of the equipment carried in the Beadon Suit as well as other survival kits issued as needed to aircrews. This anti-snakebite kit comprised a small chrome-plated brass tube with both ends unscrewing. One end reveals a sharp cutting tool or lancet for cutting out the infected area, and the other end contains a small capsule of sulfur for treating the open wound after cutting. The capsule, usually missing, is present in this complete kit which is in excellent condition and is well-marked with the maker's name (Gardner Co. London) and the Air Ministry acceptance mark (A-crown-M).
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ON HOLD
 RAF anti-snakebite kit as carried in the Beadon Suit |  RAF anti-snakebite kit as carried in the Beadon Suit |
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 RAF anti-snakebite kit as carried in the Beadon Suit |
Mk I Marching Compass as issued with the K dinghy (and other dinghies).
The standard issue compass of all branches of the military throughout the war, the Mk I Marching Compass was issued as part of the K dinghy survival pack as well as larger, multi-place dinghies. This example is in great condition, well-marked and in perfect working order, and includes the "D" ring for attaching to a lanyard for wearing around the neck. While the smaller "escape" type compasses would work in a pinch, these more robust compasses were far more accurate and definitely the preferred type.
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$75 / £60 / €70
 Mk I Marching Compass as issued with the K dinghy and other dinghies |  Mk I Marching Compass as issued with the K dinghy and other dinghies |
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 Mk I Marching Compass as issued with the K dinghy and other dinghies |  Mk I Marching Compass as issued with the K dinghy and other dinghies |
 Mk I Marching Compass as issued with the K dinghy and other dinghies |
WWII Emergency Rations tin complete with contents.
The "Emergency Rations" tin was issued to all branches of every service serving in combat areas. It's purpose was as a backup to all other rations and supplies. One tin was intended to sustain one man for 24 hours. It contained a solid block of highly-caffeinated chocolate (similar to the German Scho-ka-Kola). Produced in huge quantities, the tins are not too scarce, but to find one with original contents is extremely rare. Still retains part of its gold finish — a special waterproofing which eventually flaked off. The original seal is missing but the tin is intact and contents remain. Clear instructions on lid and product coding on bottom.
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$275 / £220 / €255
 WWII Emergency Rations tin complete with contents |  WWII Emergency Rations tin complete with contents |
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 WWII Emergency Rations tin complete with contents |  WWII Emergency Rations tin complete with contents |
100 Lire wartime Italian money as carried in escape purses.
Well worn 100 Lire note dated 1942. It was very important when airmen were evading capture, that they have authentic currency, with various dates and in well worn condition, so as not to arouse suspicion (all brand new notes would certainly attract unwanted attention). This is typical of the money carried in the escape purses.
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$20 / £16 / €19
 100 Lire wartime Italian money as carried in escape purses |  100 Lire wartime Italian money as carried in escape purses |
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 100 Lire wartime Italian money as carried in escape purses |
AAF dinghy survival Fishing Kit, complete.
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Without doubt, the best and only 100% complete example of this rare fishing kit I have ever seen. HBT cotton case unrolls to show its complete contents of hooks, gaffs, weights, lures, lines etc. and the original instruction sheet on water resistant parchment paper. It looks like it has never been unpacked so I am reluctant to pull the items out (they are a tight fit), especially as there are many sharp hooks and I don't want to risk tearing the case. Suffice to say this example would be impossible to upgrade.
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$185 / £148 / €170
 AAF dinghy survival Fishing Kit, complete |  AAF dinghy survival Fishing Kit, complete |
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 AAF dinghy survival Fishing Kit, complete |  AAF dinghy survival Fishing Kit, complete |
Scarce AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member, complete with most contents.
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First introduced early 1945, the individual first kits were issued in aluminium cases and sealed with friction tape. This example retains original contents including: small dressing, safety pins, halazone tablets, wound tablets and sulfanilamide. The morphine styrette boxes are replicas and empty, but look the part. Original friction tape is present but lost it's adhesiveness and is secured with a small piece of OD duct tape. These aluminium first aid kit cases are quite scarce and very unusual to find with contents.
