US Navy Slote and Klein AN6540 summer flying helmet in unissued condition, no receivers fitted.
Unissued condition later war USN / USMC summer flight helmet made uunder contract N288s. Size Medium which equates to Large in AAF equivalent (same size as the AN-H-16 above!). Impossible to upgrade!
SOLD
 USN AN6540 unissued |
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 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
 USN AN6540 unissued |
Scarce Great War Royal Flying Corps cowl type flying helmet.
Now harder than ever to find, these cowl type helmets were issued to all RFC pilots and aircrews, though they are said to have been favoured by gunners who had to stand up in their turrets and were exposed to cold air - however photgraphs show they were also worn extensively by pilots of both figher (scout ) aircarft and bombers. In overall great display condition, the leather is very good, although it could probably use some dressing. The chamois lining is also good and the War Dept issue stamp can be seen, though faintly, inside. The fur area has moulted, as is common, and the skin shows some minor insect damage, but this doesn't show when displayed. The helmet retains it's earflaps and original chin strap and nuckle. The padded cylinders were clearly removed at the time (as was common practice - they were found to be useless at deflecting sound and actually caused more noise from vibrating). The keather is evenly faded around their stitch holes showing this was definitely a period modification. A very scarce helmet in good to very good condiiton.
SOLD
 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
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 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
 RFC cowl / hood flying helmet |
RARE 1942 dated Luftwaffe rubberized linen night bombing target map of Aberdeen and Peterhead, Scotland.
Small scale map measures 53 cm x 43 cm (23" x 17") printed in colour on brght yellow rubberized linen. Single-sided in outstanding condition, very clean and no folds or pin holes as are usually found. These were carried in night bombing aircraft - the yellow background and bright features showing up well under red cockpit lighting. Being waterproof they could also be used for sailing / navigation in the event of ditching or baling out at sea. Maps shows depths of North Sea off the coast of Scotland as well as major targets on the northern Scottish coast. Aberdeen was bombed very badly in April 1943 by waves of Luftwaffe bombers coming from bases in Norway. These target maps are quite rare and highly sought after accessories and make attractive displays alongside Luftwaffe flying kit.
SOLD
 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
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 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
 Luftwaffe target map SCOTLAND |
NEW LISTINGS!
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RAF Sherry glasses from the officers' mess.
A matching set of four sherry glasses from an RAF officer's mess, dating from c.1930 to WWII. Excellent condition with no cracks or chips and etched RAF crest. Would prefer to sell as a set, since all are matched, but if no interest will split and sell individually.
All 4: $150 / £120 / €130
Each: $45 / £35 / €40
 RAF sherry glasses |  RAF sherry glasses |
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 RAF sherry glasses |
RAF egg cup from the officers' mess.
Eggs were a very rare commodity back in WWII and reserved only for those flying on ops. (everyone else had to make do with powdered eggs). Imagine arriving back at dawn after a long night raid and being able to enjoy a soft boiled egg - it was quite a luxury. This egg cup is exquisite: bone china made by Aynsley, with a blue glaze, gold leaf trim and RAF crest lithographed in blue. No cracks, chips or damage - perfect condition.
 RAF officer's mess egg cup |
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 RAF officer's mess egg cup |
Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
Insignia / Medals / Badges - British & Commonwealth
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Post War British army insignia - job lot of 6 pieces.
Post War British army insignia - job lot of 6 pieces, all in bullion wire embroidery. All for ceremonial or best dress uniform comprising QC on green felt, QC and wreath on green felt, sergeant's stripes on green felt, QC in wreath on black felt, sergeant's strips on red felt, combined services badge on black felt. All superbly well made.
$65 / £55 / €62
 Post War British army insignia - job lot |  Post War British army insignia - job lot |
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Pre-1952 RAF 99 Squadron flying suit badge for the Beadon suit.
Superb silk embroidered squadron patch of the type worn on flying suits and prestige suits, but this example is embroidered on the same blue-grey heavy cotton from which Beadon suits were made. Badge is uncut and has been displayed in a frame so the background fabric has faded very slightly but the silk still its retains its full rich colour. 99 squadron has a long and illustrious history and served in Burma from 1942 to 1945 before converting from Wellingtons to Liberators in preparation for the invasion of Malaya, making it extremely likely that crews would have been wearing the Beadon suit at that time. The badge depicts a leaping Puma and is surmounted by the King's crown.
