top of page

Escape / Evasion / Survival 

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Extremely RARE RAF flare tin for the multi-place dinghy, complete with original contents.

Small red tin as issued with the multi-place dinghy in RAF bombers (Wellington, Lancaster, Stirling, Halifax etc.) still containing its original 3 red signal flare cartridges. While the tins occasionally turn up, this is the first example I have ever found with the original flares inside. Tin measures 3.5" x 2.75" x 1.5" (9cm x 6.5cm x 3cm) and is dated 1944 and well marked with contents, batch number etc. An extremely rare find. US sales only.

ON HOLD

Ultra RARE US Navy evasion / escape gold coin barter kit.

One of the rarest and most sought after items of evasion and escape in WWII. The US Navy gold barter kit, which was issued to only a handful of personnel engaged on special duies which placed them in grave danger. It comprises a solid block of hard rubber, measuring 4.5" x 3.5" x 0.75" (11cm x 9cm x 2cm) sealed down the middle. When cut or pried apart down the sealed seam, 5 gold coins and 3 gold rings are revealed (a total of 0.99 Troy ounces of gold) which could be used to barter with natives or locals for information or assistance in evading capture. Each kit was serial numbered and had to be signed for, due to its value. The value of the gold alone, at today's market price, is over $2,000 with added value in the coins and the extreme rarity of the kit.

$3,500 / £2,770 / €3,235

email to secure this item

USN survival knife by Colonial, Rhode Island.

Excellent example of the survival knife carried by USN and Marine Corps pilots and aircrews. Made by Colonial of Rhode Island, the knife measures 6" (15cm) overall and features a 5" (13cm) blade and a 5" (13cm) hacksaw blade. Both blades are in great shape and don't appear to have been resharpened. Bakelite plastic grips. Very good condition. 

$125 / £100 / €115

email to secure this item

RAF folding machete, as issued with the Beadon suit and other survival kits.

The folding machete, issued to RAF pilots and crews with all jungle/tropical survival kits as well as part of the late war Beadon suit. Very good condition and has been well taken care of and kept oiled. Retains its blade sheath/protector although much of the black paint is worn. Also includes the original leather strap and clip which itself is a rare find. Well marked to G. Butler & Co. and dated 1944 with the broad arrow proof mark - the bakelite handle is stamped Made In England. The blade has a couple of small nicks from use but this is a lovely example

$395 / £310 / €365

email to secure this item

RAF Beadon Suit survival knife.

Another of those hard-to-find accessories/survival items that completes the Beadon suit but was also issued with the earlier survival packs (both Arctic and tropical). Comprises a simple but very sturdy pocket knife in blued steel, 5" long (13cm) folded, with a 4" (10cm) single-edge cutting blade and a 3.5" (9cm) 3-sided blade for stabbing or puncturing tyres. This example is in great condition, retaining almost all of its original blued finish and sharpness with no evidence of having been sharpened. Similar design to the escape boot knife but much bigger and quite heavy. 

$325 / £255 / €300

email to secure this item

Rare WWII Emergency Rations tin complete with contents.

 

The "Emergency Rations" tin was issued in emergency kits to all branches service in combat areas 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). Finding one with all original contents is rare. Still retains part of its gold finish — a special waterproofing which eventually flaked off. Lacks original seal but tin is intact and contents remain. Clear instructions on lid and  product coding on bottom.

$195 / £155 / €180

email to secure this item

AAF dinghy survival Fishing Kit, complete.

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 items out (they are a tight fit), especially as there are many sharp hooks and I don't want to risk tearing the case. Would be difficutl to upgrade.

$150 / £120 / €140

email to secure this item

Phrase card issued to all RAF crews flying over occupied Europe.

4 panels, 15.75" x 5"  (40cm x 12.5cm) folds to 4" x 5" (10cm x 12.5cm). Later war example printed in black ink only on low grade card with common phrases in English, Dutch, French and German so that an RAF airman evading capture could communicate with friendly civilians as well as enemy captors. Usually issued with escape boxes or map purses. Good condition, some fading and minor age stains.

