SALES September 2021

(click on pictures to enlarge)

RAAF other ranks service dress tunic dated 1942.

RAAF other ranks service dress tunic in the distinctive dark blue wool, with all buttons and belt but having been stripped of insignia. It is evident that the 2 bladed prop badge of a LAC (Leading Aircaftsman) and the sleeve eagles were once present and could be replaced. Tunic is named to LAC White with a post war service number, although the jacket is clearly and extensively labeled and dated 1942 - so perhaps it was reissued or perhaps White stayed in after the war. Overall great condition with no damage.

SOLD

RCAF Mk III flying goggles dated 1940.

Very good example of the Canadian made version of the RAF Mk III goggles, with a nice early date of 1940 stamped on the strap. Show light use but overall very good condition, the fabric covered springs still strong and the leather excellent. Pads are slightly stiff in places as is common, but lenses are clear and show only light surface scratching. Both stoppers in place. While the RCAF model is more common than the British made / Air Ministry type, early dated examples are very desirable and getting more difficult to find.

SOLD

RAF Hawker Hurricane control column spade grip, Dunlop model AH2040.

Officially termed "Ring grip" but universally known as a "Spade" grip, this is a Dunlop AH2040 Control Column Ring Grip, Pneumatic Type, for a Hawker Hurricane. The AH2040 was also used on the Skua, Albacore, Battle, Fulmar, Swordfish, Gladiator, Martinet, Master, Lysander, Whirlwind and in modified form on the Harvard. However, this Canadian made example, being marked CCG (for Canadian Carr Foundry) was made specifically for Canadian built Hawker Hurricanes. Some Canadian made AH2040 grips were modified for use on the Harvard by removing the brake cable channel - but this example has its brake cable channel intact. Lacks brake lever and locking catch, however a replacement brake lever can easily be added (originals occasionally turn up, and excellent replicas are available). Condition is excellent, with the pneumatic tubes in good shape, the hard rubber covering totally intact and the gun button in perfect working order: the safety ring rotates freely to lock/unlock the firing mechanism, with the button depressing fully when in the "FIRE" position. An excellent opportunity to own a very rare and highly sought after aircraft grip that was fitted on all marks of Hurricane, from the Battle of Britain and throughout the war.

SOLD

ID'd RAF Path Finder badge with various paper items and photographs.

Rare original attributed RAF Path Finder badge, together with various paperwork and a photograph of him with his crew, plus photo and ID to his WAAF wife. Superb badge is the standard gilt RAF eagle, pinback, maker marked although the name is partially obscured by the pin, looks like ...LOW ...DON (Ludlow, London?). With the badge is a b/w photo of the owner, Jeffrey Perkins, with his crew; his Air Training Corps Pilot Training Certificate; the menu from Christmas dinner 1944 at HQ Path Finder Force; Dinner and Dance Program for WAAFs and Airmen at HQ Path Finder Force, Sports Gala program; RAF Song Book, plus ID card and photo of his WAAF wife. Lovely grouping - very difficult to find genuine attributed examples the RAF Path Finder badge.

SOLD

Scarce early USAF Type P-1B jet helmet of "Air Defense Command".

One of the earliest – and most scarce of the USAF P series jet helmets. The P-1 series was introduced in 1948 - just a year after the founding of the USAF. The P-1A and P-1B included minor modifications to the suspension/neck strap etc. This helmet needs some care, but most all it needs cleaning, and could, I believe either be displayed as is or be restored into a great example. The shell is good. the leather is dry and would benefit form leather food, but appears to me to be intact and complete for the most part (one separation where leather attaches to webbing neck band). Receivers are still in place through wiring needs to be replaced; microphone jack is still attached on left hand side. Good label. An "Air Defense Command" decal has been placed over the USAF decal. A fair to good example of what is a very rare early jet helmet.

SOLD

Accessories and storage container for Luftwaffe Model 295 flying goggles.

