SALES September 2023

(click on pictures to enlarge)

RAF Type G oxygen mask, complete with breathing tube (hose) and Type 48 microphone.

Absolutely stunning example of a RAF Type G oxygen mask complete with its breathing tube. The G mask first entered service in 1943, a vast improvement over the E and makeshift E*. It was was the mainstay for RAF crews throughout the war. This example is in near perfect condition, the rubber clean, soft and pliable with no evidence of any perishing or cracking – not even on the lugs supporting the nose-wire. The inside is clean and looks to have never been issued or used. The harness has lost some of its elasticity but is not stretched out like some, and retains two of the small yellow rubber bands. Mask is fitted with the early flat attachment hook and has the nice textured upper surface. Best of all it still has its correct tube with its Air Ministry marked bayonet connector and clip attached. A rare example that would be difficult to upgrade.

ON HOLD

Miniature Irvin Air Chute badge in sterling silver.

Very tiny—measures just 3/8" (10mm) both in height and width, but beautifully detailed sterling silver pinback badge featuring the Irvin Air Chute logo with enameling in black, white and red. I believe this badge was awarded to those who made a parachute jump using an Irvin Air Chute other than in an emergency or life saving situation (the caterpillar badge was exclusively for those taking to the silk in an emergency). Beautiful, though tiny, badge.

SOLD

RAF tube whistle for early 1941 Pattern Mae West.

Excellent tube (pealess) whistle of the type most often associated with the first issue 1941 Pattern yellow life jackets or "Mae Wests." Heavily chromed whistle retains all its plated finish and excellent Air Ministry markings, including the A-crown-M, stores ref. data and contract details. Still has it's split ring for attaching to a chain or directly to the vest. These whistles were also used by RAF Police ("Snowdrops").

SOLD

RAF Type C helmet, size 4, with interesting USA/UK patch to front

Very interesting wartime production Type C flying helmet, second pattern (internally wired - though this example lacking its wiring) in a size 4 extra-large - the biggest size made, with a very interesting embroidered patch to the front. The patch depicts a lion wearing a top hat and and Union Jack waistcoat over a pair of wings bearing the stars and stripes. The helmet is in overall good condition, showing light to moderate use, but the brow section has some damage to the leather - in fact it looks as though the patch may have been used to cover the damage, although it shows on each side of the patch. There is no damage elsewhere on the helmet. The rubber ear cups are still pliable, with a minor nick here and there, and are fitted with replica receivers (resin cast) to keep their shape. Elastic webbing chin strap is stretched out. Clearly marked inside as a size 4 and an early "3-strap" back. An interesting modified helmet.

SOLD

RAF log book to a Flight Engineer with 502 squadron, Halifax aircraft - lots of ops and extensive research included.

A very interesting log book to flight engineer Warrant Officer N.R. Rae, 502 sq. Coastal Command. Anti-sub and anti-shipping patrols from April 1944 to May 1945 with several contacts and some combat action, encounters with enemy fighters, etc. Comes with extensive research and copies of squadron records, details of Rae's career etc. (Some sample copies included in photos, but there is a lot more). His first pilot (Powell) was killed in action, shot down by U-Boat anti-aircraft guns. His replacement pilot (Biggar) was awarded the DFC.

SOLD

RCAF Mk III flying goggles dated 1942.

Canadian made Mk III goggles. Identical to the British made type issued from 1935 and worn during the Battle of Britain and in very good condition. The springs on the strap are perfect, large cushion pads are soft, both stoppers are in place and lenses are excellent, with a few minor surface marks. Well marked on the strap with a clear 1942 date.

SOLD

Early RAF suits aircrew, blouse, named and with superb RCAF pilot wing.

Exceptional and scarce early RAF Suits, Aircrew, Blouse dated 1942. These were first announced in late 1941 and were authorized exclusively for aircrew, and permitted to be worn only on operations (until replaced by the "war service dress" in 1944) so they were considered flying clothing. This example is outstanding and shows only very light wear, no damage. It has the original early metal buttons, two inside pockets and a 1942 dated label. It also has a superb, heavily padded RCAF pilot wing and medal ribbons as well as Canada shoulder titles. The label is named to F/O Cronk. Curiously, there is rank lace for Flight Lieutenant on the left epaulette only (lightly tacked), though there is evidence of where rank lace has been sewn on the right epaulette. This is as found so perhaps best left alone, though easily restored if desired.

