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SALES October 2020

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RAF Battle of Britain Irvin Flying Jacket in superb condition.

Classic, early production (1938-40) RAF Thermally Insulated Flying Jacket (known universally as the "Irvin" jacket after Leslie Irvin who designed and patented it in 1932). This example is in incredible condition showing only very light wear. Lovely early reddish brown finish, short honey coloured fleece, 2 panel back, DOT marked zip fasteners with original leather pullers, and retaining elastic collar strap. All zips work perfectly. It has no label - which may have become detached over time (they were lightly tacked in) but  it's construction clearly indicates early production of 1938-40. Minor rubbing to shearling  at cuffs as you would expect - but this Irvin would be just about impossible to upgrade. Extremely rare to find in this kind of condition.

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 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Airman's First Aid Outfit complete and unopened.

 

A hard item to find - especially one marked for Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm issue and extremely rare to find one unopened and with all original contents intact. A few minor stains otherwise excellent condition.

SOLD

AAF T-30-S throat microphones.

Loose, used T-30-S throat microphones (the S suffix indicates manufacture by Universal Microphone of Inglewood California. All are in decent condition, though straps show use and some fraying. 2 have the wire "M" clip, one doesn't. First come first served on these.

SOLD

AAF T-30-S throat microphone, still sealed in UNOPENED box as issued!

It's just about impossible to do any better than this! An UNOPENED T-30-S throat microphone, still sealed with brown tape as issued some 75+ years ago. Carton is undamaged, no staining or crushing, so no reason the think it is in anything but perfect condition inside and that it will contain the microphone, elastic strap, M-clip and instruction sheet. Only one way to find out - and I'm not going to open it! A real time capsule.

SOLD

RAF issue Gosport receivers and tubes.

Every Battle of Britain fighter pilot took his first flights wearing a  pair of these in his Type B flying helmet - which is why it was designed with zip fasters on the earpieces, so he could replace them with radio receivers once he was ready for combat. Known as "profanity strainers" because instructors were not renowned for their patience, they were invented in WWI at Gosport, Hampshire, RNAS station but remained in use until long after WWII. This set is in superb condition, with no "kinks" or damge to the tubes or chips to the bakelite. Nice Air Ministry markings.

 

SOLD

RAF Type G oxygen mask in great display condition.

 

A lovely Type G oxygen mask which appears to have never been used or worn, but due to being stored at the bottom of other, perhaps heavy, items, is slightly the worse for wear. The rubber is soft and pliable, almost like new, but has numerous small stress cracks on the surface, as though it has been bent or folded into an unnatural shape for much of its life. This doesn't seem to have affected the integrity of the mask or the rubber, which is in remarkable condition, retaining its nosewire and overall looking great on display. There are a few tiny nicks on the edge near the nose area but  these are barely noticeable and do not detract. Fitted with a clean Type 48 microphone assembly and a good strap with the early, flat type hook.

 

SOLD

WWI era German flying helmet, of the standard, soft type preferred by most fighter pilots.

 

While early German flying helmets are often difficult to date accurately, because the style remained in use and in production well into the 1930s for use by glider trainees, this example ticks all the right boxes for one of genuine WWI manufacture. From its patterned blanket lining to the Flox marked, chrome-plated snaps on the flaps it appears to have the right characteristics for pre-1918 production. It shows use and wear but no damage and would display well. One eyelet on the chin strap is missing, but I can find no other flaws. 

SOLD

RAF Mk I bone-dome with Type J pressure breathing mask + Mk VIII goggles.

