Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Extremely rare Gamages-style aviation safety helmet by Smith, Gray & Co. of Brooklyn, New York, circa 1910.
One of the rarest aviation items it is possible to own, and the first generation of purpose-built flying helmets, offered by such exclusive stores as Gamages, Dunhills, etc. c.1910. This is the exact type of helmet worn by Buffalo Bill Cody when performing aerial stunts both here in the USA and in Europe as part of hsi Wild West show. This example, by Smith Gray & Co., of Brooklyn, New York, is a close copy of the Gamages helmet and may have been licensed by the London department store. It is in remarkably good and robust condition, especially for being well over 100 years old, and as lightweight as it is. Constructed of leather covered cork, with the addition of a cross of cork on the crown, neck pad and and padded leather flaps which cover the ears and cheeks. The leather covering around the forehead is dry and shows wear, but is substantially complete and the helmet displays magnificently. A truly rare and possibly unique first generation flying helmet.
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 Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |  Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |
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 Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |  Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |
 Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |  Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |
 Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |  Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |
 Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |  Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |
 Extremely rare 1910-1912 Gamages style aviation safety helmet. |
Rare Imperial German aviator's safety "crash" helmet.
Lovely example of a First World War (circa 1915-16) German crash helmet/safety helmet as worn by aviators. Black finish to top, the skirt and ear covers are brown leather. These were generally issued with field grey/green painted tops for daytime and black painted tops for nightime use, suggesting this might have belonged to a night bomber pilot. Pressed leather hard shell with horsehair stuffed bumpers around and over the crown. Includes good liner. Some scuffing and wear to bumpers but overall an excellent example.
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 Imperial German aviator's safety helmet |  Imperial German aviator's safety helmet |
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 Imperial German aviator's safety helmet |  Imperial German aviator's safety helmet |
 Imperial German aviator's safety helmet |  Imperial German aviator's safety helmet |
1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling - first Air Ministry contracted production.
Extremely rare first generation Type B helmet by B. Sterling.
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 1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |  1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |
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 1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |  1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |
 1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |  1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |
 1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |  1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |
 1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |  1935 date RAF Type B flying helmet by Sterling |
RFC Mk II Goggle Mask by Triplex.
Very good RFC Mk II Goggle Mask by triplex. Leather is in lovely condition with clear, bold gold foil stamp and engraved "A" over broad arrow on the top of the frame. wner has written his name in ink and RAF across the top (difficult to decypher). Retains original strap and good clear lenses with no delamination. As with most of surviving these issue types, the fur has moulted from the back but that does not detract from what is an excellent display set. These so rarly turn up any more!
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 RFC Mk II Goggle Mask by Triplex |  RFC Mk II Goggle Mask by Triplex |
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 RFC Mk II Goggle Mask by Triplex |  RFC Mk II Goggle Mask by Triplex |
 RFC Mk II Goggle Mask by Triplex |
Fantastic set of Mk IIIa goggles maker marked to D. Lewis.
Absolutely superb pair of Mk IIIa goggles which most likely pre-date the first issue (1935) because they are actually maker marked to D. Lewis Ltd. 124 Gt. Portland St. W1. Superb condition, nice clear lenses, springs perfect, soft velvet cushions and all trumpet vents and stoppers intact.
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 Fantastic set of Mk IIIa goggles maker marked to D. Lewis |  Fantastic set of Mk IIIa goggles maker marked to D. Lewis |
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 Fantastic set of Mk IIIa goggles maker marked to D. Lewis |  Fantastic set of Mk IIIa goggles maker marked to S. Lewis. |
 Fantastic set of Mk IIIa goggles maker marked to D. Lewis |  Fantastic set of Mk IIIa goggles maker marked to D. Lewis |
Autographed photograph of famed AAF Ace fighter pilot (and best selling author) Robert Lee Scott.
Robert Lee Scott was operations officer of the Assam-Burma-China Ferry Command, forerunner of the famous Air Transport Command. He commanded the Flying Tigers, later to become the 14th Air Force and flew 388 combat missions from 1942 to 1943, shooting down 13 enemy aircraft to become one of the earliest aces of the war. Scott received two Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals, and was ordered back to the U.S. in October 1943. He has written several books including God Is My Copilot and Boring a Hole in the Sky. This is an original 3.5" x 5" print on Kodak photographic paper, which Scott has signed on the back - excellent condition.
