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SALES January 2021

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Scarce early wartime RAF Parachute Bag. 

 

Scarce early issue RAF parachute bag, made from heavy khaki canvas with webbing reinforced straps and handles, heavy duty Lightning zip and large, crisp clear Air Ministry property mark on both sides.

Zip works well but needs to be treated with care. If pulled too quickly it will not catch all the teeth and not close properly - however, with care this can be remedied and I have successfully opened and closed it several times without any problem. All the teeth are present and the slide is smooth. There is one small area (about 1cm) where the fabric has separated but this does not affect the smooth operation of the zip slide. The bag is also named inside on one of the flaps to Sgt. C. Johnson with his serial number. Overall grubby, it would clean up well I'm sure, but that is up to the new owner. These things are better left as is in my opinion!

SOLD

English made bullion wire embroidered AAF pilot wing on blue backing.

 

Beautiful, unissued and unworn English made silver bullion wire embroidered AAF pilot wing on blue background, popular with 8th AF personnel. Full size, heavily padded with oilcloth backing. Stunning example.

SOLD

RAF Mk IVB flying goggles in excellent condition.

 

The cleanest and best looking set of Mk IVB flying goggles I have seen for a long time. Black painted brass frame has no dings or dents and retains at least 95% of its painted finish. Clear lenses with no delamination issues - one pinhead sized chip in left lens. Even the sponge rubber pads are still soft, if slightly surface crazed. Good leather nose pad and strap which is clearly marked with stores reference information and maker W.S. & S Ltd. (William Stephens and Son). Good strong spring loops. Not fitted with a sun screen – which were often broken and discarded, and after a while were only available by request. A lovely example of these iconic Battle of Britain issue goggles.

SOLD

RAF Type H Oxygen Mask dated 1955.

 

Type H oxygen mask in very good used condition, if somewhat grubby. The rubber is soft and pliable with no signs of perishing, just minor surface crazing at the high stress areas. Retains all the characteristics of the wartime variant and the larger Type 57 microphone, with a good elastic harness. Clear date of 1955. Although produced for longer, and in greater quantity, than any other RAF oxygen mask,  early-to-mid 1950s examples are becoming more and more difficult to find.

SOLD

RAF Type H mask pre-production prototype or mould test model...?

 

Every once in a while a lovely piece of history comes along and brings with it something of a mystery. This is a one-of-a-kind offering that appears to be a pre-production moulding of the Type H or perhaps the Type J oxygen mask (both were developed at the end of WWII). It comprises an unfinished mask body in green rubber which still has all the mould elements attached. I believe it to be a test or trial moulding because the raised "blocks" that would become "straps" for securing the harness are integrally moulded, uncut and not shaped as they are on every issued mask I have seen. It also has no moulded marks indicating size, instructions for attaching tube or date imprint, which are also present on every issued mask I have come across.  It also shows a marked difference in colour shade around the edge, as though perhaps shrouded form sunlight in some way. Excellent condition, though grubby and with some hand inked marks/numbers. A rare, possibly unique item that would display well alongside a finished, complete Type H mask.

SOLD

WAAF Other Ranks Service Dress Cap. 

Good quality WAAF other ranks service dress cap, differs from the officer’s hat in that it has the brass cap badge and a patent leather peak instead of cloth covered. The patent leather has wrinkled a bit with age as they all seem to do, but has no damage and displays well. Named on the underside of the peak with service number.

SOLD

RAF / military whistle chain.

 

Chain for attaching to the pealess or tube whistle on both police and military uniforms, but also used by RAF aircrews for the ditching whistle on the Battledress blouse or "Mae west." Excellent condition, chrome plated with ring for attaching to whistle.

SOLD

Early, unlabeled example of a RAF Type B helmet.

