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SALES June 2021

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US Army officer's  OD "crusher" service dress cap.

Extremely popular with Army Air Force pilots and crews, the crusher version of the officer's cap featured a soft, bendable visor and no stiffening in the crown (to enable it to be worn with headphones - hence the "crushed" look). While many well known brands were available commercially, this is an unlabeled example, presumably obtained from a PX or QM. The visor is very soft and pliable. Good front and rear chin strap. Olive drab gabardine wool top with one small hole, stitching to edge of visor has come undone. Sweatband is detached but present, and could easily be repaired with care. Nice gilt badge and buttons. A very nice example.

SOLD

AAF parachute back pad/cushion (repro).

Excellent reproduction AAF parachute back pad/cushion of the type used for both seat type and chest type parachutes. Khaki canvas with sorbo rubber / foam insert and webbing straps. Brand new condition.

SOLD

RAF/RAAF bush shirt with Squadron Leader rank slip ons.

Very clean, lightly worn RAF bush shirt/jacket with RAAF rank slip ons for a Squadron Leader plus very nice embroidered "Australia" slip ons. Black plastic RAF buttons and complete with belt. Being a bush shirt it would have most likely had a pilot or aircrew brevet of the pin back type (removable for washing). There is a tag inside the neck but any print is long faded away. Good example in excellent condition.

 

SOLD

2 x US Army / AAF officer's visor caps.

2 slightly war weary US Army / AAF officer's visor caps. One is a Knox brand with doeskin felt, one very small moth nip to front, just above the badge, good leather and good badge, front and rear chin strap. The second is gaberdine/elastique with a few small moth holes to top, large cap badge, good leather and lining. Both are missing leather sweatband. Could be worn or displayed as is or restored fairly easily. Price for both.

 

SOLD

US Army Air Corps HS-23 headset unissued, repacked for storage.

 

HS-23 headset, comprising HB-7 headband with R-14 receivers, short cord and PL-54 black plug, fitted with  MC-162A pneumatic rubber cushions. Fantastic unissued and unused condition,  early wartime production which was "mothballed" - inspected, checked and packed for storage in 1956 at Maywood AFD and has been stored ever since. R-14 receivers are becoming like gold dust and examples of wartime headsets in this condition, are very hard to find these days.

SOLD

617 Squadron Dambusters Lancaster print signed by 15 members of the squadron who flew on Operation "Chastise" in WWII – PLUS Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris and Leonard Cheshire (17 historic signatures altogether)

 

An amazing piece of history. Let me begin by stating that what you are buying here are the signatures, not the art. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful aircraft profile by well known aviation artist Keith Bloomfield (drawn for the RAF Museum), but the print shows evidence of water damage, and some of the signatures, which were executed in ink using fountain pens, have faded with time. It was like this when I acquired it many years ago. I have had this framed and on my wall and it displays very nicely. Under glass, the water damage hardly shows; it's just a little light water marking along the bottom edge with a little surface bubbling to the paper in the bottom right hand corner. It does not affect the print, nor the signatures (those have faded from exposure to light and time). The signatures read like a who's who of Bomber Command heroes: David Shannon, Willy Tait, Harold Hobday, Douglas Webb, William Reid, Bill Townsend, Geoff Rice, Basil Feneron, Toby Foxlee, Leonard Cheshire, D. Heal , Ray Grayston, W. Howarth, Len Sumpter, G.E. Johnson, George Chalmers and Arthur Harris.

Reid, Townsend, Tail and Feneron signatures are slightly faded but perfectly legible. Arthur Harris' signature has faded badly. It can still be seen but barely - but it is there.

George Johnson is the only surviving Dambuster. 

 

SOLD

RARE Kriegsmarine / Luftwaffe back pack container for the one-man life raft. 

 

Heavy rubberized canvas or linen back pack for the one man life raft. Both back packs and seat packs were used by Luftwaffe pilots, and back packs were also carried by U-boat and mini-sub crews. The life raft carried inside was exactly the same for both branches - a rare instance of co-operative procurement. This style pack is more usually associated with the Kriegsmarine, but it has added patches with Luftwaffe markings including the FL, number for the pack. Though a bit grubby, the pack is in very good condition, with no damage. Its white webbing straps and fastener are still attached, pockets for accessories with snap closure still present. A rare variation of an extremely rare item.

SOLD

RAF Tropical issue Survival Backpack for the 1941 Pattern Life Vest.

