SALES April 2023

(click on pictures to enlarge)

AAF A-11 pilot's "Hack" watch by Waltham.

Excellent wartime issue A-11 "Hack" watch by Waltham. "Hack" simply meant that the second hand could be stopped by pulling out the crown, enabling pilots to set and synchronize their watches exactly. Looks to be all original and in very good condition. Included is a good tan pigskin strap which is most likely a later replacement. Watch is in good running order and keeps good time, but of course, as with any 80 year old timepiece, cannot be guaranteed. Well marked on the back. Original A-11 watches are getting harder to find.

SOLD

RARE RAF chamois glove liners for 1933 pattern and 1941 pattern gauntlets.

One of the most difficult flying clothing accessory items to find: chamois gloves intended for wear underneath the 1933 and 1941 pattern flying gauntlets. One of the biggest dangers faced by fighter pilots was fire, so the Air Ministry offered as much protection against burns as possible, by practically insisting that aircrews (and especially fighter pilots) wore multiple layers on their hands: silk glove liners, then chamois gloves, then leather gauntlets. Most fighter pilots found that gloves hampered their "feel" of the stick and often wore none - resulting in terrible burns. Some crew positions wore only the silk or chamois but no leather outers. Personal preferences varied - but these liners are extremely difficult to find these days. This pair is unissued, unworn, still tacked together and superbly marked with Air Ministry crown and nomenclature and a decent size 9. Impossible to find better.

SOLD

WWII RAAF officer's sidecap.

Superb RAAF officer's sidecap in excellent condition. A little dusty but no damge or wear. Excellent bronzed eagle and crown badge and correct black KC buttons.

SOLD

5-minute fusee distress signal flare used in the C-1 sustenance vest and survival kits.

5-minute Red Fusee distress signal flare as issued from 1942 with the C-1 sustenance vest as well as the B-4 parachute kit and the B-2 jungle kit. They continued as issue items throughout the Vietnam war. WWII dated examples are extremely difficult to find; these are dated October 1965 but are identical to WWII issue and display well. Excellent condition, if slightly faded in places.

SOLD

RAF KD Airtex battledress blouse (or War Service Dress) made in India for wear in the tropics.

Seen from time to time in period photographs, this Airtex cotton blouse was made in India for wear in the tropics. It still bears its original ink stamps which suggest it was originally tailored in India and a clear date of 1944. Small, vegetable buttons are slightly warped but still strong and function perfectly. Overall clean. There is also indication that a pilot wing was once sewn to the front. An excellent example RAF tropical issue clothing not often found.

SOLD

RAF ground crew/mechanic khaki drill combination working suit.

Never very popular, but nonetheless part of the official RAF garb in the tropics, this one-piece combination suit comprised a collarless short sleeved "onesie" with built-in shorts and a buckled strap at the rear waist for tightening. It had one breast pocket and two side pockets, and fastened using four brass buttons at the front. Designed to be cool and comfortable, it proved unpopular and its service life was somewhat shortlived. Consequently examples are seldom found. This one is in great condition, big size and great label plus

A-crown-M property stamp.

SOLD

RAF Type H electrically heated gloves in exceptional condition.

Absolutely stunning pair of RAF Type H electrically heated flying gauntlets in a large size. These appear to have never been issued or worn and are in immaculate condition. A perfect matched pair in rich, butter soft leather of the highest quality. Well marked as 24 volt with great labels and broad arrow mark. These would be impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

US Navy / Marine Corps NAF 1092 flying helmet with sewn earcups and powder puffs in superb condition.

Absolutely superb Naval Air Factory model 1092 intermediate flying helmet used from c.1939 throughout WWII by US Navy and Marine Corps pilots and aircrews. It appears unused, yet has been customized by attaching the leather earcups, powder puff inserts and trimming off the brow section of leather (a common modification because it could get in the way). It has also been fitted with snaps/press studs for attaching an A-14 oxygen mask. Still fitted with its hard leather chin cup, there is not a mark on the leather or chamois lining. While not a rare helmet, it would be difficult to find a better example.

SOLD

Vietnam era USAF MS22001 pressure breathing oxygen mask.

