PAST SALES 4

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Nice, used pair of RAF Mk VIII goggles with box and extra lenses.

Goggles show more storage wear than anthing - most likely got damp and metal parts oxidized somewhat. Broad arrow marked with clear, crisp markings on leather at nose - but these are definitely WWII issue (came from the estate of a WWI Fleet Air Arm observer). Strap stretced out and rust stained in spots; metal fittings show oxidation. Leather excellent, dark tinted lenses good with minor delamination. Extra clear lenses included in box. Box with nice A-crown-M marking. Overall a very decent used pair. 

SOLD

Post WWII RAF Sunglasses, Type G, minus one lens.

After the war ended, the WWII issue Mk VIII spectacles were redisgnated as Type G Sunglasses and given the new stores ref. no. 22G/1398, so these are very similar to the wartime issue. Sadly, one lens is missing (left). I have not attempted to locate a replacement but I am sure one or both could be replaced to provide a perfectly wearable pair of sunglasses. Case and the frames are well marked, though the lid of the case has lost much of its leatherette covering. Sold "as is" for restoration or parts only.

SOLD

SCARCE RAF Mk IIIB* Bayonet Union (oxygen mask hose connector) for the Type D oxygen mask in orignal box.

One of the most sought after accessories for a Battle of Britain display is this Mk IIIB* connector for the mask hose (or flexible tubing) 6D/101. This example comes with its original cardboard box, well marked with Air Ministry nonenclature. The connector is solid brass, with fully functioning hinge and spring. Connector is also well marked with stores reference number and broad arrow as well as acceptance mark. Beautiful condition.

SOLD

RAF Type D oxygen mask blank end cap, 6D/108

Another scarce accessory for the Battle of Britain era type D oxygen mask. As issued , the Type D oxygen mask was fitted with these chamois covered blank end caps, meaning no microphone was fitted. They were worn this way for preliminary training and flying whenever communication was not required, but invariably discarded and lost once a microphone was issued in its place. Few therefore survive. Overall very good, clean condition, well marked, ready to clip onto your Type D mask or display alongside.

SOLD

Named Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Commander's uniform tunic and trousers to a Flight Observer.

Lovely example of a Royal Navy "regular" Fleet Air Arm officer's uniform, named to a career officer who joined in 1920, served throughout the war and retired in 1953. Uniform, comprising tunic and tousers are both named to him with clear 1944 date in the tunic and both tailored by Gieves. Richard Augustus Bagot Phillimore (known as "RAB") was attached to 3rd Group, RAF Bomber Command in 1940, then later served as executive officer and chief flight observer aboard escort carrier HMS Biter during the North Africa landings in 1942. Uniform is in overall very good condition, with one or two very small moth nips that you have to work hard to find. Super high quality melton cloth with a lovely hevaily padded FAA flight observer wing to the left sleeve. Fleet Air Arm uniforms to higher ranking officers are seldom encountered, especially those which can be identified and researched. Cursory research provided. A Google search yields quite a lot of information about Phillimore.

SOLD

AAF stereo magnifier for close up study of maps, aerial photographs etc.

Folding stereoscopic viewer / magnifier for placing over aerial photographs and maps to study details. Used by the intelligence officers to study targets prior to bombing raids and aso to study the results of missions. Excellent condition, good optics, still contained in its fitted leather case marked US. Viewer is marked US Army and is adjustable to the person using it.

SOLD

Great War Royal Flying Corps "maternity" tunic by Burberry of Haymarket, London, with outstanding pilot wing.

The maternity tunic was designed as a flying coat, with a double wrap-over front to keep the wind out. It became extremely popular with both officers and enlisted men in the RFC and was often worn as part of the day-to-day uniform. This example is absolutely brilliant, because it was clearly worn as a flying jacket and saw plenty of action. It has just the right amount of wear, some minor repairs, and oil staining on the sleeves consistent with those infernal early oil-leaking aero-engines and with swinging a prop. The pilot wing is a beautifully made and scarce pattern. Made by Burberrys of Haymarket it has the classic maroon label in the neck as well as a numbered label in the inside pocket. There is no name - most officers didn't feel the need to write their name in their daily uniform - but peraps burberry has records and could identofy it from the faint pencilled number. These maternity tunics are extremely difficult to source and this is a lovely used example.

