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SALES January 2020

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Kriegsmarine life preserver 

 

Although this type of life preserver is often said to have been used by Luftwaffe crews - and that is certainly possible - it was primarily a Kriegsmarine issue vest. The Kriegsmarine did operate some aircraft and flying boats, despite not having any aircraft carriers, so there is peripheral cross-over with some flying kit - however, this is offered as a Km item. Sadly it is incomplete, though it is in excellent condition. The vest lacks it's waist strap and its inflation  cartridge, though these could be easily transplanted from a similar vest in poor condition to build a really excellent display item. The rubberized fabric is totally soft and plaible, as is the rubber oral inflation tube which retains its stopper. It's possible this was used only as a training aid although it appears virtually unused. Some oxidation to the hardware and rust staiining to the straps but overall excellent. Fully restored would be worth more than double the asking price.

 

SOLD

RARE wartime dated RAF Type H oxygen mask modified for high altitude pressure breathing.

 

Wartime dated examples of the Type H oxygen mask are extremely scarce to begin with - but this mask has been further modified for pressure demand breathing / high-altitude use by removing the anti-suffocation/inspiration valve and blocking it with a mica plug. It is also rare in that it is the only example I have encountered with a nosewire fitted - again indicative of its use for pressure breathing requiring a secure facial seal. Most likely it was used for flight testing of pressure breathing equipment but could well have seen combat service in early high altitude PR aircraft. Fitted with correct Type 57 microphone with cord and plug. Mask shows use and is soiled, but rubber is in very good shape, still supple with minor surface crazing around stress points. Clear date moulding of 3/45. Dark grey/green patina and chamois lining is soiled but overall very good condition. Unusual variation of a rare mask.

SOLD

RAF Battle of Britain Mk IVB Flying Goggles fitted with tinted lenses.

 

First issued in July 1940, the Mk IVB was the third variant of Mk IV series goggles, and the most successful of this odd pattern. Chocolate brown painted brass frames fitted with large spring loops which were actually designed for use with the Type C helmet - but since the Type C did not become available until 1941, they were issued for use with the Type B during the Battle of Britain (because many pilots disliked the celluloid lenses of the  Mk III and IIIa and refused to wear them). It is with the Type B helmet that these look best and are perhaps more fondly paired, either with or without the special guide plates that were issued. This pair is fitted with the less common tinted lenses and is in great condition. The frames are undamaged and retain their shape well. The loops and strap are superb. Leaher is very good, though has darkened over much of its surface, possibly from exposure to engine oil. The rubber pads are hard and have largely disintegrated but that doesn't affect their display value. Overall a very nice set, exceptionally well marked on the strap.

SOLD

Extremely RARE Royal Naval Air Service flying / observer's goggles.

How does the saying go about London buses? "You wait for an hour and then two show up at the same time!"  Just a few weeks ago I offered a set of these amazing and incredibly rare WWI RNAS filter goggles which at the time was only the second set I had ever seen. I have now  received another set, exactly the same. Housed in a beautiful wooden case, complete with a full set of interchangeable glass lenses, each with a different colour filter for different conditions. Also included is a detailed instruction booklet listing the use of each set of filter lenses. Goggles are in unissued condition, perfect leather facemask with velvet backing and faux fur surround, split, angled white metal frames for inserting lenses and strap with hook (elasticity all but gone). Baize lined case divided into compartments for the lenses. A truly amazing early aviation item. Please note: photos show the set offered a few weeks ago, the set you will receive is identical in every way, including condition.

SOLD

Extremely rare RAF Type D mask hose bayonet union connector Mk IIIB.

Never an easy item to find, these bayonet union connectors must now be considered among the most difficult accessories to find for a battle of Britain helmet/mask display. This example is in used, very good condition, and is of the less common part aluminium alloy, part brass construction, well marked and with it's swivelling and sprung moving parts in excellent working order. Well marked and ready for your Type D mask hose.

 

SOLD

Scarce complete and original RAF Flying Training Manual AP129 Part 1,  June1940 edition, reprinted April 1941.