$125 / £100 / €120
 99 Squadron flying suit patch for the Beadon suit. |
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 99 Squadron flying suit patch for the Beadon suit. |
 99 Squadron flying suit patch for the Beadon suit.3685 |
 99 Squadron flying suit patch for the Beadon suit. |
RAF / USA Sweetheart brooch in sterling silver.
Lovely hand-made brooch, marked sterling silver, comprising the RAF eagle insignia with the letters USA above. 2" (5cm) across. The style is very similar to the Gaunt made 1942 USA badges awarded to all American airmen serving with the RAF, including the famed Eagle Squadrons. A lovely item.
$75 / £60 / €70
email to secure this item
 RAF / USA Sweetheart brooch in sterling silver - possibly Eagle Squadron? |  RAF / USA Sweetheart brooch in sterling silver - possibly Eagle Squadron? |
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Unusual miniature full dress RAF wireless operator (signaler) brevet in bullion wire.
Scarce and beautifully made miniature brevet for the full or mess dress uniform for a wireless operator (signaler), WWII era. 1.75" (4.5cm) in length, embroided in gold bullion wire with a silver "S" on a blue wool background, padded with a cotton backing and pin back for easy removal.
$40 / £30 / €38
 Miniature full dress RAF wireless operator (signaler) brevet |  Miniature full dress RAF wireless operator (signaler) brevet |
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Fleet Air Arm flight observer's badge for an officer.
Lovely, heavy bullion embroidered Flight Observer's badge for a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm officer. Evidence of having been sewn on auniform and correct wartime period with red velvet filled crown, silver anchor and wool background.
$98 / £75 / €90
 Fleet Air Arm flight observer's badge for an officer |  Fleet Air Arm flight observer's badge for an officer |
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Wartime flight engineer half-wing brevet.
Nice flat wartime example of the brevet awarded to flight engineers – a silk embroidered E within a brown wreath and a "half" or single wing. Excellent condition - has been glued into an album and still has a small piece of green paper glued to back.
$50 / £38 / €45
 Wartime flight engineer half-wing brevet |  Wartime flight engineer half-wing brevet |
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RAF Air Commodore rank epaulettes/shoulder straps x 2 pairs.
2 pairs of uniform shoulder straps/epaulettes for a RAF Air Rank officer with the rank of Air Commodore (single wide rank lace).
First set are from a tailored blouse (BD type).
Second pair are for a RAF greatcoat.
Both are in excellent condition. Very difficult to find Air Rank uniforms or accessories!
$40 / £30 / €37 each set
or
$67 / £50 / €60 both sets together
 RAF Air Commodore rank epaulettes/shoulder straps x 2 pairs |  RAF Air Commodore rank epaulettes/shoulder straps x 2 pairs |
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 RAF Air Commodore rank epaulettes/shoulder straps x 2 pairs |  RAF Air Commodore rank epaulettes/shoulder straps x 2 pairs |
Very early post-war RAF officer's epaulettes for the mess-dress uniform, matching pair.
Excellent RAF officer's epaulettes for the mess-dress uniform, dating from 1951-52 by Gieves. Matching pair, left and right (so both eagles face to the rear). Though manufactured with the "Queen's Crown" embroidered above the eagle and QC buttons, the Gieves label on the white leather backing states "By Special Appointment to His Majesty the King" - suggesting they were still using these old stock backing and dating the to the period of ERII's succession. Gold lace for the rank of Squadron Leader. Beautifully made and very high quality.
$45 / £35 / €40
 Very early post-war RAF officer's epaulettes for the mess-dress uniform. |  Very early post-war RAF officer's epaulettes for the mess-dress uniform. |
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 Very early post-war RAF officer's epaulettes for the mess-dress uniform. |
RCAF Other Ranks eagle shoulder tabs.
The style adopted by the RCAF during the war which resembles a strangled chicken more than an eagle, but they are what they are! A perfect matched pair, never sewn on.
$20 / £15 / €18
 RCAF Eagle shoulder tabs |  RCAF Eagle shoulder tabs |
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Early WWII combat veteran RAF pilot wing removed from uniform.
A perfect example of what happens to a wing/brevet when it is rubbed or worn by a mae west or parachute harness! This lovely wing is an early example, hand embroidered in silk on a melton wool backing, but it has rubbed away at the edge and the threads have separated. Still it displays nicely for what it is!