SOLD

RAAF tropical shoulder eagle

Previously listed as a RNAS badge, this early RAAF embroidered shoulder eagle would have been worn on the upper sleeve of the tropical uniform tunic. I am informed that unlike the RAF and RCAF, the RAAF used eagles facing in the same direction for both left and right sleeves, this tis would have been worn on either arm. Quite scarce.

SOLD

WWII RAF log book and medals to an Air Gunner with combat in 1940 including 2 kills, 1 damaged and a successful U-boat strike.

WWII RAF log book and medals to A.C. (later sergeant) Cox who served as an Air Gunner with 254, 119, 413 and 210 Squadrons. Cox entered service in Sept 1938 as a boy entrant and ttended RAF Cranwell Wireless and Electrical School. Log book entries from February, 1940 to December 1942 with combat ops and many signatures which need deeper research. Though combat was during the Battle of Britain,  Cox was with 254 Squadron (Coastal Command) flying Blenheims, so is not recognized as one of "The Few" - but the combat was just as real! He shot down a Me 110 and damaged a second on May 17th, 1940. June 20th he shot down a He 115 and successfully attacked a U-Boat. Posted to 119 squadron (Catalinas) in June 1941 then to 413 Squadron RCAF.  210 Squadron flying mostly convoy protection and patrols in the Mediterranean then back to 119 Squadron flying Catalinas and transitioning to Sunderlands. Comes with original wartime medals: 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Atlantic Star, Defence and Victory medals, plus copies from the 254 squadron Operational Record Book detailing the combat kills (5 pages). Great grouping. Cox had log book professionally re-bound when he returned home. Air Gunner log books with kills, especially at this early date, are quite rare and highly sought after.

SOLD

RAF log book and extensive research to an Air Gunner who flew in Martin Baltimore bombers with 223 squadron, RAF in Southern Italy. Includes copies of all strike photos and mission reports and copies from squadron operational record book.

Very interesting and above average log book to an Air Gunner with 223 squadron based in Southern Italy who flew no less than 79 operational bombing sorties between December 1943 and June1944 during the invasion and defeat of Italy. Most missions were flown against Yugoslavia and Northern Italy. He recorded every mission in great detail. Also included is a large quantity of historical research, includng a complete copy of the Photographic Record of 223 squadron's missions with all strike reports and strike photos - plus copies of relevant pages from the squadron ORB (Operational Record Book). About as complete a record as it is possible to have.

 A fascinatig piece of RAF history.

SOLD

Superb RAF Type G oxygen  mask fitted with the early narrow breathing tube.

Condition is excellent with very slight surface / stress cracks around lugs holding the nosewire and the microphone but these are insignificant (and typical) and there is no damage or any signs of perishing, hardening or stickiness anywhere. The hose is the early narrow type - quite scarce to find. Most masks are separated from their hoses and sold separately but I hate to do that with this one since these came together. Apart from a few stress cracks in the folds, the hose is excellent. The webbing harness retains elasticity and also 2 out of the 3 rubber bands which hold the strap ends. Suede lining is very clean and gives the impression that the mask was never used. A Type 48 microphone (Type 25 with short cord and plug) is fitted.

SOLD

Named WWI US Army Air Service issue pattern leather flying helmet.

Very nice example of a Great War US Army Air Service pilot's soft leather flight helmet of the standard issue type, made from chestnut brown leather with a part blanket and part chamois lining. Typical "pinwheel" segmented pattern to the crown, complete with goggle strap tabs to each side, it has the slightly less common forward facing ear flaps and a wide "lappi" or chin cover beneath the chin strap for comfort. Buckle retains its leather covering. Leather is beautifully soft and in remarkably good condition for being 100 years old. Helmet is named under the right hand ear flap to R.B. Smeal which might be worthy of research. As an example of the type it's hard to find better.

