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SALES August 2020

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RAF 1943 Pattern Escape pattern flying boots, final issue version.

 

The third and final pair in this "complete" set of all 3 generations of escape boots used by RAF crews in WWII on offer.  The idea was that, if a RAF crew member finds himself in enemy territory,  the tops could be cut away with a small knife (carried inside the boot in a small pocket) leaving what looked like an ordinary pair of shoes. The final version featured separating Lightning brand zips, offset to the side, with the uppers being made of black suede because the cost of producing them in leather was prohibitive. The Air Ministry caved in to overwhelming positive feedback from the trials.  This pair is in excellent condition, with fully working zips and great leather. Lightning zips are marked with a broad arrow, indicating later 1943-44 manufacture. 

SOLD

WWII AAF B-10 Flight Jacket in excellent condition.

One of the best B-10 jackets I have come across for a long time. The green cotton shell is not faded and shows no damage, just very light soiling from storage, great thick collar and lovely lining. All original cuffs and waistband are near perfect, with a couple of very minor snags and one small stain on left cuff. Great label and an unusual manufacturer: Sovereign Mfg. Co. Size 38 so good size for display. Smooth running Talon zip fastener. Never an easy jacket to find because they were in service for such a short time. Always tough to find in such good condition and this one would be difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

English made AAF 4-pocket tunic converted to Ike jacket named to 9th AF officer.

 

Excellent example of a USAAF officer;s 4-pocket tunic in "chocolate" (dark green so dark it almost looks brown) which has been subsequently retailored into a waist length "Ike" jacket. Original tailor's label to Hector Powe is named to Lt. T. Morris and dated April 8, 1944.  Superb English made 9th Air Force patch to left sleeve, plus US and winged prop lapel insignia and Lt. rank bars. Pin holes indicate there was a wing attached, now removed, but with research could be replaced. A lovely example.

SOLD

US Army Air Corps Dress White linen uniform jacket with pilot wings, 6th AF patch.

 

Having never handled one of these rather scarce dress white jackets in over 25 years, I have now had 2 come along in the past few months! Lovely example of a pre-war of WWII jacket, strictly for wear in tropical regions. It has all correct insignia including a nice pair of issue style sterling marked clutch back pilot wings and a US made 6th Air Force patch. Lovely condition, if sligtly yellowed with age - great Palm Beach Tailor's label in the neck and care instructions inside the pocket. Though not named, the number on the label might be researchable.

SOLD

RAF Air Rank officer's peaked/visor cap attributed to former Battle of Britain pilot

The RAF equivalent of a general's cap, worn only by officers of the rank of Air Commodore and above, having two rows of "scrambled egg" to the patent leather peak. This example is post 1952, having the "Queen's" crown to the bullion badge. Maker marked to Bates of London, one of the best known hatters of the wartime era and beyond. Inside the band was found a newspaper cutting of the obituary of Air Commodore M.W. S. Robinson, to whom the cap may well have belonged. As a squadron leader, Robinson led 73 squadron during the Battle of Britain. No provenance directly linking cap to Robinson apart from the newspaper, so sold at face value of Air Rank cap.

SOLD

Unique late war RAF Type C helmet painted with Dutch roundel emblem, fitted with very rare internal wiring loom with ANB-H-1 receivers

 

Sadly the helmet has seen better days, but is actually more robust than it looks and might benefit from some TLC. It's a late war internally wired Type C fitted with a very rare Type 2186 connector (cord) which has posts for wiring to ANB-H-1 receivers. Receivers have been inside this helmet forever and have shaped around them, though the rubber remains pliable. The leather has some  surface loss in varying degrees, and a few tears, mostly at the rear. However is is not peeling or crumbling as so many are and can withstand handling and display . I would have considered removing the wiring loom for separate sale, because it is an extremely rare type, except that the helmet has a neatly painted Dutch aircraft roundel to the left hand side which is clearly original. Inside one earcup is what appears to be 880 faintly inked, and the helmet has a nice AID acceptance stamp. The chamois interior is quite clean and in good shape. This helmet may clean up and could possibly be restored to some degree, or else be left alone as a nice display. The scarce Type 2186 wiring loom alone is worth the asking price.

SOLD

RFC Cowl type flying helmet in absolutely fabulous condition but missing some components .