 

Designed to be worn along with the 1941 Pattern Mae West (and lightly tacked to it), this Survival Backpack was used from 1942 until the introduction of the Beadon Suit in 1945. Green on one side (for camouflage) and yellow on the reverse (for high visibility) it could be worn either way around. Two versions were issued: an Arctic type and a Tropical type (marked accordingly). Both were identical except for their contents. This pack is empty though its compartments are marked /numbered for contents. All straps and pockets are intact and all snaps and zip fasteners are present. The full length zip on the green side is in perfect working order and functions smoothly. The short zip pocket on the yellow side has a small break but no teeth are missing and it functions fine if treated with care. It is well marked with various ink stamps and several  inspection dates. Many are faint and most are illegible, but there is one faint 1945 inspection stamp and another very clear 1948 inspection stamp. A wartime item which was evidently in use (or standby) for a long time.

SOLD

WWII RAF Beadon suit evasion/survival Union flag.

 

One of the harder to find items carried in the pockets of the RAF Beadon suit. This small (6" x 8") printed linen flag enabled the downed airman to identify himself to potential allies for assistance in returning to his own lines. Roughly printed but bright enough to be seen it could be waved or sewn to clothing. Unissued example in pristine condition with bright unfaded colours, clear stores ref. and broad arrow stamp.

SOLD

Absolutely beautiful RAF Mk VIII Flying goggles.

 

Simply the absolute nicest set of Mk VIII goggles I have ever seen! Made from a light tan shade of leather throughout (including the end tabs on the strap and strap puller) with similar light brown suede backing and satin finish to the blue-grey painted frames. Superbly marked on the nose leather with a delicately stamped broad arrow and Mk VIII with the stores ref. number, plus white ink acceptance marks. In unissued and unworn condition with 99% painted finish intact, great strap with elasticity (light oxidation on metal buckle). Gold tinted lenses. Construction and pattern corresponds perfectly to wartime issue. These might be late war or possibly immediate post-war, but you will never find a more attractive example of these goggles.

SOLD

RCAF late war summer "mesh" flying helmet.

 

Similar in design and construction to the RAF Type E helmet, this Canadian made version differs in being a heavier mesh, with leather reinforcements around the earcups and a leather chin cup/strap. It also has additional stud/snap fasteners for attaching an external wiring loom (not included). The helmet is used and shows slight wear, with a couple of very small snags in the mesh (not actually holes and does not show on display or detract from appearance). The felt ear pads or "donuts" have been ravaged by something over the years, and while they could be restored, this also does not detract from the display since they are not visible from the outside. Unusually, the helmet retains its elaborate leather chin cup, which is usually missing from these helmets. Size 5 and labeled to Buffalo Cap Co. A good displayable example of what is actually quite a scarce helmet.

SOLD

WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet.

 

A very scarce accessory - cotton helmet as worn by Royal Navy deck crews while manhandling aircraft on the flight decks of aircraft carriers during WWII. Each colour denoted a specific role or duty and I believe royal blue indicated starboard general duties. Simple unlined cotton helmet with a chin strap and buckle (essential for it not to be blown off in the high winds and propwash). Size 2 (Large) in unissued condition.  See last photos for wartime colour photos of helmets being worn on cover and editorial in Illustrated News dated 1943. Note: this helmet is not the same as the US Navy issue deck helmets which were often modified into flying helmets by USN pilots. Very scarce item.

SOLD

Fantastic Find! One of a kind USAAF Martin XB-51 prototype control wheel.

 

A unique, one-of-a-kind find for the serious collector of control wheels and joysticks. This is the control wheel from one of only two Martin XB-51 aircraft built. Designed in 1945, it flew in 1948 and was contender for the attack/bomber role but eventually lost out to the B-52. This control wheel (tagged and labeled) is in fantastic condition, with all wiring (labeled with numbers for connecting). Heavy with all controls functioning (trigger finger controls on both arms,  thumb "toggle" controls on both sides, single thumb button and electrical switch on right hand side).  The XB-51 was also used to testing RATOG system. Photos for aircraft in flight included - this came from one of those! The rarest and most unique control wheel you will ever own - and technically the last AAF aircraft designed in WWII (most probably killed off when the AAF became the USAF). Still has AAF nomenclature on the tag.

SOLD

Incredible attributed "Yank in the RAF" uniform to George T. Westinghouse.