SOLD

Pre-Luftwaffe German flying helmet

Very similar to the styles worn in WWI, and perhaps a Great War veteran which has been later modified, this classically German style flying helmet features a butter soft light brown body with a blanket lining. It has the characteristic sewn tab at the top for attaching a scarf or ID streamer and a chin strap and buckle, though the chin strap has broken off. There is a hole in the back of the neck which looks as though some kind of corrosive material may have been spilled on it. The helmet has been modified by adding dark brown leather earcups of the type fitted to WWII Luftwaffe flying helmets from 1939 onwards, sggesting perhaps that the owner needed to retro-fit communications gear. It's quite well done but without provenance of any kind must be considered a vanity item, hence the bargain price!

SOLD

Resistol HB goggles as issued to RCAF aircrews and US Army tank / armour crews.

Decent example of these often overlooked all-purpose goggles. Alloy frames, laminated lenses are in good shape; cloth surrounds have some tears and wear but this doesn't show on display. Reddish-brown rubber cushion is excellent, still pliable and no cracks or perishing. Strap has some fraying and lost much of its elasticity, but overall very clean and displayable. This model was issued to US Army tank crews and would display well with the tank helmet elsewhere on this page. They were also issued to RCAF pilots and aircrews prior to the Mk III type being introduced.

SOLD

WWI / 1920s aviators style beaver skin mittens.

Type worn by aviators in early open cockpit aircraft from WWI through to the 1930s. No markings or labels so difficult to pinpoin origin, but typical of aviators of the period. Water repellent thick fur beaver skin back with soft leather palms and blanket wool linings. Excellent condition and a decent size (they fit me and i take a 9). 

SOLD

460 squadron RAAF member's necktie

Not strictly a uniform item but treated wth as much respect by those who wore them! 460 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force flew Lancasters, among other aircraft, over Europe and were involved in many of the more notable Allied heavy bombing raids of WWII. This 460 squadron association tie came from one of the surviving members of the squadron (together with the RAAF clothes brush which can be found on the accssories page). A lovely wartime souvenir item in excellent condition.

SOLD

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm TAG log book and medal grouping. Includes combat which resulted in a confirmed U-Boat sinking.

Log book, medals, badges and paperwork to F.G. "Gordon" Storey, Telegraphist Air Gunner with 824 squadron (Swordfish) on HMS Striker,  escort carrier. Storey's aircraft was one of several involved in a sustained search-chase-attack on a U-boat on 22nd August, 1944 which eventually resulted in it being sunk. The attack is well-documented in Kenneth Poolman's excellent book "Escort Carrier" in which Storey's part is memtioned. Included in this extensive grouping:

• F.G. Storey's log book

•Medals: 39-45 Star, Atlantic Star with France and Germany bar, plus Victory and Defence medals and medal ribbons.

• 4 additional medals awarded postwar for his service to the arctic convoys, Normandy and the Soviet Union (plus miniature)

• His Petty officer rank and service chevron in bullion

• TAG Association badge, membership and contact information plus several issues of the TAGA magazine "Northern Light", TAGS newsletter and a copy of the 1990 members list (all great research material)

• Personal correspondence and a period newspaper with a story about an "aeroplane mishap" marked! (Must be relevant to him)

A fascinating log book. FAA aircrew log books are far more scarce than RAF log books. TAG items are very scarce and a FAA log book with combat relating to a confirmed U-Boat sinking is very rare indeed.

SOLD

RAAF officer's clothes brush with gilt wings.

For the well dressed RAAF officer to keep his dress uniform smart! Nice accessory - a clothes brush with (I believe) natural bristle brushes. The backing is dark blue metal with a gilt edge and a gilt and enamel RAAF "sweetheart" style wing applied. Measures approx. 6 inches by 1.5 inches. Very good condition, with some rubbing to the gilt edge but nothing serious. Great display item to go with your uniforms.

SOLD

Incredible between-the-wars US Navy type green Bedford cord flying suit with sheepskin fleece  "teddy bear" lining.

