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SALES November 2019

(click on pictures to enlarge)

"Some of the Few" compiled by John Reid and featuring the original sketches of Battle of Britain pilots by Cuthbert Orde.

 

One of the more noted portrait artists of the war, Cuthbert Orde ​was commissioned to draw portraits of RAF pilots engaged in the Battle of Britain. His original book was published in 1942 and now sells for many hundreds of pounds. This abridged reprint was published in 1960 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Battle and it too is now long out of print and difficult to obtain. It features 25 of Order's original charcoal sketches accompanied by short biographies. Excellent condition 60 pages, 5" x 8".

SOLD

Large grouping of original photos, albums, certificates and documents to WWII Fleet Air Arm pilot who became a test pilot and famed record breaker.

 

A very large grouping of historic material to Lieutenant J.R.S. Overbury, who trained as a pilot with the Fleet Air Arm in WWII but rose to fame as a test pilot and world record holder  in the 1950s, before being killed while test flying a Jet Provost in 1960. This lot includes 2 photo albums of this Royal Navy days with 160 photos in the first album and 84 in the second. Photos follow his training in Canada with EFTS and include many group photos, aircraft, some great flying kit shots, etc. There are also several loos photos, including a superb colour photo in his Mk I helmet and Mk IV life vest. There are 2 original portraits of hm, one in charcoal and one painted on silk, plus a framed group photo of the Empire Test Pilot School, his original certificate from the Royal Aero Club for a record breaking flight from Rome to Malta. There are several newspapers and newspaper cuttings of his record breaking flights and accidents - one one featuring his wife who was the first female commercial jet pilot in the UK! There is literally a ton of great research material here  about a very interesting and important Royal Navy aviator.

SOLD

RARE US made RAF officer's uniform tunic with matching trousers + Canadian made sidecap and peaked cap.

 

First US made RAF uniform I have ever come across, and it is extremely well made, of the highest quality barathea. Small tag  sewn inside pocket reads "Issued by Authority of Amalgamated Clothing  Workers of America" with a serial number and copyright date 1939. Tunic is in excellent condition with some minor wear, no damage and a gorgeous hand embroidered pilot wing (possibly US or Canadian made?) again, super high quality. Cuff rank lace to Flight Lieutenant and Firmin RAF buttons. Matching trousers also in excellent condition; fastening clip marked "Japan" which was presumably left over from pre-war days. Both caps which have always been with this uniform  are Canadian made and the sidecap is named to "Main A.R." so could be researched. Interestingly, Main was evidently RAF who trained in the US and Canada - he actually filed the letters RCAF off the cap buttons! (see pictures). Both caps are in excellent condition, with one tiny moth nip in the top of the peaked cap. Superb complete uniform to a pilot who trained in the US and Canada.

SOLD

RAF Dinghy Knife - scarce large version for multi-place life rafts.

 

Dinghy knife with scabbard in excellent condition. This is the larger of two versions produced: knife measures 10" (255mm) with 4.5" (115mm) curved blade. Blade is very sharp along edge for cutting lines, but rounded tip so as not to puncture raft. Cork handle enables knife to float. Knife is secured to leather scabbard with a line coiled around handle and scabbard is sewn to rubberized fabric backing to be cemented to dinghy. Blade marked with Stores ref. no 27C/2023 and scabbard stamped with 27C/2024. The smaller version was issued with the one-man dinghy and often for attaching to the mae west; this larger version for the multi-place dinghies is much less common. Excellent condition. Appears unissued.

SOLD

Superb RAF knitted wool scarf from the official pattern issued through the armed services "Comforts Committee."

Blue grey knitted woolen scarf issued to RAF officers and airmen as made by the RAF Comforts Committee. Knitting patterns were drawn up and approved then sent out to women at home and cottage industries to produce knitted garments such as this which were collected and distributed to members of the armed services. The patterns occasionally show up and are highly collectible - the garments are actually quite rare because they were useful and continued to serve their purpose well long after the war! This example is in absolutely superb condition showing little wear and no damage. 

SOLD

 

RAF Gosport receivers and tubes

Standard issue set of "Profanity strainers" as they were known, used by every pilot in training from around 1920 and throughout WWII. Black bakelite receivers with fabric covered flexible metal tubes and a Y-shaped connector to plug into the system built in to training aircraft such as the Tiger Moth. Marked with RAF stores ref. numbers. Excellent condition.