 

This is the Air Publication (AP) which deals with all aspects of flying training and includes an invaluable section on flying clothing, specifically headgear and oxygen equipment, as it was "state-of-the-art"  during the Battle of Britain. This includes lists of equipment with stores ref. information and diagrams of it being worn. Required reading by all RAF pilots and crews in training. This publication has been regularly updated since its first distribution in the 1920s; this is the June 1940 edition, with updates for November 1940, reprinted in April 1941. Excellent condition, with pull-out pages and everything the Battle of Britain pilot, as well as bomber crews, was required to know before setting foot inside an aircraft. Early editions of AP129 are quite scarce. Hard covers, 9" x 6" x 1.25" thick (23cm x 15cm x 3cm).

SOLD

Extremely rare RAF Ops room plotting tool. Pointer showing route and direction of aircraft.

 

One of a small selection of extremely rare and highly sought after Ops Room accessories offered this week. This comprises a folding route indicator for laying on top of the room size chart used by RAF stations to plot all aircraft, both friendly and hostile. 52cm (20") long and hinged in 3 places to show changes in direction and fold down to 6" (15cm), it features an arrow at one end and the silhouette of an aircraft at the other. It also has small clips into which labels or tiles could be inserted to indicated strength, type of aircarft etc. Though seen in photographs, this is the only one of these I have ever come across. Excellent condition, retaining 98% original green painted finish.

SOLD

RAF OPs Room plotting tile indicating aircraft strength of 10.

 

One of a small selection of extremely rare and highly sought after original Ops Room accessories offered this week. This is a small metal tile indicating strength of aircraft and would have been placed on a small wooden block and then pushed across the Ops Room table chart by WAAFs using croupier sticks. This tile indicates 10 aircraft. It has a small integral stand / tab to the rear for mounting on the block. Retains 98% original white painted finish and black lettering.

SOLD

AAF P-40 Warhawk "challenge" coin.

1.5" diameter silver metal coin deppicting a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk in flight on the "heads" side, and three-view profile on the "tails" side, with statistical data around the edge.  Shows light wear, so very fine but not mint condition. (Note: this is not a lightweight alloy "token" type coin - it is heavy). No idea what era this is from. It might be a reunion piece or a commemorative, but it's a great piece for any P-40 or Flying Tigers fan - never get caught without your "challenge" coin!

SOLD

Extremely rare  AAF / Allied secret dossier on Japanese Aircraft carriers and other warships.

 

Rare binder containing details including photographs, 

silhouettes and known data of 69 different Japanese warships, including all their aircraft carriers. Dated August 1943, this dossier includes an introduction which talks about how AAF aircraft were being launched from USN carriers and giving instruction on ship recognition, plus a written test at the back of the book. Many pages are folded under to enable the reader to learn to identify the different ships without seeing the name (turned under).  It also includes 2 extra sets of stapled  sheets with silhouettes of Japanese and US ships (to avoid attacking them in error). A wealth of information and the previous owner (a B-29 pilot) has added several pencil notations of his own, some of which are quite comical. Great condition and, as far as I can tell, complete. 

SOLD

RAF Battle of Britain era 1932 pattern green Mae West REPRODUCTION complete with stole and kapok pads.

 

This is without any doubt the finest and most accurate reproduction of a complete 1932 pattern life vest I have ever seen. The vest itself is made from green cotton as per the original, cut from an original pattern and dyed the correct shade of green. the instruction marking are stamped in black ink as per an original. The brass zip is a DOT brand and is marked AM. Buttons, tapes and buckles are exact copies of an original - the only way to tell it from an original is that it has no rubberized coating on the inside of the lobe, and the "stoppers" on the zip runners are incorrect. The stole (bladder) is a Neil Seaton copy, made from salmon coloured India rubber as the originals, hand cut and welted at the edges and complete with fabric covered inflation tube with an exact working reproduction of the original valve. The kapok pads are also made by Neil Seaton, to exact Air Ministry specs, from rubberized cotton  stuffed with the correct weight of genuine kapok (not acrylic stuffing). The stole is labeled as per an original but with a fictitious contract code. This vest will hold air. With originals now selling for well over £6,000/$8,000 they are out of reach for most collectors. This will do the job for a display at a fraction of the cost and is made to the same specs as an original. Please note this is a one of a kind and I do not have any more. Neil Seaton may be contracted to supply stoles for other reproduction vests but these are custom made one at a time and take a while.