$60 / £45 / €55
 Early WWII RAF pilot wing removed from uniform |  Early WWII RAF pilot wing removed from uniform |
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Royal Navy epaulettes for working dress, rank of Lt. Commander.
Excellent early pair of Royal navy epaulettes (shoulder boards) for the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Dark blue/black melton wool with gold braid rank curls and white leather backing, maker marked to Stephen Simpson of Preston and London. Includes the gilt RN buttons. These were worn on dress uniforms but also on the later issued "working dress" which was the the Naval equivalent of battledress. Worn by all branches including the Fleet Air Arm. Very nice tailored example.
$45 / £35 / €40
 Royal Navy epaulettes for working dress, rank of Lt. Commander |  Royal Navy epaulettes for working dress, rank of Lt. Commander |
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 Royal Navy epaulettes for working dress, rank of Lt. Commander |
RAF official guest badge for New Year event, December 31, 1941.
Beautiful printed cardboard badge perhaps worn by dignitaries or guests of the RAF, or RAF personnel in civilian clothes at a special event. 3.5" x 2.5" (90mm x 60mm) printed in gold, dark blue, sky blue and red on light cardboard, with a sky blue ribbon and safety pin. Stamped on the back is "Royal Air Force Blackpool, Dec 31 1941 - Jan 1, 1942 " so it appears to be for a New Year's Eve gathering, or perhaps a party. Blackpool (RAF Squire's Gate) was one of the main gathering points for RAF trainees being inducted and being on the western side of Great Britain was less subject to raids; in fact the famous Blackpool illuminations were kept on for much of the war. Slight creases, especially on the eagle's wingtips, otherwise very condition for its age. A scarce and unusual RAF insignia. Probably made by the hundred, yet few are likely to have survived. Well worthy of deeper research.
$55 / £40 / €48
 RAF official guest badge for New Year event, December 31, 1941. |
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 RAF official guest badge for New Year event, December 31, 1941. |
WWI or early 1920s RAF "Sweetheart" or lapel badge.
WWI or early 1920s RAF "Sweetheart" or lapel badge. One piece gilt on brass eagle and crown with R•A•F beneath. This same style was previously made with the letters R•N•A•S but presumably updated following the amalgamation of the RNAS and RFC into the RAF in April 1918. 2.25" (57mm) across with lugs to back. Excellent condition.
$35 / £25 / €30
 WWI RAF "Sweetheart" or lapel badge |  WWI RAF "Sweetheart" or lapel badge |
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WWII RAF LAC tropical sleeve rank badge.
High quality tropical rank badge for a Leading Aircraftsman. Embroidered in red silk on a stiff khaki cotton background with white cotton backing fabric. Has been sewn on and is grubby but is in excellent condition. A nice eearly example.
$20 / £15 / €18
 WWII RAF LAC tropical sleeve rank badge |  WWII RAF LAC tropical sleeve rank badge |
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Royal Observer Corps shoulder flash.
Awarded the "Royal" prefix in 1941, the Observer Corps provided invaluable service during the Battle of Britain and throughout the war, identifying enemy aircraft, estimating raid strengths and many other facets of air raids in order to help the RAF and anti-aircraft batteries to be ready for the next onslaught. This is an early ROC shoulder flash, embroidered on blue wool with cotton backing.
$35 / £25 / €30
 Royal Observer Corps shoulder flash |  Royal Observer Corps shoulder flash |
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Early post war RAF pilot wing brevet ("Queen's" Crown).
Beautifully maid and quite heavily padded example of a RAF pilot wing brevet from the early 1950s, with a "Queen's" Crown but otherwise identical to WWII patterns, with cream silk embroidered wings, crown and cipher, and russet silk wreath. An excellent example, never sewn on.
$40 / £30 / €34
 Early post war RAF pilot wing brevet |  Early post war RAF pilot wing brevet |
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WWII RAF corporals stripes on shoulder slides, locally/rigger made.
Matching pair of locally/rigger made shoulder rank slides for a RAF corporal. These have been carefully made by cutting down 2 sets of corporal stripes and sewing them to a khaki canvas backing. Very good example of wartime improvisation.
$50 / £36 / €43
 RAF corporals stripes on shoulder slides, rigger made |  RAF corporals stripes on shoulder slides, rigger made |
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WWII RAF "Sweetheart" brooch: silver pilot wing suspended from a bar.