SOLD

1940 dated RAF officer's leather "parade" dress gloves.

Private purchase gloves in beautiful brown leather with a fleece lining. These were purchased from tailors along with uniforms and primarily intended for parade use, but a lot of pilots chose to wear these instead of the issue gauntlets while on flying duties because they had a better feel for the controls. Show very little wear – lovely condition. One sticker with small sticker marked "Size 9, Made in England" and a faint ink stamp with the date 1940 legible.

SOLD

Extremely rare, highly sought after Luftwaffe fighter pilot's oxygen mask, model 10-69. Largest size made (IV).

 

One of the Holy Grail items to collectors of Luftwaffe flying clothing and in exceptional condition. The model 10-69 oxygen is is by far the rarest and most eagerly sought piece of kit. Small, compact and lightweight, it was ahead of its time in design and very popular with fighter pilots, yet hardly any survive. This example is in absolutely fantastic condition, showing no wear and no signs of cracking or crazing. Moulded in very dark green rubber which is completely pliable and fitted with a single elastic strap making it perfect for the LKpN101 helmet (which had no chin strap - this mask integrated with the helmet to keep it firmly attached even in high-G manouevres). In 30 years, this is the fourth  these masks that I have seen.  The facepiece is lined with brown suede; the hose is integrally moulded and fitted with the correct connector and its original clip. Harness strap retains full elasticity. Absolutely stunning and impossible to upgrade. These masks come along once in a blue moon. Note: LKpN101 helmet is not included but available separately.

SOLD

A collection of WWII bomb fragments / shrapnel, possibly from RAF bombs.

 

A impressive collection of WWII bomb fragments / shrapnel, approximately 20 pieces, varying in size from about an inch to several inches long, but weighing a total of almost 2lb. All are heavy, ferrous metal with razor sharp edges and points. Many have recognizable features such as threads, and one has clear markings and appears to be a fuze. Markings look like they are English (Mk number visible so I believe these may be RAF). An excellent item to display alongside any flying kit to show just how effective and lethal bomb fragments can be.

SOLD

RAF Flying Helmet receiver cup end caps (matched pair).

 

Quite a scarce accessory for RAF flying helmets. These bakelite receiver cup end caps were used to block external noise on the receiver cups when worn without telephone receivers or when Gosport tubes were fitted without receivers, such as on Type B helmets and  Navy Type C and D helmets with built in Gosport inlets. There is some photographic evidence to suggest they may have been added to the outside of Type C helmet receiver cups to improve noise reduction, especially when US receivers were fitted (not to be confused with the oxygen mask end caps which also served the same purpose; these have a distinct domed appearance and are clearly marked with a 10A prefix indicating radio equipment). I have only ever seen a handful of these.  

SOLD

Excellent Extra large AAF A-9 Flying Helmet with correct pressed leather earcups and fittings for oxygen mask.

 

Superb example of the AAF A-9 flying helmet, standard issue when war broke out and used until replaced by the A-11 in late 1943. This unlined OD cotton helmet is in top condition showing almost no wear  just light soiling, mostly from storage. It is fitted with correct pressed leather ear cups and webbing strips  with snaps for an A-10A or A-14 mask, as well as hooks for the A-9 and A-10 Standard masks. Nice embroidered label. Small white mark on top (which may clean off easily) and light oxidation around snaps. Once common, decent examples are now getting harder to find, especially in this size.

SOLD

Variation of the AAF A-11 Flying Helmet in XL size with ANB-H-1A receivers and unusual wiring loom.

 

Perhaps an experimental or test model of the A-11 flying helmet, size Extra Large, fitted with ANB-H-1A receivers and an unusual combination wiring loom with connections for a mask or throat microphone, and a twin prong radio connector. If this is post-war, then it is very early post-war, because once the USAF was formed, AAF nomenclature was blacked out and overprinted with USAF - this helmet retains its AAF insignia to the side! It's actually a lovely example of an A-11 helmet, in very good condition. Nice early model (3 snaps per side for oxygen mask). Perhaps for early jet use?

