SALES January 2023

(click on pictures to enlarge)

USN white carrier flight deck crew helmet.

As with much of US Navy issued flying kit, especially early in the war, this is a commercially purchased white cotton helmet retaining its manufacturer's label to "Beck" inside. The Navy bought much of its kit "off the shelf." These helmets were primarily issued to carrier flight deck crews, but since they provided a better fit than the available issue flying helmets, were often purloined by pilots, and sometimes modified to install communications equipment. This example is original and unmodified. A nice example with slight age yellowing but overall very good.

SOLD

WWII "Ministry of Information" poster regarding RAF bombing successes.

Fantastic piece of artwork depicting Wellington bombers attacking Germany while fending off German fighters. Highly stylized. Carries the simple message that British bombers have carried out over 1,600 raids on Germany up to May 1941. 20" x 15" (51cm x 38cm). Bright colours, folded and has one small tear but no missing paper and this does not detract.

SOLD

USN early postwar helicopter pilot headset.

Early postwar communications headset of the type worn in the first operational helicopters. Comprises a standard HB-7 headband fitted with a non-matched pair of H-3/ARR-3 receivers (later version of the ANB-H-1A), long rubber covered comm cord and PL-55 plug, fitted with NAF 48490 noise attenuating cushions and the addition of a boom microphone. All in great condition (one small screw missing form one of the receivers). Helicopters were developed and saw some use in WWII, but came into their own immediately afterwards. Not common to find i this configuration.

SOLD

Pre-WWII French Air Force officer's cap with detachable white cover.

Pre-war, 1929 pattern officer's cap for a junior officer in L'Armee de L'Air for a pilot or flight crew member. Hat is in very good condition overall. Good composite peak/visor, black silk lining with cellophane sweat diamond and leatherette sweatband, both of which have some slight damage from drying out but this does not detract. No damage or wear to wool cap, which is covered with a white cotton top for summer wear to which the winged cap badge is attached by small snaps/poppers.

Some staining to the white cotton at the edges. A lovely example of an early French Air Force officer's cap of the type worn during the fall of France and the Battle of Britain.

SOLD

Binder containing 38 original WWII squadron insignia decals: fighters, bombers and more.

A binder containing original official decals of squadron insignia, jacket sized, which have been applied to heavy leatherette board and labeled. Almost certainly from some official archive. There are 38 insignia altogether, a mixed bag of AAF and USN with one USMC. There are 15 fighter squadrons (7, 15, 44, 53, 54, 61, 70, 310, 316, 339, 341, 357, 363, 400, 418 and 518); 15 bomber squadrons (311, 319, 383, 409, 417, 439, 463, 510, 554, 598, 640, 643, 644, 668, 818); 5 USN (VB13, VC13, VT15, VPB16, VBP44), 1 USMC (VMF224); plus 20th weather squadron and 3rd bombing and gunnery school. Binder measures 9" x 8.5" x 3". All decals are in great condition with some surface spider cracks (as to be expected with decals), but solid and well-taken care of. A remarkable collection including some rare and high-profile squadrons. Would prefer to sell as a collection.

SOLD

RARE RAF stole/bladder for the Irvin Harnessuit, dated 1940.

Almost impossible to find item - the correct stole for the combined pattern flying suit (popularly known as the Irvin Harnessuit after the Irvin Air Chute company which designed it). This stole is essentially identical to the early type fitted in the 1941 pattern life vest (and has the same patent number), with the addition of tabs on the edges of both lobes, corresponding to openings in the button-in fabric housing inside the suit. Made from thin sheet rubber covered with yellow silk to prevent the rubber from perishing, it is in excellent condition, no damage, hardening or stiffening at all in the body, the oral inflation tube is totally flexible and the valve in good working order; the opening for the lever mechanism is slightly dry. Superb A-crown-M markings with contract number, manufacturer P.B. Cow and October 1940 date.

SOLD

RARE RAF Mk IIIB* bayonet connector for Type D oxygen mask hose/tube in original box.

One of the most sought after and hard-to-find accessories for a Battle of Britain

display is this Mk IIIB* bayonet connector for the oxygen tube fitted to the Type D oxygen mask. All brass construction, '39 dated and well-marked with its stores ref. number 6D/101 and the Air Ministry A-crown-M mark plus acceptance marks, it also comes packed in its original box as issued. A very rare find these days.