 

Acquired privately many years ago, this uniform has been tucked away in a collection for a very long time. The name on the tailor's label simply reads "Westinghouse", but a search of RAF officer's names shows only one: that of American George T. Westinghouse, great grandson of the George Westinghouse, well known entrepreneur, inventor and successful businessman. George T.  flew Beaufighters - though I have as yet not been able to determine which squadron or squadrons he served with. The uniform has  lovely padded pilot wings to the front, togeher with his ribbons, and USA tabs to both shoulders, 100% original to the uniform. Obviously much more research is needed. The uniform is in very good condition, all matching (jacket and trousers both with labels to the same tailor). Sidecap has no label but matches the uniform and is in similar great condition. George T. Westinghouse joined the RAF upon the outbreak of WWII and flew for the duration. He met his wife in England in 1941, married her and moved to Seattle in 1946. A really unique and outstanding "Yank in the RAF" uniform with loads of potential for research. 

SOLD

RCAF tropical/summer khaki uniform jacket to DFC fighter ace.

 

Late war khaki summer/tropical uniform jacket named to James Dean Somerville, fighter ace with 7 conformed kills and one damaged to his credit.  This jacket has one of those classic "find" histories; picked up for a song at a local flea market, the buyer later did the research into the name to discover the history of its owner, "Red" Somerville. Not standard Canada tabs, and a hurriedly sewn on DFC ribbon (awarded in October 1944) - without moving the beautiful  Canadian-made silk pilot wing up to make room - suggest the jacket was needed in a hurry for some kind of occasion and then perhaps stored away until emerging years later. It would not pass muster with anyone enforcing King's Regulations! It is in excellent condition.

SOLD

Royal Navy officer's working dress trousers dated 1944.

 

Absolutely mint condition, unused, unworn and in a great size 10. Dark navy blue trousers which were worn with the officer's working dress blouse, primarily by Fleet Air Arm pilots and aircrews when this Battledress style uniform was finally approved by the "brass" - so that they no longer had to fly in the double-breasted SD uniform (or so-called "reefer" jacket). Great 1944 dated label still attached.  Impossible to upgrade. They are missing 2 small black plastic buttons on the fly (though one is inside the pocket) which may be why these didn't get issued).  Easy to replace. Uniform trousers are extremely difficult to find, and near impossible in this condition.

SOLD

Wartime RAF uniform necktie, very high quality.

Another extremely hard to source uniform item – Wartime RAF uniform tie. Black tie made from very fine silk, unlined.  Though it has no markings, it does have a name tag on it and carries all the characteristics of the correct wartime period necktie: it is short, unlined, the right dimensions and material. 

SOLD

RAF pre-WWII officer's full dress uniform tunic with fabulous bullion pilot wing.

 

Very high quality RAF pre-WWII officer's full dress uniform tunic, probably dating from the mid-1930s, with a fabulous bullion pilot wing.  Gold braid and bullion oak leaves to stand-up collar, bullion embroidered crowned eagles to epaulettes, gold cuff lace to rank of Squadron Leader, KC buttons. Two small moth nips to back of shoulder but otherwise this is in excellent condition. Cream quilted lining identified only to "RAF 102" inside the [ocket and neck - although there is a very faint name inscribed in the neck (can't quite make it out). The bullion padded wing on blue is a lovely early example which might suggest this jacket is actually 1920s. An excellent example.

SOLD

RAF Mk IVB Flying Goggles as used in the Battle of Britain.

 

Very nice set of Mk IVB Flying Goggles - well above average condition, showing no dings or dents to the brass frames and retaining 95+% of its black painted finish. Leather nose piece and strap are in great condition. These were the third of three variants of Mk IV goggles - all announced/introduced in the same AMO in July 1940, but the IVB was the most successful and produced in the largest numbers.  Still quite scarce these days, especially in such good condition. The rubber bumper pads have, as usual, melted and hardened,  but there is no sticky residue and these could be trimmed or replaced, or displayed as is. 

SOLD

RAF internal wiring cord for the Type C, D and E flying helmet.

 

Excellent example of a RAF internal wiring loom for the Type C, D and E flying helmet. Purplish--brown braided covering with a light fleck, fitted with the microphone jack and the large bell-shaped plug. Still retains its paper label covered with clear tape (now discoloured). It also has its leather loop with a stud fastener to attach loom to back of helmet. Wiring for wartime RAF helmets is becoming extremely difficult to source these days - this is a great example.

