Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, military and historical items for discerning collectors
SALES June 2022
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet.
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First announced in December, 1944, the internally-wired version of the Type D flying helmet was worn in all combat zones east of Malta (desert and tropical regions). Made of satin lined cotton twill and featuring a neck flap fo sun protection, the helmet was of the same pattern as the leather Type C. This example is in excellent condition, full wired with Type 32 receivers, internal cord and jack for mask microphone as well as the typical "bell" plug. Unmarked but either a generous size 2 (medium) or a snug size 3 "large). Almost no signs of wear or use and the only detraction is that the bell plug has some slight damage: about half the edge/lip has broken way. However this does not detract from the overall appearance, and does not affect the function of the plug. An excellent helmet.
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SOLD
 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
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 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
 Superb RAF Type D internally-wired flying helmet |
Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen and early leather strap.
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Now becoming one of the most difficult items of RAF flying headgear to find, Mk VII goggles still fitted with an original drop down polarizing screen to help find the "Hun in the sun." This set is in excellent condition, the frames retaining their shape well, without any of the dings or dents usually found. Leather is excellent; chamois pads are clean. The rubber padding inside has become a bit crumbly, but this doesn't detract. Lenses have not delamiinated, but there is slight discolouration (which looks worse in the photos than in real life). Guaranteed 100% original including the "flip" screen, which has only light surface scratches and is not warped. Best of all, this pair is fitted with the rare, early leather strap. All in all a fantastic pair of goggles which would be difficult to improve upon.
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SOLD
 Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen |  Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen |
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 Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen |  Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen |
 Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen |  Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen |
 Rare and exceptional set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles with original polarizing flip screen |
Rare RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens.
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Fantastic and extremely rare set of Royal Italian Air Force issue flying goggles by Breveto Fopais, featuring an adjustable bridge and independent flip-up sun screens. Alloy frames with glass lenses, celluloid screens, rubber cushions and elastic strap. Overall very good condition, showing use but no damage. Alloy frames are discoloured in places, lenses are good, rubber cushions are excellent, still pliable, strap has lost some elasticity, and flip screens are in great shape and work well. Shown with a summer issue silk flying helmet (not included) these were issued and worn throughout hostilities. Fopais was a major supplier of flying kit to the Regia Aeronautica. Lovely, stylish design.
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SOLD
 RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |  RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |
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 RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |  RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |
 RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |  RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |
 RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |  RARE Regia Aeronautica Fopais flying goggles with flip-up sun screens |
WWI era AT&T telephone operator's headset.
The American Telephone & Telegraph Co. was founded in 1875 initially as a subsidiary of the Bell Telephone company to circumvent corporate monopoly laws. It grew into the largest communications company in the world by the beginning of WWI. This is a typical telephone and telegraph operators headset, with single receiver on a wire headband, and horn type microphone in bakelite, mounted on a chest-plate worn around the neck, held by a black webbing strap. The Receiver is marked American Tel & Tel Co. and dated July 1918. The two-pin plug is marked with a patent date of September 1912, so this headset was in use during WWI. Appears to be all original. The bakelite horn has been very carefully (and almost invisibly) repaired. This may or may not have any direct military connection, but could have been used to transmit news of loved ones or victory in November 1918. A great piece of history.
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SOLD
 WWI AT&T telephone operator's headset |
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 WWI AT&T telephone operator's headset |
 WWI AT&T telephone operator's headset |
 WWI AT&T telephone operator's headset |
 WWI AT&T telephone operator's headset |
 WWI AT&T telephone operator's headset |
 WWI AT&T telephone operator's headset |
AAF T-30-S throat microphone, boxed with instructions in T-30-V box.
Very good T-30-S throat microphone made by Universal, packed in a box labeled as being made by Shure Bros., complete with Shure Bros. instruction sheet. Curious because the strap is black elastic and not the standard Universal type - but obviously correct so perhaps again scrounged from different sources. Very good condition, with one very small break in the rubber coating (as shown). Could easily be repaires or left as is it is barely visible.
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SOLD
 AAF T-30-S throat microphone, boxed with instructions in T-30-V box |  AAF T-30-S throat microphone, boxed with instructions in T-30-V box |
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 AAF T-30-S throat microphone, boxed with instructions in T-30-V box |  AAF T-30-S throat microphone, boxed with instructions in T-30-V box |
 AAF T-30-S throat microphone, boxed with instructions in T-30-V box |  AAF T-30-S throat microphone, boxed with instructions in T-30-V box |
WWII pattern RCAF other ranks Service Dress uniform trousers.