Beautiful example of a RAF "sweetheart" brooch, given by a pilot to his wife, girlfriend or mother. Small, measuring just 1.25" (32mm) across, it is made of silver (both the wing and bar are marked "silver." The enamel is present but slightly discoloured and worn from polishing - obvioulsy a treasured piece.
$30 / £20 / €25
 WWII RAF "Sweetheart" brooch: pilot wing suspended from a bar |  WWII RAF "Sweetheart" brooch: pilot wing suspended from a bar |
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RARE South African Air Force miniature/sweetheart pilot wing.
Exquisitely made early/unofficial version of the South African Air Force pilot wing in gilt with enamel details, fine feathering and a pin back. Measures 2.375" (6cm). Features the RAF style cipher with letters SAAF instead of the official crested quadrant adopted on SAAF wings.
$75 / £55 / €65
 RARE South African Air Force miniature/sweetheart pilot wing |  RARE South African Air Force miniature/sweetheart pilot wing |
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 RARE South African Air Force miniature/sweetheart pilot wing |  RARE South African Air Force miniature/sweetheart pilot wing |
RAF wartime enameled sweetheart brooch featuring an observer brevet.
Lovely pinback "sweetheart" brooch which would have been given to the wife, girlfriend or mother of someone who flew as an aircrew flight observer. 43mm at its longest point, with beautiful blue and white cloisonne on a gilt badge.
$42 / £30 / €35
 RAF wartime enameled sweetheart brooch featuring an observer brevet. |  RAF wartime enameled sweetheart brooch featuring an observer brevet. |
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Early post-war RAAF pilot wing badge.
Superb burnished metal RAAF pilot badge, post-1952 with Queen's Crown and pin back. No markings. 3.25" (8.5cm).
$48 / £35 / €40
 Early post-war RAAF pilot wing badge |  Early post-war RAAF pilot wing badge |
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Early post-war Australian Army pilot wing badge in sterling silver by Lega.
Suoerb post-1952 Australian Army pilot dress wing in sterling silver. Queen's Crown and clutch back. Maker marked LEGA STG.SIL. 3.5" (9cm). Similar style to the RAAF pilot badge above. Beautiful badge.
$65 / £48 / €55
 Post War British Army pilot's wing badge in metal |  Post War British Army pilot's wing badge in metal |
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RAAF officer's side cap badge.
WWII era Royal Australian Air Force officer's side cap badge comprising eagle and King's crown on one-piece metal backing plate with screw-back. Blackened bronze finish to eagle and crown. 1.75" (4cm).
$35 / £25 / €30
 RAAF officer's side cap badge |  RAAF officer's side cap badge |
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 RAAF officer's side cap badge |
WWI medal ribbons on pinback bar.
From the same source as the above RFC pilot wing, but these are the genuine article. "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred" as these medals were affectionately named.
$35 / £25 / €30
 WWI medal ribbons on pinback bar |  WWI medal ribbons on pinback bar |
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RAF shoulder eagles for other ranks Khaki Drill tropical uniform, uncut.
Scarce, beautifully made matched pair of early shoulder eagles for the khaki drill / tropical uniform worn by other ranks. Red and black silk on a fine melton wool background - never been separated.
$40/ £30 / €35 email to secure this item
 RAF KD shoulder eagles |  RAF KD shoulder eagles |
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RAF shoulder eagles for other ranks Service Dress uniform.
Beautifully made matched pair of RAF shoulder eagles for the khaki drill / tropical uniform worn by other ranks. Light blue and black silk embroidered on fine blue wool background.
$25 / £19 / €22 email to secure this item
 RAF shoulder eagles for other ranks SD uniform. |  RAF shoulder eagles for other ranks SD uniform. |
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Scarce First Anti-Aircraft Division shoulder patch / Formation Sign.
Highly important to Britain's defence during the Battle of Britain were the Anti-Aircraft Divisions which had the try and distinguish which were the German bombers and which were the RAF fighters, so as to shoot at the right ones (not always successful!). This is an early example on grey wool showing a twin-engined, twin-tailed bomber (based no doubt on a Dornier 17) being pierced with a red sword. Not a common patch to find.
$40 / £30 / €35 email to secure this item
 Rare early anti-aircraft patch |
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 Rare early anti-aircraft patch |
WWII Air Training Corps lapel badge
Beautifully made gilt and blue enamel lapel badge measuring just 1" x 0.75" across with a buttonhole fitting on the back. The ATC was formed as a branch of the RAF in 1939 to prepare Air Cadets for a future career in the RAF, and many WWII pilots, aircrew and ground crew began as 13-17 year olds in this organization. The Air Training Corps remains strong today and is still the only youth organization that is a direct branch of its parent military service. A lovely badge from the earliest days of the organization showing wear but no damage.