SOLD

EXCELLENT BRAND NEW BOOK:  

New Zealand Air Force Uniforms, Clothing, Badges and Personal Equipment 1923-1948 by Barry O'Sullivan.

 

Large format, full-colour and 540-pages packed with uniforms, wings, insignia, flying helmets and clothing, survival equipment, weapons - everything you could imagine about this important Commonwealth Air Force. Extensive section on flying gear including items issued by the US and the RAF. Includes uniforms of the women's branches of the Air Force. Incredibly detailed and well-researched by historian Barry O'Sullivan, this is THE definitive book on the RNZAF. This book was printed in New Zealand in limited numbers and I think it is going to be very difficult to get in time. I have just 5 signed and numbered copies available at basically my cost (shipping from NZ is EXPENSIVE!) but well worth the price and you won't be disappointed.  When they are gone they are gone. Due to the weight, shipping to the UK will be courier only which will probably run around £35-40. I don't know if there is any other UK distribution for this book? It is about the size of a phone book. Very high quality, heavy soft cover with fold-in end-flaps.

SOLD OUT

Early WWII US Navy Type AN-R-2 one-man life raft. 

 

AN-R-2 one-man life raft most likely produced late 1942 or early 1943. Bright orange/yellow rubberized fabric dinghy shows very little wear except where folded. Number "15" painted on one end and instruction panel cemented in place. No other markings that I can see. Excellent example of a rare, early survival item. 

SOLD

Scarce WWII USN CO2 inflation cylinder for the one man life raft. 

 

Blue heavy metal cylinder painted bright blue with Kidde logo decal and stenciled nomenclature. Cylinder is dared 12/43 and empty (inert). Instruction decal is worn but all other markings clear. Valve assembly still in place. Overall vey good condition and a very difficult item to find.

SOLD

WWII RAF Bomb Disposal badge.

 

Another vital resource during the Battle of Britain was the RAF's Bomb Disposal squad. Unexploded bombs and mines were a constant hazard not only to the public but on airfields where the RAF had their own specially trained personnel to disarm, defuse or, if necessary, detonate safely the hundreds of pieces of unexploded ordnance. Nice badge embroidered on black wool.

SOLD

RARE USN Mk IV Model 2 Type 1 Full Pressure helmet with transit case.

Headpiece for  Mk IV, Model 2, Type 1 Pressure Suit manufactured by B.F. Goodrich, dated 1961 and serial numbered. These were produced in very small quantities, developed for orbital flight. Exact same model helmet was used in the Mercury Space Program. In overall very good displayable condition and more complete than most offered for sale: However it is missing the lower 25% of the external tinted visor. Whether this was "personalized" or somehow broken in a remarkably clean and near straight line is impossible to say. There is also a small crack in the clear visor, approx. 2" long, though none is missing. Mount for the boom microphone is also missing, though the microphone and all comm. gear is present, as is oxygen inlet. Foam padding is dry and crumbling, as per usual. Other than that, the helmet is complete and displays very well, showing use and a few knocks and chips but no damage. Retains 100% of it's USN wings logo to the front and 95% of the USN logo to rear. It comes in its fitted plastic transit domed case which has its USN wings logo decal intact. Clasps have surface oxidation and one clasp is missing its locking loop but this could easily be replaced. All valves, switches and visor mechanism in good working order. An extremely rare helmet that truly belongs to the "Space Age." Priced according to its condition.

SOLD

WWII RAF silk inner gloves in unissued condition, still tacked together, size 10.

 

White silk liners, worn under the leather 1933 or 1941 pattern gauntlets (or in may cases, such as by navigators, worn alone). These are well marked with clear stamping of  broad arrow and stores ref. numbers. Never issued or worn - they are still tacked together with a single stitch at the wrist. Fantastic condition, impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

WWII RAF Beadon suit evasion/survival US flag.

 

Even more scarce than the Union (UK) flag carried in the pockets of the RAF Beadon suit,  the 48 star US flag was also issued as part of the contents of the Beadon suit for recognition and ID.  This small (6" x 8") printed linen flag enabled the downed airman to identify himself to potential allies for assistance in returning to his own lines. Roughly printed but bright enough to be seen it could be waved or sewn to clothing. Unissued example has two pinhead sized holes but is unused with bright unfaded colours and a clear broad arrow WD stamp.

SOLD

 

RAF Type H oxygen mask, 1954 dated.