 

One of the rarest complete sets of post WWII flying headgear it is possible to find - and one of the most spectacular for fans of the early British jets such as the Hunter, Meteor, Vampire etc. This set comprises the three most difficult to find items of early fast-jet flying kit issued to RAF fighter pilots in the early-to-mid 1950s. The Mk I bone dome (note this is NOT a Mk Ia which had a built in ridge for the visor track. Most Mk I's were converted by adding a visor track - this example has NEVER had a visor track installed). This has snaps on the back for attaching the Mk VIII goggle strap. The electronics are housed in the inner helmet, a rare Type F (not the later Type G). The first pressure breathing mask used by the RAF was the Type J – based on the Type H and developed in WWII for use with the Bazzett pressure jerkin (for which the special hose was used with the extension pipe). The Type J could be switched between regular and pressure breathing. Completing the ensemble is a standard pair of Mk VIII goggles with the special loops for attaching to the back of the helmet. helmet shows use but is in overall very good condition. Mask (dated 54) rubber is supple and good with some minor stress surface crazing. F Helmet is in very good used condition, no damage, size 2 dated 1953 with all electronics; Bone-dome is size 2 Broad, dared 1955, with some scratching from raising and lowering the goggles but but damage and good, if grubby, leather lining. Goggles show use but are in good shape. A beautiful and very rare set.

 

SOLD

RAF Type E* Oxygen Mask, complete with correct narrow hose/tube in unissued condition.

 

Superb E* oxygen mask - 100% original (not one of the excellent copies available). Moulded in black rubber and complete with  it's correct, early narrow corrugated tube, secured with a circlip. Rubber is in outstanding condition, soft and pliable without any of the usual hardening issues. Clean chamois lining to edge, grey elastic webbing harness, excellent narrow hose and bayonet connector with clothing clip. Clear AM markings. Fitted with a blanking cap (no microphone).  The funnel leans slightly to one side from storage but this will soon straighten itself out when displayed.  These are quite difficult to find in such great condition - especially with the correct hose.

SOLD

RAF/FAA Type P/Q oxygen mask.

 

1990s era Type P/Q oxygen mask named to a Lt. Cdr. baker so most likely used in the Sea Harrier. This is the slightly more unusual green rubber moulding with black exoskeleton, chain fastening and built in microphone. In excellent condition. Mask only - no hose/tube fitted.

SOLD

AAF T-44A mask microphone for A-10A, A-14 oxygen mask.

 

T-44A microphone for mounting in US oxygen masks to be compatible with RAF aircraft. Comprises the standard braided cord fitted with a US made RAF-style bell-shape jack plug, MC-253 microphone dated Augusr 25, 1943 and plug jack for connecting to the ANB-H-1 receivers. Excellent condition with a small chip in the bakelite bell-shaped plug housing. This is a T-44A - the suffix letter A indicating the manufacturer.

SOLD

WWII RAF Regiment shoulder titles.

 

Excellent matching pair of embroidered shoulder titles for other ranks in the RAF Regiment. Unused.

SOLD

WWII RAF corporal's stripes.

 

Excellent matching pair of embroidered RAF corporal's stripes, correct wartime issue – blue herringbone stripes on black wool background.

SOLD

AAF Polaroid 1021 general purpose goggles, preferred by many fighter pilots.

 

Polaroid Model 1021 goggles were issued as "general purpose" goggles but being available to pilots and aircrews they were often preferred over the heavier B-8 and more dangerous AN6530 with its non-safety glass lenses. They were also favoured by US tank and armoured vehicle crews. Battle of Britain pilot Ginger Lacey is often pictured wearing a pair of these goggles later in the war. This set is grubby and well used but remains flexible and displays well. The strap has lost most of its elasticity but adjusts to fit on a helmet. Green plastic lens is clean and only lightly scratched. Overall a good, used pair of goggles.

SOLD

AAF A-11 Flying Helmet with snaps for attaching Type A-1 visor.

Scarce variation of the A-11 helmet, having snaps/press-studs mounted on both ear cups for attaching the A-1 visor. Size large and overall in very good condition, nice soft leather and clean chamois lining, with a white ink or paint AAF stamp to the outside. Not a common variant. 

 

SOLD

AAF Type E-6B Dead Reckoning Flight Computer / Plotter with leatherette case.

The standard issue Dead Reckoning Flight Computer and Plotter of the Army Air Corps throughout WWII. Nice example, well marked with AAF nomenclature and 1942 contract/order date. Complete with its original leatherette case.

SOLD

AAF T-44C mask mounted microphone.

