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SALES November 2020

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First pattern RAF Type C flying helmet,  designed for an external wiring loom. Size 4 and painted with name and squadron number. 

Excellent example of the first pattern Type C flying helmet, circa-1941, in a size 4 (largest size made) and with the name "Mac" and number 607 painted on the forehead in yellow aircraft paint. 607 (City of Durham) squadron flew Gladiators and Hurricanes in the Battle of France, then took part in some of the heaviest fighting in the Battle of Britain. In 1942 they were relocated to India flying Spitfires. This helmet is in excellent, used condition, with light wear and soiling to the inside, but the leather is in great shape. It is the "improved" first pattern, with all goggle strap tabs fastening downwards and 3 snaps/studs on each side for attaching a mask. Snaps and fittings are brass. Rubber ear cups are perfectly pliable. An excellent and very researchable helmet in a very desirable size.

SOLD

RAF early type internally wired Type C helmet in size 4.

 

Excellent used internally wired Type C flying helmet circa-1943. This is the first internally wired Type C, with 2 goggles strap tabs and a small strap and buckle to the rear. The embossed crown part of the Air Ministry marking is just visible on the right hand side along with a partial 22C stores ref. number, but inside it is clearly marked as a size 4 (the largest size made). Leather is in excellent condition, lining very lightly soiled from use but no damage. Rubber is pliable, with one small area of flattening on right hand ear cup. Correctly fitted with its complete internal wiring with bell plug, conector plug for mask microphone and Type 32 receivers. Hard to find a  better example and very difficult to find in this size.

SOLD

WWII Soviet Air Force cold weather facemask in unissued condition.

 

Scarce early WWII Soviet Air Force cold weather face mask. Leather mask lined with silk or rayon with cut outs for the eyes and nose/mouth area. Typical pattern with quilted lining and grey elastic of the same type seen on period goggles. Excellent, unused condition, a real find.

SOLD

RAF/RCAF 1932 pattern "Mae West" life jacket in yellow.

 

Lovely clean example of this now rare life vest, made in Canada by Dominion Rubber Co. to Air Ministry specs. and labeled for both RAF and RCAF use. This is the yellow version which replaced the low visibility green vest. Very clean condition. Has leg tapes attached and attachment point for dinghy to right hand side. Good working zip. Label has faded slightly and is worn at the edges. It has been restitched in a couple of places. Acceptance marks include a date of June 1943. All buttons, buckles and tapes securely attached. Unlike many of these life vests, it has no large ink marks or stencils added to the back. Though becoming increasingly scarce, this is still an affordable alternative to an Air Ministry labeled example. No stole or kapoks included.

SOLD

Rare early RAF Radio Operator/Mechanic badge for other ranks.

Rare early RAF aviation qualification badge. Introduced at the end of WWI for other ranks after pilot and observer and replaced the Wireless Operator badge. Beautiful silk embroidered on green wool ​background for the first pattern green RAF uniform. Badge depicts a clenched fist holding 6 lightning bolts. Unused condition. 

SOLD

WWII RAF Wireless Operator badge for other ranks SD uniform.

Wireless Operator badge predates the Radio Operator/Mechanic's badge but distinguishes a "wireless" operator from a "radio" operator (and mechanic).  Not sure of the significance of the red embroidered "O" - I believe it might be a Commonwealth variation. Unused. Great period badge.

SOLD

WWII RAF Radio Operator/Mechanic badge for other ranks' KD / tropical uniform.

Radio Operator/Mechanic badge for other ranks tropical KD uniform. Unused in excellent condition.  Red and black silk embroidered on heavy cotton drill.

SOLD

George III Napoleonic / Revolutionary War era "Cartwheel" two-pence (tuppence).

 

Like the Cartwheel penny, the "tuppence" (worth two pennies) was minted only for one year, 1797. Measuring 1.625 inches (4 cm) across and 5mm thick it is a massive coin. I am not a coin grading expert so I will let the pictures tell the story, and please feel free to email with questions. This is a very nice coin with a lot of detail visible.

 

SOLD

RAF box for Type 25 microphone (two-piece type with lid).