$75 / £60 / €70

email to secure this item

RAF Bartholomew silk escape map, 2-sided, 9Ca France one side and 9u Germany reverse.

One of the earlier silk escape/evasion maps printed on silk using the old Batholomew series of  maps, which were highly detailed and with varying scales. Dates to 1941 or early 1942 and would have been issued in a waterproof purse. Two-sided, featuring France on one side in 3 colours, and Germany on the reverse in one colour. Excellent condition, folded but no damage or staining.

$155 / £125 / €145

email to secure this item

RAF Bartholomew silk escape map, 2-sided, of North Africa, K1 and K2 (Cyrenaica/Crete) and Libya/Egypt. 

One of the earlier silk escape/evasion maps printed on silk using the old Batholomew series of  maps, which were highly detailed and with varying scales. Dates to 1941 or early 1942 and would have been issued in a waterproof purse. Two-sided, featuring North Africa, Greece and Cyrpus. This would have been carried by RAF arcrews involved over the desert regions during the battle for Tobruk and others. Excellent condition, folded but no damage or stains.

$155 / £125 / €145

email to secure this item

RAF Air Ministry marked "tube" style (pealess) whistle with chain. Used by RAF police and as an emergency signal whistle with early life vests.

The pealess tube style whistle was used in the First World War by the military and was favoured by police forces for its recognizable shrill pitch. The Air Ministry also issued this type as a distress/signal whistle when the need for search and rescue became an issue for pilots ditching or parachuting into the sea during and after the Battle of Britain. It was later replaced by the louder "Thunderer" or snail type pea-whistle but photos show this type in use prior to 1942. Complete with its issue chain and in great condition.

$85 / £68 / €78

email to secure this item

WWII RAF anti-snakebite kit for the Survival Pack and Beadon Suit.

In superb and complete condition - including the small sulphur capsule often missing. Chrome plated cylinder with screw caps at both ends, one revealing a lancet and the other the capsule. Maker marked Gardner Co. London over the A-crown-M property mark. These survival items are gtting harder to source - especially in such outstanding condition.

$245 / £195 / €230

email to secure this item

Rare RAF Aircrew Electrically Heated Casualty Bag.

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 and also on rescue/reconnaissance aircraft such as Sunderlands and Catalinas. Wounded crewmembers could be put into this bag and kept warm and comfortable while being transported to base or to a hospital. Many lives were saved as a result. 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 indicating that this is the heated inner bag - there was also an outer bag of thicker, thermal fabric which was not electrically wired.

$350 / £285 / €325

email to secure this item

Rare private purchase locket  compass WWI era, possibly used as an escape or survival device.

Unusual privately purchased locket which could be worn around the neck as jewellery containing a lovely compass. The surround appears to be silver (although I cannot find any hallmark) with the compass bezel either gold or brass. The compass can easily be popped out of the mount if it became necessary to conceal. Unfortunately the glass is cracked although it still holds together just fine. The glass may at one time have been painted or covered with a photograph to conceal the compass inside. Escape devices were not standard issue in WWI, but seeing the need for at least rudimentary survival tools, many ingenious devices were offered commercially and purchased by individuals or their families as gifts for soldiers at the front. The design of this compass, with its stylized lettering and silver mount, are typical early 20th century. An interesting item for a WWI survival display and no doubt the glass could be replaced by any good watchmaker. Compass diameter 5/8" (slightly larger than a WWII standard escape compass), complete locket diameter 7/8".

ON HOLD

RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West Survival Backpack (Tropical).