RCAF service dress uniform trousers in blue serge wool. Well marked with broad arrow C and all size stampings inside, but the date stamp is difficult to read. It looks like 1943 but I can't be exactly sure. Correct wartime pattern and appear to be in unused condition.
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SOLD
 RCAF other ranks Service Dress uniform trousers |  RCAF other ranks Service Dress uniform trousers |
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 RCAF other ranks Service Dress uniform trousers |  RCAF other ranks Service Dress uniform trousers |
1918 signed photo of RAF officers serving with Director General of Aircraft Production including Arthur Whitten Brown.
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Fantastic photograph on heavy board of a group of RFC/RAF officers under Major Blackley, serving with the Director General of Aircraft Production. All but one has signed the photograph which includes the famed Sir Arthur Whitten Brown, who less than a year after this photo was taken, would become (with John Alcock) the first men to fly across the Atlantic, in a Vickers Vimy. The photo is significant for other signatures as well, including P.R. Aitken and Major Blackley himself. The array of uniforms is stunning (Whitten Brown is obviously wearing the "horizon blue" uniform). The quality and detail of the photo is remarkable, as is its condition. Image 11.5" x 8.5" and board is 16" x 13".
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SOLD
 1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |  1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |
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 1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |  1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |
 1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |  1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |
 1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |  1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |
 1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |  1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |
 1918 photo of RAF officers including Arthur Whitten Brown |
Photo of RNAS 7 or 8 Squadron photo taken in France, 1916.
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Superb, high quality studio photograph of a Royal Naval Air Service Squadron - (caption on rear states it's either 7 or 8 squadron). Both were part of No.5 wing commanded by Lt. Colonel Spenser Grey. Photo is by Nydegger of Dunkerque and is mounted on card. Image size 9" x 5.75", with card backing 12.5" x 9.5". Superb clarity and detail showing uniforms, badges, etc. A rare and unique original photograph.
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SOLD
 Photo of RNAS 7 or 8 Squadron photo taken in France, 1916 |  Photo of RNAS 7 or 8 Squadron photo taken in France, 1916 |
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 Photo of RNAS 7 or 8 Squadron photo taken in France, 1916 |  Photo of RNAS 7 or 8 Squadron photo taken in France, 1916 |
 Photo of RNAS 7 or 8 Squadron photo taken in France, 1916 |  Photo of RNAS 7 or 8 Squadron photo taken in France, 1916 |
Scarce 1940 RAF signal mirror as worn with the 32 pattern life vest during the latter stages of the Battle of Britain.
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Rare early model RAF signal mirror of the type worn attached to the 1932 Pattern Mae West during the latter stages of the Battle of Britain. Two versions have been found: one in bakelite plastic and this version in tin and brass. Glass mirror is housed in a tin frame with a brass backing plate and leather strap for attaching to the flying suit or Mae West. Overall very good condition, though it has lost most of it's black paint. There are no chips or scratches to the glass, just a couple of very small areas where the silvering on the back has tarnished. Good leather strap. Brass back plate is clearly marked with the Air Ministry crown, stores ref. number 6E/271 and date of 1940 and manufacturer mark, J & RO Ltd. Scarce item.
SOLD
 RAF signal mirror as worn with the 32 pattern life vest |  RAF signal mirror as worn with the 32 pattern life vest |
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 RAF signal mirror as worn with the 32 pattern life vest |  RAF signal mirror as worn with the 32 pattern life vest |
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.
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SOLD
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |
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 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm carrier deck handler's helmet |  WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet |
 WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft carrier deck handler's helmet |
Rare Fleet Air Arm flight deck aircraft handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943.