Storage case and accessories for a very early set of Luftwaffe Model 295 goggles. Aluminium case with hinged lid and a brass plaque indicating nomenclature. Made by Auer and dated January 1934 making these very early. Tin has a little surface oxidation and one dent in the side, but is in very good condition. Contents include 2 pairs of extra lenses (one clear, one tinted) in their pouches; a soft cleaning cloth labeled with the Auer brand and address; the chin strap which attached to hooks on each side of the main strap to secure the goggles in an open cockpit or gun turret. All accessories in excellent, unused condition. NOTE: goggles are NOT included - just the case and accessories.

SOLD

RARE Croatian Air Force/Luftwaffe flying helmet in superb condition, dated 1941.

Rare and unusual Croatian made version of the German K-33 summer flying helmet. In absolutely superb condition, appears unissued and unworn, with original label and manufacturer's label and unit markings with a date of 1941. Croatia as a region of Yugoslavia was occupied by the Axis forces and had a German supported government and its own branch of the Wehrmacht. This helmet is beautifully made - a superior quality version of the German-produced model, made from heavy tan canvas, lined with cotton, glove soft grey leather straps and tabs, chrome plated hardware. The flat hooks for the oxygen mask cleverly made from blued trouser clasps. Even the "button-hole" for the left hand chin strap is edged with soft grey leather. Slight sun fading to one side of the lining. An outstanding flying helmet.

SOLD

RAF Dark Adaption Goggles Mk Ia in protective case.

Worn by every night fighter pilot and night bomber crew member for 30 minutes prior to take-off in order to adjust the eyes for night vision. Also worn during flight to avoid night-blindness caused by searchlights and flares, fires on the ground etc. The Mk I had dark neutral (brown/green) lenses and lacked the vents, but testing showed that red lenses were more effective at blocking light while allowing good night vision, so the improved Mk Ia featured red lenses and the addition of anti-fogging vents on each side. This pair is in excellent condition, with superb leather, full elasticity in strap and is contained in a wool-lined brown leatherette pouch.

SOLD

RAAF 1936 Pattern Flying Boots by Bedggood of Melbourne in unworn condition.

Outstanding and rare pair of RAAF 1936 Pattern Flying Boots by Bedggood of Melbourne, Australia. Constructed from brown leather with the unusual addition of a strap across the instep. The condition of these boots must be seen to be believed. Size 9 UK (10 US). Well marked on pullers including the WD broad arrow acceptance ink stamp. Look like they were tried on perhaps once judging by the condition of the soles and heels. Beautiful thick fleece lining and superb insoles which are also broad arrow marked. Issued to RAAF pilots and aircrews but this brown leather version was also supplied to USAAF crews stationed in the Far East and CBI theatres. This pair would be impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

ID'd RAF Path Finder badge with various paper items and photographs.

SOLD

RAF Beadon Suit Nestor waterproof matches in container.

One of the more difficult accessories to source for the RAF Beadon Survival Suit, particularly with the contents complete and in excellent condition. The Waterproof matches were a critical aid to survival. Tin is double-walled, with the outer tin having a striking surface for the matches on the inside. The inner tin contains 12 matches with their waterproof coating still intact. Outer tin with screw-on lid has a good decal with minor scratches and slight rounding to the bottom. Very difficult to find.

SOLD

EXTREMELY RARE MI9 Escape Item: propelling pencil lead compass.

One of the rarest of escape items and the first example of one this type escape compasses I have ever come across, although they are well-documented in several books. A small wooden case contains 6 spare leads for a propelling pencil, except one of the leads, though appearing identical to the others, is actually a magnetized steel needle. When floated on water the needle would point North. This is a true escape item and could be sent to incarcerated POWs in gift parcels from home (not Red Cross parcels). Featured in the dossier of Clayton Hutton's ingenious escape items for RAF prisoners Per Ardua Libertas (see last photo).

SOLD

RAF escape kit whetstone.

Issued as part of all standard evasion/survival kits, including the Beadon Suit and both Arctic and Tropical survival backpacks, a simple whetsone was vital for keeping the blades on all knives honed and sharp. Often missing because they were useful in postwar "civvy" life, here is a beautiful original unused example, still bearing its paper manufacturer's band "Salmen" Made in England.

SOLD

RAF silk inner flying gloves, size 10, in fantastic unissued condition.

