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SALES May 2020

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Early wartime RAF escape map of Greece, Bulgaria and Romania –outstanding condition.

Another in the early Bartholomew map series, but his one in a larger scale of 1: 2,000,000 and printed in black only. Sheet 9S and 9T. Bulgaria and Romania with Greece and the Greek Islands on the reverse. This example has a neatly hemmed and sewn edge and is in similar unissued condition and would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

Scarce AAF A-10 Standard Oxygen Mask with complete Juliet strap/head harness.

 

A-10 Standard oxygen mask by Acushnet, dated 10/42 and in excellent condition, except for the usual issue with the lugs supporting the nosewire having reacted with the metal and pulled through. Nosewire is still present, held by the central loop, and could no doubt be restored with care. Rubber is otherwise clean, pliable and in great shape. All straps present and the full head harness, including the "stocking suspender" type clasp and button to the nose extension is included. Used extensively by all pilots and aircrews in the early days of the war, and a very rare mask to find these days.

SOLD

Hard to find accessory: inspiration valve for the RAF Type E*, G and H mask.

 

Often missing from a mask and devilishly hard to find. The inspiration valve was introduced with the modified Type E mask to allow ambient air to enter the mask while inhaling, depending on the external air pressure. Occasionally found reversed (mesh inside) when fitted in masks used with a constant flow regulator. Small quantity available, price each.

SOLD OUT

Scarce AAF A-14 Oxygen Mask  with high-altitude bail-out attachment tube fitted.

Very good A-14 oxygen mask with the rare high-altitude bail-out attachment fitted at the junction of the mask body and hose. Mask is in very good shape, shows light use but rubber still fully pliable. Nose wire showing through fractionally at the top but nothing serious. No damage and rubber straps are still good. Dated 9/44. Standard fighter pilot mask for the late war period and very hard to find with the bail-out attachment.

SOLD

Scarce Juliet head strap for the AAF A-9 oxygen mask.

A difficult accessory to find, and very often missing from the A-9 mask. A simple grey webbing strap which hooks to the straps on the mask enabling it to be worn either under the flying helmet, or without a flying helmet, if a headset is preferred. Perfect condition, well marked. Differs from the A-10 version in not having the nose strap hook-up.

SOLD

RAF Type H oxygen mask, Exact same pattern as issued in WWII.

The Type H oxygen mask was introduced in 1944 but saw very limited use during the war, and wartime dated examples are quite rare. The mask remained in production until the 1970s, with several design changes; notably different harness arrangements and a smaller microphone. This example is identical to the WWII issue and displays perfectly as such, despite being dated 1964. Harness is the WWII style, and the larger WWII type microphone is fitted. the rubber is pliable and even though the mask shows use, has no damage, just a bit grubby. Some surface cracks are visible in high stress areas such as the lugs holding the strap in place and around the valve, but there are no weaknesses. A very good mask. 

SOLD

Superb 1939 dated Type B helmet, large size 3.

The iconic Type B helmet just doesn't come much better than this one! A beautiful 1939 dated Frank Bryan helmet in a generous size 3, in absolutely excellent condition, showing light use but no wear or damage. Retains its telephone holders, leather zip pullers, metal "V" on the chin strap and full leather covering on the Bennett's buckles. Leather is glove soft and clean, and has never been treated. Chamois lining is lightly and evenly soiled from hair oil. Named inside twice: one name crossed out and a second name "Staniforth" written underneath. Zips work perfectly and receiver housings contain a new/old stock set of sponge cushions. A lovely example of the classic Type B helmet in a large size.

SOLD

Excellent late war RAF Type E internally wired Airtex summer flying helmet.​

RAF Type E flying helmet, second pattern, complete with its internal wiring loom, receivers and plug. Size 2 (medium) and in very good condition. Shows very light use and no damage or wear. Originally intended for "extended" wear, ie. long flights, but it became popular with pilots and crews of all aircraft due to its comfort. As with all flying helmets these days, they are becoming more difficult to find, especially in such good condition and complete with all wiring and receivers in place.

