SALES June 2023

(click on pictures to enlarge)

WWII German political party vehicle or building pennant.

Excellent example of a National Socialist party pennant, most likely for use on a vehicle, or as a hanging emblem on a building, comprising a red triangular pennant with a sewn white circle and a printed black swastika. 50cm x 33cm (19.5" x 13") double-sided (double-thickness) in very high quality cotton. Small loops to each top corner for attaching to a post or rope. Slightly grubby from use or storage but no damage, excellent condition. Most likely captured from a German vehicle or liberated building and brought back as a souvenir. Not uncommon, but an exceptional example.

SOLD

AAF / RAF headset: HB-7 headband with ANB-H-1 receivers, RAF external wiring loom with Type 28 microphone assembly.

Here's a unique and interesting communications set-up, straight out of an old estate as it was used. Comprises a standard USAAF HB-7 headband, fitted with ANB-H-1 receivers (and MC-62A pneumatic cushions) wired to a RAF external loom/cord fitted with a Type 28 carbon microphone assembly and culminating in a RAF "bell" plug - complete with its female jack. Most likely worn by a crewman in a lend-lease aircraft (such as a B-17, B-24, PBY Catalina etc). Overall in excellent used condition. No question this is an original set-up and actually makes sense, I've just never seen one like it before! The RAF external wiring loom alone is a tough find these days and worth the asking price.

SOLD

Early British flying / motoring goggles of the type worn by RFC pilots early WWI.

A good pair of early flying motoring goggles typical of the type worn by RFC pilots and observers c.1914-1916 prior to to the introduction of standard kit. Large lenses offering wide visibility on a soft leather mask, narrow elastic strap with a hook fastening. Excellent condition though no stretch left in elastic.

SOLD

RAF Mk 2A flying suit.

The perfect companion for the G-suit above! The Mk 2A flying suit was standard issue for all pilots and aircrews in the 1950s, worn in fighter aircraft such as the Hunter, Vampire, Javelin and early Lightnings as well as the V-bombers and reconnaissance aircraft like the Shackleton. It is a heavy suit, robustly constructed from cotton/linen and featuring integral braces to take the weight on the shoulders. This example is in excellent condition and may never have been worn. It lacks its stores label but retains the printed instructions label.

SOLD

Scarce early fast jet RAF Anti-G suit Mk 4A.

The development of G-suits began in WWII and by the 1950s they were standard in all fast fighter jets. The Mk 4A was used in the Hunter, Javelin, vampire and early Lightnings. This example appears to have never been worn - still has its paper tags attached and is dated 1958 - the rubber tube is perfectly flexible still has its paper tag wrapped around it. Made from blue grey nylon it is in excellent condition. All zips work (though some are bit stiff and may want waxing). Although one of the short zips has some surface oxidation it works smoothly. A scarce item and perfect for the early jet fighter display.

SOLD

Two booklets on RAF Bomber Command printed and distributed during the war.

Defeating the Bomber, published 1941, 5" x 7.5", 62-pages on the vulnerabilities of bomber aircraft and how to defend against them.

Bomber Command Continues, published 1942 (Canada), 5.5" x 8", 64-pages with many b/w photographs the story of RAF Bomber Command up to 1941 and how it is succeeding in its mission against Germany. This was put out by the ministry of Information intended to boost the morale of the public and especially to convince the Americans to support the Allied war effort. Bothe are very interesting reading.

SOLD

Extremely Rare original tube/hose and bayonet connector for the RAF Type D oxygen mask in exceptional condition.

Without question, one of the most difficult components to find in order to complete a Battle of Britain headgear display - largely because so few have survived in any kind of displayable condition. The early rubber technology was such that rubber parts perished, softened (melted) or hardened over time unless stored perfectly, usually more by luck than anything else. This example must have been stored perfectly because it is in incredible condition. Full, correct length (60" / 153cm) rubber tube is perfectly pliable, totally flexible and without damage of any kind. I can't even find any surface spider cracks. Guaranteed 100% original and complete with Mk IIIB brass bayonet connector, secured with two rows of whipping; the imprint of another double row of whipping is clearly visible in the rubber at the mask end. For anyone who needs to complete a Type D oxygen mask – far more rare than the mask itself.

SOLD

Impressive Luftwaffe award document grouping to a Stuka crewman in North Africa.