This is an absolutely amazing flying suit of the type commercially made and purchased by the Dept of the Navy for aviators (as was most US Navy flying clothing and equipment of the 1920s and early 30s). Whereas the Army contracted with manufacturers to produce flying apparel specifically designed for the Air Corps, the Dept of the Navy saw aviation as a small part of their service and consequently bought items "off the peg" or instructed their aviation units to do so, working from a budget allowance. Thus much of the Navy issue aviation clothing was of a very high quality, from the best suppliers. This included Willson and Meyrowitz goggles, helmets and headgear by companies like Karl Ort and Air Associates, and this fabulous flying suit. Made from heavy Bedford type cord material with a thick, brown, "teddy bear" sheepskin collar and  lining, it features a diagonal front zipper with off center collar for wind protection, concealed inner cuffs, and long sleeve and leg zippers by Talon. Pocket to right front chest and two knee pockets, plus access pockets each side to reach into uniform pockets underneath. Includes wide, matching belt with heavy brass buckle. There is an ink stamp in various places which I believe would have been the original owner (it looks like C. Wollney Jr.). The steel Talon zippers are marked with patent dates from 1917 to 1925, dating this suit as mid-1920s. In excellent conditon, slightly soiled but no wear or damage and all zippers functioning perfectly. This is the type of suit that would have been worn to fly open cockpit aircraft such as the Curtiss Sparrowhawk, which launched from the dirigibles (see photo of Sparrowhawk pilots wearing similar suits). A rare piece of history! 

SOLD

Resistol HB goggles as issued to RCAF aircrews and US Army tank / armour crews.

Decent example of these often overlooked all-purpose goggles. Alloy frames, laminated lenses are in good shape; cloth surrounds have some tears and wear but this doesn't show on display. Reddish-brown rubber cushion is excellent, still pliable and no cracks or perishing. Strap has some fraying and lost much of its elasticity, but overall very clean and displayable. This model was issued to US Army tank crews and would display well with the tank helmet elsewhere on this page. They were also issued to RCAF pilots and aircrews prior to the Mk III type being introduced.

SOLD

Late war / early post-war AAF HB-7 headset with boom microphone.

Introduced very late in the war and used throughout the Korean War, notably in early rotary wing and other low altitude aircraft. This is a very clean example of the HB-7 headset, fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers, cord and red PL-54 plug, with the addition of an adjustable boom microphone fitted to the right hand ear cup. Set appears unissued and is in very clean condition, though the markings on the red plug have been ground down so perhaps this was surplused out for civilian use at one time. Leather headband is superb, chamois pads are extremely clean as is all electrical gear. No oxidation on metal. The hard rubber receiver cups have some shrinkage cracks around the receivers but this is typiucal and nothing serious. Not a common item and missing from many headgear collections.

SOLD

Luftwaffe "rigger" made leg flare strap / bandolier with loops for 6 flares

Typical "in the field" constructed leg flare strap which appears to be made from the same dark grey leather as the loops sewn inside the pockets of the Channel trousers, reinforced with black herringbone fabric and fitted with a standard German uniform trouser buckle marked Prima / Solide. Though flare straps were issued, many fighter pilots supplemented their use with "rigger' made pieces like this in order to keep up with the constantly changing and highly complexed system of signal flare coding ordered by the Luftwaffe high command. A nice example of a scarce item.

SOLD

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm TAG log book and medal grouping. Includes combat which resulted in a confirmed U-Boat sinking.

Log book, medals, badges and paperwork to F.G. "Gordon" Storey, Telegraphist Air Gunner with 824 squadron (Swordfish) on HMS Striker,  escort carrier. Storey's aircraft was one of several involved in a sustained search-chase-attack on a U-boat on 22nd August, 1944 which eventually resulted in it being sunk. The attack is well-documented in Kenneth Poolman's excellent book "Escort Carrier" in which Storey's part is memtioned. Included in this extensive grouping:

• F.G. Storey's log book

•Medals: 39-45 Star, Atlantic Star with France and Germany bar, plus Victory and Defence medals and medal ribbons.