SOLD

Very good set of AAF Bausch & Lomb sunglasses, issue pattern, complete with velvet lined aluminium case

 

Typical issue for AAF pilots and aircrews, these original "aviator" style sunglasses feature green tinted glass lenses, brow bar with ivory plastic  cover, gilt frames and wrap-around cables to fit on the ears. As issued in their B&L marked aluminium case lines with cream coloured velvet. One of the tiny ivory plastic nose rest pads is missing and would need to be replaced if you want to wear these - but doesn't show for display. Lenses and frames are excellent. They look great!

SOLD

Great War - early 1920s French Aviator's Goggles in alloy case.

 

In amazing condition, these typical style early aviation goggles appear to have never been used or taken out of their case. The frames show a little age darkening and the tubular rubber cushions have stiffened up a little (but remain slightly pliable) but the strap is w almost as elastic as new, and the brown tinted celluloid acetate lenses are relatively unscratched and unscathed, if perhaps showing slight shrinkage. Case is marked on top "Aviator Goggle - Brevete SGDG". An excellent find that display well with the Roold helmet listed elsewhere.

SOLD

Superb WWI US Air Service grouping of photographs and documents to an airman in France. 

 

Extensive grouping of paperwork and photographs to an American airman named Will V. Matthews who served with the 224th Aero Squadron in France. Included is a beautiful 9" x 7" portrait in a lovely period frame, plus a smaller portrait photo in a studio folder, plus 75 other smaller photographs, 2.5" x 1.5" all very clear and detailed, showing his training, his journey while shipping overseas, life on base (in tents) plus numerous aircraft in the air and on the ground, crashes, his army friends etc. All are wrapped in a piece of paper labeled "W.V.M. overseas pictures." Also included is a complete squadron roster with home addresses of all members, a reunion card from 1939, a letter from Pershing about the end of the war, a single sergeant's badge with the winged prop insignia, his enlistment and discharge certificates, a newspaper clipping about Croydon Airport in London (where he presumably must have stayed en route). A wonderful grouping well worth researching further.

SOLD

Scarce  RAF Battle of Britain 1939 pattern flying boots.

Among the most difficult and most sought after of RAF flying boots, because they were only issued for slightly over a year. Intended a a more economical replacement for the all leather 1936 pattern (and made from the exact same pattern, but using waterproofed canvas for the uppers) they were found to hold moisture and freeze at altitude, and were quickly superseded by the all suede 1940 pattern. Since their era encompassed July-October 1940, they became synonymous with Battle of Britain fighter pilots. This pair has seen use. Though complete and very displayable, the interiors shows signs of moulting (one is worse than the other as seen in the pictures). There was a patch over a worn area on the ankle of the left boot, long since removed. Heels have been replaced and one sole (again long ago) and one puller has pulled off (now missing). However they are a matching pair, the same size (UK9, fitting 6). They have the slightly less common leather straps and buckles instead of the canvas webbing straps. Leather is very good, straps and buckles are complete and intact, both are AID marked and one retains its incised A-crown-M label. A decent entry level pair of these quite rare boots, priced according to condition.

SOLD

Good used Luftwaffe Battle of Britain period LKpS101 summer flying helmet with throat mics.

A true combat veteran in very good used and slightly grubby condition,  but complete except for the hardened and cracked radio cord and missing plug. Helmet itself is a nice early example, with plated metal fittings and label giving manufacturer's name in full (3 letter codes were substituted in 1941). No damage to helmet or throat microphones, and communications gear complete including celluloid noise attenuators fitted over receivers. Leather eaxcellent - earphone covers slightly scuffed but would easily clean up with dressing. Cloth and lining have no damage or worn spots, just slightly grubby from use. Long cord is missing plug and rubber coating has hardened and cracked. Of interest is that the neck strap has both snap fasteners intact - quite unusual as one was invariably removed after fitting. Overall a decent displayable helmet with some stories to tell!

 

SOLD

RAF external wiring loom / cord fitted with Impedance switch box, plus Type 25 microphone and plug.