 

A decent displayable Type H oxygen mask, of the same pattern issued in WWII,  but dated 4-54. The rubber is perfectly pliable with surface cracking at stress areas (around the microphone and on the tabs which secure the harness) but still strong. Some plastic missing from the edge of the Type 57 microphone but it does not affect function. Chamois lining shows use. Overall a good displayable substitute for a much more expensive wartime mask, or pair it with a Type G helmet and bone-dome.

SOLD

RAF external wiring loom - Cord Type Q with receivers and bell plug.

 

An original early RAF external wiring loom - Cord Type Q - complete with receivers and bell plug. Sadly, the cord itself is not in the best of shape, with several areas of fraying and loss to the braided covering, although the wiring is intact. Good used Type 16 receivers and a good bell plug. This obviously had a good long service life because it has some old repairs/reinforcing with friction tape that has clearly been there for years (possibly WWII period).  Sold "as is" primarily for the receivers and plug but could be used to complete a well worn helmet for display!​

ON HOLD

Scarce WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm deck crew helmet.

 

A very scarce accessory - cotton helmet as worn by Royal Navy deck crews while manhandling aircraft on the flight decks of aircraft carriers during WWII. Each colour denoted a specific role or duty and I believe royal blue indicated starboard general duties. Simple unlined cotton helmet with a chin strap and buckle (essential for it not to be blown off in the high winds and propwash). Size 2 (Large) in unissued condition.  See last photos for wartime colour photos of helmets being worn on cover and editorial in Illustrated News dated 1943. Note: this helmet is not the same as the US Navy issue deck helmets which were often modified into flying helmets by USN pilots. Very scarce item.

SOLD

RAF Type E* oxygen mask with correct early narrow hose/tube.

 

An entry level example of the E* mask which has seen better days, but is perhaps not beyond restoration for display, and certainly has value in its parts. The E* was a development of the E, the first rubber mask developed for the RAF, and went through many changes, not least in the mix and cure of the rubber during production. The result (for collectors, 80 years later) is that many Type E and E* masks are either very hard/brittle or conversely very soft and maleable. This mask falls into the second category. The rubber is extremely soft and limp, though there is no stickiness or breaking down evident. As a result there is some misshaping and stretching, which is most evident at the junction of the "funnel" to the mask body. Interestingly, it is strongly attached - there is no sign of breaking, but the "funnel"  has twisted and the entry is somewhat crushed/closed (but still maleable and could perhaps be restored using a small length of rigid tubing as a stent?). With care, this mask will display. In any event, it has a good tube/hose, with surface cracks between corrugations as you would expect, but no separation or splits. Tube is strong and flexible and does not suffer from the "softness" that the mask does. Good connector and clip; harness still has elasticity; clean chamois and good microphone (though the rubber bumper has hardened). Mic. lead has been cut. If you're looking for a perfect "ready-to-display" item, this is NOT it - but it has potential for display/restoration and the useful parts alone are worth the listed price.

SOLD

Rare RCAF Gutta Percha & Rubber 1943 dated oxygen mask with stowage case.

 

Very scarce RCAF oxygen mask manufactured by Gutta Percha & Rubber company and dated 1943. This mask is in excellent condition, the green rubber perfect and both original straps intact and retaining full elasticity. One strap is marked with a tax stamp (which appears to be 1944!). Mask tube is fitted with a US type connector, which is not unusual, since the RCAF flew many US aircraft types. Mask also comes in its original GP&R labeled stowage bag. Blue cotton bag with snap fasteners. All the years I have been collecting, I have seen maybe half a dozen of these rare masks, but never one of the bags, until recently - now two in a matter of a few months! A rare opportunity to get both items together. Note: last picture shows mask displayed with helmet. Helmet is not included but is available separately.

SOLD

AAF full size pilot wing, clutch back on card as issued.

 

Full-size 3" pilot wing, standard wartime  pattern sometimes referred to as the "graduation" wing, still on its card as issued. Clutch back unmarked on the back but does appear to be silver and card is marked "Acid Test." Nice, typical pilot wing.

SOLD

Early post-war RAF pilot wing.

 

Beautifully made, heavily padded hand-embroidered RAF pilot wing with the post-1952 Queen's Crown, yet made to the same high quality as WWII period. Lovely wing, in oatmeal and reddish brown silk on dark blue wool background with burlap backing.

SOLD

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