Soldbuch issued 29.8.1939 by 2.Flg.H.Betr.Kp./1./Draft fighting squadron 3 plus identification disk (dogtag) tag made of aluminum "2.Kp. 76 (L) Nr.43" as it is also registered in the Soldbuch and sleeve patch for a tecnician with gold cord. Award certificate for the medal commemorating the 13.3.1938, as a flieger of the dive group I / 168 Graz, issued on 16.12.1938; Award certificate for the medal commemorating 1.10.1938, issued on 1.10.1939; Award certificate for KVK 2nd class with swords, as Obergefreiter of I./Stuka 3, issued 15.10.1942 by Field Marshal Albert Kesselring - Commander-in-Chief South; Commemorative medal for the Italian-German campaign in Africa, as a sergeant of the 1./I./Stuka 3, issued in Africa on 1.11.1942 by Lieutenant Martin Moßdorf (Knight's Cross); Award certificate for the gold cord to the sleeve badge of the technical staff of the Air Force, issued on 24.6.1944 by General of the flier Kurt Pflugbeil - Commander in Chief of the Air Fleet 1 (Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves).

SOLD

Rare AAF F-2/F-3 Electrically-heated flying gloves.

Rare and illusive electrically-heated flying gloves, which were designed to interface with both the F-2 "Blue Bunny" suit and the F-3 suit. Beautifully made high quality gauntlet style gloves with a knit lining and excellent woven labels. In fact a perfect display pair, because the right glove is fitted with the two-prong connector the F-2 Bunny suit and the left glove has the snaps for the F-3 suit—in all other aspects a perfect matching pair, both size 11, colour and labels identical. One of the most difficult to find items of AAF flying kit.

SOLD

Luftwaffe flying boots, single zip, dated 1944 in the more unusual brown leather.

A lovely pair of flying boots, very well made, though not without a few issues. They are made from brown leather, far less common than the black leather and suede types, with the very topmost section made from untreated and undyed reversed shearling. The brown leather is excellent, high quality and in great condition. The shearling has a couple of tears and one small hole, all of which have been repaired by glueing. The repairs are not awful but with care, could be undone and redone much better. The original Wilop soles are nice, but one sole has a clean break across it. This does not affect the display or integrity of the boots and could also be restored with care. Other than that, the boots are clean, have superb working RiRi plastic zips and great labels, as well as working straps, buckles and snaps. A nice pair of rare boots, well worth properly restoring.

SOLD

RAF Type C helmet, internally wired, first style, size 4, in excellent condition.

Lovely example of the iconic RAF Type C helmet, second pattern (internally wired), first type with 2 goggle strap tabs and single buckle strap at the rear. Leather is immaculate, chamois lining is clean with some minor stains and a half-inch worn area/hole immediately behind the velvet brow band. Overall the helmet shows minimal use and wear. Fitted with correct internal communications cord and Type 32 receivers with bell-plug and mic. connector. Nice deeply embossed WD broad arrow and stores ref. number as well as clear ink stamp inside indicating size 4 (extra large—the largest side made). Some light oxidation to the press studs and slight discolouration to the cord, but this is an outstanding example of the first production wired Type C.

SOLD

Original Pilots Notes for Handley Page Halifax III bomber.

Actually Pilots and Flight Engineers Notes for the Halifax III aircraft (AP1719C). Dated 4/44 this is the cleanest set of Pilots Notes I have seen in a long time, but 100% original — not a later reprint. Multiple pull-out pages with photographs and diagrams of the cockpit and flight controls. Slight discolouration to edge of front cover, but none of the usual dog-eared pages.

SOLD

Scarce single tube floating torch by GE, as used by RAF and FAA, dated 1943 .

The more scarce single compartment floating lamp, which contained the batteries and the lamp in one metal tube, rather than a separate floating lamp. Made by GE this example retains its paper label intact with full instruction and details, including the date, February 1943. This model was more popular with Fleet Air Arm crews who preferred the red light for visibility at night—the Air Ministry opted for the two-tube white light version for RAF issue, but both types were used by both forces. Some minor loss of paint but complete including the often missing "test" pin and lanyard. Rare to find with the paper label intact.

SOLD

100 French Franc note as carried in the escape purse.

Well worn 100 Franc note dated 1934. It was very important when airmen were evading capture, that they have authentic currency, with older dates and in well worn condition, so as not to arouse suspicion (all brand new 1943 dated notes would certainly attract unwanted attention). This is typical of the money carried in the escape purses.

SOLD

Wartime issued RAF Mk VIII flying goggles.

Very good set of Mk VIII goggles in used but definitely not abused condition and excellent wartime markings. Crisp A-crown-M emboss to leather behind the hinge with the 22C number underneath. Rolled edge frames have some wear to the paint. High, thickly padded cushions. Tinted lenses are not chipped or cracked and show only minor signs of delamination (looks worse in the photos). While overall slightly grubby from use, these are in great condition and the strap retains elasticity. Good wartime examples are getting harder to find.

SOLD

AAF HB-7 HS-33 headset with some history.