T-44C microphone for mounting in US oxygen masks to be compatible with RAF aircraft. Comprises the standard braided cord ftted with a US made RAF-style bell-shape jack plug, MC-253 microphone and plug jack for connecting to the ANB-H-1 receivers. Excellent condition with one slight faded area to cord. This is a T-44C - the suffix letter C indicating the manufacturer.

SOLD

WWII US Army or Army Air Corps Indian made unofficial pattern pith helmet.

 

Wonderful and well used example of an unofficial (privately purchased) pith helmet, made in india by Ranken & Co. Ltd, established in Calcutta in 1770. Named to a Lt. Col. M. Lewis, FA, this wonderful helmet has lots of honest use and wear, though no damage, although it is somewhat soft overall - it retains its shape well. The US officer's cap device is old and has been on there for a very long time. The cotton covering, pugaree  and leather chin strap are all in good shape, and the label clearly legible. A great hat, with loads of character.

SOLD

RAF 1930 Pattern Flying Helmet, "rigger" modified to be fitted with radio telephone receivers.

 

Lovely 1937 dated example of this often overlooked helmet which not only predated the Type B but continued in parallel production with it. The 1930 pattern helmet was issued and used throughout WWII in this modified style. Reddish brown chrome leather with chamois lining, these were usually fitted with large "Mickey Mouse" ears concealing Gosport receivers, but these were often removed to facilitate radio telephones as is the case with this example. Instead, bakelite telephone holders (of the type found in B helmets) have been sewn to each side. Leather is superb, chamois lining clean. Internal padding has become stiff and crumbled as most do, but that does not affect the appearance in any way. Size 2 (medium) which displays well.

SOLD

RAF Battle of Britain Type D oxygen mask hose and Mk IIIB bayonet connector.

 

100% original and complete, full length oxygen hose for the Type D oxygen mask, but unfortunately, as with most of these, the rubber has completely hardened  and subsequently broken into several sections, though still held together by it's braided cloth covering. It still has its brass Mk IIIB bayonet connector attached - Air Ministry marked and 1939 dated, in great condition. The braided covering is black with a yellow fleck. This problem seems to be worse with the black rubber; hoses made from the beige or orange/almon coloured natural rubber have survived better. Still, it is what it is and can be displayed as is or possibly attached with care to a mask.

 

SOLD

RCAF aircraft or aircrew stowage bag for the GP & R Limited oxygen mask.

 

Rare and interesting transit bag for the Canadian made Gutta Percha and Rubber, Limited oxygen mask assembly issued to RCAF pilots and aircrews. Canvas bag with a shoulder strap and 2 snap fasteners for closure. Appears to have started off blue grey, now quite faded to light grey, but no wear or damage and a great label. The masks are very scarce, but this is the only example of one of these bags I have ever come across.

 

SOLD

RAF Gosport receivers and tubes for flying helmet.

 

Popularly known as "Profanity Strainers" among wartime flying instructors. Complete set in good condition, though the fabric covering has pulled away from the very top end of the tubes. bakelite receivers are Air Ministry marked and fit inside all wartime RAF flying helmets.

 

SOLD

RAF dye marker pouch for the 1941 pattern life saving waistcoat.

 

Extremely rare accessory for the 1941 pattern life vest, which was also issued on later examples of the 1932 pattern vest. Still sealed in its rubberized pouch, the dye has leached out of the pouch onto the webbing tape by which is is secured inside the pocket on the life preserver – however it does not seem to be leaking and the tablet of fluorescine dye, though hard, is intact. Faint but visible Air Ministry markings on one side.

SOLD

WWII period RAF officer's Service Dress uniform trousers.

 

Another quite difficult uniform accessory to find. Trousers were often retained by their owners and worn long after the war as casual clothes and eventually for everyday chores like gardening. Consequently they are often needed to complete a display. This pair is in excellent condition with no damage or excessive wear. One pocket seam has come unstitched (doesn't show and could easily be resewn) - otherwise these are near perfect. Button fly, no labels or markings but wartime  pattern.