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$200 / £160 / €185
 AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member with most contents |  AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member with most contents |
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 AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member with most contents |  AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member with most contents |
 AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member with most contents |  AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member with most contents |
 AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member with most contents |
Rare RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner.
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Essentially an electrically-heated, quilted sleeping bag, carried on larger aircraft in the event of a crew member being injured in combat or for transporting wounded evacuees. They would be put into this bag for the flight back to base in order to keep them comfortable. A very scarce item and the first i have ever come across, it is in uperb, unissued condition and extremely well made. Heavy, grey-green cotton fabric with brown fabric holding the electric wires. All wiring appears intact including the cord and plug which is deigned to integrate with the aircraft electrical system. Great label with broad arrow. This is the heated inner bag - there was an outer bag of thicker, thermal fabric which was not electrically wired.
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$575 / £465 / €525
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
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 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
 RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag, Inner |
RAF Bartholemew silk escape map sheets J3 and J4 (Italy and Swiss border region)
Scarce early wartime double-sided silk escape map in the Batholemew series, sheets J3 and J4. showing Italy and the Swiss border crossing area. The Swiss Frontier is enlarged to illustrate escape routes. Folded but excellent condition, no damage and bright crisp printing. No date that I can find but this is from the 1941-42 series.
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$120 / £99 / €115
 RAF Bartholemew escape map sheets J3 and J4 (Italy and Swiss border region) |  RAF Bartholemew escape map sheets J3 and J4 (Italy and Swiss border region) |
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 RAF Bartholemew escape map sheets J3 and J4 (Italy and Swiss border region) |  RAF Bartholemew escape map sheets J3 and J4 (Italy and Swiss border region) |
 RAF Bartholemew escape map sheets J3 and J4 (Italy and Swiss border region) |  RAF Bartholemew escape map sheets J3 and J4 (Italy and Swiss border region) |
RAF paddles for the K Dinghy—unissued and unused.
Perfect set of two paddles for the RAF one-man dinghy, Type K. These fit into the pack carried as part of the seat parachute cushion. Unissued, unused condition, bright and pliable with clear stores reference markings. Retain their securing lines.
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$55 / £45 / €52
 RAF paddles for the K Dinghy—unissued and unused |  RAF paddles for the K Dinghy—unissued and unused |
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 RAF paddles for the K Dinghy—unissued and unused |
Inflation bellows for the RAF K Dinghy.
Small hand-operated "accordion" bellows for topping up air in the RAF one-man K Dinghy. Fits into the pack carried as part of the seat parachute cushion. Well marked and in perfect working order, never been issued or used.
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$50 / £42 / €48
 Inflation bellows for the RAF K Dinghy. |  Inflation bellows for the RAF K Dinghy. |
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 Inflation bellows for the RAF K Dinghy. |
Baling Cup for the RAF one-man K Dinghy.
Small, collapsible baling cup issued with the RAF one-man K Dinghy. Fits into the pack carried as part of the seat parachute cushion. Well marked with stores reference information and in excellent condition, retaining its securing line.
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$85 / £70 / €80
 Baling Cup for the RAF one-man K Dinghy |  Baling Cup for the RAF one-man K Dinghy |
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 Baling Cup for the RAF one-man K Dinghy |
AAF Waterproof cover for a pistol or personal effects.
Plastic cover, or pouch, issued to US Army personnel including AAF for keeping a pistol or personal effects from getting wet. These may have been used with the C-1 Emergency Sustenance Vest or other escape/evasion items. Well marked and dated 12/13/44. Unissued condition.
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$85 / £70 / €80
 AAF Waterproof cover for a pistol or personal effects. |  AAF Waterproof cover for a pistol or personal effects. |
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 AAF Waterproof cover for a pistol or personal effects. |
RAF large dinghy/rigging knife for multi-place dinghies.
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The "dinghy" knife which came attached to the dinghy pack on all larger, multi-place dinghies, specifically for cutting the ropes which attached the dinghy to it's pack or to the aircraft. It has a very sharp blade, but a rounded tip so as not to puncture the inflation chamber of the dinghy or Mae West. Shows use and some wear (it was there!) to the floating cork handle but no serious damage. The blade, as mentioned, is still sharp and well-marked with the RAF stores ref. number.
