SALES December 2021

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Pre-WWI / WWI era motoring/aviation goggles.

Very early, probably pre-WWI era goggles as worn by motor car drivers and passengers and early aviators. Leather mask with oval glass lenses held in an alloy frame, a simple strap with a hook closure at the back. Sadly one lens has a straight line crack across it, but this would be easy to replace if desired. There is also a worn area in the leather to the left of the lens, although this doesn't affect the integrity of the mask. Great for a representation of early aviation.

SOLD

Exceptional RAF Beadon lightweight flying suit with multiple pockets for stowing escape/survival gear.

Introduced late in WWII specifically for flying in the jungle/tropics, the Beadon suit incorporated escape and survival equipment into its design, carried in pockets distributed throughout. This example id unissued - and is probably the nicest example I have ever encountered, except for the inevitable insect damage to the knitted collar. I feel certain this could be repaired and restored, providing an outstanding display. Most of these suits are worn and faded; this suit is the same dark, rich blue-grey colour as when it left the factory. All zips and poppers/snaps work perfectly. The sleeves are still sewn together as issued (and the knitted cuffs seem to be unmolested by the insects which chewed the collar). All in all a lovely example which will display very well.

SOLD

RAF Emergency Flying Ration Mk II complete with full contents.

Rare RAF Emergency Flying Ration Mk II complete with full contents, and named on the back of the tin to a RAAF airman. The tin has had its taped seal removed but is otherwise undisturbed, and retains its full complement of contents: barley sugars, energy tablets, Horlicks tablets and chewing gum. These were issued with the dinghy kits and survival kits including the Beadon suit, and while the empty tins occasionally turn up, finding one with all original contents is extremely rare. Nice early example with the Air Ministry crown markings.

SOLD

RAF aircrew soup/coffee Thermos flask.

Vital item of equipment for every member of a RAF bomber crew! The Thermos could be used for tea, coffee, soup or anything the individual wanted for the trip to or from the target, especially at night. This example has a few dings and dents to show it was "there" - but the glass inner liner is intact and it retains its original cork stopper. Crinkle finish to help keep insulation, and a few scratches on the side, but the instruction label is still visible and legible. Also still has carrying handle. 1943 dated and named to Harrison. 10" (25.5cm) tall with a 5" (13cm) diameter.

SOLD

Scarce RAF 1918 named and dated first pattern khaki tunic.

Excellent example of the rare RAF 1918 first pattern khaki/green tunic to a second lieutenant pilot, named and dated October 1918. Lovely green/khaki tunic with superb first pattern RAF pilot wing, medal ribbons, overseas stripes and gilt eagles to sleeves, plus lovely bullion wire "Canada" shoulder tabs. Eagles without rank lace denotes second lieutenant. Early RAF "rope" bordered buttons. Very good condition with minimal wear. Great tailor's label inside with name A.M. Munro. Well worth researching.

SOLD

Very scarce RAF suits, aircrew blouse for a WAG, first issue pattern dated 1941.

First introduced in 1941, the RAF version of the army's "battledress" was authorized exclusively for aircrew, and only to be worn while on ops. As such, it was technically a flying suit. Early examples are extremely rare and differed from later ones in having an internal pocket, metal buttons and pleats at the back. This example has a very faded label, but some of the print is just about legible, including the size (10) and date of 1941. Unfortunately it shows wear and has quite a bit of insect damage, although most of this cannot be seen when displayed. It also has a scarce WAG wing (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner).

SOLD

Scarce RAF Type D helmet, intermediate unwired pattern.

Scarce mid-war unwired Type D flying helmet. As with the Type C, the Type D was a constant "work in progress" throughout the war. Once the Mk IV series goggles were phased out, there was no longer any need for the forward leather goggle strap tabs, so they were omitted, and the leather chin strap and Bennett buckle was replaced with a simple elastic webbing strap. Snaps/studs were still fitted to accommodate Type D mask (as a microphone carrier) as well as the Types E, E* and G. This helmet is a nice size 3 (large) and the fabric is in very good condition, but sadly the rubber earpieces have perished and are subsequently misshapen and damaged. The interior brow lining is also slightly damaged, but this helmet might be a good candidate for restoration - especially as unwired examples are hard to find these days.