 

This 1918 dated and War Dept. marked Cowl type flying helmet is in unissued and unworn condition, with superb soft leather, clean chamois interior and retaining 90% of its original fur lining. It has a nice crisp maker mark and date of 1918 and a good clear WD broad arrow acceptance mark inside. However, it has been robbed of its exterior fittings: both ear flaps (and one set of press stud fasteners), both wind deflecting cylinder pads and its chin strap are missing - possibly used to cannibalize another helmet - but this must have happened back in 1918 because I am certain no one would do such a thing to a valuable cowl helmet in recent times! It would make a great project if some one knows where to find a helmet in poor condition but which has good donor parts. It still has the cords for the chin strap and the narrow straps for tightening the brow. A lovely project starter offered at a very low price, considering complete examples even in average condition sell for upwards of $1000 these days.

SOLD

RFC MK II Goggle Mask by Howard Spence.

 

Well-marked WWI Royal Flying Corps Mk II Goggle Mask with a rare and unusual maker, Howard Spence. Leather is good, remains pliable and without damage, though fur backing has moulted and a piece of leather has been sewn to back to reinforce the hinge (looks like a very old repair). Hinge is broken but  might be repairable. Strap is stretched out but original. Good lenses with no damage just some delamination. Silk eye surrounds are good except for one small tear. Displayable as is but would benefit from TLC. Very rarely found maker. Gold leaf stamping is clear and 95% intact.

SOLD

Superb pair of 1939 dated Mk IIIa Flying Goggles.

The cleanest and best looking pair of Mk IIIa Flying Goggles I have come across in a long time. Synonymous with Battle of Britain fighter pilots, the Mk IIIa goggles have a very distinctive 1930s "Art Deco" styling which looked great, though perhaps didn't function as well as expected for fighter pilots, because the acetate lenses scratched easily, distorted vision and were quite flammable. This set shows very little evidence of wear, with near perfect lenses, unblemished frames, strap in perfect working order. Slight bumping to one of the trumpet vents, oetherwise perfect. Nice crisp Air Ministry mark, stores information and clear 39 date code.

SOLD

Fantastic RAF 1940 dated Irvin jacket.

Perhaps the most iconic symbol of a RAF fighter pilot from the Battle of Britain is the Irvin jacket - named after it's designer (the same Leslie Irvin who gave the world the Irvin parachute). Despite the fact that the summer of 1940 was one of the hottest on record, it was chilly for those waiting for the dawn patrol and RAF fighter pilots are often pictured huddled in the Irvins in the early mornings. This is a classic example and in absolutely amazing condition. Like many issued jackets, this one started life as an electrically wired version, but when the need for standard jackets surpassed the availability of sheep's pelts, the factory modified surplus wired examples by carefully removing all the wiring, plugs and external leather channels that contained them, leaving barely visible stitch holes and the stud for attaching gloves. This is a typical jacket of its type. Honey coloured fleece inside, 2-panels front and back, DOT zip fasteners with long leather pull tabs, lovely reddish brown finish. This jacket is in beautiful condition; all zips are original and work perfectly. The collar strap is still in place; the half waistbelt retains all its eyelets; minimal rubbing of fur at the cuffs and waist; and best of all, the label still intact, indicating Air Ministry mark and date of 1940 - as well as a large size. This would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

RAF ensign or "duster" dated 1941, probably from an ASR launch.

 

Please don't confuse this fabulous flag with the horrible aged fakes currently appearing a well-known online auction! This is a 100% original RAF ensign or "duster" as they were known, made from wool and sewn together from separate pieces, NOT printed onto cotton or linen as these modern copies are. Each different colour is a separate piece of woven wool cloth. The flag measures 48" x 24" and so is quite likely from an Air Sea Rescue launch (it was found in Falmouth, Cornwall, which also supports that idea). Nice broad arrow mark and a clear date code of 1941. Still has its halyard and hooks attached. Some light staining but no damage or wear. A beautiful and genuine wartime RAF ensign.

SOLD

AAF AN6530 Flying Goggles by Chas Fischer Spring.

 

First decent pair I've seen for a long time. Nice set of these iconic US goggles with clear glass lenses. Frame is in great shape with no dings or damage and only minor discolouration/surface oxidation. Nice clear maker mark on left hand side. One piece face cushion is a little dry with some very minor surface crazing (only shows when you flex it). It remains pliable and has no signs of separation (which is usually the biggest issue). Black elastic strap has no elasticity left, but no thin spots or other issues. Overall a decent and displayable pair of goggles.

SOLD

Extremely rare RAF escape pattern flying boots, first generation of the so-called "Nuffield" escape boots.