• 4 additional medals awarded postwar for his service to the arctic convoys, Normandy and the Soviet Union (plus miniature)

• His Petty officer rank and service chevron in bullion

• TAG Association badge, membership and contact information plus several issues of the TAGA magazine "Northern Light", TAGS newsletter and a copy of the 1990 members list (all great research material)

• Personal correspondence and a period newspaper with a story about an "aeroplane mishap" marked! (Must be relevant to him)

A fascinating log book. FAA aircrew log books are far more scarce than RAF log books. TAG items are very scarce and a FAA log book with combat relating to a confirmed U-Boat sinking is very rare indeed.

SOLD

Significant and rare grouping to a Luftwaffe Battle of Britain pilot who later flew the Mistel flying bomb. Includes his pilot's badge, medals, certificates documents and well-researched history.

An extremely rare and historical grouping to a Luftwaffe pilot, Josef Erat,  who flew with KG76 in the Battle of Britain, and later the Mistel flying bomb with KG200 (a Fw 190 bolted to a Ju 88 loaded with explosives which was flown to the target and then released). Grouping comes in a heavy box-binder almost 2-inches thick and includes his pilot's badge (which was "denazified" after the war then later restored - almost invisibly - by a skilled jeweller, Erat having kept the "broken" swastika). 

• His original Luftwaffe Pilot’s Badge and award document

• Iron Cross 2nd Class and Award Document

• KVK2 medal and award document

• Official Wehrpass unit transcript

• Truppenausweis with original photo

• Several original photos of him, portraits, planes, etc.

• Personally typed pages by Erat recording his service history.

• Promotion documents

• Several “Flugbefehl” – ordering him to fly planes from factory to the

     front lines  including a JU-188 and MISTEL from Peenemunde

• Copy  page from his Flugbuch showing recorded Mistel flight on

    Jan 30, 1945

• Extensive research on the Mistel seceret weapon

This grouping came via a reputable seller directly from the family and has never been offered for sale before.

SOLD

Luftwaffe Wine Goblet

Part of a large aviation collection for many years and recenty purchased with a job lot of items, this silver (or more likely silver plated) wine goblet makes a stunning display accessory to any Luftwaffe collection. Approximately half the size of an "Honour Goblet" this was actually used for drinking wine, rather than just displayed as a trophy. I can offer no provenance or history other than it looks and feels right and is marked to the base as shown in the photos. I believe it is most probably silver plated and has been cleaned. Gilt eagle applied to the side. A very nice display item.

SOLD

Bombs Gone! Signed, out-of-print book of humourous and poignant poems by WWII RAAF wireless oprator / air gunner Geoff Magee

Signed copy of a book of humourous and poignant poems by a former RAAF Wireless Operator / Air Gunner with 626 sq. in WWII. “Bombs Gone” by Geoff Magee. Soft cover, 60 pages.

SOLD

RAF 1941 pattern life vest stole / bladder complete with lever mechanism and CO2 cartridge

Extremely rare find: an inflation stole (bladder) for the 1941 pattern RAF life vest in absoluetly excellent condition, complete with its lever-operated inflation mechansim AND the ultra rare gas cartridge still in place. Mechanism is secured in place with the correct clamp and collar. Stole is covered with cream coloured cotton, Air Ministry marked and dated 10/42 - so this is a fairly early model. These components are often seen sold separately but I didn't want to break this up and the condition is superb; totally pliable with no damage, no sign sof perishing. The cartridge can be felt inside. Chrome plated lever is marked only with an "M" - a rare and superb find. 

SOLD

Extremely rare November 1941 dated RAF "Suits, Aircrew Trousers" in perfect, unissued condition.

If you are looking for a pair of these to wear, forget it. These won't fit you. If you are looking for a perfect, "mint condition" (anyone who knows me knows I hate to use the word "mint") pair for display on mannequin - this is what you need. They will fit a mannequin figure just fine, epseciallly if displayed with flying boots. The smallest size made: 00 (4'11" height, 29" waist) but in never issued, never worn condition and daed November 1941. "Suits, Aircrew" was the original name for "War Service Dress" (BD or battledress to most of us) but were ONLY issued to aircrews, so this is a bona fide flying suit. Early style with 2 flap pockets to the back and one flap pocket to the left front, plus button tabs at the ankles to cynch them into boots. All brass buttons. Almost impossible to find and absolutely impossible to upgrade.

SOLD