ON HOLD

RAF long sleeved Airtex Bush Shirt, 1945 dated, with superb detachable padded pilot wing. 

 

Long sleeved RAF Bush Shirt, made from tan/khaki Airtex fabric with 4 pockets, vented back and open collar. Fitted with correct brown "army" style buttons to front and epaulettes, with trouser buttons to sleeves. Both sleeve buttons missing to left sleeve but easily replaced. Great label, dated 1945 and maker marked to Frazer and Haughton, Cullybackey.  Shirt has a lovely RAF pilot wing secured by 3 small poppers. Silk, hand embroidered (early) wing with paper backing, well worn and grubby but totally complete. The wing alone is worth the value of the shirt! No holes or damage to the shirt. Lacks belt which is not uncommon - pilots invariably discarded belts because they were uncomfortable under parachutes and mae wests.

SOLD

WWII RAF officer's service dress uniform trousers.

 

Far more difficult to find than the SD tunic, trousers are almost always missing! Excellent pair of WWII era blue barathea officer's trousers, complete with all early brown buttons.  Exceptional condition with no damage I can find, except for minor wear to bottom of both legs. I am often asked about size on clothing and uniform items. Measured across the waistband when fastened they measure 17” (on the outside) so I would assume the waist is around 32-33. Inseam (inside leg from crotch to bottom of leg) is 28”. I must stress that I sell as collectible, not wearable, and though  these are in very good condition, I cannot accept returns if they don't fit or if the stitching or wool is damaged as a result of trying them on.

SOLD

Black silk or rayon dress tie of the type worn by RAF officers.

 

While impossible to actually date or attribute, this is without doubt a 1940s production tie of the type, style, length and construction typically purchased from tailors by officers of the RAF as part of their service dress uniform. They so rarely become available since, being simply a "black tie" they were kept and then most likely disposed of at some time. There is evidence that a name tag may have been attached at some point i time (one small cut to the inside of the "tail").  Perfect for completing a RAF uniform display.

SOLD

First pattern internally wired RAF Type C flying helmet complete with wiring and receivers.

 

Improved variation of the Type C helmet which first saw service in 1943. Exact same cut of leather as earlier models, but with provision for all the wiring to be built in so that the oxygen mask mic. could just plug in to the left hand side. Front goggle strap tabs were eliminated and a built-in hook was added for the Type G mask. Receivers are housed in rubber cups with integral noise-attenuating rubber surrounds. The leather chin strap was replaced with an elastic webbing strap. Helmet is a large size 3, complete with full internal wiring cord, correct receivers and bell-shaped jack plug as well as mask plug connector. The design was further improved towards the end of the war making this a true wartime production helmet dating from 1943-44. Very good condition, good leather and clean chamois lining. Small period repair to the leather immediately above the microphone connector (looks worse in the photos). This was not uncommon when wiring need replacing. All in all a very good example. 

SOLD

RAF ground crew engine fitter's large spanner.

High quality early RAF ground crew engine fitter's large spanner, for use on early aero-engines and airframes.  1/2-inch and 7/16". Dated 1939 and Air Ministry marked, made by BRITOOL ​and marked CHROME VANADIUM. Tools like this rarely come along because they remained useful long after the war (and still today!). Excellent condition.

SOLD

RARE RAF Escape Purse Mk III F43 for France complete with map, compass, hacksaw blade and currency.