SOLD

RAF officer's Mess Dress jacket with lovely miniature pilot wing, named to pilot who flew with Royal Navy.

 

Named inside the neck and on the Gieves label to J. Heber Percy and dated March 1932, jacket is beautifully tailored with quilted lining, squadron leader rank lace and KC buttons. Some insect damage to left front which could be repaired if desired. I have done very little research on the name, but did discover that he served on HMS Courageous in the early 1930s and was Station Commander at RAF Atcham in Shropshire and RAF Portreath in Cornwall during the war. He was also renowned for owning a 3 litre Bentley during his time in the RAF!

SOLD

RCAF late 1940s officer's Battle Dress blouse with pilot wing and medal ribbons.

 

Post WWII pattern battle dress blouse with excellent WWII (King's crown) RCAF pilot wing and medal ribbons including the DFC. Canada shoulder flashes which were only worn until 1947. Excellent condition, though the tailor's label inside is worn and torn and unreadable. The wings and medal ribbons are worth the asking price.

SOLD

RAF navigator's Douglas Combined Protractor.

Still in its original cardboard sleeve with tie-tape and printed instructions, this Douglas Combined Protractor is in excellent condition. Made of acetate and measuring 5" x 5" (12.75cm x 12.75cm). No serious scratches and no warping as is often the case. Nicely Air Ministry marked. A vital navigation tool that will look great in any RAF aircrew display.

 

SOLD

RAF / RCAF Flt. Lt. shoulder strap rank slides for tropical khaki uniform.

 

Rank slides for the shoulder straps on the tropical RAF/RCAF uniform jacket or shirt.  Flt. Lieutenant lace with "Canada" tabs sewn to rayon "slide" backing. Lace and tabs definitely appear to be WWII and it is possible the rayon was available in wartime so these are kind of unusual. Nice used set.

SOLD

RAF flat (unpadded) pilot wing.

 

Standard issue wing from mid-war on. Lovely shape and great condition. Evidence of glue to back where it was probably in an album.  

 

SOLD

RAF other ranks SD uniform shirt dated 1941 in absolutely superb condition.

 

The nicest example of a RAF SD uniform shirt I have come across in a very long time. High quality blue cotton with no wear or damage, with all buttons, and marked inside the collar with the Air Ministry A-crown-M and a date of 1941. Standard half button front, no pockets or epaulettes and designed to take a detached collar. Shirt has cuff buttons but also has

buttonholes on both sides of the cuffs for using links. Minor storage marks to the front below the opening which hardly show (look worse in the photos) but no signs of wear and no damage or repairs, which is unusual. This shirt would be very difficult to upgrade. Uniform accessories like this are becoming extremely difficult to source. 

 

SOLD

RAF coat-hanger dated 1937.

 

Extremely are RAF uniform accessory - the first I have ever come across! (I am sure most were used for many years after the war until they broke or fell apart and became firewood!). Lovely coat-hanger for an officer's uniform, quality wood with beautifully incised Air Ministry crown and code dating it to 1937. Just think about whose SD jacket may have once hung upon this...

 

SOLD

RAF mess dress, complete but unmatched set comprising jacket, trousers, waistcoat and starched collar.

 

Offered for display (to fill a gap) or re-enactment. This came from a large collection but each component item is from a different source. However, all are in excellent condition so they may be worn or display well. Jacket is named to Fl. Lt. B. Baker and dated 12/54. Trousers are named to Fl. Lt. Livett and dated 8/54 - though both were tailored by Moss Bros. and therefore a perfect match. While both jacket and trousers are post war and have QC buttons, the waistcoat has KC buttons, making it pre-1952 – though it too is a very good match. The jacket has a lovely QC bullion miniature pilot wing. Also included (found in the pocket) is a stiffly starched mess dress shirt collar. It came as a set so I am selling it together, priced accordingly.

 

SOLD

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, late war pattern, without internal wiring.

