SALES JULY 2023

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Scarce RAF MK VA spectacles with detachable strap, fitted flip screen and pouch with extra lenses.

RAF Mk VA Spectacles, complete with the flip screen, plus the optional (but important!) strap which has the A-crown-M + 22C information, and also with a set of extra lenses in the correct leather pouch as issued. Condition is very good. The lenses are slightly discoloured and the thin sponge rubber pad along the bottom edge has hardened but everything else is good. Getting very rare to find!

SOLD

RAF suits, aircrew blouse 1943, dated and in a good size with nice padded pilot wing.

Excellent and scarce early RAF "battledress" blouse (officially "Suits, Aircrew, Blouse") which was in effect a flying jacket because these were only issued to aircrews and only permitted to be worn while on ops. Superb condition showing light wear but no damage (can't find any mothing at all). Lovely padded plot wing and rank lace for a Flying Officer. This is the early pattern, with two interior pockets and linen label with 1943 date. Large size 13: height 5'11" to 6"; 38-39" chest and 34" waist. These are much more difficult to find than the later War Service Dress.

SOLD

RARE book 1000 destroyed - 4th FG. First Edition by Grover C. Hall.

Rare first edition of the classic "1000 Destroyed: The Life and Times of the 4th Fighter Group" by Grover C. Hall, Jr. Published in 1946. Former owner's name inscribed on flyleaf but otherwise book is in excellent condition. A few bumps at the corners and very slight foxing to edge of pages, but good tight binding. No dust jacket. Although this has been reprinted in recent times, the original printing was a very short production run and first editions are few and far between. A true collector's item.

SOLD

Rare SAAF Type B flying helmet, named.

One of the toughest Commonwealth variants of the Type B flying helmet to find, the South African Air Force pattern differs only slightly in construction from the British made helmet. Made from black pigskin leather which is soft and supple. It follows the pattern of the RAF model more closely than most of the other Commonwealth variants, but has Zipp brand zips on the ear cups and standard single-prong buckles instead of the friction type Bennett buckles. There is also a single goggle strap tab to the rear which fastens with a press stud. Ear cups have NOS RCAF sponge rubber cushions to hold their shape. Excellent condition showing use but no abuse or damage and light soiling. It also comes with its "face-defenders" in place - leather instead of webbing - and is named inside to H. Sacks with his serial number. Scarce helmet, used in combat in Italy, Malta, North Africa and the desert war.

SOLD

RARE RAF oxygen tube adaptor/extension.

Extremely rare oxygen hose/tube adaptor to enable the Types E, E* and G masks to be used with a constant-flow oxygen regulator or a walk-around oxygen bottle. 30" long black fabric braided hose with a circular brass connector 6D/482 at one end, and a Mk IIIB* bayonet connector at the other (same as found on D mask tubes). One end attaches to the corrugated hose on the mask, the other to the oxygen supply. In very good condition, fully pliable and secured at both ends with linen twine. Interesting variation on the tube - braided black fabric with no fleck.

SOLD

AAF HS-33 headset with odd receiver cups.

Exactly as found in a veteran's estate and as used in WWII. A standard HS-33 headset comprising the HB-7 headband fitted with matching ANB-H-1 receivers, but one receiver has the standard noise-attenuating hard rubber/chamois earcup while the other has the smaller all rubber type. Clearly been this way forever, whether by choice or wartime shortage of equipment. An interesting variation in very good condition.

SOLD

Rare RAF MK IIIB bayonet connector for a Type D oxygen mask tube/hose.

One of the more difficult accessories to find for a Battle of Britain headgear display. Engraved with the date (39) the Air Ministry mark, maker's logo and acceptance mark and in great condition. Surface scratching to the brass finish (which looks worse in the photos!). Good strong spring and swivel action.

SOLD

Fabulous theatre made/converted AAF Ike jacket with red silk lining.