Very good RAF wiring loom of the scarce maroon braided type, fitted with a good Type 25 microphone and the scarce High/Low Impedance switch box as well as the bell-shaped plug. Wiring is excellent with no damage or wear. Switch box and microphone show minimal wear, though bakelite on microphone has some pieces broken away; this does not stop it fitting in a mask and included is a moisture screen and clip which hides the broken edge. A very rare accessory these days.

 

SOLD

WWII RAF Mk VIII Flying Goggles.

 

Wartime RAF Mk VIII goggles. Well used combat veterans, though they are all there and complete with no damage, just heavily soiled from use. Blue grey frames with clear laminated angled lenses, leather cushions and a tired but original strap. No visible markings but they tick all the boxes for WWII production. 

 

SOLD

Easco brand life jacket light as issued and worn by Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pilots and crews.

 

For years these Easco life jacket lights have been sold as RAF accessories. They were NEVER issued to RAF crews. They were however worn by RN FAA crews and for one reason: they featured a red light cover which sailors knew would stand out among the phosphorescent white caps at night far better than the white lights of the RAF issued floating lamps. The RAF lights were also built for a longer duration; sailors knew that survival depend on being found quickly and that a long lasting float lamp had little benefit. Easco lights were actually issued to all personnel on Royal Navy ships. Aircrew received the Air Mnistry issue float lamps but preferred the Easco type.

This light is in good condition, with some age and wear but totally intact.

 

SOLD

Superb matched pair of WWII AAF winged propellor collar devices by Luxenberg.

Exquisite winged propellor collar devices for the AAF uniform lapels, shirt collar or cap, 20K gold filled sterling and maker marked Luxenberg - perhaps the most desirable of all the AAF suppliers. Matched pair in excellent condition with some tarnish / patina. No clutches with these but I can supply  if required (no extra charge).

SOLD

RARE and important set of Red Cross journals to RAF officer Prisoner of War in Stalag Luft III (Sagan).

 

An incredible piece of history. Two Red Cross issued RAF POW notebook diaries to F/O Norman Harland, 57 Squadron RAF. A complete record of the last year of the war at Stalag Luft III (Sagan - where the "Great Escape" took place) including sketch maps and layout of various buildings, plus a map of the "long March" the prisoners were forced to take in 1945, of which Harland was a survivor. Entries begin Feb 24, 1944 with details of his being shot down and captured. Details of everyday POW camp life, newspaper clippings, transcripts of messages from the Germans including death threats, plus lists of items contained in parcels, menus, recipes - plus cartoons, sketches, poems etc. by fellow prisoners and many of the names listed. A few pages only are shown. These books are a wealth of historical information. Includes a printed transcript of the handwriting and some research notes.

SOLD

RARE Early (Pre-WW1) flying helmet.

 

From a very old collection, this extremely rare early flying helmet features a segmented hard leather shell, with a glove soft leather liner, cross straps over the ears and heavily padded fabric bumpers on the front, rear and extending down the side of each cheek.  Padding is heaviest and widest to the front, for protection of the face and forehead in any kind of frontal impact such as hitting the cockpit combing. The lower cheek sections, which probably had a chin strap attached, are missing. Previous owner believed it to be Italian,  but I have been unable to verify this, although it definitely resembles similar early flying helmets used by pioneer European aviators. Though fragile in places, the leather is solid and the helmet is in remarkably good condition for being well over 100 years old.

SOLD

Extremely RARE Royal Naval Air Service flying / observer's goggles.

Only the second set I have ever come across of these incredibly rare goggles. Housed in a beautiful wooden case, complete with a full set of interchangeable glass lenses, each with a different colour tint for different conditions. Also included is a detailed instruction booklet listing the use of each set of lenses. Goggles are in unissued condition, perfect leather facemask with split frames for inserting lenses, white metal frames and elastic strap, velvet backing and faux fur surround. Baize lined case divided into compartments for the lenses. 

SOLD

EXTREMELY RARE WWI Canadian made RFC "Fug" flying boots.

 

This is the first pair of Canadian made "Fug" boots I have ever come across. Similar to the later British made style (after being cut down), the boots are over the knee suede with a sturdy leather shoe section, fur or sheepskin lined inside from the knee down with a soft leather lining at the knee. Each boot has a label which reads "Maker, Beal Bros. Ltd, Toronto, Canada" with the addition of a Canadian War Dept. broad arrow ink stamp. The soft leather lining in the knee area is flaking in a couple of places, but does not detract. Otherwise, apart from some light scuffing to the shoe area (which will polish up I'm sure) these boots are in exceptional condition. Used by the RFC and the RCFC

SOLD

Italian flying goggles by Fosraio of Milan.