Another item in superb condition, which would be difficult if not impossible to upgrade. Silk inner flying gloves as issued with both the 1933 and 1941 pattern flying gauntlets, Stores Ref. 22C/263. A perfect matched pair, size 10 and still stitched together at the opening end. Very slight soiling from storage but no wear or damage. Well marked inside both, with stores reference and broad arrow.

SOLD

RCAF headset Type C-1 Mk I, unissued in original box.

Radio headset, with headband, neck strap, cord and plug, Type C-1 Mk I, in absolutely fantastic condition, never taken out of the box (except to photograph). The receivers, cord and aircraft type single pin plug are the type most often found in early Type B RCAF flying helmets, fitted with US style noise attenuation cups, hard rubber with chamois donut shaped pads, together with a spring steel headband and canvas neck strap, marked with the C/broad arrow. Wrapped in waxed paper in the original card board box. Outstanding condition, impossible to upgrade.

SOLD

Absolutely superb WWI era French made flying goggles -"The Express".

Unissued and unused flying, driving or motorcycling goggles of the early WWI era, still contained in their original box. This type is typically seen in period photographs of French, British and even German aviators, because so many of both sides' military aerodromes were in France. It was commonplace for pilots to shop in Paris department stores to supplement their kit. Curved, green lenses in polished metal frames with silk, spring-loaded cups and fur backing, leather trim and elastic strap. Elastic still has a little stretch but is also stretched out in a couple of places, but for being over 100 years old, these goggles are remarkable. Most probably marketed to RFC pilots because the box label is translated (very badly) into English. Since officers were required to supply their own flying kit early in the war, this is a perfect example of WWI goggles which would be very difficult to upgrade.

SOLD

AAF Type A-11 flying helmet, wired with receivers, size large, in excellent used condition.

Lovely example of the standard issue intermediate weight flying helmet of the USAAF from late 1943 on. Though many AAF pilots and crews preferred their RAF Type C, the A-11 was an excellent design and fit, a massive improvement over the A-9 and B-6 previously issued. Cape leather is soft and chamois is very clean, showing light use. AAF decal is 100% intact. There is no cracking to the rubber ear cups, but some minor tearing to the chamois inside where receivers may have been worked on. late model with the threaded snaps for securing the A-14 oxygen mask. Good size. While not a rare helmet, the later variants with threaded snaps are less common and always good to find in this condition and larger sizes.

SOLD

Fantastic AAF official 8" x 10" photo of B-26 "Coughin' Coffin".

Caption on back indicates the 50 bombs stand for 50 missions, 3 ships sunk and 8 Nazi aircraft downed. "Coughin' Coffin" (serial no. 41-17858) was assigned to the 34th BS, 17th BG at Baer Field, Fort Wayne, Indiana in November 1942. The pilot on the overseas flight Capt. William R Pritchard named the aircraft "Coughin Coffin" after the engines coughed and spluttered on the ferry flight overseas. First mission 1st January 1943. Returned to base on one engine on 1st March 1943 after being shot up by German fighters. Again returned on a single engine after being shot up by flak over Trapani / Milo on 11th July 1943. Right undercarriage would not lower and a successful crash landing was carried out on the left main gear and nose wheel only. On 50th and final mission, aircraft skidded to a halt and tore off part of the wing. It was repaired by the 345th Service Squadron / 310th Service Group and on 29th October 1943 was flown back to the USA for war bond tours. Can be removed from frame if desired.

SOLD

RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse, early example 1943 dated, named with pilot wing and Flt. Lt. rank lace.

The forerunner of War Service Dress (battledress), these "Suits, Aircrew" were considered flying clothing and were issued ONLY to aircrews and ONLY for wear while on flying duties. This is a nice early example with an issue or acceptance ink stamp of July 1943; all metal buttons. It is in excellent condition, showing only light wear and no damage, and is named inside to E.J. Martin. Good issue type flat pilot wing to front.

SOLD

AAF officer's "chocolate" wool shirt with insignia and khaki wool tie.

Excellent WWII AAF officer's "chocolate" wool shirt and correct khaki wool tie. Shirt is a good size 15-1/2" collar and measures 22" from seam to seam under the armpits. Great condition, with original label in neck and tag intact, fitted with pinback captain's bars and winged prop insignia on collar. Hard to find in this condition and size. Shirt and tie came together so offered for sale as a set.