 

The first pair of a "complete" set of all 3 generations of escape boots used by RAF crews in WWII on offer. These boots were produced in very small numbers at the request of Clayton Hutton and financed by Lord Nuffield because the Air Ministry refused funding. The idea was that, if a RAF crew member finds himself in enemy territory,  the tops could be cut away with a small knife leaving what looked like an ordinary pair of shoes. This first generation were made of all black leather and had non-separating zips at the front of the boot. Though they have been resoled and heeled, they remain in very good condition, with fully working zips, great leather and though there is some wear to the fleece inside, they display very well indeed. Though it is not known exactly how many were produced in the first trial batch, it must have been a very small number and they are rarely seen. 

SOLD

Extremely rare RAF escape pattern flying boots, second generation of the so-called "Nuffield" escape boots.

 

The second pair of a "complete" set of all 3 generations of escape boots used by RAF crews in WWII on offer. Produced in very small numbers at the request of Clayton Hutton and financed by Lord Nuffield because the Air Ministry refused funding. The idea was that, if a RAF crew member finds himself in enemy territory,  the tops could be cut away with a small knife leaving what looked like an ordinary pair of shoes.  Based on feedback from crews issued first generation boots, separating zips were used and the zips were also moved to one side to avoid getting in the way of the laces.  This pair has been resoled and heeled during their working life, but are still in very good condition, with fully working zips, great leather and though there is minor wear to the fleece inside, they display very well. The exact number produced is unknown, but in my opinion, this second generation may be even more scarce than the first type. 

SOLD

Korean War vintage USAF B-5 life preserver in excellent condition.

 

Introduced at the end of WWII, the B-5 remained in service with the USAF for many years as seen in this 1951 dated example in excellent condition. Well marked and personalized with large ink stamp or stenciled initials, the vest is clean and bright with all straps and buckles, and includes its original sea dye marker contained in a pocket between the lobes. Internal bladder feels soft and pliable, zips are in good working order and both oral inflation tubes are good. It lacks one screw-top cover for the CO2 cartridge, but I may have a spare (if not they are fairly easy to obtain). If building a Korean War era USAF fighter pilot, this example would be very difficult to upgrade. 

SOLD

RAAF 1944 dated Bush Shirt converted to a Battle Dress blouse.

 

Wonderful example of an Indian made RAF issue Bush shirt, constructed from lightweight Airtex cotton fabric (same material as the Type E flying helmet), field modified and cut down to a battle dress blouse. Expertly done and in very good condition, the blouse is well marked inside and dated 1944.  Rank slides for Squadron Leader and "Australia" tabs on epaulettes. 

SOLD

RAAF Khaki Dress jacket cut down to battle dress.

 

RAAF Khaki Dress jacket, field tailored into a battle dress blouse. 1944 dated and labeled, there is also a wartime RAAF serial number 432039 hand written inside the neck. Black plastic RAF/RAAF buttons and red Australia tabs on the epaulettes, a lovely example of a field modified uniform. The Australian National Archives gives the following details: KELLEY, JOHN HERBERT LANCE : Service Number - 432039 : Date of birth - 29 Jun 1916 : Place of birth - BANKSTOWN NSW : Place of enlistment - SYDNEY. Lovely jacket with the possibility of further research (my thanks  to Vince).

SOLD

US Marine Corps dress blue 4-pocket tunic, rank of major, with pilot wing.

 

USMC dress blue tunic is lovely condition, appears wartime or immediate postwar - labeled but no date; name looks like Fields. Includes belt. Major's oak leaves and pilot wing are post war but collar devices appear to be wartime screwback type. A nice tunic worthy of research.

SOLD

RAF sergeant Air Gunner service dress jacket with pathfinder badge, 1944 date.

 

Sadly unnamed but a lovely example of an other ranks uniform jacket with sergeant stripes, Air Gunner brevet and pathfinder badge. This is from an old collection and appears to be original. The badges are certainly authentic and original, and in the case of the pathfinder badge, it is, correctly, an officer's cap eagle with pronged back and looks to have been there for a long time.  Nice padded AG half wing. Jacket is in good, gently worn condition, showing light use but no abuse or damage and includes the belt which is tucked inside the pocket. Good 1944 dated label.

SOLD

1920s-1930s US Army Air Corps uniform jacket with direct bullion embroidered collar insignia.