SOLD

RAF 1941 pattern life vest CO2 inflation cartridge, second type with narrow "waist."

An incredibly rare accessory these days to complete a stole-inflated life vest (better known as 1941 pattern Mae West). Black, waisted cylinder with intact threaded nozzle and 3-44 date.

NOTE: no overseas shipping on this item

SOLD

WWII USN B-3 flying gloves.

Excellent pair of unissued USN flying gloves, Type B-3, most often worn by carrier deck fighter pilots. Nice clear silver USN property stamp (letters contained in a rectangular border). True wartime production, not post war or modern reproductions. Marked inside as a size 8. Getting harder to find all the time.

SOLD

USN / USMC NAF1092 flying or paratrooper helmet.

Interesting USN/USMC NAF1092 flying helmet fitted with "powder puff" ear pads but no receivers or pockets. Shows use but remains in very good condition. This pattern helmet was issued to US Marine Corps paratroopers and the lack of the usual USN stamping on the rear – as well as the soft leather chin cup – might suggest that this was possibly Marine Corps issue (some were stamped USMC - this example has no property stamp to the rear). A nice helmet and it's actually quite unusual to find a nice used example of this style.

SOLD

Luftwaffe Channel trousers in blue suede, complete and in very good condition, 1943 dated.

Lovely pair of Luftwaffe Channel trousers in blue suede leather with heavy cotton fabric reinforced areas and large bellows pockets for carrying survival equipment when flying over water (hence the name). Overall condition is used but very good. I can find one very tiny hole in the suede, just below the satin waistband (barely shows although I tried to show it in the photos). There is some wear to the cotton on the inside of the pockets but only on one of the multiple layers of cotton fabric. All zips are metal and in very god working order with leather tabs still attached; all buttons present although one of the buttons on the waist is a period field replacement. Leather loops for securing flares and smoke canisters present; flag pocket on leg present, built in holster for flare pistol is good. So often these pockets are removed inner tabs are missing - these are complete. Great label with RB number and issue date of 1943.

SOLD

AAF AN6530 flying goggles with one-piece face cushion.

Excellent pair of AAF AN6530 flying goggles. While not particularly scarce, examples as nice as these, with the original chamois backed cushion, are not easy to find these days. The frames, lenses and cushion as in remarkable condition. the strap is clean but has lost much of its elasticity, however it adjusts and displays well. Marked Chas Fischer Spring on the frame. These are the later pattern with the more streamlined vents.

SOLD

AAF Type B-6 flying jacket in superb condition.

Less well known, and certainly less common, than the B-3 shearling jacket, the B-6 jacket was a lighter weight and less bulky flying jacket that was popular with fighter pilots, especially those flying the P-38 Lightning with its cavernous unheated cockpit. This B-6 is in stunning condition; dark brown exterior coating is soft and pliable and shows hardly any wear, leather is simply superb, has obviously been well stored. Original zip in good working order. Inside, the cream coloured fleece is excellent. Near complete AAF decal on left sleeve, good label and size 42R. This one would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

AAF B-15 flying jacket in very good condition.

The last intermediate flying jacket introduced by the USAAF in WWII, the B-15 was the culmination of years of trials with different materials and designs. This example is overall in very good shape, the fabric body and sleeves of the jacket with no damage or excessive wear, retaining its rich colours and printed AAF logo to left sleeve. Mouton collar is in great shape as is the grey lining. As is always the case, the knit waistband has suffered from moth damage although it isn't the worst I've seen. Most of the holes seem to be on the right-hand front though it is peppered throughout. Replacements are available if desired which would undoubtedly make this an outstanding jacket, but even as is, it displays well.

SOLD

RCAF Type B flying helmet size with telephone receiver holders.

Excellent example of the Canadian made variant of the Type B flying helmet, made from soft light brown leather and lined with chamois. Very clean throughout and fitted with its zip ear receiver housings, padded with RCAF marked sponge pads. Helmet is maker marked and labeled as a size 3 (large) and has a service number hand inked inside. What makes this unusual, is that the receiver housings are both properly fitted with Type C bakelite telephone holders - this is the first Canadian made helmet I have come across with these installed. A lovely helmet in outstanding condition.

SOLD

AAF Type F-3 2-piece electrically-heated flying suit, complete with aircraft extension cord and plug.