Synonymous with the Battle of Britain, the Type B is the most iconic flying helmet of WWII. Issued from 1935 to 1941 and produced by several different manufacturers who each added their own nuances, this particular example is unlabeled - which is unusual. It does not appear to have ever had a label inside (many had labels removed following Air Ministry  orders to do so in 1940). I believe this to be an early example, becaue it has heavy padding in the crown and the Bennetts Buckles are engraved with the company name. Overall very good condition, with a couple of small nicks to the leather, but retaining the covering on the buckles, both zip pullers (both zips working well) and very clean both inside and out. Though unmarked I would judge it to be a size 2 (medium) and it fits well on a male feature display head. The metal tip is missing from the chin strap as they often are, but apart from that, a lovely example. Fitted with NOS RCAF sponge rubber ear cushions.

SOLD

RAF Mk VIII flying goggles.

 

A good pair of  RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, correct issue pattern, most likely just postwar production. They retain the high brow pads and separate cushions joined by cotton webbing, but have the flat -edged frames.  No markings or stampings that I can see. Very good clear lenses with no discolouration and minimal signs of delamination. Leather shows wear but no damage. Strap adjustment buckle is engraved "Levers British Made" with a patent number, which is common on these goggles which were designed and patented by Lever Optical Co..  A decent used set.

SOLD

RAF pre-WWII / WWII Officer's Mess silver-plated cruet set complete with all containers. 

Very scarce Officer's Mess item, especially with all original containers still present. Silver-plated cruet set comprises the base with compartments and handle, RAF crest to front plate, Hallmarked on the bottom to Walker & Hall of Sheffield. Base is good, with some bubbling and corrosion to the silver plate around where the containers sit. Could easily be replated but looks perfectly fine for display. Containers are glass decanter for vinegar; glass pepper pot with silver-plated lid having small holes for sifting pepper; glass salt pot with silver-plated hinged lid for small salt spoon. Glass sauce or condiment dish. All glass is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks. Silver plate (other than base already mentioned) has minor blemishes, tiny bubbles in places but is overall very good. Very difficult to find this (or any other) multi-piece set complete with all original components. makes a lovely table setting.

SOLD

RAF 1936 dated condiment spoon.

 

Though this mall condiment spoon, used either for salt or mustard, did not come together with the above cruet set, and does not strictly match the pattern, being from a different maker and Air Ministry rather than RAF marked, it is an excellent piece to display with the cruet set. This spoon fits perfectly in either the salt pot or the condiment dish. Excellent condition dated 1936. 3.125" long (8cm).

SOLD

Scarce copy of the AAF 56th Fighter Group unit history.

 

First (and only) edition of this rare unit history published in 1948 and complete with an insert from the publisher acknowledging that the roster of names is incomplete. It also still contains a paper form to fill in to send for additional copies at $7 each including postage - good luck with that! Hard cover with gold foil stamped insignia to front. Very good condition, with slight bumping on the corners but a good tight binding and no damage. There is a name written neatly on the endpaper, nothing else. One of the most sought after of AAF unit histories. The 56th FG included such notable ace fighter pilots as Hub Zemke, Frances Gabreski, Bob Johnson, Walker Mahurin and David Schilling.

SOLD

RAF Air Sea Rescue sleeve badge.

 

Good embroidered RAF Air Sea Rescue sleeve badge embroidered in cream silk with black details on a blue wool background with oiled cotton backing material. Excellent unused example.

SOLD

Extremely rare Royal Flying Corps summer W/T  (Wireless Transmission) Flying Cap.

An extremely rare early radio telephone helmet which was introduced in WWI specifically for use on Handley Page aircraft and flying boats. According to FS Publication 24 of 1918/19, the cap/helmet was produced in two variants: a leather version, of which examples have occasionally been seen, but also a twill version, of which this is the only example I have ever come across. It comprises a light brown cotton twill helmet lined with brushed cotton. Pockets for telephone receivers are hand sewn to each side as per instructions and would have been fitted with receivers, wiring, and a throat microphone attached to the specially shaped chamois lined chin strap. The cap has a lining inside the crown with vent holes in the outer layer, a strap for securing goggles at the back and loops for a strap to tighten the helmet for a secure fit of the receivers against the ears. It has a short fold down peak. An extremely rare and highly desirable helmet which is no doubt missing from even the most comprehensive collections. Condition is very good, with no damage or wear, just minor soiling and stains from age and storage. A transcript of the relevant orders and description will be supplied to the buyer.