 

Come across a few original wartime empty boxes which make great display items alongside the kit with which they came. Next up is another box for the Type 25 microphone (used on the E, E* and G oxygen mask). Perfect condition, two-piece box with lid and original tissue wrapping inside.

SOLD

RARE Imperial Japanese Navy pilot's telescoping survival / rescue flag. 

 

An extremely rare Imperial Japanese Navy pilot's rescue flag. In 30 years of collecting I have only ever seen 2 of these - and this is the second in less than a year! Patterned after the Luftwaffe telescoping flag, but made from bamboo instead of aluminium, the flag folds down to 8 inches long and extends to over 30 inches. The flag is made of very lightweight silk with kapok stuffing around the edges so it can be used to float on the water's surface to attract aircraft, or waved to attract ships. Folded, it fit into a pocket on the flying suit. In excellent condition. An extremely rare item.

SOLD

LW 10-30 full-back inflatable life vest dated June 1940

The Schimmweste 10-30 was worn by almost all Luftwaffe fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain – and by quite a few notable RAF pilots as well! Top aces Eric Lock and John Cunningham were often pictured wearing their captured "booty" believing them to be better than the RAF issue because of their cartridge inflation. In fact the 10-30 had a serious design flaw - being inflated both back and front, with no support for the head, it had a tendency to tip the wearer forwards in the water, meaning that an unconscious or injured pilot could easily drown. The type was replaced in early 1941 as a result of so many drowning casualties with the improved 10-30B. This example is in excellent condition and would be hard to upgrade. Apart from minor storage/age soiling, the vest is perfectly pliable, undamaged and retains all its components, including all chrome plated hardware, metal tips to all straps, and a 1941 dated cartridge (inert). Made by Drager and dated June 1940 it is a superb example for either a Luftwaffe or RAF battle of Britain fighter pilot!

SOLD

Post war RAF officer's Service Dress uniform jacket.

 

Late 1940s manufacture, differing from wartime production in having a higher waist, with the fourth button replaced by a flat button concealed behind the belt. All wartime insignia including a nice padded Bomb Aimer brevet and medal ribbons including the DFC. VRT (Volunteer Reserve Training) collar devices are added to the lapels. No name or ID that I can find.

SOLD

US Army Air Corps officer senior pilot's mess dress.

 

Pre-WWII 1930s era Army Air Corps officer's mess dress comprising jacket and trousers in excellent condition, complete with gold bullion embroidered winged props to both cuffs and miniature sterling senior pilot wing to lapel. Gold braid epaulettes and lace to cuffs. Named inside to Esterbrook, so could be researched. Comes with original matching trousers, also in excellent condition.

SOLD

RAF 1940 pattern Sidcot suit detachable collar.

 

Appears in unused condition,  lovely reddish brown faux fur. Well marked. Size 4.

SOLD

AAF aluminium case for flying goggles.

 

Original American Optical Company aluminium case for the B-6, B-7 and AN6530 goggles in excellent condition, no dings or dents and still containing its original "batting" for protecting the goggles. Great display item and still the best way to protect your goggles.

SOLD

RARE complete early US Army seat type parachute made by Pioneer, dated March 1942, including its packing/use log card.

 

Manufacture date March 5, 1942, US Army Type parachute by Pioneer of Manchester, Connecticut, complete with its harness, back pad, pneumatic rubber seat cushion, D ring, heavy duty bungee straps, all correctly packed with its complete original silk canopy. Compete parachutes are extremely difficult to source these days and this is a beauty. Though soiled from storage it is in very good condition, the harness and pack have no damage,  just a few small rust stains and one worn spot on outside of the pack fastening flap where it has been rubbed. The black rubber cushion has one small split to the front and light surface crazing on the top where the rubber is crumbling slightly, but it is still soft and pliable and displays perfectly.  The parachute comes with its post-war dated log card which shows its manufacture date of 3/5/42, and that it was jumped in October 1948 and last packed in July 1949. 100% original and a rare find.

SOLD

RAF/RCAF parachute harness back cushion.