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How does the saying go about London buses? A few weeks ago I had never seen one of these suits before except in photographs - now a second one has come my way! One of the most difficult items of naval flight related clothing! These one-piece overalls were specially designed for and issued to flight deck crews on aircraft carriers working in the sub-zero temperatures of the North Atlantic. The navy blue overalls are made from very heavy waterproofed canvas/denim and feature a short mandarin collar, full-length front zip with a wind-flap behind it and a full waist belt. One large flapped pocket to the left breast. Cuffs and ankles buttoned for a tight fit. Deck crews wore different coloured helmets with these suits depending on their specific duty: armaments, airframe, engine, catapult, etc. (See additional wartime photos showing deck crews wearing these overalls together with bright coloured helmets while servicing Seafires). Some also wore matching armlets for visibility. Available separately is a bright blue cotton helmet (see Flying Helmets and Headgear page). No wear or damage, but a few paint splatters on the back of one leg. Suit is well marked inside and dated 1943 and makes a fabulous display for any Fleet Air Arm collection. It is also possible that pilots and aircrews may have obtained these suits in preference to the Sidcot, since they would be very warm and practical - and could be mistaken for prestige suits in old photos.
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SOLD
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
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 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 Fleet Air Arm flight deck handler's overalls in heavy rubberized canvas, dated 1943 |
 FAA flight deck handlers |
 FAA flight deck handlers |
RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes.
The hardest to find of all the Commonwealth "Type B" flying helmets is this beauty used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Very dark brown or black leather lined with chamois, the basic pattern of this early variant is almost identical to the RAF 1930 pattern helmet, with the addition of zipped receiver housings (the zips not placed centrally but further forward) and a Bennett buckle for securing the chin strap. Well used and grubby inside but still in very good condition. The rubber telephone holders have hardened around the Gosport receivers. Zips work fine. Braided fabric covering has pulled lose on the Gosport tubes but they still function and have no damage. Leather is in great condition. Nice RNZAF label inside. First NZ B type I have seen in many years. Decent displayable size
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SOLD
 RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |  RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |
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 RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |  RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |
 RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |  RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |
 RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |  RARE RNZAF leather flying helmet Type B with Gosport receivers and tubes. |
RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "12".
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Extremely rare accessory for any display of RAF Ops Room equipment which displays very well on the Raid Blocks used to indicate movement of aircraft ion huge table sized maps of the combat area. The altitude tiles clip onto the side of the raid block (as seen in the picture) indicating height of the aircraft. Original number (9) on the back has been painted out and a higher number hand-painted on the reverse ("12" indicating 12,000 feet). This suggests that at the beginning of the war when these were produced, the altitudes were much lower, and that as the war progressed, the aircraft flew higher and the raid blocks needed bigger numbers. Tile is 100% original, made of plastic and measures 1.25" square (32mm). Clip has been added in order to display on the Raid Block. The clip is a simple electrical clip, exactly the same as those originally used.
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SOLD
 RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "12" |  RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "12" |
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 RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "12" |
RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "20".
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Extremely rare accessory for any display of RAF Ops Room equipment which displays very well on the Raid Blocks used to indicate movement of aircraft ion huge table sized maps of the combat area. The altitude tiles clip onto the side of the raid block (as seen in the picture) indicating height of the aircraft. Original number (7) has been painted out and a higher number hand-painted on the reverse ("20" indicating 20,000 feet). This suggests that at the beginning of the war when these were produced, the altitudes were much lower, and that as the war progressed, the aircraft flew higher and the raid blocks needed bigger numbers. Tile is 100% original, made of plastic and measures 1.25" square (32mm). Clip has been added in order to display on the Raid Block. The clip is a simple electrical clip, exactly the same as those originally used.
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SOLD
 RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "20" |  RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "20" |
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 RAF Ops Room table Raid Block altitude tile "20" |
RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950.
Good used example of an early post war Type H oxygen mask which saw extensive use during the Korean War. The rubber is soft and supple and holds its shape well, with light surface crazing in the high stress areas. Shows use and is grubby but displays well and is the exact same type issued in WWII, with a good Type 57 microphone and larger rectangular plug. The rubber sleeve covering the whipping where the microphone cord exits the front of the mask has slipped down, exposing the whipping. Good harness with snap/press studs on the left and bridge clip on the right. Marked 4/50 which the current thinking suggests indicative of production in the 4th quarter of 1950. A decent displayable example of an early H mask.
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SOLD
 RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950 |  RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950 |
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 RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950 |  RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950 |
 RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950 |  RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950 |
 RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1950 |
Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unworn condition.
