SALES February 2024

(click on pictures to enlarge)

RAF Mk3A flying helmet.

Superb example of the ever popular Mk 3 "bone dome" helmet, this being the 3A model, with the oxygen mask hooks omitted and a boom microphone fitted instead. Primarily used in helicopters by the RAF, British Army and Royal Navy. The Mk 3 series uses a Mk 2A helmet shell with a Mk 1 visor. Appears to be in mint, unissued condition, the shell has no blemishes and the visor is as clean and unscratched as it could be, complete with its black cotton protective cover. This would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

Ultra rare Luftwaffe model 10-6701 fighter-bomber pilot's oxygen mask.

One of the hardest items for collectors to find, the model 10-6701 oxygen mask (known as the "fighter-bomber" mask because its double-strap arrangement was popular with the elite fighter-bomber pilots). 100% original—not a refurbished mask—in outstanding condition. Made by Dräger (code byd) and size 2, the rubber is clean and pliable, including the tube/hose. Suede-lined inner edge. All original hardware and green elasticized straps. Brass connector and grey metal clothing clip. A fabulous example of this rare mask which would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

AAF T-30-S Throat Microphone with "M" clip in place.

The ubiquitous T-30 throat microphone as worn by the majority of USAAF aircrews and also by US Army tank/armour crews. Perfect condition, with fully elasticated strap, pliable rubber construction and including the "M" clip which holds the contacts securely against the larynx.

SOLD

AAF T-30-S throat microphone.

Worn by all pilots and aircrew in the AAF. Excellent condition, seems unused but fitted with the quite scarce "M" clip for holding the pick-ups close to the larynx. Elastic is perfect. Manufactured by Universal, Ingleside, California.

SOLD

RAF Mk VIII flying goggles in original box with extra lenses and demist cloth.

Very good pair of wartime issue RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, complete with extra clear lenses and demist cloth in its tin. Leather is a little dry from storage and a few of the stitches have come away - this is an easy fix although they display just fine as is. although they display just fine as is. These goggles tick the boxes for wartime production, with the rolled edge frames and a nice Air Ministry marked box. Lenses show minor delamination and there is one very tiny hairline crack in the right hand side lens. Show very little use.

SOLD

Fabulous theatre-made bullion AAF Liaison pilot wing.

Absolutely stunning theatre-made full-size Liaison pilot wing, made by modifying a bullion pilot wing. A metal shield with separate "L" welded on, sewn into the centre of the bullion embroidered wings on a green gabardine backing. This is just a beautiful and probably unique wing. Great patina to the bullion and to the metal.

SOLD

Nice reproduction A-2 jacket in huge size 46.

One of the better reproduction A-2 jackets I have seen. Very well made by US Authentic Manufacturing Co. New York, of the highest quality dark (seal) brown leather with a lot of attention to original details, such as the neck hooks, collar and pocket snaps, under arm grommets and Talon zip (steel instead of brass). It also has an authentic looking AC Contract label and has been customized with the red wool cuffs and waistband and red satin lining favoured by 8th Air Force fighter pilots serving in England. It is labeled a size 46 and actually is a very generous size. Very little wear evident and really looks the part.

SOLD

AAF officer's khaki summer weight 50-mission crusher cap - old movie /costume prop

AAF officer's khaki summer weight 50-mission crusher cap with soft and pliable peak/visor, front and rear chin straps, OD green mohair band and large gilt cap badge. Khaki wool top has no visible damage, just some pinhead sized stains—2 on the top and 2 or 3 underneath at the back. The oilcloth lining appears to have reacted with a tissue paper stuffing which has stuck in places. Labeled to a movie/costume prop company. Great looking cap with a really good shape to it.

SOLD

USN / RCN FAA AN6540W flying helmet, wired.