 

Same cushion was issued for both the seat type and chest type (observer) parachute harness. Khaki canvas well padded with webbing tabs to secure the harness straps. This example is most likely Canadian, but Canadian parachutes (made by Irvin) were shipped to all theatres for use during the war. Very good condition, with very minor storage soiling. No damage and no stiffness. A clear date stamp of 2.42. Hard to find accessory these days. 

SOLD

Unused WWII AAF sterling ID bracelet.

Lovely sterling silver ID bracelet as worn by many AAF pilots and aircrew, but this example was never engraved or used. Strong clasp.

SOLD

WWI RFC privately-purchased fur-backed heavy gauntlet mittens.

A good example of the type of handwear worn early in the war by airmen subject to extreme cold at altitude. These mittens have long, heavy gauntlets covered with thick, dense and fairly coarse fur, with leather palms and linen linings. The gauntlets are not only long, but also wide enough to fit over the heavy leather coats worn by aviators. Though the fur has a few worn spots and some splits to the skin, it is not shedding, and is still remarkably strong. These gauntlets display very well with the classic long chestnut brown leather flying coat. There are no markings that I can see, but in the early days of war, airmen, who were mostly officers, were expected to provide their own flying clothing and equipment, and bought from leading department stores and clothiers.

SOLD

RAF Type F Flying Helmet, c.1954. The first postwar RAF helmet.

A scarce RAF Type F Flying Helmet, the first issued flying helmet following WWII, comprising a blue grey Airtex cotton construction with large oval rubber and leather pads to house electronics. This helmet was very quickly withdrawn and replaced with the Type G which looked very similar but had a slightly different tightening arrangement at the nape and a totally different arrangement of studs for attaching the new generation of oxygen masks. The Type G remained in use until the 1970s. This helmet is the largest size made, size 4 (extra-large) and is in very good condition, showing light use but no damage or excessive wear, but lacking one rear goggle retaining strap (easily replaced).

SOLD

2003 dated USAF issue gas mask, with canister, clip-on outer lens and gas mask case.

 

In lovely condition, but no guarantees it will work - sold only as a collectible / display item. Grey silicon rubber face piece with clear soft rubber lens, hard shell acrylic clip on outer lens, elastic strap and detachable canister. Contained in its green nylon bag with various straps. I know little to nothing about this kind of kit but someone out there does!

SOLD

Sefton copy of a RAF Type E* oxygen mask complete with Type 48 microphone and tube/hose with clip.

 

Excellent reproduction of the Type E* oxygen mask made by Sefton Clothing. The rubber body is made from a mould of an original mask but of modern material which looks and feels like an original but will not deteriorate, making it safe for display, re-enactment, etc. All metal parts, webbing harness, chamois and microphone are original, repurposed from an old damaged mask. Completing the mask is an original corrugated tube/hose with original connector and clothing clip. Authentic ink stampings and moulded Air Ministry stores ref. information add the finishing touches. Excellent condition.

SOLD

RAF Air Rank officer's ceremonial waist sash.

 

Wartime era gold braid waist sash, with tassels, worn by officers of Air Rank on special parades and for ceremonial duties. Excellent condition. Scarce item.

SOLD

AAF Type A-9 Flying Helmet, size small.

 

An interesting variation of the A-9 basic summer weight flying helmet.​ A simple, unlined cotton skull cap with a leather chin strap, no shearling wrap or ear pads on this model, though it has webbing patches sewn to the outside securing hooks for the A-9 and A-10 Standard oxygen mask and drawstring cords for tightening the brow and nape. This variant has circular cut-outs on each side for installing receivers or Gosport tubes. It is also produced in a more attractive dark green cotton. It also has the addition of webbing tapes with snaps mounted so that a later A-10A or A-14 oxygen mask may be worn. This is a size small and really is very small, though it displays fine.

SOLD

RAF flying helmet receivers (reproductions).

 

With originals being so difficult to find (and expensive) these reproduction flying helmet receivers do the job of keeping the shape of your helmet ear cups and looking the part. Cast in resin from originals, they are marked with the A-crown-M and 10/12401 number. The screws undo to allow a wring loom to be looped together and inserted then secures by replacing the lower screw.