A well used helmet, probably a size 3, full of character and stories but complete and in solid condition. For the collector who likes true war heroes rather than mint and boxed, this is a great addition. Leather is scuffed and worn from exposure to the elements but no damage; snaps have a lot of verdigris from salt air reacting with copper content, but this can be cleaned with care. Interior is grubby. Zip ear closures work just fine and Navy type receiver holders with Gosport entry ports (so that tubes as well as electronics can be installed) are in good shape. I can supply a set of correct Gosport tubes if required. Chin strap is well worn and very grubby but intact if lacking elasticity. Helmet is named inside to R.B. Barnes so there is a possibility of some research.

SOLD

RAF Type H oxygen mask, complete with hose, dated 1952.

Very good used condition Type H oxygen mask from the immediate post-war period. Rubber is nice and pliable with some surface stress cracks but no damage. dated 9/52 and fitted with a Type 57 microphone and also its original breathing tube, Mk IV, which is dated 4/53. Shows only light use and displays well with a Type C helmet or the first generation bone-dome (Mk I) with a Type F or G inner helmet. Early 1950s flying kit is now becoming very difficult to find due to the downsizing of the RAF after WWII, it is also increasing in demand among collectors.

 

SOLD

Post War New Zealand Airborne SAS maroon Beret.

 

Most probably from the 1960s, since the "pure wool" logo printed on the label was launched in 1964. Still a nice wool British/Commonwealth beret with a good SAS badge. manufactured by Hills Hats Ltd. of New Zealand. No damage or excessive wear and tear.

SOLD

RCAF Type B Flying helmet, modified for face mask or microphone carrier.

 

Canadian made flying helmet in very good condition, large size 3, well marked inside, which has been modified by adding two friction buckles to the right hand side and a small button to the left hand side, perhaps for fitting a facemask or even a microphone carrier mask. Helmet has never been fitted with zip ear covers for receivers. The two buckles are official types - the same as are fitted to the hemet chin strap and rear tightening strap, secured with leather tabs. hand sewn butu nicely done. An interesting variation. 

SOLD

RAF Type G oxygen mask.

 

A decent, perhaps entry level Type G oxygen mask. This is a nice early example with slightly heavier stipple pattern moulding in the upper part of the mask body. The rubber is basically good and still pliable, with very minor splits at the upper edge near the nose where it is thinner. Similarly, there is very slight crispness on the very edge at the sides, but this accounts for a very small part of the mask which is overall very good. Surface cracks on raised moulded area where nosewire is installed, but nosewire itself is securely attached. Early style flat ring for attaching to helmet. Fitted with good webbing harness and Type 48 microphone. Perfectly good for display.

SOLD

RAF cord/wiring loom Type 2186 with ANB-H-1 receivers.

Very rarely encountered RAF Type 2186 cord/wiring loom for the internally wired Type C, D or E helmet. It enabled the use of ANB-H-1 receivers often seen installed in RAF helmets. The cord was fitted with posts instead of coils and a special wiring arrangement. These were used mostly by RAF and Fleet Air Arm pilots and aircrews flying US aircraft built to Air Ministry specs. under the lend lease arrangement. Will be sent with receivers attached or separately as requested by buyer. Very good used condition; one of the rubber sleeves is warped from heat/age but present and intact. 

 

SOLD

RAF "swinger" escape compass, in original tissue wrapping with cotton thread attached.

Designed by Clayton Hutton at MI9, this proved to be one of the most popular escape compasses because it could be easily concealed in an airman's clothing; as a collar stay, or in the folds of a battledress. When needed, the swinger compass could either be floated on a bowl of water or simply suspended from a cotton thread to point north. This is the first I have come across with the cotton already attached and wrapped in tissue. Almost impossible to find in a cursory search. 

SOLD

RAF Type B Flying Helmet without zipped ear cups (never been added).

Appears to have been used  but never had the zipped ear cups added. A lovely helmet in very good condition with light wear but not as grubby as most. Size 2 (medium) with beautiful Wareings label and 1939 date. Retains both Bennett buckles with leather coverings and metal "V" shaped tip to chin strap. Some minor scuffing, mostly to front brow area where goggles would have been worn. Leather and chamois are both in very good condition. Unusla to find a Type B wihtout the zipped ears showing any kind of use - although they were also worn by British paratroppers duitng training.