Unusual variation of the mid-late war AAF/USN

flying helmet which was issued to the AAF as the AN-H-16 and to the US Navy as part of the AN6540 series - this being the shearling (W-winter) version. However this model is fitted with Canadian receivers and wiring (very obviously always been that way - there are no splits or cracks in the hard ribber earcups, and it would be near impossible to install these larger receivers today without causing damage). It has also had leather reinforced snap panels each side for the Type G or Canadian GP&R oxygen mask. A small leather tab has been added to the left side to secure the wiring. The RCN FAA flew Corsairs among other US made aircraft and since a full set of headgear and flying clothing was issued with all aircraft supplied to Allied Air Forces by the USA, this is perhaps not surprising, though not a commonly found variation. In great condition and large size.

SOLD

RAF officer's service dress cap, late war/early post war.

One of those caps that always seems to stir up arguments as to era! My honest opinion is that caps with the large rolled seam and crescent shape peaks are post war, but who can say for sure that some tailors were not working with this pattern before August 1945? This cap is definitely pre-1952, and features a beautiful, heavily-padded King's Crown badge. Maker marked to Herbert Johnson of 38 New Bond Street, London; Hatters by Appointment to his Majesty, George VI. Roan leather sweatband and patent leather chin strap. Lovely shape, hardly any wear and I can find 2 pinhead sized nips underneath the fold. Priced as postwar but ideal for a WWII display.

SOLD

Scarce AAF Packet, First Aid, Individual Aircrew Member, complete with most contents.

First introduced early 1945, the individual first aid kits were issued in aluminium cases and sealed with friction tape. This example retains original contents including: small dressing, safety pins, halazone tablets, wound tablets and sulfanilamide. Morphine syrette boxes are empty replicas, but look the part. Original friction tape is present but lost it's adhesiveness and is secured with a small piece of OD duct tape. These aluminium first aid kit cases are quite scarce and very unusual to find with contents.

SOLD

RARE RAF Emergency Flying Ration Mk II with contents.

RAF Emergency Flying Ration Mk II, tin complete with original contents. This was issued as part of the Tropical Survival kit as well as the Beadon Suit and the K-dinghy pack. (See last photo showing Tropical backpack contents). Very difficult to find complete with its contents of Horlicks (malted milk) tablets, barley sugars, chewing gum and energy tablets. Early wartime issue with A-crown-M mark to front of tin, contents listed on bottom and instructions inside lid. Great condition, no damage and only minor loss of gold finish to edges.

SOLD

Rank slides for a Flight Lieutenant for the KD uniform jacket or bush shirt.

Flight Lieutenant rank lace on khaki cotton drill for the tropical uniform.

SOLD

Excellent RAF log book to an Air Gunner with 51 squadron, Halifaxes, sadly killed in action.

A scarce South African Air Force Observer's and Air Gunner's flying log book named to E.C. Gunning, who flew with 51 squadron on Halifax bombers. Begins in April 1944 with training flights, and ends tragically as so many did, on November 4, 1944, with the notation "Killed in Action" (on an op to Bochum). I count 18 ops total, including major targets such as Cologne, Essen, etc. but there is so much more to his story and it is worthy of deeper research. Log books to South African aircrews are considerably more scarce than RAF and other Commonwealth countries.

SOLD

Extremely rare RAF Ops Room raid block with tiles.

"Raid Blocks" were one of several vital tools used in "Ops Rooms" throughout the war, but famously during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. This was how incoming raids were tracked, using data provided by radar and ROC observers. Placed on large table size maps, each block represented a specific raid and was moved around by WAAFs using long croupier type sticks. Tiles indicated type and number of aircraft, height, speed, etc. Direction was indicated by arrows laid out in front and behind the blocks. Blocks were used to illustrate both hostile and friendly aircraft (and unknowns). A few of these surfaced recently during a RAF Station closure and clean out, but were quickly snatched up by dealers and collectors. Some are on display at museums such as Duxford. They are incredibly rare and will not be around for long. Included is the yellow aircraft tile, red/white type/number tile and very rare blue altitude tile . Price is for this complete raid block with all tiles shown.

SOLD

RAF Emergency Signalling Whistle (often referred to as "ditching" whistle).