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$65 / £52 / €60
 RAF large dinghy/rigging knife for multi-place dinghies |  RAF large dinghy/rigging knife for multi-place dinghies |
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 RAF large dinghy/rigging knife for multi-place dinghies |  RAF large dinghy/rigging knife for multi-place dinghies |
RARE RAF tissue escape map, Abyssinia.
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Early escape maps were often printed on tissue paper, which could be folded very small, balled up, and were relatively easy to conceal for all but the most thorough search. The tissue was also resilient to water, and could be cut into smaller pieces than concealed in various places. This map shows Abyssinia, part of Italy's kingdom at the beginning of the war. Few have survived and this is a particularly rare example in very good condition, with some minor creasing at the edges and one small hole which is not in a printed area.
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$150 / £125 / €140
 RARE RAF tissue escape map, Abyssinia |  RARE RAF tissue escape map, Abyssinia |
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 RARE RAF tissue escape map, Abyssinia |  RARE RAF tissue escape map, Abyssinia |
RAF escape maps 43 series sheets 43C and 43D.
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The 1943 series represent the first standardized escape / evasion maps and were issued routinely to aircrews flying over occupied enemy territory. Scales, colours and materials (Rayon) were all standard and they could be folded ready for issue in rubberized cotton pouches, usually labeled according to their contents. This example is in excellent condition and if issued, was was never unfolded and used. Sheet C covers Holland, Belgium and parts of France and Germany. Sheet D, on the back, shows other parts of France, Germany and Switzerland. These maps were almost indestructible, could be overdyed in a solid colour and worn as a scarf, then later washed out when needed, or sewn between layers of fabric inside clothing. Getting harder to find these days - especially in sch good, unused condition.
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$120 / £100 / €115
 RAF escape maps 43 series sheets 43C and 43D |  RAF escape maps 43 series sheets 43C and 43D |
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 RAF escape maps 43 series sheets 43C and 43D |  RAF escape maps 43 series sheets 43C and 43D |
Luftwaffe navigational chart/map for Scotland / Orkney Islands including Scapa Flow, dated 1938.
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Excellent Luftwaffe navigational chart, based, as they all were, on British Ordnance Survey maps from the 1930s and then overprinted with German language text. This map shows the Orkney Islands in north-eastern Scotland, and in particular Scapa Flow, which was the Royal Navy's primary base and thus a major target for the Luftwaffe. Excellent condition. Someone has written the title on the outside cover.
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$100 / £82 / €95
 Luftwaffe navigational chart/map for Scotland / Scapa Flow |  Luftwaffe navigational chart/map for Scotland / Scapa Flow |
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 Luftwaffe navigational chart/map for Scotland / Scapa Flow |  Luftwaffe navigational chart/map for Scotland / Scapa Flow |
 Luftwaffe navigational chart/map for Scotland / Scapa Flow |
RAF / SAAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version.
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Yellow cotton skull-cap with tie strings, carried in the pocket of the Mae West and intended to be worn in the event of ditching or a parachute descent into water, to aid recognition, but also to protect the wearer from the sun. This tropical version has an elasticated nape and an extension at the back to protect the neck from sunburn. Not often found with any significant markings, this example is marked with a broad arrow in a "U" which indicates South African Air Force production, and named to Wilson. It is dated 1944 - long after these were declared obsolete in the European theatre, so perhaps this was for issue in the Mediterranean an North Africa. Minor repair to the top made during its working life. Rare to find an example actually issued and evidently used.
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$120 / £100 / €115
 RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |  RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |
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 RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |  RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |
 RAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version |
RAF Air Ministry early
tube-style ditching whistle and chain.
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Initially used as police whistles, there is plenty of photographic evidence showing these pea-less tube whistles in use as "ditching" whistles, attached the the aircrew blouse or Mae West. Excellent example, retaining its polished plated finish and with its chain attached. Clear Air Ministry markings.
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$105 / £85 / €100
 RAF Air Ministry early tube-style ditching whistle and chain |  RAF Air Ministry early tube-style ditching whistle and chain |
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 RAF Air Ministry early tube-style ditching whistle and chain |
RARE RAF / SOE evasion and escape item: compass concealed in a box of matches.