 

Oilcloth pouch stamped with large F and dated 43 on one side and marked as Mk III on the back. This was specifically made for aircrews flying over France. Contains silk escape map sheet 43 C and D covering north eastern France on one side and south eastern France to the reverse, along with its border territories, together with miniature compass, hacksaw blade in its cardboard sleeve and French currency (total 255 French Francs). These were called purses because they contained currency and had to be signed for and returned after each mission, hence they are very rarely found. This is one of the mot scarce and desirable of the escape items carried by allied pilots and aircrews, in excellent condition.

SOLD

RAF Type 21 microphone assembly for the Type D oxygen mask.

 

Getting harder and harder to find! Type 21 microphone assembly, comprising Type 20 electromagnetic microphone with Type Q cord and bell-shaped jack plug. Microphone is in very good condition with minor wear and slight paint loss but no dings or damage. Cord is excellent and plug shows minor age wear, no chips or cracks. Ready to attach to the front of a Type D mask - or just install into a Type B helmet for communication use only (yes, they were used that way).

SOLD

RAF oxygen breathing tube / hose for WWII the Type G and Type H oxygen mask.

 

Correct wartime tube for the Type G and type H oxygen mask. Corrugated black rubber tube with plastic screw-in connector for attaching to the mask body at one end, and brass bayonet connector at the other end with alligator type clip for attaching to flying suit. Both ends secured with twine. Rubber is good and supple with no damage evident and no cracking even in between the folds. The steel clip has some oxidation and one tiny corner has rusted away a few millimeters but does not detract or affect function in anyway (see pictures). A hard to find accessory these days.

SOLD

RAF Type A tropical cork flying helmet named to a South African Air Force pilot.

Another first for me! This is the first Type A flying helmet I have ever come across that actually shows use. Most appear to come from stores unworn (suggesting they were rarely if ever used). Of course we have seen photos of them in use but "used" examples seldom seem to show up. This one is well used, though still in very good condition, and is named to a South African pilot. The cloth covers over the eyelets appear to have been removed a long time ago, and I do recall seeing photographs of them being worn this way, (the "flaps" being of no use in the old DH9 and similar aircraft used in the Middle East and India). In addition to being named to "King H.J." serial number 48135 the helmet came with a small SAAF collar dog which may have been attached to the front at one time, as there are two small holes the correct distance apart in the pugaree. The badge is included in the sale and I will leave it to the new owner to decide whether to replace it. Helmet retains its small strap for retaining the goggles inside at the back and is complete. A lovely example with lots of character and plenty of scope for research.

SOLD

RAF Type C helmet (second type for internal wiring) with painted ID and named inside to NZ airman.

 

Great second pattern Type C flying helmet, intended for the internal wiring (but no wiring or receivers present). Good leather and fairly clean inside with light use, soft pliable rubber ear cups. Painted to front in bright yellow aircraft paint is 155 DON. Inside is neatly hand inked a NZ serial number and the name "Dale." Possible research project? Very nice helmet which deserves to have a wiring loom and receivers installed.

SOLD

Very good RAF 1941 pattern life vest "Mae West" complete with correct stole/bladder fitted with inflation lever mechanism and kapok pads. 

Lovely example of the RAF 1941 pattern life vest fitted with correct rubberized fabric stole (bladder), dated 9/44 and a further test date of Feb 1945. There are two small official period repairs to bladder, stamped with inspection mark. Also includes a set of correct original kapok pads, Air Ministry marked. Vest has a lovely Air Ministry label. Lever mechanism is intact and carries an engraved broad arrow and inspection stamp. Stole is perfectly pliable with good oral inflation tube and valve. Vest is in excellent condition, and is fitted with grab handles, floating torch pocket, dye pouch (dye removed but red stitching where it was sewn down remain) and accessory pocket to front for heliograph / skull cap. No connector for life raft is fitted, dating this as as 1944. Small snap fastener on accessory pocket is rusted shut and eyelet for attaching whistle has pulled through. Leg tapes have been removed - which was done by some crew members because they got in the way or could get tangled on aircraft controls. Large number 291 is stencilled to front. Could be a partial aircraft serial number or crewman's serial number. An excellent example of the mae west, overall clean showing light use and minor staining. Complete examples are becoming extremely difficult to source.