Absolutely stunning AAF Ike jacket, converted from a standard 4-pocket tunic by a London tailor to included the red silk lining traditionally associated with fighter aces (though actually anyone with the guts do so could order their tunic with the red lining!). This is an exceptional example and includes all original insignia: pilot wing (not marked but appears sterling), miniature RAF pilot wing for having served with the RAF; unit citation ribbon; gold 'butter bars" for the rank of 2nd lieutenant; winged props and US collar devices; superb bullion on felt AAF shoulder patch and equally nice English made 8th Air Force shoulder patch. Overall excellent condition showing use but very little wear. A textbook example that would grace any 8th Air Force collection.

SOLD

Canadian made WWII RAF/RCAF Dalton Model G ICAN navigational computor, complete and in original box.

Excellent working example of the Model G navigational computor, still packed in its original box and in superb condition. Made by Stanley Manufacturing of Toronto, it still has its original pencil (usually missing) and its blank notepad dated 1941. Built in knee-board with canvas webbing straps. Hard to find a better example.

SOLD

AAF T-44 microphone assembly modified to T-42 for use with a Type E, E* and G mask.

T-44 microphone assembly converted to T-42. This US made wiring loom would have originally been fitted with the small MC-1 microphone (to fit in an A-14 mask). This example has been period modified to a Type T-42 by adding a British made Type 25 microphone (not the ultra rare US made 110A/12570). I have no doubt this was a period alteration to enable the wearer to use a Type E* or G mask with a RAF oxygen system. Includes the bell-shaped jack plug and adaptor for use with a USAAF radio. A rare modification.

SOLD

1930s D. Lewis flying helmet, named, with history of flight testing/trials of laminated propellors.

Excellent example of a D. Lewis helmet, in a large size, great condition, named to Clifford Owen Towler. Towler worked for the Ministry of Aircraft Production at Jablo Propellors, who developed and tested Hydulignum, a compressed and laminated timber which could be substituted for aluminium and was used on Spitfires among other aircraft. The helmet, which is fitted with De Havilland style Gosport receivers, came from the original owner's son and includes a letter of provenance, a copy of a report from a flight test on a Spitfire IX, a copy of a photograph of the development and testing team dated 1945, and a sample piece of Hydulignum. Interesting story and a great example of this helmet.

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WWI US Air Service Resistol goggles.

These appear to be the Resistol NAK model flying goggles, commercially made but issued to US Air Service pilots and crews at the end of WWI and into the 1920s. Overall good condition, although the strap is an old replacement

and retains some elasticity.

SOLD

AAF B-6 Flying Helmet with HS-18 headset.

Superb example of the early wartime AAF B-6 flying helmet, worn by both fighter pilots and bomber crews when they first entered the war in 1942. This helmet is in excellent condition and is fitted with the HS-18 headset, R-14 receivers and black PL-54 plug, installed in black leather rigger-made ear cups. The helmet is also fitted with snap fasteners for attaching the A-10 revised, A-14 or A-10A oxygen mask. The helmet is a small size, though fits well on a standard display head, and is named inside to M.L. Houck, which makes it worthy of research. Some oxidation to the snaps but no damage and very little wear to the to the helmet - a lovely, complete example which displays well.

SOLD

Scarce US Army Air Corps Type B-6 flying goggles in aluminium case.

A really nice pair of genuine B-6 goggles in great condition. These were introduced in the early 1930s and remained in service during the war, even after the more streamlined B-7 (later AN6530) came along. Heavily plated frames with tube vents and the distinctive Art Deco style "winged AO" logo to the bridge, clear lenses and separate narrow rubber cushions. The original dark grey rubber cushions are in remarkably good condition, still quite pliable with some very slight warping. The strap has lost most of its elasticity but still functions well. Contained in their original AO aluminium case. Lovely pair of goggles.

SOLD

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Immersion Suit helmet.