Very good example of these now quite scarce whistles which were issued to all aircrew from 1942 on. Popularly known as "ditching" whistles but actually used by downed aircrew on land or in the water in order to locate each other. Usually worn attached to the collar of the Aircew Blouse (War Service Dress) but could also be attached to the life vest. Well marked, original whistle retaining almost all of its original plated finish.

SOLD

AAF Type G-3A Anti-G pants ("Speed Jeans") in fantastic, unissued condition.

Extremely rare late WWII Anti-G pants worn over the top of the flying suit to squeeze the blood vessels and prevent blacking out in high-G manoeuvres. These saw very limited use at the end of the war in the new generation of high-speed aircraft and are one of the rarest items of flying clothing and hardest to find. This pair is in pristine, unissued condition with all zips working, the hose/tube intact and crisp label and markings. Difficult if not impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

AAF AN6530 flying goggles.

A really nice pair of classic AN6530 goggles, clean frames with no dings or dents and good lenses. The one-piece cushion is a high-quality replacement — identical to an original in every way, but it means these can be worn or displayed with no fears of deterioration. Original early white strap is inked with the initials FJS and retains its elasticity. Hard to beat at the price.

SOLD

Good pair of used RAF Mk VIII goggles.

A decent pair of well used RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, most probably post war, based on the fact that the frames lack the rolled edge found on wartime production. Brass frames so still quite early, retaining 85% of original blue-grey paint. Good leather and decent lenses showing minor signs of delamination. Strap is a later replacement made with original metal hardware so retains full elasticity. A fair starter set or for re-enacting.

SOLD

AAF B-8 Flying Goggles by Rochester Optical with box and accessories.

Excellent set of B-8 Flying Goggles by one of the less common manufacturers, Rochester Optical, who made them under licence from Polaroid. Includes a superb set of goggles, with a good, flexible rubber frame, clear lens and strap retaining its elasticity, together with a cotton bag containing extra lenses (2 amber, 2 green and 1 clear) and the 2-sided instruction sheet. Goggles appear unused, with very clean chamois backing. Lenses show some warping but display well. A complete set by Rochester Optical is considerably more scarce than those made by Polaroid.

SOLD

RCAF Type B helmet in large size 3, unissued condition.

Excellent example of the Canadian made version of the Type B flying helmet. Glove soft, quality leather with a bright, clean chamois lining, well marked as a size 3 (large) and Buffalo Cap Co. ink stamp with what appears to be a 1942 date. Leather has a slight Bloom which in no way detracts and would probably buff up with a little dressing. A lovely example.

SOLD

RAF Type G flying helmet with Type H mask complete with all electronics.

Text book example of the standard Cold War flying headgear. Blue Airtex cloth Type G helmet fitted with receivers, wiring and its Type H oxygen mask. The helmet is dated 1969, size 2 (medium) and these helmets are generously sized. Mask is a size large and dated 1967. It has 201 neatly painted to the front, possibly 201 Squadron which flew Shackletons at that time. Condition of both items is very good showing only light use. Helmet is named inside. Leather ear pads are soft and clean; mask rubber is in excellent condition and all wiring is good. Though not rare, these are getting harder to find in such great condition.

SOLD

Scarce South African made Type B flying helmet.

One of the more scarce of the Commonwealth flying helmets, the SAAF helmet was made from pigskin in dark brown or black leather and lined with brown suede or perhaps antelope. The pattern is very similar to the RAF model, although the cut is a little more rounded, and features a standard single-prong buckle fastening on the chin strap and rear strap. This example has definitely been there and can only be described as fair condition. There is some damage to the leather on a couple of the panels (see photographs), although it seems quite robust and still displays quite well. It is lacking its rear strap and the chin strap is quite worn. It has a property mark and a name printed on the chamois donut inside the receiver housing. The zipped ear compartments are fitted with rubber receiver cups and have NOS sponge rubber pads to help keep their shape. No the best, but quite a rare helmet.