SOLD

Excellent 1940 dated Type B flying helmet in size 4.

 

Lovely example of the iconic Type B flying helmet in the largest size made (size 4). The leather is glove soft and the chamois lining is very clean. Great label to manufacturer Frank Bryan and of course the 1940 date. AID stamped and has two names inked inside: J.H. Nash and H. Highfield. Helmet retains both leather zip pullers and metal "V" tip on chinstrap. Zips operate smoothly. New (old stock) sponge rubber pads fitted. Bennet buckle on chin strap fastener lacks leather covering and there are no telephone receiver holders fitted - which was often the case. One of the nicest Type B helmets I have seen in a long time and of course the large size is extremely rare since few were even made in the first place.

SOLD

Ultra-rare RAF 1943 pattern escape boot knife.

 

The most difficult WWII military knife to find yet the simplest construction. Comprises a single steel blade in a folded steel housing secured by two rivets. Unmarked and retains some blueing with very minor surface oxidation. Wrapped in wax paper, it was carried in the small slit inside the right flying boot (1943 pattern). These were made by the thousand and intended for one-time use: to cut away the upper section of the flying boot leaving what appeared to be a standard man's shoe. Most were lost, destroyed or used up as penknives after the war and few survive.

SOLD

Extremely rare survival item: Nestor waterproof match case with safety matches for Beadon suit .

 

The match case alone is a difficult item to find, but this example still contains a full compliment of matches! Doubles walled aluminium tin keeps the matches dry. The outer case is lined with a special striking surface for the safety matches. Excellent condition with no dents or dings in tin, 95% of interior striking surface present (often flaked off or worn away). Well marked with broad arrow and stores ref. and 95% of decal remaining

 

SOLD

Relic from 600th aircraft shot down by fighters operating out of Biggin Hill.

On November 30th, 1940, Spitfires of "Sailor" Malan's 74 squadron flown by F/O Mungo Park and F/O Stephen shot down a Messerschmitt Bf109 - the 600th "kill" for the station of Biggin Hill. It was a much celebrated event, great for public morale who had endured the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. The media covered it in depth (including a wonderful Pathe newsreel click here). In January 1972, the remains of the aircraft were recovered by an archaeological group and this piece was presented to an RAF veteran who was also one of the organizers of reunions for RAF veterans. In turn it was given to a major collection which is now being dispersed. The piece measures 9" x 4" (230mm x 102mm) and is mounted on a  wooden plaque measuring 9" x 7" (230mm x 179mm). A superb piece of history.

SOLD

AAF original 14th Air Force "Flying Tiger" Distinctive Insignia.

Lovely original WWII DI (Distinctive Insignia) for the 14th Air Force "Flying Tiger" depicting a winged tiger on a blue field with AAF insignia. Enamel and gilt with pin back. Shows wear but all enamel is intact. Just under 1" diameter.

SOLD

RAF loose/separate shirt collar dated 1942.

 

Very high quality RAF shirt collar, though the slightly darker blue grey colour as worn by other ranks rather than the lighter blue of an officer. It may just be because the collar is a bit grubby, but it is in very good condition, with no excessive wear and no fraying or damage. Well marked to a private maker and dated 1942.

SOLD

6 x RAF WWII flight charts / maps of Great Britain.

All in excellent condition and properly folded. RAF / Air Ministry Flight charts of the British Isles including the following: Shetlands, Highlands, North Scotland, Border, North Wales and Midlands, Southwest. Six altogether, all wartime dated as used by RAF pilots and navigators during training and while practising for important raids, and also for being able to find their way home after operations. Also used by the AAF. Hard to find better in better condition - and they make an excellent back drop to any aviation display. All six together.