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Ingenious method for concealing the standard small compass for aircrew to carry with them on ops or for putting into care packages for sending to POWs. Comprises a wartime Bryant & May's wooden matchbox, with a false cardboard bottom beneath the matches, underneath which the compass is hidden in a thin slab of balsa wood. The matches can be used and the box examined and even emptied of its matches with a good possibility that the compass would not be discovered. One of many such brilliant means of hiding these small compasses developed by Clayton Hutton and MI9.
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$295 / £250 / €285
 RARE RAF / SOE escape item - compass concealed in a box of matches |  RARE RAF / SOE escape item - compass concealed in a box of matches |
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 RARE RAF / SOE escape item - compass concealed in a box of matches |  DSCN5059 |
 DSCN5061RARE RAF / SOE escape item - compass concealed in a box of matches |  RARE RAF / SOE escape item - compass concealed in a box of matches |
RAF escape button compass disguised as a trouser button.
RAF trouser button compass. This is the one-piece type made from bakelite with a magnetic "needle" concealed inside the moulding. Once removed from the garment and suspended from a length of cotton (used to sew the button in place), the button would rotate until the double dot pointed north. This type was issued to the Army (in brown bakelite) and the black version was issued to RAF and RN personnel.
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$90 / £75 / €88
 RAF escape button compass disguised as a trouser button |  RAF escape button compass disguised as a trouser button |
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 RAF escape button compass disguised as a trouser button |  RAF escape button compass disguised as a trouser button |
 RAF escape button compass disguised as a trouser button |
RAF aircrew silk escape map S2/S3 Italy/Greece.
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Early wartime issue (1941-42) Bartholomew map printed 2-sides on silk showing Italy, Yugoslavia on one side and Greece, Turkey on the reverse. Unissued condition with no wear or damage and only light storage soiling. Approximately 26" x 26" (66cm x 66cm).
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$120 / £100 / €115
 RAF aircrew silk escape map S2/S3 Italy/Greece |  RAF aircrew silk escape map S2/S3 Italy/Greece |
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 RAF aircrew silk escape map S2/S3 Italy/Greece |  RAF aircrew silk escape map S2/S3 Italy/Greece |
 RAF aircrew silk escape map S2/S3 Italy/Greece |
RAF AP1548 - Responsibilities of a POW, together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society.
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RARE AP given to aircrews but NOT TO BETAKEN INTO THE AIR with instructions on what to do (and what NOT to do) if captured. This is the April 1944 edition and quite scarce. Good condition showing use so quite grubby but no damage. Together with a copy of the booklet on The RAF Escaping Society - an exclusive organization for RAF escapers. These came together and they should stay together.
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$175 / £150 / €170
 RAF AP 1548 - Responsibilities of a POW together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society |  RAF AP 1548 - Responsibilities of a POW together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society |
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 RAF AP 1548 - Responsibilities of a POW together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society |  RAF AP 1548 - Responsibilities of a POW together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society |
 RAF AP 1548 - Responsibilities of a POW together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society |  RAF AP 1548 - Responsibilities of a POW together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society |
 RAF AP 1548 - Responsibilities of a POW together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society |
RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle).
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Very good example of these now quite scarce whistles which were issued to all aircrew from 1942 on. Popularly known as "ditching" whistles but actually used by downed aircrew on land or in the water in order to locate each other. Usually worn attached to the collar of the Aircew Blouse (War Service Dress) but could also be attached to the life vest. Well marked, original whistle retaining its original plated finish.
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$80 / £68 / €78
 RAF aircrew "snail" ditching whistle |  RAF aircrew "snail" ditching whistle |
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 RAF aircrew "snail" ditching whistle |  RAF aircrew "snail" ditching whistle |
 RAF aircrew "snail" ditching whistle |  RAF aircrew "snail" ditching whistle |
RAF Aircraft First Aid Outfit dated 1940.
RAF Aircraft First Aid Outfit dated 1940. These were carried in all fighter aircraft engaged in the Battle of Britain. Sturdy canvas case with compartments for various vials, bandages, tools etc. These early first aid kits are more desirable than later dates and tend to be more scarce. Later examples did not have the separated compartments for different items. Empty of all contents. A nice example in very good condition with clear Air Ministry markings and date.