Beautiful pair of flying goggles by Fosraio, Milano, featuring split angled laminated glass lenses reminiscent of the RAF types in blackened brass frames. Leather and chamois padded cushion and strap of gathered silk or rayon over elastic. Maker marked on buckles to both sides. Lovely pair of goggles showing use and light wear but no damage and strap still has elasticity.

 

ON HOLD

AAF Type A-10A oxygen mask in unissued condition with original box showing water staining.

The last version of the highly successful series of A-10 oxygen masks, made by Acushnet, produced with the nose wire internally built in and from green rubber. Mask is in excellent condition, rubber clean and fully pliable. Webbing straps have  rust marks from metal fittings - evidently being wet while in storage. Box dated 12/43 which is an early production run and the rubber is slightly more grey than the dark green seen on later examples. Mask is excellent, box is fair to good. Intact but showing signs of water damage.

ON HOLD

RAAF  (Australian made) 1933 pattern flying gauntlets.

Identical to the British made 1933 oattern gauntlets, though I suspect made from kangaroo hide. Lovely gauntlets, very high quality, and, like the British made version, not quite a perfect matched pair. Both have nice printed labels from different manufacturers; one is marked size 8 and the other 8-3/4 with 42 and 43 dates respectively, yet both seem to be the same or very close in size and though not a perfect pair are a very close colour match. Some verdigris on zips but otherwise excellent condition and appear  unissued.

SOLD

Very scarce Luftwaffe model LKpW100 flying helmet, with throat microphones, long cord and plug.

Rare and sought after flying helmet issued from 1937 to Luftwaffe pilots and crews and synonymous with the Battle of Britain. Leather with a sheepskin lining, enameled metal earphone housings and separate leads for the throat microphones and receivers. Leather is in excellent condition. Lining shows its age - a few bald spots  and some drying out that has caused a couple of small splits - but it is 100% there and does not detract. Both labels intact. Throat microphones buckle around the neck. Small area on right hand receiver housing where the brown enamel coating has chipped off. Long cord is intact with correct 4 pin plug. All hooks and loops for oxygen mask present. Displays very well indeed. A very scarce helmet in a good size.

ON HOLD

Early WWII French Gueneau hard shell flying helmet.

Rare and sought after flying helmet used by French Air Force pilots prior to the fall of France, and by those who escaped and continued to fly with the Free French and RAF after May 1940. Excellent example showing use but no abuse, and rarer version fitted with snap fasteners for attaching an oxygen mask. Great maker's label with hand inked details. Leather pockets each side for installing radio telephone receivers, leather chin straps and lace up back for adjusting to the perfect fit. Minor rubbing and scuffing with size 58 inked to front as well as inked inside.

ON HOLD

Superb Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm officer pilot's working dress blouse and cap.

One of the nicest examples of the RNVR(A) FAA pilot's working dress blouse and cap I have ever seen. The blouse shows light wear,  has soft epaulettes sewn down with "wavy navy" rank lace to a sub-lieutenant, plus lovely bullion pilot wings and is dated 1944. The cap also shows only light wear and has the jaunty "crushed" look. Small size 6-3/4 typical of a fighter pilot.  An excellent display. One small moth nip in collar. A lovely set which came together and should stay together - makes a great display.

ON HOLD

1918 RAF sweetheart brooch.

 

Beautifully made with superb detail to the feathering, this style of badge is often mistaken for a RNAS wing as worn on the left sleeve of the tunic, but the addition of the small plaque and the letters "RAF" preclude this. The general consensus is that it it a very early sweetheart badge, perhaps made from the RNAS badge, or from the same die, modified. Gilt on brass with 2 lugs to the reverse. A lovely example.

SOLD

AAF A-9 Gunner's Mittens.

Good matched pair, small size with great labels. Leather is soft and pliable,  very good with no damage or wear. Sheepskin lining has wear and a few bald patches with some drying out but they still display well.

 

SOLD

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