SOLD

Luftwaffe LKpN101 Netzkopfhaube mesh flying helmet with all communications and short cord with plug

 

Lovely used example of the net/mesh summer flying helmet most favoured by fighter pilots with the Luftwaffe. This is the first type, with provision only for the double strap oxygen mask (studs on each cheek). Brown cotton mesh is perfect - no holes or snags. Leather is excellent, lightly scuffed on the outside of the ear cups but with a little dressing would come up beautifully. Metal fittings have some oxidation. One snap fastener has been removed from neck strap which was a standard and common practice. Helmet is fitted with receivers, including the small celluloid noise attenuators in place (though one is cracked/split). Includes wiring, throat microphones and short cord with 4-point plug. Great label - appears to be a size 56. Definitely above average condition and nice examples are getting harder to find.

SOLD

RAF Type B flying helmet, made by Frank Bryan and dated 1940.

A lovely, well used RAF Type B helmet with beautiful leather and a grubby chamois lining from Brylcream. Helmet is in great condition overall, with a few nicks and scuffs but no damage. Retains its 1940 dated Frank Bryan label indicating size 2 (medium) but is actually quite roomy. Two names are inked inside, which is not uncommon (when a pilot was posted overseas he could not take personal flying clothing with him, so would turn it in and collect new kit upon arrival; his old kit being reissued). Leather is good and supple, zips work perfectly and still have both leather pullers, ear cups fitted with NOS RCAF cushions to keep the shape and telephone holders are present. Still has metal tip on chin strap and both Bennett buckles retain leather covering. A nice helmet with the magic 1940 date.

SOLD

AAF D-1 Flying Jacket with painting and some history.

AAF Type D-1 jacket which was actually issued to ground crews but proved to be popular with aircrew and other branches of the service. The jacket belonged to Lt. Col. Walter "Mike" Fellenz of San Antonio, Texas who was involved in the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp after the war. The jacket was, in my opinion, painted after the war, perhaps upon his return home - but the painting is very well executed and depicts an early model B-17 over a US flag and the word "Victory." Colours are bright and it has been painted over patched repairs to the jacket. The jacket is in poor condition, having dry rot and tears on both shoulders from being hung up for too long. It clearly saw some use before the painting was added! However, in spite of that, it looks good and, with care, could be displayed as a nice example of the art of the flight jacket,  not often seen on a D-1. The main zip and both pocket zips are in good working order and the damage seems to be restricted mostly to the shoulder area, though it is overall dry. It has a good label and the remnants of the AAF decal on the left upper arm. Priced according to condition.

 

SOLD

RCAF Flying Boots by Kaufman.

Absolutely superb pair of seldom seen RCAF issue flying boots in a large size 10. Boots show only very light wear. Leather is superb, rubber is like new, soft and pliable and fleece lining if clean and bright. Kaufman, Made in Canada moulded into the rubber soles, and additional markings and a name inked on the tongue of both boots. Both zips work perfectly. Similar design to the US A-6 boots but much higher quality.

 

SOLD

RAF / RN / FAA Admiralty pattern Aldis signal lamp 1943.

Lovely example of an early signal lamp as used on board ships and aircraft for signalling in Morse code. Includes a blue light filter as well as the detachable clear lens cover (interchangeable). Lamp is in lovely condition, with excellent optics (telescopic and plain sights mounted side-by-side). Includes good bulb and long cord and plug. Data plate with information dated 1943 and also marked Aldis Brothers, Birmingham. Blue filter has A-crown-M and RAF stores ref. number. These were carried on all maritime reconnaissance aircraft and all Fleet Air Arm aircraft for communicating with ships as well as as well as on all Royal Navy ships and RAF launches.  Minor paint loss, great condition.

 

SOLD

2nd Pattern Airborne Denison smock dated 1943 with jump wings and Pegasus patch.