SOLD

US Army web belt with dressing pouch and dressing, canteen and mess kit. Belonged to AAF pilot of the 489 BG, 846 BS.

 

Came with the Pilot's Navigation Kit listed above.  Comprises khaki web belt with pouch for field dressing dated 1943, filed dressing present and unopened. Also includes 1918 dated canteen pouch with 1943 dated canteen and lid, plus mess tin with handle. Mess tin is Korean War dated (1953). Named to Lt. W.S. Buckmaster who served with the AAF in WWII. It is not unusual to find mixed dates on equipment, since the exact same model was still in use until the 1960s. It is likely Buckmaster stayed in or rejoined during the Korean War and was issued this kit at that time. A nice set all in good condition.

SOLD

Complete AAF officer's summer uniform: sidecap, 4-pocket tunic and trousers.

 

Great display or re-enactor opportunity. Complete AAF officer's summer uniform comprising 4-pocket tunic, matching trousers and sidecap. All in good condition. Evidence there was a patch on the left upper arm of the tunic. Still has Lt. bars and collar devices. No name.

 

SOLD

RAF/RCAF 1932 pattern life saving waistcoat "Mae West."

 

Lovely clean example of this now rare life vest, made in Canada by Dominion Rubber Co. to Air Ministry specs. and labeled for both RAF and RCAF use. This is the yellow version which replaced the low visibility green vest. Rubberized compartment holds the stole (bladder) and kapok pads for buoyancy and instructions are printed on the front of the lobes. Excellent condition. Has had leg tapes attached and then later removed (cut). Good label, all buttons and tapes securely attached. Though becoming increasingly scarce, tis is still an affordable alternative to an Air Ministry labeled example. No stole or kapoks included.

SOLD

USN M-450 flying helmet with TH-37 receivers and  TC-66 ear cups.

 

PLEASE REVIEW PHOTOGRAPHS CAREFULLY. This is a very scarce and highly sought after variation of the standard US Navy flying helmet which has sadly suffered the ravages of time and poor storage.  While it may be possible to restore or improve the look for display purposes, it is sold AS IS. The M-450 helmet is in great shape; the cotton body is clean, with a good label and fitted with its correct original chin cup in grey/oyster coloured leather. As was popular among carrier pilots, especially at Midway and early in the Pacific war, it has been modified by adding the red rubber section of the TC-66 ear cups, sewn directly to the helmet. Both ear cups have completely hardened, but while the right-hand ear cup retains its shape, is securely attached to the helmet and looks fine on display, the left-hand ear cup has pulled away from its stitching along the top and is attached only at the lower half. Perhaps this could be reinforced or somehow reattached, but that is for the new owner to decide. The TH-37 receivers are quite firmly installed on both sides. In top condition, this variation of the M-450 often sells for very high prices. This is example is priced according to its condition. 

SOLD

RAF/ RCAF flotation bladder/stole dated June 1944.

 

Interesting and unusual flotation bladder/stole, well marked DRC (Dominion Rubber Co.) and dated June 1944. Found inside a RCAF 32 pattern mae west (it fitted but is obviously not correct). It reminds me of the type used in rubber boats by SOE. Has 2 inflation ports and an oral inflation tube (identical to RAF life vests). Perfectly pliable. If anyone can help with ID please let me know.

SOLD

RCAF other ranks sidecap with badge - huge size.

 

Excellent RCAF other ranks sidecap made by National Hat Co. dated 1942 and in a huge size 7-5/8. Appears unissued and unworn with no damage or wear evident at all. Good broad arrow "C" acceptance mark, nicely polished (and tarnished) badge and RCAF buttons. Impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

British service issue Flare Pistol No. 1 Mk IV.

 

Lovely example of the standard British flare pistol from between the wars and throughout WWII used by all branches of the service. Clean bore, tight mechanism and crisp markings with GR crown proof mark and broad arrow, as well as serial number. Trigger, hammer and spring catch retain 99% of their original blue. 

SOLD

British service issue Prism Binoculars No. 2 Mk III complete with webbing case.