SOLD

RARE issued and used example of a modified/transitional model RAF Type C flying helmet.

 

Superb condition, probably unissued/unworn and as near to a matching pair as you are likely to find!​ Both have different labels (from different factories) but both are clearly Air Ministry marked and the same size. Soft leather with faux fur/fleece lining. Nicest pair i have seen in many years. Could be wor

This is the first example of one of these helmets I have come across. It started life as a standard early production Type C designed for an external wiring loom. It has a leather chin strap and Bennett buckle fastening, fore-and-aft goggle retaining tabs, and externally mounted rubber ear cups. At some point it was factory modified to be retrofitted with an internal wing loom. To do this, the helmet had a slit cut at the side and neatly finished for installing the microphone plug connector, and one of the rear seams opened up for installing the loom (though curiously not the centre seam - note: it is the left hand panel seam at the rear) and holes cut below and behind the ear cups and finished with zig-zag stitch for the emerging wires. The helmet shows use but no excessive wear or damage and is named inside the ear cup to Phillips 294511 AC2. Generally AC2 was non-aircrew status so this was possibly a prototype for testing. It is also a small size (though it fits a mannequin head fine for display). There is evidence that an internal wiring loom was fitted and subsequently removed. I considered installing the internal loom but decided to leave it as I found it. A fascinating piece of history in the development of RAF flying clothing. Condition is very good; leather and chamois are clean and rubber ear cups are pliable. Some oxidation/verdigris to metal snaps.  Very small tear to leather where plug jack was removed, easily repaired or left as is it doesn't detract.

SOLD

Scarce RAF draught hood as issued to Air Gunners to prevent oxygen mask freezing.

 

These hoods were issued to gunners in exposed positions as an aid to preventing the cold wind freezing the oxygen mask inlet. For use only with the first pattern Type C helmets, the forward goggle tabs secured the hood at the front of the helmet. A a strip of blue canvas with 3 snap fasteners was sewn to the back of the helmet for attaching the hood at the nape of the neck and a short zip fastener enabled it to be removed easily. It was often issued in conjunction with a mask microphone heater and the wider breathing tube (with painted white band). It was not evidently popular and therefore not very many were produced. This example is in excellent condition, appears unused (as most were!). The blue fabric strip with snap fasteners is present - these are often missing.

SOLD

Fantastic pre-war/WWII rare US Army "Dress Whites" uniform complete: visor cap, tunic and trousers.

 

Extremely rare uniform: the "Dress Whites" were considered "optional" and only ever authorized for wear in the tropics and hot countries. The US Army equivalent of the US Navy whites, this particular pattern was introduced in 1938 but suspended in 1941 with war on the horizon (those that had it could still wear it but no more were to be made). It reappeared some time after WWII and remained in use until 1959 with the USAF and 1968 with the army - but later variants tended to be made of  cheaper, synthetic materials. This example is high quality linen, with satin lining, hand tailored by David Wong, Hong Kong and Japan. Though it might possibly be immediate post-war, it is more likely that a Hong Kong tailor would have a branch in Japan before hostilities than afterwards, when British and Chinese relations were more strained (prior to the war, trade relations between British Hong Kong and Japan were at their height). Though this uniform is not identified, it bears the rank of major. It seems likely that an officer stationed in Hawaii might well buy himself a uniform from a superior custom tailor in Hong Kong. Condition is fantastic; no damage, no staining. Workmanship is exquisite, reflecting the time period and the quality of Hong Kong tailoring. The cap, though matching, is a US made "Berkshire" built on the basketwork frame typical of the pre-war era. A rare and superb uniform.

SOLD

Working replica HS-38 headset for AAF flying helmets with ANB-H-1 receivers, braided cord and plug.

 

Remarkable replica headset for all USAAF flying helmets. Looks identical to ANB-H-1 receivers with braided cord and red PL-354 plug - but the receivers are cast from originals and fitted with small, modern earphones (similar to what you get with your phone) and actually work! Braided wiring looks the part too - will fit an A-9, B-6, A-11, AN-H-15 etc. and can be used - or just look great for considerably less than what originals cost these days. Boxed and ready to install. 