SOLD

WWII RAF officer's visor cap by Burberry.

High quality tailored RAF officer's cap (for all ranks from Pilot Officer to Wing Commander) by Burberry of London. Blue grey barathea wool with black mohair band, lovely heavily padded cap badge, leather sweatband, silk liner with Burberry label and patent leather chin strap. Shows very light use, with two very tiny holes or worn areas on the top rear edge (barely noticeable) and some loose stitching to sweatband inside. An excellent example of a high-end tailored cap.

SOLD

Lovely pair of hand-made WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets.

Undoubtedly privately purchased (as almost all flying clothing was, prior to 1915) and most likely custom made to order, these excellent flying gauntlets are unusually well made, entirely by hand. All sewing is hand-stitched and the quality of the materials is the highest. Fine pigskin leather palms, short pile fleece/sheepskin backs (to allow a good feel for the controls and keep as much warmth in as possible). Secured with a tightening strap at the wrist with a "Raymond" marked snap/press stud. They appear to be silk lined, again, to provide as much warmth as possible and allow maximum feel of the controls. Smallish size and overall excellent condition with oil staining overall to the leather. Perfect for an early war RFC display.

SOLD

RARE WWII Army War Savings Campaign Plaque for 1944

Beautiful display accessory for a British military collection! Large and quite heavy plaque moulded in ivory coloured plastic (De La Rue plastic, which was a type of bakelite) and measuring 23" x 14" (59cm x 36cm) featuring a 3-dimensional relief of a British soldier going into battle. A beautiful item, which at first glance appears to be carved in ivory. These were presented by the War Office to towns or municipalities which raised significant funds for the war effort. The material is brittle and few of these have survived intact. This example has two very small, minor chips in the bottom corners. Fitted with picture wire to the reverse for hanging.

SOLD

AAF mess dress dated 1941 named to a captain airship pilot.

Unusual AAF mess dress uniform comprising a white linen mess jacket with built-in cummerbund, gold braid epaulettes, deliberately mismatched winged prop devices on cuffs and superb miniature airship pilot wing, together with black trousers having satin side stripe. Both jacket and trousers are named to Captain G. S. Metcalf and dated 3-10-41. All in very good condition.

SOLD

RAF Mk VIII Aircrew Anti-Glare Spectacles with case.

Very good used example of these popular "sunglasses" issued to RAF aircrews from about 1943. Dark grey/green glass lenses in nickel plated frames with spring cable arms, complete with a velvet lined hard case. Spectacles are in very good condition, with no damage, no chips or cracks to glass that I can find. Frames are well marked with AM and 22C/971 (size medium) on both arms and HCO to bridge. Case is marked with Mk VIIIa and 22C/1072. Wear to corners but otherwise very good condition. These are now getting difficult to find. This pair is perfectly wearable and actually very comfortable.

SOLD

RARE RAF/SOE issue Escape and Evasion "locket" compass in waterproof pouch worn around the neck.

Escape and Evasion items, like a lot of RAF flying kit, have become extremely difficult to source in recent times. I haven't seen one of these "locket" type escape compasses in a very long time. Standard miniature compass, in good working order, sealed inside a clear plastic pouch attached to a cotton cord which tied around the neck for easy access. Upon landing in enemy territory, the compass could be removed and concealed t prevent discovery by enemy captors. Unissued, in perfect condition. Very hard to find these days.

SOLD

AAF Navigator's drawing compasses, original box of 2.

Two AAF navigator's drawing compasses, still contained in their original box as supplied. AAF official acceptance label is dated 10th January, 1945. Label indicates box originally contained 4 compasses, but I received this with 2 - nonetheless they are in perfect condition. Very heavy, with nickel plating, 7" long and maker marked CHARVOS USA. Since they came together in the box I prefer to sell them together.

SOLD

AAF Type D-3A Flying Gloves with wool inserts.