SOLD

AAF American Optical "Sky Lookout" goggles with aluminium case.

As seen in "Masters of the Air" these goggles were issued to AAF bomber crews who needed to scan the skies looking for enemy fighters—"The Hun in the Sun"—during their daylight raids. This pair s in excellent condition, with polished frames, dark "sky Lookout" lenses and brown rubber cushions which are still clean and completely pliable with no signs of deterioration. Strap still has its stretch as well, although it has some light staining. A lovely example in well above average condition, contained in their original aluminium case.

SOLD

RAF oxygen mask tube adaptor Mk III in box.

An extremely rare accessory, this tube adaptor was used for connecting the hose from a Type E, E* or G mask to a walk around bottle or to an older demand oxygen regulator. It comprises a 30" length of narrow rubber tubing with a Mk IIIB bayonet connector (as fitted to Type D oxygen masks) at one end and a Mk IVA connector (for joining a Type E, E* or G mask) at the other end. Tube is still fairly flexible and shows no damage or cracking and wil make a good display. Still in its original packing box with great labels and tag attached.

SOLD

AAF Type C-2 zipped wool sweater.

Very good and clean example of the zipped up wool sweater worn by AAF pilots and aircrews, perhaps most commonly associated with fighter pilot for wear under their A-2 jackets. Size 40 and very good overall condition, with a few minor snags and pulls in one sleeve and to the front, alongside the single pocket. As can be seen in the photos, there are no holes and the sweater actually display very well. One of the less common clothing accessories.

SOLD

RAF Type D flying gauntlets.

Excellent, unissued pair of Type D flying gauntlets, a very close–if not perfect–colour match, and matching sizes, even though one is labeled

9-1/2 and the other 10. Hard to find a better pair!

SOLD

AAF waterproof oilcloth seat back cushion used in various aircraft and which could also be used for flotation.

Bright yellow oilcoth covered cushion found in most larger AAF aircraft to help make long fligts more comfortable but also to be used for additional flotation in the event of ditching. Measures 20" x 16" (51cm x 41cm), about 4" thick (10cm) and stuffed with teased kapok. One small hole to front but retains clear printed markings.

SOLD

Fantastic photo and document grouping to B-24 co-pilot with 777 Bomb Sqdn, 15th Air Force.

This is an amazing and complete slice of history worthy of research.Clarance Donald McCurdy flew 26 combat missions as co-pilot of a B-24 for the 777th Bomb Squadron, 464th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force. This grouping includes his complete Form F-5 file with records of all his missions, every piece of paper associated with his duty, including his flying clothing issue, commendations, promotions, etc. and the relevant pages from his Pilots Information File with his personal details filled in. The grouping also includes 122 photographs, including 8 supersized (9" x 9") target photos, numerous crew photos (many named) and ait-to-air photos taken during missions. There are several photos of nose art and of other aircraft and pilots/crews. A really fantastic grouping that makes very interesting reading.

SOLD

Extremely rare GQ Parachute Club badge in gold, with history.

Awarded for having one's life saved by a GQ pParachute (in this case following ejection). Considerably more scarce than the Caterpillar Club badge because so few of these solid gold pins have been issued. This is badge number 629, dated October 1st, 1957 and was awarded to F/L R.G. "Gerry" Gagne, RCAF, who flew F-86 Sabres, CF-100 Canucks and the F-104 Starfighter. F/L Gagne ejected from CF-100 18140 on 1 Oct 1957 while flying with 3 OTU at Cold Lake, Alberta. He was carrying out his night-time CF-100 certification with a check pilot (Booth) in the back seat when the aircraft suffered a total hydraulic failure. Several attempts to control the aircraft were unsuccessful forcing the crew to eject at 16,000 feet (Obit and crash report will be included). These badges are made of hallmarked solid gold and are incredibly rare.

SOLD

RAF 1941 Pattern Flying Gauntlets, size 9 with good working zips.