SOLD

1930s Art Deco goggles /sunglasses with grey smoke lenses for flight over water. Probably made by Theodore Hamblin of London. 

 

Came as part of a large collection of flying headgear and are especially nice because they feature the grey smoke lenses specially developed for flying over water. Leather side shields have some small tears but otherwise these look great and display well. No markings that I can find but the distinctive triangular lenses resemble a popular style available from Theodore Hamblin of London. Come with their original, fitted, blue velvet lined aluminium case.  A great find and an excellent display accessory.

SOLD

AAF HS-18 headset for early wartime flying helmets, A-8,

A-9, B-5, B-6 etc.

 

HS-18 headset was a Signal Corps headset specifically for use in AAF flying helmets types A-8, A-9, B-5, B-6 however they also found themselves installed into RAF Type C helmets when the AAF crews stationed in England could get their hands one one! This set is in excellent condition, though one screw is missing. I am sure this could easily be replaced. Comprises 2 R-14 receivers, with a short braided cord and PL-55 (black) plug.

SOLD

AAF HS-38 headset for A-11, A-10, AN-H-15 and AN-H-16 flying helmets.

Very hard to find on the loose; HS-38 headset for the  mid and late war flying helmets as worn by the AAF in WWII. Comprises a pair of ANB-H-1 receivers, long braided cord and Type PL-354 plug. This was the standard radio headset for all Army Air Force flying helmets after mid-1943.  Perfect example in excellent condition. 

SOLD

RAF Type H oxygen mask, Exact same pattern as issued in WWII.

The Type H oxygen mask was introduced in 1944 but saw very limited use during the war, and wartime dated examples are quite rare. The mask remained in production until the 1970s, with several design changes; notably different harness arrangements and a smaller microphone. This example is identical to the WWII issue and displays perfectly as such, despite being dated 1964. Harness is the WWII style, and the larger WWII type microphone is fitted. the rubber is pliable and even though the mask shows use, has no damage, just a bit grubby. Some surface cracks are visible in high stress areas such as the lugs holding the strap in place and around the valve, but there are no weaknesses. A very good mask. 

SOLD

Superb Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, late war pattern, internally wired with receivers, cord and plugs.

 

A second generation internally wired FAA Type C helmet, complete with Type 32 receivers, cord and both plugs in outstanding condition and a large size. Possibly a size 4 but definitely at least a generous size 3; FAA nomenclature does not include size; instead helmet is stamped with a broad arrow property mark and 22C/NIV  which means "Not In Vocabulary " (because it was not issued to RAF crews, for the which the stores ref. system was developed). Rubber telephone holders with inlet ports for Gosport tubes inside zipped ear compartments. It is not known exactly when this second generation version of the Type C wired helmet (often referred to a 5-strap, due to having 5 leather tabs at the back for securing the wiring loom/goggles) first entered production, but safe to say it was a wartime improvement which was first incorporated into internally wired Type D and Type E helmets. The first generation of internally wired Type C helmets proved extremely difficult for electricians to work on, necessitating the repositioning of the wiring to the outside of the rear of the helmet. The leather is superb, soft and pliable, and chamois lining is very clean, with owner's name written inside. The FAA version of the Type C was produced in much smaller numbers than the RAF model and it is difficult to find examples in such excellent condition in this size.

SOLD

Outstanding RAF Type C second generation internally wired flying helmet complete with receivers, cord and both plugs. 

The second generation internally wired RAF Type C helmet, complete with Type 32 receivers, cord and both plugs in outstanding condition and a large size 3. Crisply stamped with a broad arrow property mark and 22C/879. It is not known exactly when this second generation version of the Type C wired helmet (often referred to a 5-strap, due to having 5 leather tabs at the back for securing the wiring loom/goggles) first entered production, but safe to say it was a wartime improvement which was first incorporated into internally wired Type D and Type E helmets. The first generation of internally wired Type C helmets proved extremely difficult for electricians to work on, necessitating the repositioning of the wiring to the outside of the rear of the helmet. The leather is superb, soft and pliable, and chamois lining is in near pristine condition. Rubber earcups are excellent and all wiring is clean and undamaged. A lovely example in a big size.