Very good used pair of D-3A Flying Gloves. Unusual variation in light brown leather with OD wool inserts. Very similar to the A-11 gloves: leather wrist length gloves with webbing strap and buckle across the back of each hand; good Army Air Forces logo stamped on the back of each glove and well marked inside. Leather is in excellent condition, with only minor wear, wool inserts have a few small moth nips but nothing too serious. Great display item and quite a scarce variation.

SOLD

Named AAF Type B-3 Flying Jacket with history, in very good condition.

Very good - I would say excellent if it hadn't had a replacement zip installed - B-3 flying jacket as worn by most AAF bomber crews and probably quite a few fighter pilots too. Synonymous with 8th Air Force crews based in England. The shearling/leather is in great condition, without the usual problems of dry-rot, it is strong and solid. Nice dark brown finish which has probably been redyed, which was a fairly common practice during the war. Finish is even and shows a little wear which adds to the great character of this jacket. All buckles and fastenings intact. Zip has been replaced but professionally done and difficult to tell except the puller is marked NZ. Original spec label is lacking but leather hanger is still present. Best of all, the name "Swetz" has been painted in yellow aircraft paint to the left breast, giving it a superb personalized touch. A good size jacket in very good condition. With history/research on the name.

SOLD

WWII RCAF flying boots in great condition and a huge size 12.

Excellent pair of Canadian made and issued flying boots. Similar in design to the USAAF A-6 boots, but made to a much higher quality. Leather uppers with fully enclosed rubber shoe section and fleece lined throughout. Front zip fastener by Lightning in good working order. Leather is in very good condition, rubber is totally pliable. These are in a massive size 12! Maker marked on the rubber soles to Miner Rubbers. Show only light use, though there is a name hand inked in red on the tongue of both boots (can't quite make it out).

SOLD

RAF multi-place dinghy inflation bellows.

Bellows for the RAF multi-place dinghy. While at sea, the inflated air chambers would lose air over time and needed to be topped up. Blowing air into a large dinghy through an oral inflation tube would be taxing so this bellows was issued as part of the survival kit. It is in very good condition and seems to work well, with no holes or damage. Constructed of wood and rubberized cotton with metal fittings and a handle that could be operated by hand or foot. The hose is included and is also in good condition. Quite a difficult item to find.

SOLD

RAF dinghy leak stoppers Type A - small. Full package of 6 in original paper wrapping with RAF stores info.

One of those super scarce accessories that rarely turns up: an unused, unissued package of 6 of the small leak stoppers issued with all dinghies (one man and multi-place types). Solid rubber flexes and barbs prevent them from coming out once fitted. These replaced the earlier screw-in types. Price is for complete package of 6.

SOLD

RAF dinghy leak stoppers Type A - Large. Full package of 6 in original paper wrapping with RAF stores info.

One of those super scarce accessories that rarely turns up: an unused, unissued package of 6 of the large leak stoppers issued with all dinghies (one man and multi-place types). Solid rubber flexes and barbs prevent them from coming out once fitted. These replaced the earlier screw-in types. Price for complete package of 6.

SOLD

RAF aircraft electrical switch, brass and enamel.

Porcelain enamel and brass toggle switch; 5 amp, 250 volts. Used on many pre-war and early wartime aircraft. Made by Sperryn and in excellent condition. A real work of art - and could easily be converted to use as a lightswitch or similar!

SOLD

Scarce Air Ministry Publication AP1928. Notes on the German Air Force dated April 1943.

Very scarce and useful AP 1928. This is a particularly interesting booklet because it contains essentially all the knowledge (restricted but not classified) about the German Air Force (noticeably never referred to as the "Luftwaffe") presented to give members of the RAF a better understanding of their opposite numbers. It includes everything from the history, organization and rank system to equivalent pay scale (just in case anyone thought that their Luftwaffe counterparts received better pay!). Of great interest to collectors is an itemized list of every piece of equipment carried by German paratroopers, as well as a comprehensive list of all known aircraft types in service at the time (April 1943). 80 pages plus a pull-out colour section of rank and trade badges.

SOLD