Very nice pair of 1941 Pattern Gauntlets in a good size 9, showing little if any use. Not a perfect matched pair, which is usual as left and right gloves were produced in different factories, but actually a very close match in colour. Both have good ink stamps inside and excellent working zip fasteners. The right hand glove has a couple of small nicks in the edge of the palm (perhaps from catching on something in the cockpit) but no loss of leather it doesn't really even show for display. Aside from that, these are near perfect.

SOLD

RAF fur fabric liner "Teddy Bear Suit" for the 1930 Pattern Sidcot Suit with attribution to 234 squadron.

A scarce accessory for the 1930 Pattern Sidcot suit; this fur fabric liner was commonly but unofficially referred to as the "Teddy Bear Suit" by RAF crews. Though quite bulky it provided extra warmth when flying at altitude or at night. This example is in very good condition, with one small area where the fur has worn away at the seat (see photographs). This hardly shows and the suit displays well. The suit has a nomenclature/size label dated 1938 and is named and identified to 234 Squadron, a front line fighter squadron which flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain. The owner's name does not show up as one of "The Few", but the squadron flew Blenheim 1Fs prior to 1940, and those were known to be cold and drafty, so perhaps that is where this originated. More research definitely required.

SOLD

USN "wraparound" Mk I life vest attributed to 220 squadron RAF.

Absolutely stunning and incredibly rare US Navy life vest, Mk I (wraparound) identified to "P.N.J." a member of 220 Squadron, RAF and stores marked to BMAP Bermuda, where both the US Navy and the RAF had bases. These vests are extremely rare but to find one with known use by the RAF is quite amazing. Maker marked to New York Rubber Co. the condition is outstanding, with no hard or worn spots and no damage, all straps still fully elastic, all metal fittings in good clean condition. Overall very lightly soiled with some minor cracking to the thin oral "top-up" tubes but they remain intact and totally pliable. A one--of-a-kind example of a very rare item.

SOLD

RARE Union flag carried for identification in the Beadon suit.

Small printed Union Flag measuring 9.25" x 6" (23.5cm x 15cm) carried in one of the pockets of the Beadon survival suit for instant ID of a downed airman. Twosided on linen with a channel for inserting a makeshift flagpole, stamped with its RAF stores ref. number 4B/598 and a broad arrow property mark. Excellent condition, clean with bright vibrant colours.

SOLD

Superb Luftwaffe officer's visor/peaked cap - the so-called "double-Erel" .

From the private collection of a well-respected authority comes this absolutely stunning Luftwaffe officer's peaked/visor cap by the most desired of makers, Erel. This cap has just enough wear and use to say it was "there" but is clean and has no damage. It displays perfectly and has been fashioned into the classic "crushed" look favoured by Luftwaffe fighter pilots. The celluloid sweatshield is no longer present but the leather sweatband is clearly marked to Erel (the sweatshield would also have had the Erel logo, making this what is known as a "double-Erel"). It is also date-stamped on the inside of the leather sweatband, September 12, 1944 along with the size, 57-1/2. Condition is outstanding. All original insignia, green checkerboard pattern to the underside of the peak. Light patina to the silver piping. This is one of the nicest gently worn caps I have seen.

SOLD

Vintage Art Deco Pratt & Whitney engine plate/logo.

Haven't been able to dig up too much information on this little gem, such as exactly where it went or what era, but I do know it's an older incarnation of the Pratt & Whitney logo, very Art Deco in design and most probably a plate for attaching to an engine. It's slightly domed, enameled in blue on heavy plated metal, and measures 2" (5cm) across and 1/16" (1.5mm) thick - there are two tabs which I presume are for attaching it in situ. A gem for the collector of aircraft badges and apparently not very common.

SOLD

Cased WWII era AAF Air Medal.

Unnamed WWII era US Army Air Forces Air Medal in its original case, together with its ribbon for the uniform ribbon bar, and small buttonhole badge for civilian clothes. Medal is in great condition and though not rare, will perhaps fill a hole n a display.

SOLD