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Interesting variation of a mid-production Type H oxygen mask in perfect condition, still in its box and never worn. Mask is dated 3/66 suggesting production in the 3rd quarter of 1966. Fitted with the later small microphone but no cord has been installed. The strap arrangement is intriguing; it has the bridge clip on the right hand side, but no snap/press stud fasteners on the left. The standard harness is supplemented by a long loop of white cotton webbing tape. Possibly for supplemental oxygen in RAF transports? (Drop-down type as found in commercial airliners). Maybe even worn around the neck and used as a microphone carrier?
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SOLD
 Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |  Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |
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 Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |  Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |
 Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |  Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |
 Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |  Boxed RAF Type H oxygen mask dated 1966 in unissued, unused condition |
Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories.
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AAF Type A-14 oxygen mask in absolutely perfect condition, still in its original box with all accessories. Mask is superb, totally pliable with no stress to the rubber, not even on the thin straps which support the harness. Still packed in its cellophane bag with envelope containing accessories and instructions. Mask has factory-installed anti-freeze baffles and a separate instruction sheet for maintenance of the baffles is included. Box has some slight wear and creasing but still very good condition. Mask is dated 2/45 and box is dated March 1945. This would be very difficult if not impossible to upgrade.
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SOLD
 Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |  Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |
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 Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |  Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |
 Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |  Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |
 Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |  Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |
 Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |  Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |
 Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask in unissued, unworn condition with all accessories |
Boxed AAF A-14 oxygen mask with
T-44 microphone assembly.
A-14 oxygen mask dated 10/44 in excellent condition, showing use but no wear or damage - a scarcity these days in itself; but this is fitted with the T-44 microphone - US made version of the RAF wiring with bell-shaped plug. These were standard issue for 8th AF fighter pilots flying aircraft fitted with British radios such as the P-47, P-51, etc. Plug is wrapped with well-worn tape. Some rust marks from the metal band on the cord. Mask is also fitted with ant-freeze baffle inside, typical of 8th AF use. Mask box was used for storage which is probably why this mask has survived in such great shape - no distortion or stiffening to the rubber. Even the thin rubber straps securing the webbing harness are strong, and show only very minor surface stressing. The perfect companion to the Type C helmet above (although they did not come from the same source!). Note: helmet NOT included but will combine and include mask clip.
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SOLD
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |  AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |
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 AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |  AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |  AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |
 AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |  AAF A-14 oxygen mask wired with T-44 microphone assembly with storage box |
 AAF used Type C helmet with A-14 mask/T-44 microphone |  AAF used Type C helmet with A-14 mask/T-44 microphone |
 AAF used Type C helmet with A-14 mask/T-44 microphone |
AAF used first pattern (externally wired) RAF Type C helmet with HS-38 headset.
Excellent and scarce example of the early (unwired) RAF Type C flying helmet as used by the USAAF, especially the 8th Air Force based in England. Helmet has been fitted with the HS-38 headset comprising ANB-H-1 receivers with Y-cord and PL354 plug. These receivers have been in there a long, long time! They are straight and they are in very tight! The rubber earcups have slightly shrunk towards the edges as they have hardened slightly over the years (but still fairly pliable). The left earcup shows the merest warping and surface crazing and a small nick at the edge. Leather is in great shape, chamois is lightly soiled. Overall a very good clean example, with a clear AID ink stamp inside and remnants of a hand written name which I cannot make out. This is the last version of the first pattern externally-wired Type C, with chamois "donuts" sewn into place using a zig-zag stitch to help noise attenuation. It appears to be a size 2 (medium) and fits a display head perfectly. The perfect companion for the A-14 mask (see below) although both came from different sources! Note: mask NOT included but will combine and include mask clip.
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SOLD
 RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |  RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |
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 RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |  RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |
 RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |  RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |
 RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |  RAF/AAF used first pattern (unwired) Type C helmet with HS-38 headset |
AAF used Type C helmet with A-14 mask/T-44 microphone | AAF used Type C helmet with A-14 mask/T-44 microphone |
AAF used Type C helmet with A-14 mask/T-44 microphone |
Canadian made Combined Operations HQ RM Commando Battledress Blouse to a 2nd. Lieutenant.
Canadian made Combined Operations HQ Battledress Blouse in very good condition, showing light use (mainly in the collar). Combined Operations HQ patches on both sleeves beneath No. 3 Commando shoulder flashes. I believe all insignia are original wartime and look like they are original to the blouse, but of course it is impossible to say for certain. This would have been reserved as a "best" blouse for parades and service occasions rather than worn in the field, but is a nice example, excellent for display. Dated 1942.