SOLD

RAF shaving kit for the escape/evasion/ration box plus rare shaving soap stick.

Another very hard-to-find aircrew

escape/evasion/survival accessory, the shaving kit, as issued with the acetate escape/ration boxes and survival packs. Kit comprises a two-piece safety razor, plus blade, plus small stick of shaving soap still wrapped in cellophane. Safety razors were of great importance when in the jungle and tropical regions, due to risk of infection from cuts. The razor issued was Ever-Ready brand, made in the USA and patented in 1912. These were carried by all RAF pilots and aircrews. Excellent condition, unused with blade still wrapped in paper.

SOLD

RAF Type 20 microphone for the Type D oxygen mask.

Stores ref. 10A/11994. The least rare of the microphone types for the extremely rare and desirable Type D oxygen mask, but none the less, not a common accessory. When fully wired with an external loom, Type Q, it is catalogued as "Microphone Assembly, Type 21." This example shows some use and has some paint loss as is to be expected, but no damage or dents and dings. It is not misshapen so will fit on a D mask nicely. It also includes the rubber band which secures the wiring once it is installed - which is separated so as not to stress it. the rubber is in perfect condition. A nice accessory to have.

SOLD

AAF AN6530 flying goggles in original box with extra lenses.

Very good pair of later war issue AN6530 flying goggles complete in the box, as issued. Fitted with green lenses, a pair of clear lenses wrapped in tissue are included in the box. These goggles the characteristics of US Navy issue types: grey strap and tan rubber cushion, and the box indicates a Navy contract - so fair to say these are US Navy issue! Frames have some light surface oxidation but no dings or damage and have the later more streamlined vents. Cushion is in excellent condition, pliable with no damage and clean chamois backing. Strap retains elasticity. An exceptional pair of original goggles showing only very light use.

SOLD

Superb RCAF Service dress uniform jacket and cap named to a DFC winner.

Outstanding WWII RCAF officer's service dress uniform jacket and cap, both in very good condition, from Flt. Lt. John William Acheson, Lancaster bomber pilot with 576 squadron. Both jacket and cap are in excellent condition, the jacket by Burberrys of London and the cap from Muir Cap Company, Toronto. Jacket features a lovely pair of heavily padded RCAF wings, medal ribbons and silver Operational Tour badge to pleat of pocket. Cap has a superb bullion wire badge. Comes with a copy of his DFC citation and the London Gazette listing the award.

SOLD

Superb and rare identified RAF Type A cork flying helmet with RAF flash on pugaree band.

Lovely, gently used example of this wonderful flying helmet, first issued for flying duties "East of Malta" in the early 1920s. In spite of being hopelessly obsolete, it remained in inventory until replaced by the Type D helmet in 1942. These helmets were worn extensively throughout the Empire, in India, Malaysia, etc. and also issued to RAF trainees in Florida in 1940 and 41. Helmet is in great shape, slightly sun faded. RAF regimental flash sewn to the left hand side also slightly sun faded. Named inside to J.G.W. Foster. Interior is sweat stained but leather sweatband is excellent and helmet retains the all-important strap which snaps shut to secure the flying goggles. Unmarked but a good, large size. Type A helmets are getting very difficult to find these days and the RAF flash adds a great personal touch. Flight Sergeant John George William Foster was KIA in Beaufighter on ops with 143 squadron, 1st May, 1943. I presume he trained in Florida in order to have been issued this helmet.

SOLD

Absolutely outstanding example of "Trench art", commemorating service with the 9th Air Force and 7th Air Force, on a large and heavy brass shell case.

Stunning piece of quality engraving, far better than most "trench art" items found. This 4.5" shell casing is 10.5" (27cm) high and weighs 4.5lb (2kg). One side has the winged prop. with the 7th Air Force patch and says "Pacific 1942-45" in a wreath, the other side has the 9th Air Force patch and says "Germany 1942-45".

The shell is dated 1946, presumable when it was given as a gift (probably a wedding present) to Jack and Norma, whose names also appear. It is the quality of the engraving that is so amazing. Highly skilled and professionally executed - without doubt one of the nicest examples of "Trench Art" I have ever seen.