SOLD

Home Front card game "Vacuation."

 

One of those wonderful games fro playing during the Blitz while down in the shelter. Game is complete with all cards and instruction sheet. Box lacks end flap and shows wear. It's actually pretty good fun! Great display accessory.

 

SOLD

USAF Vietnam era Type A-8B oxygen Mask.

 

The A-8B constant flow rebreather oxygen mask, first used in WWII, continued in use with the USAF long after the war and in Vietnam saw service with Medivac aircrews. This example , dated 1966, is identical to WWII models except made from more durable rubber and with plastic instead of cardboard attachments, and a nylon strap instead of leather. The overall condition, including the usually fragile rebreather bag, is excellent, making this ideal for use with WWII or Vietnam display. 

SOLD

COPY of the RAF list for February, 1939.

One of the most useful reference tools at any collector's disposal is the series of RAF Lists. Published monthly, each volume contains a complete list of all officers (only officers and warrant officers, no NCOs or other ranks) currently serving, with details such as their promotions, rank, service number and branch. The list also contains all divisions of the service into its various commands. Note: offered is a PHOTOCOPY of an original list for February 1939, which makes interesting reading - a virtual "who's who" of RAF fighter pilots, bomber pilots and officer aircrews at the beginning of the war. I subsequently obtained an original copy of this book so the photocopy is available if anyone is interested. Comb binding with blue soft card covers. This has served me well for many years!

SOLD

RAF navigation plotting chart of Great Britain, 1943 series, second edition dated 1944.

 

Quite a scarce item. Large single sided navigator's plotting chart, 42" x 32" printed in red ink for nighttime/low-light visibility. Produced for the War Office by Ordinance Survey. It shows only major cities and towns, elevations and lighthouses that can be used for navigation, but no military installations, ports, aerodromes etc. because being carried in the aircraft, it could fall into enemy hands. Also has corrections for magnetic north etc. Essentially an aeronautical chart as used by navigators in heavy bombers. This one is large scale of Great Britain and Eastern Ireland. Very good condition with some minor wear/soiling at the edges.

SOLD

Scarce RAF Navigator's route mapping chart from England to Germany 1944.

Very scarce navigator's plotting chart for mapping his route from his base in England to all targets in Germany. These were usually destroyed after use and few remain. This example is unused. Printed in red ink to show up in low light conditions in the navigator's station. Large scale and oversized - it had to be carefully folded as the route progressed. 42" x 30" (106cm x 76cm). Minor edge nicks, overall very good condition.

SOLD

Royal Navy VR (Aviation) uniform jacket and Warm named to a DSC winner with some historical significance.

 

Fleet Air Arm Uniform jacket and overcoat (Warm) both named to Peter Ernest Cumberland, a pilot with 825 squadron flying from HMS Vindex who received Mention in Despatches for 2 attacks on U-Boats in April 1944 and the DSC in December 1944. Jacket has Lieutenant rank lace with the "A" in the curl, pilot wing and medal ribbons for DSC , 39-45 Star and oak leaf for the MID. Sadly the jacket has some moth damage to the front (which shows up far worse in the pictures than in person). This jacket was worn on operations and being of historic significance it is well worth preserving; and with professional care, it could be restored. Gieves label inside pocket has Cumberland's information and date of July 1943. The overcoat (Warm) is in very good condition, with a couple of minor moth tracks but nothing serious. A beautiful and quite heavy wool coat with an embroidered name tag sewn inside. 

SOLD

RAF sergeant Air Gunner War Service Dress blouse, large size 1945 date.

 

Lovely RAF War Service Dress blouse (battledress) in large size and great condition, dated 1945, with good wartime Air Gunner brevet and postwar sergeant stripes (blue backing instead of black used in wartime). This would be quite correct for anyone who joined and served in wartime but received promotion later - or possibly even upgraded their insignia. Blouse is in great condition with almost no wear.