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SOLD
 Canadian made Combined Operations HQ Battledress Blouse |
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 Canadian made Combined Operations HQ Battledress Blouse |
 Canadian made Combined Operations HQ Battledress Blouse |
 Canadian made Combined Operations HQ Battledress Blouse |
 Canadian made Combined Operations HQ Battledress Blouse |
 Canadian made Combined Operations HQ Battledress Blouse |
Art print "Portrait of Poland" by Arnold Hodgkins featuring WWII Polish RAF Ace Jan Falkowski.
The painting was produced to commemorate the release of Falkowski's book "With the Wind in My Face" and was reproduced as a frontispiece in the book. Falkowski was one of the most famous Polish RAF Ace fighter pilots. He arrived in the United Kingdom on 27 June 1940 and was assigned to No. 32 Squadron RAF. He shot down his first plane on 16 January 1941. During the battle, his plane was badly damaged, Falkowski had to jump with a parachute and broke his leg on landing. After treatment he was sent to the No. 315 Polish Fighter Squadron. In August 1941 he downed three Bf 109s over France. In September he scored two victories. He also served in No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron and No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. On 30 January 1945 he was named commander of the 3rd Polish Fighter Wing. On 9 March 1945, he was hit by flak, bailed out and was fired upon by the Germans. One of the bullets wounded him in the leg and he was taken POW. Falkowski had a limited number of prints produced from Hodgkins painting which he mostly gave away to friends. Will be sent rolled up, ready to frame. 59cm (23") x 45cm (18").
SOLD
 Falkowski signed poster |
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 Falkowski signed poster |
 Falkowski signed poster |
Scarce RAF aircrew torch (flashlight) well marked and in good working order.
One of those illusive accessory items! that somehow completes a WWII bomber crew display. RAF issued aircrew torch, blackened alloy body with screw on top and bottom for access to bulb and batteries, brass switch mechanism with "flash" button. Much of the painted finish is worn thin, and there are a couple of small dings to the housing and a tiny chip at the edge of the perspex lens, but nothing serious. Torch is well-marked with a broad arrow and the stores ref. number 5A/3391 (5A prefix denoting use in operational aircraft). Best of all - torch is in perfect working order! I put a couple of Type D batteries in to test and it shines as bright as ever (see last photo). Nice accessory in working condition.
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SOLD
 Scarce RAF aircrew torch (flashlight) well marked and in good working order. |
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 Scarce RAF aircrew torch (flashlight) well marked and in good working order. |
 Scarce RAF aircrew torch (flashlight) well marked and in good working order. |
 Scarce RAF aircrew torch (flashlight) well marked and in good working order. |
 Scarce RAF aircrew torch (flashlight) well marked and in good working order. |
 Scarce RAF aircrew torch (flashlight) well marked and in good working order. |
OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box.
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This is well outside of my normal scope, but a very rare and highly desirable badge– especially as it is in its original Gemsco box and offered on consignment. The badge was created for members of the 101 Detachment of OSS working in Burma to infiltrate the Japanese, which they did very successfully. The 101 Detachment were the first (and at the time, only) group within the OSS who operated autonymously, virtually independently of the US Army, which greatly contributed their success. A small number of these badges were privately commissioned (the exact number made is unknown) and awarded to members of the unit, both Americans and locals. This particular badge, though not attributed, was given to the present owner - a well-respected high-profile collector and aviation museum consultant - by the person to whom it was originally awarded. It has never before been offered for sale and is new to the market. The original owner did not want to be identified, but I have no reason to doubt the piece, given who the present owner is. A fantastically rare piece, well-marked, with lovely overall patina and it's original box.
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SOLD
 OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |  OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |
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 OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |  OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |
 OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |  OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |
 OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |  OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |
 OSS 101 Detachment Burma Campaign badge with original box |
RAF Type 27 carbon microphone for the E, E* and G oxygen masks.
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Type 27 microphone (Type 28 microphone assembly when fitted with the full length wiring loom/cord). In excellent condition, with all guts intact, working switch and retaining 95% black ainted finish.
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SOLD
 RAF Type 27 carbon microphone for the E, E* and G oxygen masks |  RAF Type 27 carbon microphone for the E, E* and G oxygen masks |
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 RAF Type 27 carbon microphone for the E, E* and G oxygen masks |  RAF Type 27 carbon microphone for the E, E* and G oxygen masks |