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 Autographed photograph of famed AAF fighter pilot (and author) Robert Scott |  Autographed photograph of famed AAF fighter pilot (and author) Robert Scott |
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RARE wide rubber corrugated oxygen mask tube for Air Gunners and aircrew flying in exposed positions.
Rare wartime issue wide oxygen mask tube which was specifically for issue to air gunners and those flying in crew positions exposed to the elements, to alleviate freezing. These were marked with a white band to ease of recognition in stores etc. The wider tube was eventually adopted for all crew positions later in the war. These early banded tubes are quite rare. Tube has minor stress creases in the corrugations and slight deformity at the mask end but no damage. Overall very good condition.
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 RARE wide rubber corrugated oxygen mask tube for Air Gunners and aircrew flying in exposed positions |  RARE wide rubber corrugated oxygen mask tube for Air Gunners and aircrew flying in exposed positions |
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 RARE wide rubber corrugated oxygen mask tube for Air Gunners and aircrew flying in exposed positions |  RARE wide rubber corrugated oxygen mask tube for Air Gunners and aircrew flying in exposed positions |
Extremely scarce RAF brogues for seaplane handlers and flying boat crews.
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One of the more rare and unusual items of flying/aircrew clothing. A lovely set of Air Ministry marked Brogues. First used in the 1920s with early flying boats, and when the RAF began competing in the Schneider Trophy races with seaplanes and the pilot had to be carried to and from his aircraft so he didn't get wet. These were issued throughout WWII to both aircrews and ground crews of Sunderlands, Catalinas and other flying boats and seaplanes. Comprises a very sturdy pair of rubberized canvas and leather boots, size 11 and well marked, with metal studs for gripping the seabed. These were worn over thigh-length waders or bib-stype overalls made of the same rubberized canvas fabric. This pair appears unissued with just storage wear and some oxidation to the metal studs in the sole. Quite a rarity and a wonderful display item for any flying boat or Schneider Trophy competition exhibit.
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 RAF flying boat handler's brogues |  RAF flying boat handler's brogue s |
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 RAF flying boat handler's brogues |  RAF flying boat handler's brogues |
 RAF flying boat handler's brogues |  RAF flying boat handler's brogues |
 RAF flying boat handler's brogues |
RCAF Emergency Aids Kit, dated 1943, complete and unopened.
This sealed pouch has never been opened so the contents cannot be displayed, but included are photographs of another, opened pouch, showing the fishing/dewing kit and matches, which are still sealed in wax to keep them dry. These Emergency Aids kits are unique to the RCAF and quite rare.
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 RCAF Emergency Aids Kit, dated 1943, complete and unopened. |  RCAF Emergency Aids Kit, dated 1943, complete and unopened. |
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 RCAF Emergency Aids Kit, dated 1943, complete and unopened. |  Contents shown from another, opened pouch |
 Contents shown from another, opened pouch |
USN Emergency Drinking Water tin (empty) for the
M-592 back pad.
Cans of fresh drinking water supplied to US Navy aviators in the Pacific and Far East, which were also incorporated into the M-592 sustenance kit. Cans have been drained of contents, which is safer and easier to display. A few dings and dents but overall very good condition. Marked on the bottom with a date code (looks like 2 42).
Price is for ONE tin (2 available).
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 USN Emergency Drinking Water tins for M-592 back pad |  USN Emergency Drinking Water tins for M-592 back pad |
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 USN Emergency Drinking Water tins for M-592 back pad |  USN Emergency Drinking Water tins for M-592 back pad |
 USN Emergency Drinking Water tins for M-592 back pad |  USN Emergency Drinking Water tins for M-592 back pad |
USAAF Type E-7 Emergency Sustenance Kit (pack only).
Heavy OD green canvas pouch with good working zip fastener. Complete with all belt straps/clips and the short strap /clip. Excellent condition and well marked.