A good AAF HS-33 headset, comprising HB-7 headband and ANB-H-1 receivers with MX-41/AR cushions and braided cord with red PL-354 plug, in used condition but very good for display. It has a handwritten label attached (actually an ancient piece of masking tape) with the legend "WWII B-25 light bomber. Clint Jr. crash landed at Douglas AFB, Arizona 1944 with this radio gear on." A nice and very displayable headset.

$75 / £60 / €70

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WWII German political party vehicle or building pennant.

SOLD

AAF Type A-5 Flare Pouch.

Heavy canvas pouch which could be worn on a belt or carried as part of the survival kit, and contained emergency signal flares for downed airmen. Excellent condition with a good working Conmar zip. No damage or visible wear, just very slight fading from age.

SOLD

AAF officer's service dress crusher cap – FLY-WEIGHT-R by Lewis.

Superb and 100% original AAF officer's crusher service dress cap FLY-WEIGHT-R brand by Lewis. Loads of character – this one was there! Very good condition. The leather peak is fully crushable in spite of the crazed appearance on the surface - there is no damage to the leather. OD gabardine wool top has no visible damage, just a couple of tiny wear spots on the underside. Interior of cap has remnants of paper label. Fitted with front and rear chin straps as was common with Air Corps personnel. A lovely crusher from a desirable manufacturer.

SOLD

Copy of the IAM Report on post-war RAF oxygen equipment.

Although this is only a photocopy of the original report by the IAM (Institute of Aviation Medicine), it contains valuable information, as well as photos, on the development of all post-war RAF oxygen masks, from the Type J to the Type V (who knew there was a Type V?) and all in between, including the NBC equipment. A total of 46 loose pages, istapled together.

SOLD

WWI Imperial German aviator helmet.

Black goatskin leather helmet, typical of the type worn by Imperial German aviators during the First World War. Six-panel pinwheel pattern construction and sheepskin fleece lining with a coarse, field grey linen lined neck flap, plus small flaps over each ear with snap closure. These same helmets remained in use after the war for motoring and motorcycling and were adopted by glider pilots in the 1930s. In excellent condition and a large size.

SOLD

Early/pre-WWII Army Air Corps E6-B flight computer with leather case.

Nice early E6-B flight computer by Harry Knepper, marked Army Air Corps rather than Army Air Forces, dating it to pre-1941. Very good condition showing some use but no damage - wear to grid markings. Good leather case.

SOLD

AAF Pilot's Navigation Kit leather case, in unissued condition.

AAF Pilot's Navigation Kit leather case in absolutely superb condition - appears unissued. Zip works perfectly, leather is in excellent condition, with the slightest rubbing at the edge but not dried out as so many of these are. Very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

AAF E-6B Flight Computer in leather case.

E6-B Flight Computer as used by every WWII AAF pilot and navigator, made by G. Felsenthal & Sons of Chicago and with a contract date of 1942. This isa nice early model, very heavy and with a genuine leather case, not the later imitation leather. Very good condition.

SOLD

WWII US Army issue general purpose OD wool and leather gloves size 8.

Heavy wool gloves with leather palms. General purpose issue for drivers, mechanics, etc. and undoubtedly also worn by aircrews especially gunners and those in exposed or prone positions. Exellent condition with good woven spec. labels in both gloves indicating contract no. and size. No damage, light use.

SOLD

RNZAF 1936 Pattern Flying Boots.

A rare example of Commonwealth issued flying clothing. These New Zealand made boots are Identical to the RAF 1936 Pattern Boots, except for the markings. Both boots are are marked to the top outer edge NZ 41 (there are more digits but it's difficult to make out what they say). Condition is good used. The soles and heels are original and quite worn; there is a worn spot on the back of ankle that has worn a very small hole in the leather but this is not a detraction. Fleece linings are also good, with some small worn spots/moulting at the top. Leather is good but might benefit from cleaning and dressing. New Zealand had the smallest Commonwealth Air Force and flying kit made in New Zealand is the rarest of all Commonwealth countries. In 30 years of collecting this is only the second pair of these boots I have come across.

SOLD

Electrically-heated waistcoat by Inferation of London.

Very similar design, pattern and materials to the early electrically-heated clothing items as issued to RAF crews, although I have been unable to positively establish this as being an issue item. Perhaps a trial or experimental piece? Electrically-heated clothing first came into use for aviators in 1917-18 and I am inclined to think this may have been an inter-war experimental design. It could also be post-war but there isn't much evidence of heated clothing after the war. Complete and in very good condition, with rubber coated lead and small black bakelite plug. If anyone has more information, please feel free to share. Priced according to the lack of available knowledge - certainly rare!

SOLD