Lovely example of this now scarce electrically-heated flying suit issued primarily to USAAF bomber crews flying over Europe, and as such, synonymous with the "Mighty" 8th Air Force. This suit is complete and in excellent condition! Green nylon trousers with bib/braces fastening, zips on the legs and both sides. No damage but a couple of areas where the green has faded slightly in sunlight (not seen when jacket is worn over it). The green nylon jacket zips up the front and has its plug/lead for attaching to the trousers, also a socket for plugging in the electrically heated lens for the B-8 goggles. All zips work perfectly and the set also includes the extension cord for connecting suit to the aircraft electrical system. Size Large/Regular. A superb find.

SOLD

RAF escape map 1943 series sheets 43A and 43B.

The 1943 series represent the first standardized escape / evasion maps and were issued routinely to aircrews flying over occupied enemy territory. Scales, colours and materials (Rayon) were all standard and they could be folded ready for issue in rubberized cotton pouches, usually labeled according to their contents. This example is in excellent condition and if issued, was was never unfolded and used. Sheet A covers parts of Holland, Belgium and France. Sheet B, on the back, is divided into two maps: one showing the border of France and Spain, the other showing the frontier of Germany and Switzerland. These maps were almost indestructible, could be overdyed in a solid colour and worn as a scarf, then later washed out when needed, or sewn between layers of fabric inside clothing. Getting harder to find these days - especially in sch good, unused condition.

SOLD

RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, early production, unissued condition in box with accessories.

The best set of wartime production Mk VIII goggles I have seen in a long time. The condition of these goggles is outstanding; never issued and clearly never worn. Leather and suede pads are superb and feature the high-profile, squared-off look, frames retain 100% of original paint, lenses are the scarce gold-tinted type and the strap still has full elasticity. The bridge connector is the rectangular wire type generally considered to indicate early production. Beautiful, crisp A-crown-M stamp to bridge plus stores ref. information. They come in their original, Air Ministry marked box together with the demisting cloth and extra clear lenses (still in paper wrapping). A stunning pair of goggles that would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

Scarce Pre WWII French Air Force tunic, named to a 1st Lieutenant (sous-lieutenant) of the 52nd reconnaissance group, L'Armée de L'Air.

1935-1940 period tunic with the rank of 1st Lieutenant (sous-lieutenant ) and badge indicating 52nd reconnaissance group. jacket is in excellent condition, with good tailor's label with name of owner hand written in ink. This is the typical uniform of French pilots who escaped before the fall of France to England and flew with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. A great find.

SOLD

1960s USAF Brown Rayon flying glove inserts, identical to WWII issue, size X-Large in superb condition.

These extra-large size flying glove inserts are actually Vietnam era, 1960s production which have been marked with the WWII AAF logo on the backs. Apart from the small tags sewn inside each glove, indicating manufacture by Kings Point Mfg. Co. Inc. they are identical to WWII issue. Unissued and as nice as pair as you will find.

SOLD

Scarce Luftwaffe all white 2-piece "Channel" suit, known as the Bulgarian suit.

All white shearling/sheepskin "Channel" suit, so nicknamed because it was based on the original lightweight suit worn by fighter pilots over the English Channel, which carried a host of survival items in the trouser pockets. This heavier pattern, for cold weather use, is made entirely from white shearling and white cotton canvas. Like most examples of this all-white model, it was made in Sofia, Bulgaria - hence it is known among collectors as the "Bulgarian" suit. This is an absolutely superb example, which may never have been issued. It is very clean, with all zips and snaps working. The jacket has a brown fleece collar and blue-grey cotton trim at the waist The only area of concern is a small tear in the shearling on the left shoulder, about 2-3 inches long, but this could easily be repaired with care. The matching pants are near perfect, clean and solid with no tears and retaining all pockets with all loops and flaps intact - including the built-in holster. This is scarce in itself, since the pockets were frequently removed from these suits after issue because they were considered redundant. Light soiling from storage but aside from the small tear in the shoulder, by far the best example of this scarce flying suit I have ever seen.

SOLD

AAF enlisted mans service dress tunic with badges.

Excellent WWII AAF enlisted man's service dress jacket with Air Corps collar devices, master sergeant's chevrons, 5 overseas stripes, WWI wound stripe and 7 hash marks, plus a beautiful felt AAF shoulder patch which appears to be overseas made. Jacket has stencil marking inside and is in great condition.