$30 / £24 / €28 email to secure this item
 WW2 Air Training Corps lapel badge |
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 WW2 Air Training Corps lapel badge |
WWII RAFVR lapel badge
Beautifully made gilt and enamel lapel badge measuring just 0.75" x 0.5" across with a buttonhole fitting on the back. The RAF Volunteer Reserve was a valuable resource of pilots and aircrew in WWII, most of whom learned to fly at their own expense prior to the war and were the first to be called up when hostilities broke out. This small badge may have been worn on civilian clothes or given as a gift to loved ones to show their support. A lovely badge from the earliest days of the organization showing wear but no damage.
$35 / £28 / €32 email to secure this item
 WWII RAF VR lapel pin |
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 WWII RAF VR lapel pin |
WWII era enamelled Air Cadet lapel pin.
7/8" diameter Air Training Corps lapel pin, gilt with sky blue enamel inlay. I presume this was issued to a civilian instructor, since Air Cadets usually wore a silver metal lapel pin when not in uniform. Lovely badge with great detail and "horseshoe shaped button back for fitting into a button hole. Only ever seen a handful of these so quite scarce. The Air Training Corps was founded in 1940 with the specific intent of recruiting youth into the RAF by providing basic training in aeronautics, drill, etc. to boys aged 14 and up. The ATC remains the only cadet force/youth organization in the UK that is officially part of a military branch and is wholly sponsored and maintained by the RAF .
$25 / £20 / €23 email to secure this item
 IMG_5061 |  IMG_5060 |
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WWII Royal Navy Petty Officer's cap badge.
Lovely example of a Royal Navy Petty Officer's cap badge as worn on the everyday service dress uniform; red silk embroidered on a wool background with a stiffener and an oilcloth backing. Excellent condition. Badge was the same for all branches of the Royal Navy, so would be worn by Fleet Air Arm, submarine crews and everyone in between.
$20 / £15 / €18 email to secure this item
 WWII RN PO cap badge |
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 WWII RN PO cap badge |
WWII RCAF other ranks cap badge.
Lovely original RCAF cap badge has been lovingly polished to make it gleam and remove all the details from the surface, as was the style airmen strove for.
$20 / £15 / €18 email to secure this item
 RCAF other ranks cap badge |
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 RCAF other ranks cap badge |
Sample set of 3 RCAF uniform buttons.
Lovely set of unused RCAF uniform buttons, one in each of the sizes made (large for tunic, medium for pocket and small for cap). Attached to a piece of cardboard and bound at the back with wire. Perhaps a salesman's sample or collected during the war, but crisp as the day they were made (if somewhat dull and tarnished - I have left them as is, it's up to the new owner to polish if desired). Can't tell the maker without removing from card which i do not want to do.
$20 / £15 / €17 email to secure this item
 Sample set of RCAF buttons |
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 Sample set of RCAF buttons |
 Sample set of RCAF buttons |
WWII RAF brass Flight Sergeant's crowns.
Full size brass King's Crown badges, worn above the 3 chevrons on each arm to denote the rank of Flight Sergeant. Quite a hard to find item these days. Small quantity available. Some make reasonable matching pairs and I will try to match them as best I can if you want a pair, but offered singly.
EACH $20 / £15 / €18 email for more information
 RAF brass flight sergeant's crowns |
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 RAF brass flight sergeant's crowns |
 RAF brass flight sergeant's crowns |
Early RAF identity disk "dog" tag.
Pressed fibreboard disk incised with the name J.B. Richardson, his serial number 155087 and his religion C.E. (Church of England). The reverse is marked "RAF."
Not a scarce item but a nice perosnal display.
Priced at £12 / $15 / €14 email for more details
 Early RAF "dog tag" |
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 Early RAF "dog tag" |
 Various RAF rank + trade insignia |  Various RAF rank + trade insignia |
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Various WWII RAF rank / trade insignia.
All WWII period except where noted.
Warrant Officer cuff badge (QC - early 1950s)
£7.85 / $10 / €8.95
Leading Aircraftsman (2-bladed prop) 3 different
each £3.95 / $5 / €4.90
Senior Aircraftsman (3-bladed prop) 2 different
each £3.95 / $5 / €4.90