Well used example of the classic Denison Airborne Smock, second pattern. Unfortunately it has significant insect damage to the wool lining in the collar, and the wool part of the jump wing has also been eaten away right down to the paper backing. Otherwise a nice jump wing, together with printed pegasus patch to right sleeve, plain khaki square to right sleeve, most likely a formation sign or LZ patch, and captain’s pips to both shoulders. Pegasus patch is genuine original wartime printed style, the jump wing may be post-war since it has vertical embroidery which most experts agree indicates later style. One patch repair (and you can see where the patch was cut from, between the rows of studs inside). Good 1943 dated label. Inside the pocket is a piece of paper stating it is attributed to 10th parachute battalion, 4th parachute brigade, almost wiped out at Arnhem - although I can find no actual means of identification. There are 4 small holes forming a square on the lower right sleeve, suggesting a metal badge may have once been there. Except as noted, smock is in good condition and still has its "monkey tail" intact. A good honest example with potential for historical research.

 

SOLD

RAF / Royal Observer Corps "Spotter Cards" issued by the National Association of Spotters Clubs.

Near complete set of RAF / Royal Observer Corps aircraft "spotter" or ID cards. 62 different aircraft (all major British, German and American types and quite a few of the more obscure types as well) each with 3 views (plan, elevation and head-on) from which to learn and test knowledge of aircraft recognition. there are 2 cards missing from making it complete: one view of the Westland Lysander and one view of the Fairey Fulmar. So the deck has 184 cards total out of 186. Each card measures 3" x 2.5" (77mm x 64mm) all in very good + condition.

 

SOLD

RAF Hurricane pilot's log book from the Battle of Britain, 229 squadron, with lots of combat and detailed entries. 

 

Combat log book from the Battle of Britain belonging to  Rupert John Ommanney, 229 squadron. He enlisted in the RAFVR in 1938 for pilot training. Called up on 1st September 1939,  he was posted to 229 Squadron at Wittering on 17th June. He claimed a Me110 destroyed and a Do17 shared on 15th September. He was wounded on the 30th and did not return to the squadron until 15th October.

He was one of 3 Hurricanes which attacked a He59 floatplane flying off the French coast on 26th October. The Hurricanes were then attacked from behind by Me109s and fired on by guns from the shore. Ommanney was able to return to base by flying at very low level across the Channel. In March, 1941, Ommanney was posted to the Central Flying School at Upavon as an instructor. Later he joined 607 Squadron at RAF Manston flying Hurricanes once again. Ommanney was one of 4 Hurricanes lost in February 1942  attacking the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen.  He was 26 and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 72. Fantastic log book written in great detail and with numerous important signatures. Please see photographs.

SOLD

RAF Battle of Britain Type D oxygen mask with Type 19 microphone assembly, including complete cord, plug and receivers. 

 

100% original Type D oxygen mask, fitted with the impossibly rare Type 19 microphone assembly, including correct early cord which still has paper label attached, bell plug and Type C receivers. Mask is in fantastic condition. Wool fabric  has some slight discolouration as seen in photos - doesn't really show that much but it's there. Otherwise perfect. Mask is also clearly AM marked under the chin. No mothing or damage. Microphone is also superb and has partial AM ref. number stamped on front, serrated switch fitted. Just a fantastic piece. Named inside to Williamson. Early mask with chamois ending at the horseshoe and linen between horseshoe and microphone. Almost impossible to find - and I would say impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

RAF used, privately purchased Lewis Flying goggles with Mk II goggle strap.

Often mistaken for Luxor Type 10 or 12 goggles, these Lewis brand goggles appear in many Battle of Britain era photographs being worn by RAF

fighter pilots (probably more so than Luxors). Stylish, triangular shaped chromed frames, white rubber cushions and, most interesting of all, fitted with the exact same strap as Mk II (goggles, lightweight), with leather covered springs. This type of strap was officially sanctioned by the Air Ministry. These goggles are in very good condition and still retain the Lewis  ink stamp on the rubber cushion. Right hand cushion is slightly stiff (notably at the edge where the ink stamp is), but still somewhat pliable - left hand cushion is fine and they display perfectly. They are fitted with laminated safety glass lenses.