SOLD

RAF officer's service dress shirt, super high quality, 1943 dated, in excellent condition.

 

The best heavy quality RAF shirt I have ever come across. This shirt is a superior quality cotton, large size and in excellent condition. Well marked and dated  April 1943 with broad arrow. Half-button front  it has one cuff button missing and one of the front buttons is non-matching (probably from the owner's "housewife" sewing kit).  These are getting so hard to find nowadays and this is a beauty.

SOLD

ABC of the RAF. Superb handbook, packed with information about the RAF.

 

Part propaganda, part recruiting book and all around general information about the RAF, from its structure to the aircraft, the leaders and how the service worked. Produced and published early in the war, with 128 pages plus heavy cover, 5" x 7.5" with colour plates and a great number of photographs. Very good condition with slight creasing on the corners. 

SOLD

WWII USAAF / US Navy drift anchor and long rope for life raft.

 

Collapsible rubberized fabric "bucket" with long rope was dragged in the water for use as an anchor in both 1-man and multi-place life rafts. 12" long with 24" circumference. Fabric is a bit stiff but intact. Not a common accessory.

SOLD

WWII USAAF / US Navy baling cup for life raft.

 

Small collapsible rubberized cup with rope for attaching to handles on 1-man and multi-place life rafts. Valuable survival tool - used to scoop water out of the bottom of the raft. Excellent condition, completely pliable.

SOLD

AAF T-30-S throat mics. x 3.

 

3 x T-30-S throat microphones by Universal Micro. Co. of Inglewood, California. 2 have the "M" shaped wire clip attached. All are missing the elastic strap but are otherwise in very good condition, with no cracking or hardening to the rubber. They just need replacement straps. Price for all 3.

SOLD

Royal Observer Corps Master Observer badges x 2.

 

Vital to the defence of Britain during the summer of 1940, the Royal Observer Corps had stations set up in all cities and towns along the coast, watching for enemy aircraft. Offered are two variations of the Master Observer badge, worn on the sleeve of the uniform. This badge was actually introduced later, but paid homage to the Battle of Britain by using the famous and stylish lines of the Spitfire. One is silk embroidered and the other is printed. The printed one has a slight stain and the embroidered variant has minor damage to one corner. Price is for both.

SOLD

AAF pinback Navigator's qualification wing.

Lovely example of the full-size 3" qualification badge awarded to AAF navigators in WWII. Die-struck wing with great overall patina, marked sterling on the back.

SOLD

AAF Winged Prop insignia

Standard wartime winged prop collar and / or cap insignia x 3. Each similar but slightly different, with clutch back fastenings. 2 have clutches, the third lacks its prongs. Price is for all 3.

SOLD

Complete WWII US Navy Air Gunner's uniform: cap, jumper and trousers with all insignia. 

 

A superb example of a complete US Navy aircrew / air gunner's uniform, ready to display. Comprises blue "donald duck" style cap with US Navy ribbon. bell-bottom trousers with all buttons and ties, plus navy blue "jumper" with built in collar and all correct, wartime insignia. Includes Air Gunner's First Class badge to right sleeve, ratings badge to the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class indicating air branch to left sleeve, pinback sterling Meyer hallmarked combat aircrew wing with 2 "stars" and medal ribbon bar. The ruptured duck is also sewn to the jumper. All in excellent, used but not abused or damaged condition. No labels or ID that I can find, but 100% original.

 

SOLD

RARE SAS / Airborne Windproof Trousers, unissued condition, dated 1943.

 

Extremely rare and highly sought after item of clothing issued to British Special Air Service, Airborne troops and SOE agents. This pair in unissued condition dated 1943. Complete with drawstring waist-tie. Size 1, so quite small (which may explain their incredible condition) but still perfect for any WWII Special Forces display. Impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

WWII US Navy pilot wing in gold-filled sterling by Amico.

Lovely example of the WWII style pilot wing for US Naval aviators, marked AMICO Sterling + 1/20th 10K gold. Shows good wear and patina. Heavy wing.

SOLD

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