This pattern began its service life in WWII as the A-13A pressure demand mask, and remained in use until the1990s, redesignated as MS22001 c.1950. This is an example from the Vietnam war era. Made by Acushnet, who made far fewer than MSA, the mask is in good condition. The rubber is pliable, with no signs of perishing. There is a small nick in the folded down facial seal and the integral strap that fits under the nose has separated, as is common. The exoskeletal stiffener has had the two outer edges removed (this may have been deliberate?) however it wouldn't affect the functionality of the mask. Unusually it has been fitted with a full head harness, intended for wear with a headset rather than a helmet - so perhaps for a heavy bomber or reconnaissance aircraft (maybe a B-52?). Covers for the valves are missing but replacements can be found. Microphone installed. Good hose and connector. Overall a great display piece for any Vietnam aviation display. Moulded date of 1969. Quite a scarce mask, especially from this maker and in this configuration.

SOLD

Australian made US Army / AAF officer's crusher cap.

Superb summer weight khaki wool US Army or AAF officer's crusher cap, made in Australia and officially labeled as such inside. Cap is in great shape, with no signs of any moth or insect damage. Some of the stitching on the sweatband has come loose but can easily be fixed. OD mohair band, lovely russet leather chin straps and peak/visor which is soft and flexible for that "crushed" look. Satin lining is printed with "Authorized US Army Officer's Cap made by James Brothers, Pty Limited, Surry Hills, Sydney." Large size (I would guess 7-1/8 to 7-1/4). Beautiful example in excellent condition.

SOLD

AAF Bombardier's Information File, original wartime printing.

Much more scarce than the "Pilot's Information File," this Bombardier's Information File is in excellent condition and includes the most up-to-date information that was available before the end of the war—with the first page labeled March—April—May 1945. 8.5" x 11", hard cardboard cover with loose pages bound with 3 screws and bolts, about 3/4" thick. Not only includes all the information about bombing, bomb sights and navigation tools, but also all flying clothing and equipment, parachutes and survival aids are described and illustrated.

SOLD

Imperial Japanese Navy pilot Commander's goggles.

Extremely rare and much sought after Japanese Navy flying goggles with unlacquered aluminium frames and a white velvet cushion. The left lens is cracked but holding together perfectly. It could, no doubt, be replaced if a replacement can be found, but even as is, these goggles look impressive. The plain silver metal frames and white cushions are thought to be symbolic of a leader or ace (much like the white prestige suits worn by RAF fighter pilots, or the red tunic lining of AAF ace pilots). Goggles show use and cushions are slightly discoloured on the back but overall in excellent condition.

SOLD

RAF 1941 Pattern Life Vest "Mae West" in very good condition.

Getting very hard to find these days, especially in good condition. This life vest is very clean and complete with no damage, although it has one very neatly dome period repair to the collar (see photos). This is clearly period because the colour match and general toning is exactly the same across the repaired area. It is almost unnoticeable. It has a later war generic label with the size "Medium" printed and a nice A-crown-M marked zip which works perfectly. This actually dates from between July 1943 and December 1943, because it has the pocket for the floating torch, but not the attachment for the lifeline. Instead it is fitted with the old lifeline and toggle between the vest and the stole chamber. Pouch for the dye marker is empty but sewn down, partly in the typical red thread and partly in white. Ben 21 hand painted inside and the number 95 is printed/stamped. A very good example.

SOLD

RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West stole (bladder).

A very good mid-late wartime stole/bladder for the 1941 Pattern Mae West. Grey, rubberized fabric is in very good condition, pliable throughout, except for a couple of period repair spots where the glue has hardened. Inflation tube is also fully flexible though it has lost some of its fabric covering. Air Ministry marked with all stores ref. information and a test date of 11/44. Another very difficult accessory to find.

SOLD

RAF 1941 Pattern Life Vest kapok pads, original wartime set.

An original set of mid-late wartime kapok pads for the 1941 Pattern Life Vest. Cotton stuffed with teased kapok slipped inside the floatation chamber of the vest alongside the stole which provided added buoyancy. Excellent condition and well marked.

SOLD

RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West floating torch Type F, in excellent condition.