White leather helmet, based on the Fleet Air Arm version of the Type C, with zipped ear housings and telephone holders for receivers with built-in Gosport inlets. No receivers or wring fitted but would take an internal wiring loom. Leather is in very good condition, just overall grubby from wear and storage, and glue residue from where it was attached to the rubberized immersion suit. Medium size (probably a size 2). Zips in good working order and housings fitted with sponge rubber cushions. Good chin strap retains elasticity. No stamps or markings that I can see. These immersion suits were introduced for service trials towards the end of the war and saw some operational use. The helmets are getting more and more scarce.

SOLD

RAF Mk VIII flying goggles.

Good used pair of classic Mk VIII flying goggles, probably early post war because they have the flat edge to the frames, but frames are brass and leather pads are the larger type. Grubby from use, but no damage, other than much of the paint has rubbed off the front of the frames leaving a nice patina on the brass. Decent lenses showing minor signs of delamination. Strap still has elasticity.

SOLD

AAF A-9 Oxygen Mask with "Juliet" head strap.

Scarce Army Air Corps Type A-9 oxygen mask dated January 1942, in very good condition, slightly grubby from storage and with the usual dark patina that the early rubber shows, but with no actual signs of use. The rubber is pliable with no damage or hard spots, just slightest signs of reaction at the lugs where the metal nosewire is attached, and small part of the rubberized coating on the nosewire has flaked off, but the nosewire is securely fixed in place. Hose is totally flexible with no visible cracks in the folds. Complete with it's grey webbing harness with hooks for attaching to a B-6 or A-9 helmet, plus the scarce "Juliet" head strap for wear without a flying helmet (or with a helmet not having the hooks). These early masks are becoming very rare these days and this is in exceptionally nice condition.

SOLD

1918 dated US Western Electric radio headset.

Western Electric headset, dated July 23, 1918, of the type used by the US Air Service as well as other branches of the military in WWI. Great condition, except that the braiding on the wiring is frayed and probably should be replaced; it also lacks a plug. Bakelite and metal receivers are excellent and the headband is typical military/Signal Corps pattern.

SOLD

RARE RAF issue second type "Escape Aids Box" complete with all contents.

One of the most difficult items to source these days, the Escape Aids Box was given to all aircrew from early1942. Contents varied slightly depending on the theatre of operations, but basic components were standard: rubber water bottle, various tablets for treating minor ailments, matches, compass, Horlicks tablets, chewing gum and "liver toffee." The celluloid acetate case has, like most, warped, cracked and split in places. It is fragile, with some minor loss of plastic on the ends, but it is holding together and will display well. Contents are in remarkable condition; the rubber water bottle is fully flexible and nothing appears to be leaking or oozing. This is the second type box, with squared edges. Includes packing slip, dated 9/43.

SOLD

RAF Type 48 microphone for the E, E* and G oxygen mask.

RAF Type 48 microphone in perfect, unissued condition. Fits the Types E, E* and G oxygen mask. Comprises a Type 25 microphone with the short cord for connecting to internally wired C, D and E helmets.

SOLD

Matching pair of RAF epaulettes for a Squadron Leader for the KD service dress tunic.

Tan khaki cotton drill shoulder straps with rank lace for a Squadron Leader. Button in type for the KD service dress tunic or bush shirt. Show use but very good condition.

SOLD

Unissued chin cup the US Navy M-450 summer flying helmet.

Original unissued leather chin cup in "oyster" coloured leather with chamois lining for the M-450 and NAF 1092S summer flying helmet.

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RAF Mk IVB Battle of Britain era flying goggles.

Introduced in June 1940 at the exact same time as the Mk IV and IVA, The IVB proved to be the more robust and enduring of the three versions, and was thus produced in much larger numbers. Black painted brass frames with "windows" (lenses) in a separate skeleton frame, large loops which were actually designed for the goggles to slide up and down around the receiver cups of the Type C helmet, but since the Type C was not ready for production and a replacement for the dismal MkIIIa goggles was desperately needed, the IV series was issued ahead of schedule with the Type B and guide plates were offered to permit a better fit. This pair is in very good condition; the frames have no dents or dings and 100% of the original paint remains. Rubber bumper pads have hardened but 3 out of 4 retain their shape. Lenses are exceptional, with only very minor delamination on one lens. The leather strap has a nice crisp A-crown-M stamp. Some staining to one of the loops and leather is a little dry and scuffed but they are otherwise in great condition.