SOLD

WWII Model M33 Italian steel helmet 

Late or post war example of the Italian M33 steel helmet in absolutely excellent condition. Though intended as an infantry helmet, these were issued and worn by pilots and aircrews of the Regia Aeronautica for protection against flak (in the same way that US and German crews wore infantry style helmets over their flying headgear). The M33 remained in service until long after the war but, like the US M-1, its design didn't change at all. Steel shell with a glove soft leather liner, swivel bales and a canvas webbing chin strap. Maker / batch marked M80 on shell. Italian headgear is quite difficult to find and this is a great opportunity to add a beautiful example to a WWII Italian flight gear collection at an excellent price.

 

SOLD

RAF Regiment army battledress blouse.

1943 dated, 1940 pattern army battledress blouse in khaki wool, with printed shoulder titles for both the Buffs and the RAF Regiment. The blouse also has WWI medal ribbons and the army rank of major. Though unnamed, it would seem this army officer with WWI experience was probably seconded to the RAF Regiment as an instructor in WWII and thus entitled to wear both sets of shoulder flashes - which was quite unusual. BD is in very good condition, with a few worn spots and a couple of moth nips, mostly out of sight for display. 

SOLD

6 x RAF WWII flight charts / maps of Great Britain.

All in excellent condition and properly folded. RAF / Air Ministry Flight charts of the British Isles including the following: Shetlands, Highlands, North Scotland, Border, North Wales and Midlands, Southwest. Six altogether, all wartime dated as used by RAF pilots and navigators during training and while practising for important raids, and also for being able to find their way home after operations. Also used by the AAF. Hard to find better in better condition - and they make an excellent back drop to any aviation display. All six together.

SOLD

RAF Pilot's Notes for Spitfire Mk IX, XI and XVI.

 

Note: this is a reprint of the original Air Ministry publication - but it is one of the early reprints produced in the 1960s, produced as per the original, with blue card covers and glossy coated paper interior with fold-out diagrams and photos of the cockpit. The Mk IX is considered the best version of this famous fighter. the IX, XI and XVI were the last Merlin engined variants. Excellent condition.

SOLD

Identified RAF Air Gunner Service Dress tunic and dog tags with some cursory research. 

 

A lovely example of an officer's service dress tunic with Flying Officer rank label to the sleeves, nice Air Gunner brevet and medal ribbon bar. Comes with the officer's dog tags / Identity disk named to FO Atkinson, who flew with 97 squadron and was awarded the 39-45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star plus France and Germany Bar and Defense Medal. Tunic is in overall very good condition, with just one small moth nip to the collar. A good displayable uniform item with enough history to get started!

SOLD

RAF pilot wing.

Standard early to mid-war pilot's brevet, cream silk on dark blue wool with a tan cotton backing material. Nice example, shows evidence of being sewn on but no discernible wear.

SOLD

 

1920s - 30s US civilian flying / motoring helmet.

Very high quality black leather helmet of pinwheel construction with 3 grommets to each side for hearing, neatly edged in black fabric with a black flannel / blanket lining. The helmet fastens iunder the chin with a press stud / snap marked US Fastener Co. with a choice of two positions. Smallish size so possibly for a woman or child and could have been worn for flying, driving or motorcycling. Nice helmet would make a great prop or inexpensive civlian aviatior display.

 

SOLD

WWII RAF bombing navigation chart for Frankfurt. 

 

1940 dated navigator's flight chart for Frankfurt, Germany. Linen backed paper chart shows use and some wear at the folds but overall very good condition. These are the charts that were used by RAF navigators to plot their route to and from the target and carried on the aircraft, with strict instructions to destroy them if captured. RAF charts for specific target cities are quite difficult to source and highly sought after. A nice early example.

SOLD

WWII RAF bombing navigation chart for Bremen.

 

1940/41 dated navigator's flight chart for Bremen, Germany. Linen backed paper chart shows use and some wear at the folds but overall very good condition. These are the charts that were used by RAF navigators to plot their route to and from the target and carried on the aircraft, with strict instructions to destroy them if captured. RAF charts for specific target cities are quite difficult to source and highly sought after. A nice early example.

SOLD

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