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$135 / £125 / €140
 RAF Aircraft First Aid Outfit dated 1940 |  RAF Aircraft First Aid Outfit dated 1940 |
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 RAF Aircraft First Aid Outfit dated 1940 |  RAF Aircraft First Aid Outfit dated 1940 |
 RAF Aircraft First Aid Outfit dated 1940 |
RARE RAF Type C dinghy container dared 1940, used by Bristol Blenheim fighter crews during the Battle of Britain.
Extremely rare RAF survival item—the stowage container for the Type C dinghy. At the time of its introduction into service, the Type C dinghy was one of only two types that used a gas-inflated system and was quickly superseded by the Type M, so it had a relatively short service life. It was a triangular dinghy made from rubberized silk fabric, designed for a maximum of 3 occupants, and was primarily used on the Blenheim fighter and bomber (Blenheim I fighters saw action during the Battle of Britain). This version of the pack was designed to float and and could be quickly activated by pulling the gas cartridge lever - the pack would break away. The case has built-in flotation pads inside compartments around which the folded dinghy would be packed, as well as compartments for paddles etc. Very good condition with no damage, the built-in flotation pads are a bit crumbly but still complete. Case is well-marked with Air Ministry nomenclature and dated 1940. A very rare accessory. Note: dinghy NOT included.
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$525 / £465 / €540
 RARE RAF Type C dinghy pack. |  RARE RAF Type C dinghy pack. |
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 RARE RAF Type C dinghy pack. |  RARE RAF Type C dinghy raft case |
 RARE RAF Type C dinghy pack. |  RARE RAF Type C dinghy pack. |
 RARE RAF Type C dinghy pack. |
Unique piece of history: Important escape compass with Dambusters connection, including provenance and extremely rare photos.
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The collar stud compass worn by Jerry Fray, photo recon pilot with 542 squadron on his many photo-recon missions, including the Mohne Dam, the day before and the day after the Dambusters raid, Operation "Chastise" on May 15 and 17, 1943, in order to get vital before-and-after images of the dam. Jerry flew an unarmed Spitfire PRIX so was given the escape compass in the event he was attacked and shot down. This grouping includes the collar stud compass in good working order and the signed letter from Jerry to a well known and trusted dealer (includes the tape used to hold the compass in place on the page!). With the compass are four large original wartime photographs: one shows Guy Gibson, leader of the dams raid by 617 Squadron, pointing to Jerry's before and after photos of the Mohne Dam (8.5" x 6.25"); a group photo (8.25" x 5.5") of key Dambusters personnel including Guy Gibson and Barnes Wallis. (Jerry is in the picture and has written on the back pointing himself out); a later target photo of Rotterdam by Jerry Fray (8" x 9"); a large (12" x 5") group photo of the PR unit at RAF Benson which has slight damage but is taped up and intact. All pictures are original, no reprints, and came from Jerry Fray. A unique and important historical artifact with fantastic provenance linking it to one of the most important events of WWII .
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$2,500 / £2,050 / €2,380
email to secure this item
 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |  Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
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 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |  Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |  Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |  Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |  Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |  Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |  Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
 Important escape compass with provenance and Dambusters connection |
Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy, complete with contents.
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Very rare to find any wartime rations complete with contents, and this is the first time I have encountered full cans of water rations. These standard water cans, 4.5" x 3.5" (11cm x 8.75cm) were issued as part of survival rations with multi-place dinghies (notably the 2-man L dinghy dropped by Mk I and Mk II Spitfires later in the war - see photos for detailed notes from AP1182D). They were also included with the Lindholme Airborne lifeboat dropped by Hudsons and other larger aircraft. Well marked with instructions and produced by Norfolk Canneries, Ltd. Small quantity available. A few dings and minor dents and some surface rust to cans, but no damage or leaks detected and still with contents.
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$55 / £45 / €53 each
 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
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 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
 Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy |
RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle).
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Very good example of these now quite scarce whistles which were issued to all aircrew from 1942 on. Popularly known as "ditching" whistles but actually used by downed aircrew on land or in the water in order to locate each other. Usually worn attached to the collar of the Aircew Blouse (War Service Dress) but could also be attached to the life vest. Well marked, original whistle retaining almost all of its original plated finish.