SOLD

RAAF Type B helmet, double-named with Stagg's label.

Very good RAAF Type B zip-eared helmet, with a great Stagg's label and two owner's names: Moen and Matthews. Leather is in good, supple condition, slightly light faded as is common with the period dyes used. Chamois lining is clean. The interior chamois has been cut back around the openings to make provision for a headset. The helmet is also fitted with its "face defenders" which could be attached to a Type D oxygen mask. Medium size - displays well. A nice helmet which a possibility for research into the names.

SOLD

Lovely RCAF Canadian made Type B flying helmet in a large size 3.

Excellent example of the Canadian made flying helmet based on the iconic RAF Type B. Lovely soft chestnut brown leather with soft chamois lining, zipped ear compartments for telephone receivers (not fitted), leather chin strap and chrome plated metal buckles. Inside is marked with broad arrow inside a large "C" and size 3. It is also named iniside one of the ear cups. A really nice gently used example.

SOLD

RAF Indian made despatch rider gloves used by a pilot.

Lovely pair of heavy leather gauntlets, characteristically made in India, with a circular ink stamp inside and what appears to be a faint or blurred date of 1943. Gloves are high quality leather and show very little wear or use. These are the type of gauntlets primarily worn by desptach riders/motorcyclists. These came from the estate of a RAF pilot, and he wrote his name inside (M. Lines) so presumably he wore these for flying.

SOLD

WWII RAF / RAAF bush shirt short-sleeved, with partial button front.

Yet another variation of the popular Airtex bush shirt, worn in tropical regions by all branches of Commonwealth military. This shirt has a partial button front and short sleeves, with a long "tail" for tucking into shorts or trousers. Very good used condition, with some light wear but no damage, though missing the two pocket buttons (easily replaced). Has a service number inked in the neck which could be a RAAF post war number - which is not unusual since these remained as standard issue for many years.

SOLD

WWII RAF handkerchief with hand-embroidered pilot wings.

Probably a gift for luck to a pilot from his wife or sweetheart, the wings have been beautifully embroidered into the corner of this sky blue cotton handkerchief. Looks like it has been used to blot some ink, or perhaps somethig was written below the wings which has now bled and blurred. Minor stains but has been laundered, so it is clean. The marks do not detract from the lovely work.

SOLD

3 Safe Conduct Passes from the Korean War.

2 are identical, bearing the printed signature of Douglas McArthur; the third bears the signature of Matthew Ridgway. All show use and wear, with a few small tears, though no paper is missing. Each is 5" x 4" (129mm x 102mm) with the Ridgway version printed on heavier, better quality paper. Never run across these before. Price is for all 3.

SOLD

RAF paddles for the one-man K dinghy, unissued condition and still in their original packaging.

Excellent set of 2 arm paddles as issued with the K dinghy. Still wrapped in wax paper and in their well-marked box as issued from the station stores. The elastic still has full stretch - these have clearly never been used.

SOLD

WWII RAF large size dinghy knife and scabbard.

This dinghy knife was produced in two sizes: the smaller one was often secured to the Mae West life jacket or to the one-man Type K Dinghy. This larger model (over 9" long) was issued with the multi-place dinghies carried on bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. Other than their relative size, both types were identical: cork handle (to float); curved blade with rounded point (to prevent puncturing the dinghy); and leather scabbard sewn to rubberized fabric base for cementing to the sidewall of the dinghy. Knife is in excellent condition, leather very good, rubberized fabric a little dried out, but overall a very good example.

SOLD

RAF signal flare container tin for 6 x 1" double yellow star flares, dated 5/45.

Study black tin, 6" x 3.5" x 1" (16cm x 9cm x 2.5cm) with hinged lid for storing 6 x 1" double yellow star flares as carried on board aircraft for signaling "Friend or Foe" or to signal tower of a problem when radio was damaged or otherwise not working. Excellent condition with minor surface oxidation in a couple of places, some slight scratches to surface. In addition to markings, lid has raised circle shape stamped so it can be felt in case of complete darkness. Tin is dated May 1945.