SOLD

WWII US Army dress uniform jacket and trousers for a graduate of West Point.

Superb, high quality US Army dress uniform jacket and trousers for a graduating West Point cadet, purchased from the Cadet Store and named to R. J. Rogers. Dated 5.22.1939 that means he completed

officer training before the war. The trousers have no markings that I can find. It would be very interesting to research his career and see where he finished up. Uniform is in excellent condition, and displays very well.

SOLD

WWII US Army dress uniform trousers.

Superb, high quality US Army dress uniform trousers named to Gibson USP 250. Trousers are seemingly always much more difficult to find than jackets, so for the collector who needs a pair to display with a dress tunic, this is as good a pair as you will find. All wool and correct for the WWII period.

SOLD

WWII tailwheel and tyre from an Airspeed Oxford aircraft.

Aircraft tailwheel marked AHO 5779 which was fitted to the Airspeed Oxford. The "Oxbox" as it was affectionately known by those who flew it, was the main training aircraft used for RAF aircrews throughout the war, from pilots to navigators, etc. Chances are if you made aircrew (other than fighter pilot) you learned your trade in one of these. The wheel hub and tyre are both well marked and in very good condition. There are still some vestiges of yellow paint remaining on the hub from its years as a RAF trainer. Tyre is slightly soft but is holding air. Tyre size is given as 4.95 - 3-1/2. Hub measures 4.5" diameter, complete wheel and tyre is 11.5" diameter.

SOLD

RARE variation of an early RAF Type D flying helmet, for external wiring, but no sign of ever having had the rear neck flap attached. Needs work, but well worth the effort.

Just the fabric shell of this very rare helmet with straps, fittings and chin strap. Cotton drill outer with satin lining. Needs rubber ear cups and chamois pads, plus Bennett buckle fastener and felt lined chin guard. This is a project, but having said that, it is in very good condition and would restore very well with care and the right parts. Most unusually of all, it shows no evidence of ever having the half-moon shaped neck flap to the rear. It has not been removed - it was never attached! Size 2 and well marked with A-crown-M and 22C number.

SOLD

Excellent RAF Mk VII goggles with polarising sun screen and leather strap.

Spectacular set of Mk VII goggles, complete with the polarising sun screen and what is believed to be the early leather strap. These are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially in good condition and with the screen still present. After the initial production runs, they were issued without the screen, which had to be requested as a separate issue item. This set is in remarkable condition, and though used, were well looked after during their service life. Good clear lenses, tight brass frames with no damage and only one slight ding to the left had side showing minor paint loss. Frames retain about 95%+ original ultramarine blue paint. Leather pads are very good. Strap has service number inked on the back. Lovely set of very rare goggles.

SOLD

RAF draft exclusion hood for Air Gunners.

A scarce and unusual clothing item which was developed for use by Air Gunners in cold and drafty gun turrets - not for comfort, but for the more practical use of preventing the oxygen mask microphone from freezing. It fastened to the early Type C helmet by means of the forward goggle strap tabs, and could be worn alone but was also used in conjunction with an electrical mask/microphone heater unit. The facial opening includes a wire frame and a maleable metal bar at the nose to provide a snug fit. It was not by all accounts popular and may not have been as effective as was hoped, but is a valuable and integral piece of mid-war flying equipment. In excellent condition with some minor storage marks, and including the often missing fabric strip with snaps/press studs for sewing to the rear of the Type C helmet. AID acceptance stamp and good working zip fastener. Excellent condition.

SOLD

AAF / USN harness for the Quick Attach Seat Type Parachute.

Webbing harness and all hardware for the Quick Attache seat type parachute used by the AAF and US Navy (particularly favoured by the US Navy). Clean white webbing harness is very clean and devoid of any markings or labels, except for the coloured central fleck in the weave, but webbing and all metal fittings are original, so this may have been assembled from parts. It was commonplace for parachute riggers to produce complete usable harnesses using salvaged parts from damaged equipment. An outstanding example which just needs the pad, pack and ripcord to complete.

SOLD

RAF other ranks 1937 Pattern Service Dress KD tunic dated 1942.

In unissued condition, this excellent other ranks KD service dress jacket looks like it just came from the stores. khaki/tan cotton drill with black plastic KC buttons and a linen label with size, date and contract information, plus a large stamped size 3.

SOLD