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 USAAF Type E-7 Emergency Sustenance Kit (pack only). |  USAAF Type E-7 Emergency Sustenance Kit (pack only). |
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 USAAF Type E-7 Emergency Sustenance Kit (pack only). |  USAAF Type E-7 Emergency Sustenance Kit (pack only). |
 USAAF Type E-7 Emergency Sustenance Kit (pack only). |
USAAF Type E-6 Emergency Sustenance Kit (pack only).
Heavy OD green canvas pouch with good working zip fastener. Lacks one belt strap and short strap /clip, otherwise excellent condition and well marked.
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 AAF E-6 Sustenance Pouch |  AAF E-6 Sustenance Pouch |
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 AAF E-6 Sustenance Pouch |
RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941.
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Excellent and very rare early manual comprised of printed or mimeographed foolscap sheets (9" x 13") with detailed instructions, including some charts and diagrams, for the arming bombs of prior to flight and loading bombs into aircraft. dated April 1941, this would be for Wellington and Stirling bombers. rare document that would have been kept in the maintenance workshop for all ground crews as well as aircrews (bomb aimers) and armaments personnel.
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 RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |  RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |
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 RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |  RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |
 RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |  RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |
 RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |  RAF manual for bombing up aircraft and arming bombs, April 1941 |
RARE late wartime dated USAAF
A-5 QAC parachute harness.
Very nice complete Type A-5 chest parachute harness for AAF aircrews, with white webbing harness, seat "sling" and "bang box" for quick release upon landing. Slightly grubby, but no damage and wartime examples with the white webbing seem to be quite rare. Well marked and dated May 5, 1945. Used by heavy bomber crews, the A-5 incorporated many of the features and improvements from the T-7 paratrooper harness.​
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 RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |  RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |
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 RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |  RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |
 RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |  RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |
 RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |  RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |
 RARE late wartime dated USAAF A-5 QAC parachute harness. |
1939 dated B. Sterling Type B flying helmet, size 3.
Absolutely superb, textbook example of the RAF Type B helmet, manufactured by the original contractor, B. Sterling and dated 1939. The leather is excellent and the chamois lining shows light to moderate use but no wear of damage. Both Bennett's buckles retain their leather covering; zips retain leather pullers and work perfectly, each with good rubber telephone holders and sponge cushions (one AM and one RCAF). Nicely marked with owner's service number and AID stamp and a great label indicating a large size 3. Iconic pattern by one of the classic manufacturers has that perfect look. Worn by all RAF aircrews, but forever associated with Battle of Britain fighter pilots. Very hard to beat in this condition and large size.
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 1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |  1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3.27 |
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 1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |  1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |
 1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |  1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |
 1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |  1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |
 1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |  1939 dated B. Stirling Type B flying helmet, size 3. |
RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames.
Officially "Goggles, flying, lightweight", but commonly known as Mk II. Technically obsolescent by the mid-1930s, but reissued during the Battle of Britain because of the reluctance of fighter pilots to wear the unpopular MkIII and IIIa goggles. Goggles feature clear laminated safety glass lenses (Triplex) in light grey finished metal frames with brown silk surrounds with faux fur/chenille trim and leather strap with steel springs for tension. This set shows light use, with a couple of small nicks to the thin leather covering the springs; leather strap slightly dry but solid. Extremely rare and highly sought after goggles; the grey finish being more scarce than the blackened brass. Often seen in photos of Battle of Britain fighter pilots.
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 RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |  RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |
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 RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |  RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |
 RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |  RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |
 RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |  RARE RAF Mk II Flying Goggles (Goggles, Flying, Lightweight) with light grey frames |
RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles with extremely rare early-style polarising sun screen.
The Mk IV series of goggles was rushed into production due to the unpopularity of the Mk III and IIIa among pilots. 3 variants were all issued simultaneously in June 1940, but this version, the IVB, proved the most robust and successful. This is an early production Mk IVB and has the polarising sun-screen mounted on a flimsy mechanism with an exposed spring, few of which seem to have survived. Goggles show use; some wear to paint and slight dings on the frame around the lenses, but no serious distortion and display very well. 1/4-inch split in leather nose-guard and cushions have hardened with some loss, but this does not affect the look. Good clear lenses showing minimal signs of delamination. The loops are solid and intact but the whipping has come off exposing some of the metal springs. Good clear markings on strap.