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$80 / £68 / €78
 RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle). |  RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle). |
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 RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle). |  RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle). |
WWII US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc.
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As with many items of US Navy flying kit, these were purchased "off the shelf" from the manufacturer for issue to US Navy aviators in the early war years. Red plastic housing and clear red lens, with patented spring clamp, lanyard and large safety pin for attaching to flight suit or life vest.
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$75 / £60 / €72
 US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc. |  US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc. |
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 US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc. |  US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc. |
 US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc. |  US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc. |
RAF Beadon Suit aluminium container for 7 cigarettes.
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Olive green aluminium tin, 3" (8cm) in length with screw top marked with stores ref number and labeled 7 cigarettes. This was part of the Beadon suit survival kit (cigarettes for survival!). No contents. A scarce survival item. Unissued condition.
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$75 / £60 / €72
 RAF Beadon Suit aluminium container for 7 cigarettes |  RAF Beadon Suit aluminium container for 7 cigarettes |
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 RAF Beadon Suit aluminium container for 7 cigarettes |  RAF Beadon Suit aluminium container for 7 cigarettes |
Scarce Australian made First Aid shell dressing, dated June 1942.
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Made by Johnson & Johnson, Sydney. Unopened. Great condition - type of dressing carried in the small pocket inside the RAF / RAAF service dress uniform.
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$35 / £28 / €34
 Scarce Australian made First Aid shell dressing, dated June 1942 |  Scarce Australian made First Aid shell dressing, dated June 1942 |
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 Scarce Australian made First Aid shell dressing, dated June 1942 |
RARE WWII RAF silk escape map of Singapore for concealing inside clothing.
Rare silk escape map which has been modified by cutting down, shaping and adding button holes. Measures 15" x 12" (38cm x 30cm). Cut down sections were buttoned inside the back of the shirt or jacket - thus a different section would be worn depending on the day's mission. Map shows the Strait of Singapore, with added printed notations of type of terrain (swampy jungle, undulating jungle, scattered cultivation, etc). Double-sided map with white silk backing neatly hemmed around the edge. Some insect damage to backing silk (no damage to map), a few light stains and one small cigarette burn.
A very rare variation.
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$325 / £238 / €285
 RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |  RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |
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 RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |  RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |
 RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |  RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |
 RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |  RAF escape map for concealing inside clothing |
Luftwaffe one man dinghy – Einmannschlauchboot.
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The Einmannschlauchboot, or "one man rubber boat", was introduced in late 1940 following the loss of so many Luftwaffe fighter pilots in the Channel during the Battle of Britain. Initially it was stowed behind the pilot's seat in fighter aircraft; later a second dinghy was added in a pack worn by the pilot. Dinghy is is in good condition, the rubberized material
perfectly flexible, including the keel/ballast which is often dried up. Well marked with nomenclaure and instructions. Missing one rope grab handle and seams have been reinforced with heavy black tape. A scarce item.
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$650 / £475 / €570
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
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 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
 Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |  Luftwaffe Einmannschlauchboot, one man dinghy |
USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s. 3 different available.
Superb set of 3 artificial silk (Rayon) Operational Navigation Charts (ONCs) carried by USAF pilots and crews in the 1960s. Each is approx. 30" x 48" (76cm x 106cm). These beautifully printed, highly detailed maps show all features on land and sea with information for military flight planning (such as jet fuel facilities) and for survival/rescue. ONC-L11 covers Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philipines, South China Seas, etc. dated 1967. ONC-M10 includes Java, Java Sea, Sumatra and part of the Indian Ocean. ONC-H3 and ONC-H4 (back to back) depict Libya, United Arab Republic, Gulf of Sidra and more. Superb unused condition, clean and crisp.
Price each:
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$35 / £25 / €30
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ONC-L11 SOLD
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
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 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
 USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |  USAF double-sided Rayon Operational Navigation Charts 1960s x 3 |
RARE early US Army Air Corps Type F-1 Flyers Emergency Sustenance Case with lid.