 

Very clean set of binoculars with good optics and complete with webbing strap and case. Case dated 1941, case strap dated 1944 and binoculars dated 1945. Well marked and with screws painted red to indicated these were filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging. Very little wear. 

SOLD

WWII period RAF ensign - probably for an Air Sea Rescue launch.

 

Beautiful RAF station ensign (duster) in superb condition - possibly never even flown, though judging by its size it was probably destined for an Air Sea Rescue launch (I had one similar a few months ago). 54" x 25" multi-piece linen construction (not one of these cheap, modern modern copies) with reinforced corners on the hoist side. Absolutely no markings of any kind, suggesting it was never even issued. An absolute beauty.

SOLD

WWII period British Union Flag.

 

Excellent quality wartime period large British Union Flag (it's only called a Union Jack if it flies on a ship). 5' x 3' multi-piece linen construction with no damage or fading. Leather reinforcements at each end of the hoist side channel. Appears never used or flown - a wonderful example that would be difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

WWII British Civil Defence HQ flag.

 

Superb wartime Civil Defence HQ flag. the Civil Defence organization incorporated the ARP (Air raid Precautions, Firewatchers and numerous other volunteer groups who protected the Home Front in WWII. This flag is in excellent condition and retains its toggle and rope. Printed in 5 colours on linen with the CD square sewn separately so it could be read from both sides. 5' x 3'. I can find half a dozen very tiny holes but you have to look hard. Colours are still rich and not faded at all. Scarce item.

SOLD

WWII KD rank slides for Pilot Officer.

 

Slip on rank slides for a Pilot Officer to go on the epaulettes of his khaki dill service dress uniform. WWII era, Matched pair on heavy cotton drill backing. Unused condition - still sewn together.

SOLD

Reflector Gunsight Glass from Spitfire flown by RAF Polish Ace Jan Falkowski.

Fantastic piece of history! This is the glass oval from the reflector gusight in a Spitfire flown by RAF Polish Ace and Battle of Britain pilot Jan Falkowski, complete with provenance including personal letters from Falkowski concernng the glass and all original packing material. The glass had been broken and he wanted to replace it, so another historian arranged for a replacement piece in exchange for the original pieces. These pieces have been rassembled carefully (like a jigsaw puzzle) though one small piece is missing. Imagine what Falkowski saw through this glass! I have it displayed in a small shadow box (it looks great) but it will be removed and carefully packed for shipping. This lot includes multiple original signatures. I will also send buyer more photos in electronic form. Falkowski flew with 32 squadron in the Battle of Britain, then the famed 303 squadron among others, finally commanding the 3rd Polish Wiing. He received the DFC and top Polish awards and ended the war as a POW. He moved to Canada after the war and ran a flying school.

 

SOLD

RARE WWII USAAF Flight Surgeon wing in gold.

 

Extremely rare full-size (3.125") USAAF Flight Surgeon wing in gold. Two-piece construction (applied cadeuscis to a gold-plated observer wing) by A.E. Co. is maker marked and sterling hallmarked. Clutch back fastening. Lovely example of a very rare and short-lived WWII wing.

SOLD

AAF Navigator's Flight log sheet (unused).

AAF Form 21-A1, dated September 15, 1942. For AAF navigators to fill in every detail of their flight; course bearings, fuel consumption, as well as comments and notes about the flight etc. Folded - opens up to 26" x 20" with every bit of space taken up. Just shows how much work was expected of navigators! A superb display item for any AAF bombing scene. Unused, in mint condition.

SOLD

Art print by Robert Taylor:

Eagles Prey

 

One of 4 Robert Taylor First Edition fine art prints offered. This is Eagles Prey, published by the Military Gallery, Bath, England, 1991, this is number 1174 of an edition of 1250 and is signed by Don Blakeslee, Carroll McColpin, Oscar Cohen, Jim Goodson and Reade Tilley as well as the artist. Has been displayed and framed but retains full colour value and clarity. A superb print and a great investment at well below the current gallery price. Will be sent rolled up, ready to frame.

 

SOLD

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