 

Prior to the development of the Beadon suit, with its built-in pockets and compartments for survival items, survival equipment was carried in a back pack which was attached to the back of the yellow 1941 Pattern life vest. Two versions existed: one for Arctic survival, the other contained items for tropical survival. This pack is the latter, constructed of oiled cotton; yellow on one side and green on the other (yellow for visibility and green for camouflage, as appropriate) with carrying handles and a waist strap, and numerous internal pockets for the various items (last photo shows an illustrated list). The pack is scarce and this example, while slightly grubby from use, is in very good condition, with both zips in good working order, all snaps/studs present and all pockets intact. It is stenciled "100" and named to Flt. Lt. J. Ault 24(C) Squadron. Pack also bears the AID acceptance mark. Waist strap remains stitched with red thread as issued. A lovely used example.

$325 / £270 / €310

email to secure this item

RAF First Aid Outfit tin container for the large, multi-place dinghy.

This is the tin container for the large First Aid Outfit, as issued with the mutli-place dinghies carried on bomber aircraft with crews of 4-10 men. Tin is in very good condition, no dings or dents and retaining almost all its original blue painted finish (some minor surface oxidation). Red painted information is intact, including the Air Ministry marked. The bottom of the tin is left unpainted so it could be used as a signalling mirror. Inside of lid still has the hinged clasp and pocket for securing scissors in place.  Heavy tin measuring 7" x 6.25" x 3" (18cm x 16cm x 7cm). 

$135 / £110 / €128

email to secure this item

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.

ON HOLD

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.

ON HOLD

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.

$55 / £45 / €52

email to secure this item

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.

ON HOLD

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.

ON HOLD

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.

$85 / £70 / €80

email to secure this item

RAF large dinghy/rigging knife for multi-place dinghies.

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.

$65 / £52 / €60

email to secure this item

RARE RAF tissue escape map, Abyssinia.

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.

$150 / £125 / €140

email to secure this item

Luftwaffe navigational chart/map for Scotland / Orkney Islands including Scapa Flow, dated 1938.

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.

$100 / £82 / €95

email to secure this item

RAF / SAAF emergency rescue skull-cap, carried in Mae West pocket, tropical version.

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.

ON HOLD

RAF Air Ministry early

tube-style ditching whistle and chain.

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.

ON HOLD

RARE RAF / SOE evasion and escape item:  compass concealed in a box of matches.

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.

$295 / £250 / €285

email to secure this item

RAF aircrew silk escape map S2/S3 Italy/Greece.

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). 

$120 / £100 / €115

email to secure this item

RAF AP1548 - Responsibilities of a POW, together with booklet The RAF Escaping Society.

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.

$175 / £150 / €170

email to secure this item

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. 

$135 / £125 / €140  

email to secure this item

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.

$525 / £465 / €540

email to secure this item

Unique piece of history: Important escape compass with Dambusters connection, including provenance and extremely rare photos.

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 .

$2,525 / £2,000 / €2,335

email to secure this item

Canned fresh water ration tin for the RAF L dinghy, complete with contents.

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.

$55 / £45 / €53 each

email to secure this item

WWII US Navy issue life vest emergency signal light by Colvin Slocum Boats, Inc.

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.

$75 / £60 / €72

email to secure this item

RAF Beadon Suit aluminium container for 7 cigarettes.

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.

$75 / £60 / €72

email to secure this item

Scarce Australian made First Aid shell dressing, dated June 1942.

Made by Johnson & Johnson, Sydney. Unopened. Great condition - type of dressing carried in the small pocket inside the RAF / RAAF service dress uniform.

$35 / £28 / €34

email to secure this item

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.

$325 / £238 / €285

email to secure this item

Luftwaffe one man dinghy – Einmannschlauchboot.

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.

ON HOLD

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:

$35 / £25 / €30 

email to secure this item

(please indicate choice)

ONC-L11 SOLD

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.

$120 / £88 / €100  

email to secure this item

US Army camouflaged First Aid dressing.

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.

$35 / £29 / €32 email to secure this item

US Navy Emergency Drinking Water Kit.

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.

$95 / £72 / €80   email to secure this item

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.

£12  / $15 / €14  email to reserve this item

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

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

bottom of page