 

Lovely Army Air Corps tunic with direct bullion embroidered winged props and US collar devices to the lapels (in the classic position, right on top of each other, typical of the period). Also bullion pilot wing, major's oak leaves and overseas chevrons to lower sleeve. Fancy tailor's label to Lewis Military Supply of San Antonio, and though no named label, inside the right sleeve the name B. Long is handwritten in ink along with a number. This was common practice among many tailors from WWI until the later 1930s. When I first obtained this tunic, someone had "thoughtfully" added an erroneous (and very fake) Cavalry patch to the left upper sleeve and a totally inappropriate pin-back ribbon bar. I decided to remove both.  There is no evidence that the patch had been there very long and it leaves no trace of fading or even stitch holes. The tunic is otherwise 100% original. The wing, though authentic, may of course have been added, but I left it alone because it is not out of place for late 1930s. A beautiful tunic in very good condition which displays well.

SOLD

RAF photographic target plotting map, Port of Ostend, Belgium.

 

These photographic plotting maps are among the most sought after and most difficult to find. Measuring 17" x 13.5" (43cm x 34cm) on single-sided paper, it depicts a b/w photograph of the Port of Ostend, with the various berths and ship spaces left blank so that the observer could fill in exact locations of targets either during for a later planned bombing raid. First one of these I have seen in a long time. There is a green pencilled line between two points (just below the centre of the map) otherwise no markings. Excellent condition. Dated June 1942.  

      

SOLD

USN aviation radio headset with TH-37 receivers.

 

US Navy aviator's radio headset with Telephonics TH-37 receivers, long, one-piece moulded rubber-coated wiring loom which divides into 3 leads for receivers and Telephonics Type RS-38B hand held microphone. Overall length is about 84" (215cm) in great condition with NAF marked single pin plug. Could be used in a flying helmet or headband.

SOLD

Superb RAF 256 squadron Defiant night fighter pilot's log book and large grouping with over 100 photographs, personal accounts of combat, an original Form F Combat report and loads more.

RAF fighter pilot log books are extremely rare - especially with such a huge grouping of associated material. This log begins August 1939 with air experience flights as a cadet; pilot training from April 1940; posted 256 sq. December 1940. Log book ends December 1942. Over 100 photos  and documentation including an original combat report for the kill of a He III, personal notes about his RAF career, copies of squadron Operational Log book pages, PLUS material from his post war career as a top Air Traffic Controller and author of a wartime novel. An absolute wealth of research material and documentation. 2 post war log books (one civilian, one RAF flying Air Cadets on Air Experience Flights); sectional chart of southern England, medals for his Air Traffic Control work, his knee board, nomination letters for the Queens honors list and much more. Photographs are almost all  annotated on the back. Many group squadron photos, aircraft shots, fellow pilots, his wife (WAAF) and aircraft he flew. 117 photos in all, more than half are WWII RAF, the rest are pre-war (schooldays) and some postwar. After completing his ops tour he became an instructor training other fighter pilots (names are well worth researching). Folder about his old school with Scottish diploma. A fantastic grouping with too much to list!

SOLD

RAF Mk IIIa Bayonet Connector for Type D oxygen mask.

Brass bayonet connector fits on the end of the tube from a Type D mask to join oxygen supply in aircraft. Classic Battle of Britain item, very difficult to find these days. Brass connector is well marked with Air Ministry crown and dated 1939. Some slight discolouration and minor surface pitting from use, but in very good working order, spring is good, swivels well. 

SOLD

RAF D mask/B helmet face defenders.

 

Issued with the Type B helmet to protect the wearer's face from contact against the metal studs inside the helmet causing a freeze burn, these were then sewn to the sides of the Type D mask for a proper fit. Webbing fabric backed by chamois with 2 press studs/snaps on each. Excellent condition with clear, crisp Air Ministry markings and, unusually, a perfect matching pair.

SOLD

RAF 1924 pattern full dress (ceremonial) uniform busby.

Full dress uniform was introduced into the RAF in 1924 and though many wore it proudly, it was never as popular as in other branches of the military. The busby, which was really not a true busby, was supposedly patterned after a flying helmet, made of leather and trimmed with black seal skin, but quickly earned the nickname of "monkey's bum".  It was phased out in 1938-39 and never reintroduced. This busby is in overall very good condition. It retains all the fur, the leather chin strap and bullion faux chin scales decoration, though this is age tarnished. It has its original badge and I believe the ostrich plume or hackle is also original, though it appears to have been reattached at the front.  Magenta silk lining is in good condition.

SOLD

WWII Polish Air Force officer's peaked cap.