2-part floating torch which slips into the side by side compartments of the pocket on the right hand side of the Mae West. This example is in exceptionally nice condition, with the rubber coated wiring intact and totally flexible. It also still has its stores ref. tag attached. The floating wooden light has a few minor dings but the battery compartment is excellent. Another scarce accessory which is rarely found in such great condition.

SOLD

RARE WWII RAF Air Rank officer's cap.

Superb and original WWII RAF Air Rank officer's cap. Wartime or possibly earlier—perhaps mid-to-late 1930s

based on the tailoring style—having the very thin piped seam and the circular quilted padding inside (as well as the green under-peak). I can find one pinhead sized moth nip, on the top of the cap near the front edge, but it cannot be seen from more than a couple of feet and is no detraction. The sweatband has a couple fo small holes from wear/handling but overall a fantastic example which will display well with a corresponding Air Rank tunic. Few officers reached the exulted rank of “general” in the RAF, even during the war, making these hats extrenely rare and desirable.

SOLD

RAF Target Chart with concentric circles Sassnitz, Germany.

These target maps are quite rare, being jealously guarded during the war and collected in. They were printed in greys and purple so as to be visible under the red lights of the aircraft stations, and used a system of concentric circles, each representing 1 mile, to guide the bomb aimer to the target - in this case a marshaling yard and ferry port on Germany's northern Baltic coast. This example is in far better condition than most found. Dated September 1944, it has been folded and has some pencil notes written on the back (which may be contemporary or may have been added later, but could easily be erased). A superb example.

SOLD

RAF issue tropical khaki uniform shorts.

Excellent pair of RAF tropical service dress uniform shorts in khaki cotton, unissued condition and retaining their original 1942 dated manufacturer's label. Hard to find a better pair and a large size. Worn by all ranks and all trades and favoured by pilots and aircrews in the hot climate.

SOLD

AAF A-10A oxygen mask fitted with T-44 microphone assembly.

Superb mask, the rubber in excellent condition, fitted with the rare T-44 microphone assembly which includes the US made British type cord and bell plug. This type was used in British aircraft such as the Spitfire but also in US aircraft made to RAF specs, including the P-47 and P-51. Mask is dated 4-44 and would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

RAF 1941 Pattern "Sidcot" flying suit, complete with fur collar.

Very good used example of the final development of the famed "Sidcot" flying suit, first developed in 1918 by Mr Sidney Cotton (from whom it gets its nickname). This 1941 Pattern version is essentially identical to the 1940 Pattern, with the addition of electrical wiring carrying current to the wrists and Feet for attaching heated gloves and bootees. Made from heavy green canvas cotton drill, this example is slightly grubby from wear, but has no damage. All zips work well (one or two teeth absent from the main zip, but does not affect the function). Also included is the correct matching fur/mouton collar. Both the suit and the collar are marked size 6. One button missing from the front flap but is included (in the pocket). These are getting quite difficult to find nowadays, especially in good condition.

SOLD

Quilted liner for the RAF 1940-41 pattern "Sidcot" flying suit.

Quilted thermal liner introduced with the 1940 pattern Sidcot suit and retained with the 1941 pattern. Brown satin fabric with an internal layer of quilted batting for warmth at high altitude. Very good used condition, with a couple of minor surface tears and one repair to sleeve. Good working zips, although both leg zips have the pullers missing, but still work smoothly. AM label indicating size 3. Some light fading and one water stain to the back. The letters S.P.C. are stencilled on the back, along with the name "Dan" in yellow paint.

SOLD

Superb reproduction RAF 1932 Pattern life vest "Mae West".

I believe this is an early Sefton replica of the 1932 pattern Mae West. It is superbly made from green cotton that is almost a perfect match for the original fabric, an accurate label and printed markings, correct webbing tapes and blackened brass buckles, as well as a brass DOT zip with AM markings and original buttons. The inside of the flotation chamber is not painted with a rubberized coating, but in all other aspects this is as good a replica as it is possible to buy — and at less than 1/10 of what an original would cost these days. Very slight sun fading to the top.

SOLD

AAF aircrew mask or throat microphone lead extension.

Rubber coated extension lead with 2-pin female socket at one end and single pin male plug on the other. Nice accessory in excellent condition.

SOLD