SOLD

1937 dated RAF Type B flying helmet by Wareings in need of some restoration.

 

A project helmet which will, with a little care and patience, be brought back to life and make a fantastic display. This is a nice early Wareings helmet, dated 1937, size 2 (medium) which is in very good condition except for the earcup on the left hand side. the front segment has dried up and torn/flaking away, possibly due to exposure to a heat source of some kind? The rear segment is intact, as is the rest of the helmet, though there is evidence of some stiffening and cracking immediately above and below the earcup - although this has been remedied by applying leather dressing and now appears to be fine. There is a minor surface crazing to the leather on the top, but it can barely be seen and there is no sign of anything serious. Otherwise the leather is excellent, the chamois lining extremely clean, helmet retains its Bennett buckles and their covering, rubber and bakelite telephone holders are present, and it has that wonderful diamond shaped Wareings label. Both ear cover zips work perfectly, so it may even be possible to just replace the one segment of leather. The helmet is completely restorable and replacement zipped ear cups can be found (or very good replicas - though that would be a shame). Priced accordingly. A bargain for the patient craftsman!

SOLD

Well used AAF Type AN-H-15 Flying Helmet with amazing Hollywood history.

 

A WWII AAF AN-H-15 flying helmet with ANB-H-1 receivers, cord and PL354 plug showing lots of use - and not surprising. This helmet belonged a Capt. Clifford Shirpser, who served in the SE Asian Theatre as an aerial photographer in a specially modified B-25 Mitchell (for which he designed the cameras and mountings). Shirpser was, by professional, a Hollywood cinematographer before the war who worked on many famous blockbuster movies. He returned to Hollywood after the war and continued his work until the 1960s, specializing in aerial photography - and wearing this same helmet whenever he flew filming aviation movies! This is the helmet he wore during the war and afterwards! His move credits included Wizard of Oz, Ben Hur, North by Northwest, Gone with the Wind, Flying Tigers, Bridges of Toko Ri, and literally over 100 more.  I can supply a full list of credits and copies of photos, documents etc. to buyer. A fantastic piece of history.

SOLD

Exceptionally nice RAF / Fleet Air Arm Thermally Insulated Flying Jacket, or Irvin Jacket.

 

Becoming quite scarce to find these days, especially in really outstanding condition. This is an early - probably 1941 production jacket - based on the fact it has 2 seams front and back - and features the built-in yellow painted hood favoured by pilots and crews flying over water, so is often associated with Coastal Command and the Fleet Air Arm. The condition is remarkable; the leather/shearling is soft and pliable, strong, with all original zips in good working order. Right hand sleeve zip puller has lost it's metal pull tab but this does not prevent it working just fine. Inside, the honey coloured short fleece lining is perfect. Jacket also retains its superb Air Ministry marked label. For those of you who want to wear it, the size can be read on the photo of the label. Condition is probably good enough to wear, though at your own risk.  A lovely example of this iconic jacket.

SOLD

Scarce pair of Air Ministry marked RAF Mk III flying goggles in great condition.

 

Classic Battle of Britain RAF flying goggles in very good condition.  British made Air Ministry marked models are very difficult to find. Good leather, strap springs are perfect, not stretched out or broken, strap is well marked with nomenclature, A-crown-M property mark and date of 1939. Excellent frames showing minimal wear with both stoppers and vents  present, good lenses with only light scratching. Overall a very good and very scarce set of goggles.

 

SOLD

Jungle Green shorts, British made, dated 1944, in large size and unissued, unworn condition.

A remarkable find! The Jungle Green (JG) uniforms were worn by all branches of service. 2 versions exist: those ​made in Great Britain and those made in India, both of which differed slightly. The British made pattern had a pleated dressing pocket to the front (similar to suits aircrew) and 2 patch pockets to the rear, with a double buckle waist fastening. This pair is in remarkable condition, the only flaw being that one of the fly buttons has broken, but could easily be replaced. Rare to find, especially in this condition and large size.