SOLD

RAF Type E* Oxygen Mask, complete with correct narrow hose/tube in unissued condition.

 

Superb E* oxygen mask - 100% original (not one of the excellent copies available). Moulded in black rubber and complete with  it's correct, early narrow corrugated tube, secured with a circlip. Rubber is in outstanding condition, no damage, clean chamois lining to edge, grey elastic webbing harness, bayonet connector with clothing clip. Clear AM markings. Fitted with a blanking cap (no microphone). I can supply a Type 25 or Type 48 microphone if required. These are quite difficult to find in such great condition - especially with the correct hose.

SOLD

Flight test facility General Purpose helmet.

 

These first appeared many years ago described as "RAF training helmets" which they were not. I have seen them described as "Despatch rider helmets" which is possible, but I have encountered several with ink stamps linking them to various aircraft factories including Handley Page, Avro and De Havilland, which leads me to think that they were perhaps issued to these facilities as general purpose helmets: possibly for despatch riders, drivers, and even for mechanics or VIP passengers on short demonstration flights. Made from the exact same waterproofed canvas fabric as the Type B oxygen mask (Type E microphone mask) and blanket wool lined, they were certainly suitable for flying with roll-up ear flaps, brow strap and elasticated nape. War Dept  (rather than Air Ministry) marked, most are dated 1940 or earlier. Markings have worn faint on this example though the WD stamp is still visible. An interesting helmet and no RAF collection is complete without one!

SOLD

1930s Burberry flying helmet with Gosport receivers fitted.

 

While many RAF pilots are depicted wearing Lewis Leathers helmets during their halcyon training days with the Auxiliary Air Force, no doubt the well-to-do weekend warrior would have had a helmet exactly like this! Bearing the exclusive Burberry label - the company that first made its name by supplying the very highest quality military uniforms and clothing. Borrowing from the very first RFC flying helmets (Burberry was a preferred supplier to RFC officers), this style is known as a "lappi" helmet, because of its extraordinarily long strap, designed to wrap around the head to provide a tight and secure fit. This example was well loved and saw a lot of action, though by the sheer quality of the leather, remains in great shape. There is wear internally to the brow area, and a few surface scrapes on the strap from where it has been tightened, but the glove soft black leather is superb and remains supple and strong. The gold silk embroidered Burberry label is clear and intact, and the helmet retains its original De Havilland type chrome plated Gosport receivers. The rear seam has separated for the bottom half inch (or may have been opened up by the owner for a more comfortable fit). A fabulous flying helmet which displays superbly and would look great alongside a Type B as a reminder of those Auxiliary Air Force training days.

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WWII RAF Dual-Purpose Combined Pattern Flying Suit (Harnessuit) by Irvin Air Chute Co. dated October 1940.

The Irvin Harnessuit or "Combined pattern" flying suit, was developed to enable the parachute harness to be enclosed in a garment to prevent it from snagging on the aircraft, and to incorporate a floatation device into the same garment so that it was not necessary to wear the "Mae West" separately. It was produced in three variations: single purpose for a chest type parachute; single purpose for a seat type parachute; and this version, which is the more difficult to find: dual-purpose which allowed either a seat type parachute pack or a chest type pack to be attached. Though no pack is included, nor the harness, the suit itself is in excellent, unissued condition and displays well. It contains the separate button-in holder for the flotation stole which is often missing (note: stole not installed). All zips work fine (two fully separating DOT zips at the front and Lightning zips on the pockets). Great label and October 1940 date.

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RAF navigator's Douglas Combined Protractor.

Still in its original cardboard sleeve with tie-tape and printed instructions, this Douglas Combined Protractor is in excellent condition. Made of acetate and measuring 5" x 5" (12.75cm x 12.75cm). No serious scratches and no warping as is often the case. Nicely Air Ministry marked. A vital navigation tool that will look great in any RAF aircrew display.

 

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US Navy aircraft Type R16 hand-held microphone.

Hand-held microphone for use in maritime reconnaissance aircraft such as the PBY Catalina and Privateer aircraft. Well marked. Made by Telephonics Corp.

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