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 RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles with rare early-style polarizing sun screen. |  RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles with rare early-style polarizing sun screen. |
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 RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles with rare early-style polarizing sun screen. |  RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles with rare early-style polarizing sun screen. |
 RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles with rare early-style polarizing sun screen. |  RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles with rare early-style polarizing sun screen. |
RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition.
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Officially catalogued as "Trousers, thermally insulated Flying suit", but popularly known as "Irvin trousers" and issued together with the Irvin jacket. Originally designed for wear in unheated open cockpits and exposed crew positions, but nonetheless still worn on cold mornings by RAF crews during the Battle of Britain (notably perhaps in Blenheim fighters). This is a quite superb pair, the shearling in excellent condition with a lovely medium brown finish and the leather clean and soft. The inside has a deep pile chestnut brown fleece. Zips and studs/snaps work perfectly. Great Air Ministry label indicating 1939 production with a name written on, and very large size 40. Built-in braces still have plenty of elasticity and long, leather zip pullers are still attached. It would be difficult to find a nicer example.
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 RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |  RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |
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 RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |  RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |
 RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |  RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |
 RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |  RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |
 RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |  RAF 1939 dated Irvin Thermally Insulated Flying Suit Trousers in impeccable condition. |
RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated and Air Ministry marked.
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All RAF airmen, including fighter pilots, carried all their kit in one of these when they moved from base to base. Large, heavy white canvas kit bag with grommets for the rope tie around the top. The circular flap would be tucked inside to keep everything dry and stop it falling out, and the rope would be secured with a D-shaped clasp and padlocked to protect the contents. D-ring clasp is included (not the padlock). Beautifully marked with Air Ministry stamp and dated 1940. Several hand-written names, since these were turned in and reissued. A couple of worn areas on one edge but otherwise still very strong. Wonderful for displaying with uniforms, flying kit etc. especially relating to the Battle of France and Battle of Britain.
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 RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |  RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |
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 RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |  RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |
 RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |  RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |
 RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |  RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |
 RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |  RAF white canvas kit bag with rope tie and locking device. 1940 dated Air Ministry marked |
RAF ground crew / mechanic's large calipers dated 1939.
They also serve... RAF mechanics and ground crews provided invaluable support to the fighter pilots who fought the Battle of Britain and a display of tools makes an excellent addition to any Battle of Britain collection. Excellent set of RAF ground crew / fitter's / mechanic's large calipers for measuring spaces/distances for settings on engines etc. Heavy gauge steel shows some use and very light surface pitting but overall very clean and presentable. Nice Air Ministry crown property mark and date of 1939. 6.5" x 4" closed, and 11" when fully open. Maker marked Geo. Plumpton & Co, Warrington.
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 RAF ground crew / mechanic's calipers dated 1939 |  RAF ground crew / mechanic's calipers dated 1939 |
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 RAF ground crew / mechanic's calipers dated 1939 |
Personal signatures of 20 Battle of Britain pilots on a b/w photograph of a Spitfire, with original letter sent to owner.
Superb memento and homage to 20 of "The Few". Excellent, large format (8" x 11" / 20cm x 28cm) photo of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain heroes, including Bob Stanford Tuck, Douglas Bader, Johnnie Johnson, Peter Townsend, Boob Doe, "Tubby" Mayne, "Bunny" Rose and many more. The autographs were collected at a reunion/gathering of these pilots at Biggin Hill in 1977. All are now long since departed. It comes in the original envelope used for mailing the photo, together with the letter from an RAF veteran to a well known collector explaining how he got the signatures. Phenomenal provenance and an extremely rare and valuable collection of autographs.
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 Fantastic photograph of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain pilots, with original |  Fantastic photograph of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain pilots, with original |
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 Fantastic photograph of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain pilots, with original |  Fantastic photograph of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain pilots, with original |
 Fantastic photograph of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain pilots, with original |  Fantastic photograph of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain pilots, with original |
 Fantastic photograph of a Spitfire, personally signed by 20 Battle of Britain pilots, with original |