First approved for issue in 1940 and superseded by early 1943, this is the first of this type of Emergency Sustenance kit for aviators I have ever come across. Made from heavy rubberized canvas painted with silver aircraft dope (similar to balloon fabric) and well marked, the kit measures 13" x 8" x 2" and was designated a "Forced Landing Kit." It originally contained a tin of rations and a larger tin containing a flashlight, compass, hunting knife, fishing line and hooks, plus first aid kit. A very AAC / AAF survival item in grubby but very good condition, including its handle and lid. Worth noting also is that every multiplace US aircraft sent to England under Lease Lend would have been equipped with one of these cases; this would include the Hudsons, Flying Fortresses, Mitchells etc. used by the RAF.
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$120 / £88 / €100
 AAC Type F-1 Flyers Emergency Sustenance Case |  AAC Type F-1 Flyers Emergency Sustenance Case |
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 AAC Type F-1 Flyers Emergency Sustenance Case |  AAC Type F-1 Flyers Emergency Sustenance Case |
US Army camouflaged First Aid dressing.
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Individual First Aid Dressing issued to all members of the US Army including AAF aircrew and paratroopers etc. Camouflaged dressing still in original waxed cardboard slider box and sealed in paper wrapping. Not a common items.
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$35 / £29 / €32 email to secure this item
 WWII US Army camo wound dressing |  WWII US Army camo wound dressing |
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US Navy Emergency Drinking Water Kit.
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Very scarce accessory for the US Navy Pararaft and Survival back pack. Complete, unopened and still sealed Drinking Water Kit for distilling drinking water from sea water. Dated July 1945 and in excellent conditon, with no dings or dents, just a few minor surface scratches. It even includes a small envelope containing extension tapes for fitting in the early M-592 back pad kits. Also still attached to its rope lanyard for securing it to the pack.
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$95 / £72 / €80 email to secure this item
 USN Emergency Drinking Water6 |  USN Emergency Drinking Water6 |
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 USN Emergency Drinking Water6 |  USN Emergency Drinking Water6 |
 USN Emergency Drinking Water6 |
AAF Survival on Land booklet for the C-1 Emergency Sustenance Vest (reprint).
Reproduction (reprint) of big “Survival On Land” booklet (4" x 8", 78 pages) as issued in the Type C-1 Emergency Sustenance Vest. Published by Training Aids Division and first printed by James Gray Inc. of New York. Original date of publication was July 1944. A good quality reprint copy of this rare book.
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£12 / $15 / €14 email to reserve this item
 AAF C-1 Vest large manual (reprint) |
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 AAF C-1 Vest large manual (reprint) |
 AAF C-1 Vest large manual (reprint) |
 AAF C-1 Vest large manual (reprint) |
USAF LRU/16P one man life raft as carried by fighter pilots flying the F-16 fighting Falcon.
Manufactured January, 1996, and with test dates up to October 2011, this modern one-man life raft clearly traces in lineage back to WWIi, being very similar in design, but with a splash cover that fastens with velcro and construction from waterproofed nylon rather than rubberized linen. In excellent condition, the boat is overall deep sea blue in colour for camouflage, but the splash cover opens up to show neon orange for hi-visibility when friendly ships or aircraft are in the vicinity. No damage that I can see, and no visible evidence of use. Modern survival equipment is quite difficult to source.
£120 / $150 / €130 email to secure this item
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
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 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
 USAF LRU/16P life raft for F-16 |
British made hip flask in pewter, from veteran aircrew member's estate and typical of the type carried by airmen.
Many aircrewmen carried these, though they were not officially "issued' - they were vital to survival in water or in cold regions while evading capture. This has been through the wars, has a few dents and dings though it looks good and remains serviceable. The owner's initials are engraved on the front "F.G.B" - flask is made in Sheffield, England from English pewter and will hold 8oz of brandy, whisky, rum or whatever your preferred survival beverage might be. Would look good with any display of survival kit.
$35 / £25 / €30 Email to secure this item
 Survival - pewter hip flask |
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 Survival - pewter hip flask |
 Survival - pewter hip flask |
 Survival - pewter hip flask |
 Survival - pewter hip flask |
 Survival - pewter hip flask |