SOLD

RAF trouser braces/suspenders, Air Ministry marked and dated 1942.

The perhaps less common "V" style trouser braces (they were made in "X" and "Y" styles as well). Light grey cotton canvas straps with leather button loops and plated hardware, with a lovely crisp Air Ministry mark and date of 1942. Unissued or only lightly used. An important and often overlooked accessory,  worn with service dress and battledress as well as the suits, aircrew trousers. Excellent condition.

SOLD

Scarce RAF K Dinghy CO2 cylinder (inert/empty) with canvas case.

Heavy metal cylinder for CO2 to inflate the K dinghy and usually missing. Cylinder is complete with release valve mechanism and well marked with nomenclature and Air Ministry A-crown-M property marl. Cylinder is dated 5/44 and also marked "Tropical" which I presume indicated a different level of pressure for the different atmospheric conditions in tropical regions. Excellent condition and includes canvas storage case, though this may be later. Scarce accessory. Cylinder is inert (empty) and safe for posting but shipped overseas at buyer's risk.

SOLD

Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Senior Warden's steel helmet, London area 1939 dated.

 

Lovely example of a Home Front steel helmet made by BMB (Briggs Motor Bodies). the liner dated 1939. Helmet has factory green paint i=inside but was painted with the double stripe for Senior Air Raid Warden, with large "W" painted front and back (which I am told denotes London issue). All original, with chin strap in good condition. A nice example.

SOLD

Scarce original AAF Type C-2 sweater.

One of those very hard to find uniform/flying kit accessory items that was so useful, most were kept and worn after the war until they fell apart! OD wool medium weight sweater which fit perfectly under the A-2 jacket. Full length zipped front and small pocket just above the waist. Knitted cuffs and waistband. Marked as size 40 and made by Goodwear Knitting Mills, it is definitely on the small side and for display rather than wearing (note I cannot accept returns on any item because "it doesn't fit"). This has survived in quite remarkable condition. It has a few minor snags and pulls, the worst of which appears to be in the upper left sleeve, but even this doesn't really show. A few thin spots on the back, between the shoulder blades, but again, you have to look hard to find them. Zip is maker marked Waldes Kover Zip with a serial number. Only about the second or third example of one of these I have ever seen and by far the nicest. Original examples are extremely difficult to find.

SOLD

INCREDIBLE grouping to USMC fighter ace Greg "Pappy" Boyington and Japanese fighter pilot Masajiro Kawato including rare jacket patch owned by Boyington.

 

Greg "Pappy" Boyington was the best known USMC ace fighter pilot of WW2 - so well known they even made a TV series about him (Black Sheep Squadron). He flew with the AVG Flying Tigers, won the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. With 26 kills, Boyington led the Black Sheep Squadron until he was shot down in January 1944 and captured by the Japanese. he spent the rest of the war in a POW camp. Masajiro "Mike" Kawato was involved in the dogfight in which Boyington was shot down and always claimed it was he who shot down the marine Corps ace. This grouping comprises: signed and dedicated first edition of Boyington's autobiography "Baa Baa Black Sheep"; signed and dedicated second printing (paperback) of Kawato's autobiography; signed print of the combat showing Kawato shooting down Boyington's Corsair; The jewel in the crown of the grouping is an original squadron patch of VMF214 which was owned by Boyington. This comes with a letter of provenance from the International Aerospca eHall of Fame stating that it was given to them by Boyington's widow. The patch is in unused condition. A superb grouping to a remarkable man.

SOLD

"1000 Destroyed: The Life & Times of the 4th Fighter Group" by Grover Hall, Jr. Signed by 4th FG members.

1964 edition (fourth printing) of Grover Hall Jr's classic story of the 4th Fighter Group, signed by several members of the 4th Fighter Group or family members, including Patsy Gentile (father of Don), William O'Regan, Bud Care and others. 9 signatures altogether (6 pilots and 3 immediate family). Book is in very good condition, light foxing, dust jacket complete but with some wear, a few splits and tears.