SOLD

RAF Type C headband fitted with Type 26 microphone assembly / external wiring loom.

The headband, Type C had multiple uses butin this configuration was most commonly associated with crews of heavy aircraft, in particular reconnaissance and transport, flying boats etc. It could be worn with an oxygen mask if needed, by use of a simple harness, but was often worn as seen here, with the microphone loose. This example has an excellent external wiring loom (Type 26 microphone assembly) and is wired with RCAF Type C-3 receivers. One or two small chips to the bakelite backing of the microphone and the bell plug spring is quite rusty, but the headset is an excellent, clean example. The external wiring loom alone is worth the price.

SOLD

AAF T-44 wiring cord (partial).

T-44 wiring loom / cord for the A-10A and A-14 oxygen mask to enable use in British aircraft. Cord and bell-shaped plug are in excellent condition, but the MC-1 microphone and plug connector for the lead from the receivers have been removed. Could easily be restored with the right parts (I don't have any available).

SOLD

RAF 1933 Pattern flying gloves, 1939 dated and named.

Lovely used pair of 1933 pattern flying gauntlets, No wear or damage, just honest use. Battle of Britain period and getting harder to find. Named inside to Bartlett with his RAF service number. Great Air Ministry and AID stamps and dated 1939. Good working zips with both leather pullers in place. Both the same size (I believe 9) and not a perfect matching pair colour-wise, as usual, but very close (one has that lovely 2-tone leather look).

SOLD

RAF Mk IIIB bayonet connector for Type D oxygen mask, unissued and boxed.

A rare and much sought after accessory for the Battle of Britain headgear collector — the Mk IIIB brass bayonet connector for the end of the hose on the Type D oxygen mask. This example in near perfect condition, still in its original box and appears unissued and unused. Well marked with clear Air Ministry stamp and date of 1939. Spring and swivel mechanism and operates fully and easily. Extremely rare.

SOLD

RAF wool sweater/pullover dated 1941.

Blue-grey knitted wool jumper or sweater with a V-neck designed for wearing under the service dress uniform without being seen, also giving aircrews an additional layer of warmth when flying. Overall condition is very good, and it may even be unissued, although it does have a small hole on the right sleeve and a small amount of tracking/tiny holes to the front (looks worse in the close up photos than it actually is because of the light/shadows). Like many uniform accessories, these are very scarce, because as a nice, quality garment, many of them were kept and worn long after the war. This example retains its original Air Ministry label, dated 1941. Note, this was an official issued item, not a private purchase or "Comforts Committee" donation.

SOLD

RNZAF officer's side cap.

Absolutely stunning WWII RNZAF officer's side cap in superb condition, super high quality wool with a black velvet sweatband and ribbed satin lining. Fabulous gilt eagle and crown badge and brass RNZAF buttons to front. No damage nor even any signs of wear. RNZAF uniforms are rare and this example would be difficult if not impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

Superb WWII RNZAF officer’s SD peaked cap.

Superb RNZAF peaked cap. The RNZAF was the smallest of the Commonwealth air forces and uniforms are scarce. This is a particularly nice example, privately tailored to the highest possible quality, presumably from Merino wool. The cap is maker marked to a Wellington tailor.

SOLD

Superb WWII RNZAF officer’s SD uniform tunic.

Superb RNZAF 4-pocket service dress tunic. The RNZAF was the smallest of the Commonwealth air forces and uniforms are scarce. This is a particularly nice example, privately tailored to the highest possible quality, presumably from Merino wool. The quality of the wool is noticeably heavier than British made RAF uniforms. The jacket has a tailor's label in the neck which is worn and not legible. Rank lace to a Flight Lieutenant with a beautifully worn NZ pilot wing and medal ribbons for the 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence and War Medals and New Zealand War Service medal.

SOLD