 

British tailor made cap – essentially a RAF officer's cap – with a beautiful silver wire embroidered Polish cap badge replacing the standard RAF cap badge. This is typical of the uniform cap worn by Polish officer's who, having escaped Poland in September 1939, came to England and joined the ranks of the RAF to fly and fight in the Battle of Britain. The leather sweatband has some loose stitching and is marked Roan Leather. Cap is in excellent condition, no mothing,  excess wear or damage.  Minor stains/discolouration behind the cap badge. A great hat.

SOLD

Scarce Pre-WWII French Air Force officer's (major's) cap.

 

1929 pattern officer's cap, rank of Commandant (Major) in L'Armee de L'Air for a pilot or flight crew member. Hat is in excellent condition, with light wear but no damage or mothing. Good composite peak/visor, black silk lining with cellophane sweat diamond (torn but complete) over private tailor's label and good leather sweatband with initials J.J.D. An excellent example of an early French Air Force officer's cap which would have been worn during the fall of France and the Battle of Britain.

SOLD

Very scarce RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse 1943 dated, in unissued condition and large size 16.

No badges, never had any! This Suits, Aircrew blouse is completely unissued and unworn. Tailored by Montague Burton of Leeds and dated 1943, it is a very large size 16. Impossible to upgrade. Issued as flying clothing and exclusive to aircrews for wear on ops only, these early "battledress" tops are now quite difficult to source.

SOLD

Modified Luftwaffe Netzkopfhaube flying helmet LKpN101.

This LKpN101 mesh flying helmet displays well,  and with a little work could be made into a beautiful example. It's a good size and has been field modified to accept only the double strap or 2-strap oxygen mask (model 10-69 or 10-6701). Originally made with a top strap, this has been removed. The leather is an unusual but very attractive chestnut brown, on the brow and the throat microphone strap as well as the earphone housings. The mesh has one very small hole in, but since this is right next to the "skeleton" strap, would be easy to repair invisibly. The leather is a little dry and would benefit from treatment - and the round throat microphones are missing both paxolin coverings. Both earphones are present, though one lacks its celluloid membrane. Label is present and indicates a size 57.  An unusual variation of a desirable helmet that looks fine as is, but would benefit from a little TLC – and at a bargain price.

SOLD

WWII AAF issue oxygen mask clips for attaching A-10A, A-13, A-13A and A-14 mask to flight helmet.

 

These were issued with all mask kits but are often missing and as with other accessory items, when you need one....

 

Several available. All are WWII production though vary slightly in design and manufacturer. Will try to accommodate specific types but basically my choice.

 

SOLD OUT

RAF issue chess / backgammon board. 

 

Often seen in photos of the ready room/standby areas during the Battle of Britain and later as crews tried to occupy themselves prior to scrambling or missions (see last photo). It’s a chess/draughts board on one side and a backgammon board to the reverse, made from plywood and then covered in linen printed with the playing surfaces. It is Air Ministry marked as well as maker marked and dated 1941. Boards just like these were also “doctored” before being shipped to prisoners in official parcels and could conceal maps and other clandestine items underneath the linen or sandwiched in layers of the plywood. A neat and very scarce home-base item item in its own right.

 

SOLD

Scarce USAAF aircraft ID model moulded in black heavy rubber. "British Marauder" and "US B-26"

These aircraft ID models make lovely collectibles in their own right! Approx. 1/76 / 00 scale moulded in black rubber. This one is labeled as a "British Marauder" and US B-26. It is not warped and misshapen as are many, but it does have some kind of coating which is peeling or blistering in a couple of spots. There is also a hairline separation of the bottom of the fuselage but this doesn't show and could easily be repaired with a dab of glue if necessary. Otherwise it's a beauty and these are quite scarce. Priced according to condition. 

 

SOLD

Silk Japanese prayer flag. 

 

Though perhaps technically not a "survival" item these were considered extremely important for the wellbeing and survival of Japanese military and especially among aircrew. They were usually inscribed with the thoughts and prayers of a loved one and carried on all missions for good luck - but could also be used as signal flags in the event of being shot down and requiring rescue. This example is on finest lightweight silk which would also float on the surface of the ocean (though not specifically designed as such - floating flags with kapok stuffed edges were issued for that purpose). 35" x 26" with ties at two corners. A significant and poignant memory of the war in the Pacific.

 

SOLD

WWII AAF winged prop sweetheart pin in sterling silver.

 

Miniature winged prop pin with snowflake back and marked "sterling" - lovely sweetheart pin.

SOLD

 

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