SOLD

Extremely rare RAF/AAF Escape Purse marked CMF for Central Mediterranean Forces complete with contents.

 

Late war escape/evasion purse which was only issued to RAF, Commonwealth and USAAF crews based in Italy after the capitulation of Southern Italy in late 1943. Purse is a rare find and contains map 43F and 43G, small compass, hacksaw blade, phrase card for the  Adriatic region and some Italian currency. Basically all components are extremely rare: Sheet 43F and G is a very rare combination (F was usually backed up to E) and while all phrase cards are rare, this one is seldom seen. The hacksaw blades are becoming much more difficult to source. This example has some rust staining but remains in its fragile greaseproof paper wrapping. Currency is 225 Italian Lire (equivalent of just over US$100 at the time). It may have had more when issued but there is enough to make a fantastic reresentative display. Condition of everything is superb (currency shows use as it should - benad new notes would have aroused suspicion so well-used banknotes were always secured for these kits!).

SOLD

RARE RAF/SOE cigarette lighter with concealed escape/evasion compass. 

Looks like a standard cigarette lighter made by PARR, which were common in the 1930s and 40s. This was a specially built model with a hidden compartment for a compass. The top was removed as per normal use - and even the inner "works" when removed for filling with fuel or changing the flint revealed nothing, but a tight fitting "sleeve" (which looked like part of the lighter base) could be removed and inside was a standard small escape/evasion compass.  Lighter is in perfect condition with light wear to red paint finish, but appears to have never been used or even filled. A clever escape device created by MI9 which was given to SOE operatives and RAF crews.

SOLD

Stunning WWI RNAS/RAF Flight Observer grouping

Fantastic grouping of items to one man who served as an Observer with the Royal Naval Air Service and later the RAF. Comprises his gilt RNAS Observer wing with backing plate and screw fastenings; large studio portrait in RAF uniform; smaller studio portrait in RNAS uniform, his 2 commission certificates with facsimile signature by King George V; one for the Royal navy and one for the RAF; a photo album of his early flying days, containing 27 photos, all of military interest, plus 3 loose postcard photos of him in uniform at the back of the album. Photos include lots of aircraft pictures, uniform shots, crash shots, all nicely annotated by the owner. It is very rare to find such nice attributed items to a RNAS aviator and this a spectacular set. 

 

SOLD

Superb WWII photo album from a RAF ground crewman serving with  123 Squadron in the Middle East.

 

9" x 6" x  1.75" thick​ and crammed with high quality wartime photographs - 205 pictures altogether! From training in Edinburgh to the Middle East including Egypt, Palestine, Turkey. Lots of photos depicting life in the RAF including aircraft, personnel, uniforms and some flying kit, working on aircraft, tents, billets, and of course sightseeing throughout Egypt and the Holy Land. Pictures vary from 3.25" x 2.75" to 7" x 4.5" (not the tiny ones often seen). Many of the local photos are beautifully hand tinted during the processing/printing. A lovely album from a great frontline fighter squadron (Hurricanes).

SOLD

Rare and historic Battle of Britain log book and other items to a Luftwaffe Ju 88 pilot.

 

Unique Luftwaffe log book and diary grouping, with extensive history and research, from the Battle of Britain. Great history, from Lt. Joachim Wreschnick, a bomber pilot with III/KG77. He flew the Do17, Ju86, Ju88 and He111. Flew multiple operations during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, including over London, Birmingham, Coventry and Liverpool. Log book entries are from March 1940 to May 1941. He is well documented in several books (B of B Then and Now etc). On May 3rd, 1941 while returning home from a huge raid on Liverpool his aircraft suffered catastrophic double engine failure. His crew bailed out and he belly-landed on Welnet Wash in Norfolk. He was captured, interrogated and sent to POW camp for the duration. The grouping includes:

Log book in excellent condition (upon his return home in 1946, he completed and corrected some entries!).