SOLD

RAF signal flare container tin for 6 x 1" double red star flares, dated 5/45.

Study black tin, 6" x 3.5" x 1" (16cm x 9cm x 2.5cm) with hinged lid for storing 6 x 1" double red star flares as carried on board aircraft for signaling "Friend or Foe" or to signal tower of a problem when radio was damaged or otherwise not working. Excellent condition with minor surface oxidation in a couple of places, some slight scratches to surface. In addition to markings, lid has raised plus sign shape stamped so it can be felt in case of complete darkness. Tin is dated May 1945.

SOLD

RAF signal flare container tin for 6 x 1" double green star flares, dated 5/45.

Study black tin, 6" x 3.5" x 1" (16cm x 9cm x 2.5cm) with hinged lid for storing 6 x 1" double green star flares as carried on board aircraft for signaling "Friend or Foe" or to signal tower of a problem when radio was damaged or otherwise not working. Excellent condition with minor surface oxidation in a couple of places, some slight scratches to surface. In addition to markings, lid has raised triangle shape stamped so it can be felt in case of complete darkness. Tin is dated May 1945.

SOLD

Hand painted Korean War era South Korea flag "Taegukgi."

Beautifully painted or hand silk-screened, double sided heavy cotton flag, approx. 24" x 16" with tie tapes for attaching to a pole. Perhaps a vehicle flag used in the Korean war? Lovely condition and obviously vintage.

SOLD

WWII era Khaki Drill service dress rank slides for Air Vice Marshal.

Slip on rank slides for such a high ranking officer are quite rare, since few Air Rank officers wore bush shirts or uniforms with slip on rank slides. WWII era, Matched pair on heavy cotton drill backing.

SOLD

RAF aircrew brevets - padded.

Variations of RAF wartime aircrew half-wing brevets. All in used but very good condition, some with evidence of glue from being in an album. These are all padded variants on wool backgrounds. From the top, left to right:

SOLD

RAF aircrew brevets – unpadded (flat).

Variations of RAF wartime aircrew half-wing brevets. All in used but very good condition, some with evidence of glue from being in an album. These are all unpadded variants on wool backgrounds. From the top, left to right:

SOLD

RAF miniature aircrew brevet for Observer.

Many aircrews from other nations volunteered with the RAF during the Battle of Britain, notably the countries invaded and occupied by the Nazis, but also the USA and other Allies. Once these nations were able to establish their own air force, crews were permitted to continue wearing a miniature version of their RAF qualification badge on the right side of their uniforms. While pilot wings are often seen, those of other aircrew positions are quite rare. At the time of the Battle of Britain, the position of Observer was officially recognized in the RAF so this brevet has a rightful claim in any battle of Britain collection. Silk on wool background Excellent condition, original badge.

SOLD

RAF aircrew brevets, theatre made.

Whereas pilot wings are quite often found with obvious indications of being made in the middle east or far east, theatre-made aircrew wings are far less common. These are all beautiful and authentic examples, most probably made in India, hand embroidered on fine wool (not felt) with various types of backing.

SOLD

Miniature observer brevet for the mess dress jacket, possibly WWI RFC or very early RAF.

Beautiful and quite rare miniature Observer badge in gold and silver bullion wire embroidery on fine wool background, showing lots of patina and tarnish. Measures 2" (50mm) diagonally across from the bottom left of the O to the tip of the wing, on an oilcloth backing. Possibly as early as WWI but am include to think 1920s. Would very likely clean up if desired but perfect as is.

SOLD

WWII RCAF issue raincoat dated 1942.

Scarce uniform item accessory, because these were so useful most were kept and worn after the war, or sold as surplus and purchased by the public. Lovely oilskin raincoat in blue grey, dated 1942 and marked with the broad arrow "C". Appears to be unissued condition, totally pliable and clean. First I have ever come across.

SOLD

RAAF Tropical Issue Khaki Drill shorts.

Superb, unissued pair of RAAF Tropical Issue Khaki Drill shorts. Rich colour, never issued or worn and still retain their original paper tag, as well as their V324 maker's label dated 1943. Large size with all buttons and buckles in place. A great find, impossible to upgrade.

SOLD