His diary which he kept as a POW (which is actually more of a reflection of his thoughts based on his education on German history - very interesting!).

Two data plates from his aircraft given to him as a souvenir many years later when he visited his crash site.

LW breast eagle, probably from his flying jacket.

A September 1940 German LW newspaper.

Extensive research and documentation including eye-witness accounts, reports of the crash and the raid, details from the archaeology team that found it. 

Battle of Britain log books, both RAF and Luftwaffe, are highly desirable, and this is a particularly unique example, having a great deal of history and research.

SOLD

Excellent pair of RAF Battle of Britain issue Mk IIIa flying goggles.

Iconic design though generally disliked by the majority of RAF fighter pilots because the lenses scratched so easily and distorted vision, yet the majority of photos from the Battle of Britain and even later show them being worn! This pair is dated 1938 and is in outstanding condition. Blackened frames are in great shape, velvet pads are clean. Trumpet vents and stoppers both in place. Strap not stretched out and has good springs; leather is excellent. Lenses with some surface abrasions but no discolouration. Stain on one side of gathered fabric, otherwise extremely clean. Goggles are  well marked and AID stamped. Overall a lovely set to display with a B or C helmet.

SOLD

RARE book War Eagles by James Saxon Childers. First Edition, dated 1943, signed by several Eagle Squadron pilots.

Rare first edition of War Eagles: the Story of THe Eagle Squadron by James Saxon Childers, Col., AAF. Book is inscribed by Joe Hudwick and signed by several ES pilots  including Eric Doorly, Art Roscoe, "Abie" O'Regan and more (see photographs). This is the original story of the Eagles and still considered the best. Book binding is a little loose and pages are yellowed with age.

SOLD

Signed photograph and accompanying letter from Hubert "Hub" Zemke, leader of "Zemke's Wolfpack" / the 56th Fighter Group..

 

6.5" x 5" (17cm x 13cm) b/w photograph (an actual photograph on photographic paper) signed in ink by "Hub" Zemke, leader of Zemke's Wolfpack as the 56th Fighter Group became known. Zemke was one of the AAF's most successful aces with over 15 kills to his name. Accompanying the signed photograph is a letter, handwritten by Zemke in 1974, which was sent with the picture. A rare opportunity to obtain not just a signed photo but a handwritten, hand-d letter from one of America's most famous fighter aces. 

SOLD

Pre-WW2 US  Army Air Corps dress gloves in white leather.

Beautiful pair of white calf skin gloves, never worn. Part of the US army full dress uniform (known as "dress whites") prior to 1941. marked with ref. numbers and size medium. Excellent condition.

SOLD

AAF HS-18 headset for A-8, A-9, B-5 and B-6 flying helmets.

Very hard to find on the loose these days; HS-18 headset for the early flying helmets as worn by the AAF in WWII. Comprises a pair of R-14 receivers, short braided cord and Type PL-54 plug. This was the standard radio headset for all Army Air Force flying helmets in use when the US entered the war, and was not replaced until mid-1943.  Perfect example in excellent condition. 

SOLD

Set of 2 large posters displaying all RAF Squadron crests, Fighter Command and Bomber Command. 

Printed and published in the early 1970s, these posters are long out of print. Each features a wonderful painting by John Young of classic aircraft from its respective Command. Fighter command features the Spitfire, Hurricane etc, through to the Hunter and BAC Lightning. The Bomber Command poster features al WWII aircraft: Lancaster, Halifax, Stirling, Mosquito, Wellington, etc. Around each painting is every squadron crest (including those defunct) and Group HQ crests, all shown in full colour. Pin holes in corners and one very small corner tear, otherwise these are in great condition for framing or just pinning on the wall. Sold as a set of 2 and shipped in a tube. Officially produced with the authority of the RAF Museum.

SOLD

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, internally wired, in absolutely outstanding condition.

This is one of the best FAA Type C helmets I have ever come across, the leather is in absolutely fabulous condition and the chamois interior shows only very light use. The chin strap is a bit stretched out abut has no damage. Helmet is fully wired with internal fitted cord, with receivers, new (old stock) sponge cushions and both plugs in great shape. Receivers are fitted in rubber cups that also allow fitting of Gosport tubes for inter-crew communication while maintaining radio silence. Star feature is the helmet's admiralty stamp in the leather at the right hand side of the chin, showing a crisp crowned anchor and the stores ref. 22C/NIV which stands for "Not In Vocabulary." This is because all flying kit was procured through the Air Ministry prior to mid-1943, but since this version of the Type C was NOT issued to the RAF, it was not allocated a RAF stores ref. number - hence this (and other non-RAF flying kit) was always stamped  "Not In Vocab." Size 2 medium - fits great on a display head.  This helmet would be difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

RAF mid-late war 1941 pattern "Mae West" complete with original stole, lever inflation mechanism and kapok pads

 

A really excellent example of the "Life saving waistcoat, stole-inflating pattern" more commonl;y referred to as "1941 pattern life vest" or "Mae West." This is complete and original, with the "stole" (bladder) still fitted with its lever mechanism (no live cartridge) and kapok pads. Stole is dated 9/44 with an additional test date of Feb 45. Stole is soft and supple, including the oral inflation tube. Retains all its leg straps, grab handles, pouch for dye pack (no dye pack present), and pocket for floating lamp. It has the early style lifeline toggle and rope attached.  Label is broad arrow marked (correct for post-1943 manufacture). A lovely wartime example in very clean condition with no damage or major staining, just a few small marks. named to a Flt. Lt.  Examples as clean and complete as this are now becoming very scarce.

SOLD

Rare RAF Tropical Survival Kit backpack.

This backpack predated the Beadon suit with its pockets for survival items, and was issued to RAF flyers operating over jungle and tropical regions prior to 1945. Two versions were produced: an Arctic Survival version and this Tropical version. The pack was yellow on one side for visibility, and because it was tacked to the 1941 pattern mae west (using the ubiquitous red thread). The reverse was green for camouflage. Once the airmen was on the ground or out of the water, he could detach the pack from the mae west and wear it either way around. It contained essential survival equipment (see photo of pack turned inside out to show different compartments and images of AMO sheets listing contents). This example is in  excellent condition, clean, with all zips and snap fasteners working smoothly - slight wear to the waist/shoulder webbing strap in one place. Each compartment was numbered for a specific item of kit.  These are are not often encountered.

SOLD

RARE RAF Survival Kit rubber water bottle.

 

Only the second example of one of these I have ever handled! The rubber water bottle was issued as part of the survival kit (Tropical, Arctic and Beadon Suit) but few seem to have survived. The rubber is in great condition; soft and pliable - except somehow it was stored for 75 years in a folded configuration which stressed the rubber along the crease and resulted in it cracking. It's such a shame, because the rubber has not hardened or perished in anyway - and I believe it could be carefully (and painstakingly) restored using the right rubber cement. As is, it displays perfectly laid flat and is completely flexible. Still has its stopper and chain attachment. 

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French Paratrooper Helmet by Gueneau.

Often confused with the superb Gueneau flying helmets made in the 1930s and into early WWII, this helmet was produced to the same exact pattern as the cork protective flying helmets, for use by French paratroopers immediately following WWII.  Helmet features a cork shell covered in heavy green/khaki canvas, lined with linen and with a drawstring suspension liner. The helmet is beautifully made and includes a double buckled chin cup. An excellent example of the type of helmet used by French paratroopers from 1945, and still in use when the French were at war in Indo-China (later Vietnam).

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RAF Mk VIII Flying Goggles.

 

A well loved pair of Mk VIII goggles which have seen a lot of service yet remain intact and original. The frames show wear, leather is supple but has some surface crazing on the upper pads, lenses are the scarce gold tinted types and though not broken, nor badly delaminated, they have a few chips on the angle edge (looks worse in the photographs than in real life). Strap has a little bit of stretch left and has some paint stains. The best that can be said about these is that they are in fair condition but would display well if a battle weary look is desired. Priced accordingly.

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