SOLD

AAF full-size pilot wing, British-made by Ludlow, London.

Superb British-made USAAF pilot wing by Ludlow of London. Not silver, as was usual for British made US insignia. Exquisite feathering detail and nice clear Ludlow London raised mark to the back of the radiator/shield. Typical open pin and catch.

SOLD

Luftwaffe LKpS101 flying helmet complete dated September 1938.

Very good, clean example of the classic Luftwaffe summer flying helmet, model LKpS101, with a very early date (earliest date on this helmet i have seen so far) of September 1938. As with many early helmets, it has two labels, one listing type and a second listing manufacture. It is a size 56 and displays well. Outer cloth is very clean and undamaged. Interior shows light use with a couple of worn spots but no damage. Complete with fitted receivers and acetate baffles, Mi 4b electromagnetic throat microphones, long cord and plug. Bakelite plug is chipped at the edge. Leather is good, chin straps are a little dry. Lovely helmet and very rare to find such an early production model.

SOLD

RAF Mk VII flying goggles with early leather strap.

Excellent set of RAF Mk VII flying goggles, with what is believed to be the early, leather strap. Frames are in well above average condition, retaining 95%+ of their original ultramarine paint. The brass frames have only minor dings and the leather cushions and nose pad are in excellent shape. Lenses show very minor signs of delamination. The most attractive (in my opinion) of all RAF goggles, these are suddenly getting very hard to find and early examples are especially sought after.

SOLD

Luxor Airex flying goggles by Meyerowitz.

Excellent pair of scarce Luxor Airex goggles, late 1930s, patterned after the US Air Corps B-7 model. They were named Airex due to their extremely light weight — made from strong but light materials: light alloy frames, acetate lenses and light sponge rubber cushions. The frames have some slight age discolouration but retain 85% of their plating. Lenses are green tinted acetate for lightness and safety. White rubber cushions are superb - still soft and springy with "LUXOR" moulded into them. The strap retains its elasticity.

Lovely pair of goggles.

SOLD

Luftwaffe Model 306 flying goggles by George Vogler dated 1943.

Excellent pair of Model 306 flying goggles, the type originally developed by Leitz Optical. Large, glass lenses in grey painted frames with an adjustable bridge, single screw, separate grey rubber cushions and ribbed elastic strap. Very minor oxidation on the edge of the frames. Cushions are pliable, strap has some very minor stains but retains elasticity, lenses are clear. Goggles display very well. Marked with the GV (for George Vogler) and a date of 43 to bridge adjustment.

SOLD

Luftwaffe head-mounted torch/flashlight for navigation map reading during the Blitz.

A scarce Luftwaffe item of flying kit used during the Blitz on London and other British cities. This is a head-mounted torch (flashlight) used for map reading by navigators/observers on German bombers. It fits over the flying helmet, resting on the forehead and bridge of the nose with a rubber pad, with a cable threaded through the head-strap leading to a battery pack carried in the pocket of the flying suit. On/off switch is mounted on the battery pack and a switch on the lamp changes from white light for daytime to a red filter for viewing the yellow oilcloth charts issued for night bombing. Complete unit is in great condition with a small chip out of the bakelite shade at the front of the lamp - but this does not detract nor affect the functionality. Shown displayed on a flyng helmet which is NOT included but for sale separately.

SOLD

AAF pilot wing, British made in silver bullion wire - ID'd to 398 BG, 603 B .

Lovely silver wire embroidered pilot wing with no backing or surround, so could be sewn to tunic and would appear to be directly embroidered. Even, light patina. Full size, 3" with a paper backing on which is written: " Essex, 398 BG 603BS Burke Pierce". Needs to be researched - but the wing itself is a beauty and 100% original.

SOLD

1915 dated officer's "trench whistle" complete with original leather lanyard.

Heavily chrome-plated tube (non-pea) whistle as issued to all British Army officers in WWI. 1915 is an early example with obvious association to the Battle of The Somme, but these were also carried by aviators so as to make contact with friendly forces in the event of being forced down away from home (a common occurrence). Maker marked to Hudson, Birmingham and still fitted with its original leather lanyard for attaching to a button hole. Very good condition.

SOLD

Important Battle of Britain log book to a Luftwaffe Do17 crewman, shot down, raids on London, Coventry and other cities. With some history and research.

A rare and important Luftwaffe log book from wireless operator/air gunner Norbert Schweighardt of 8/KG2 who flew in the Battle of France and took part in multiple bombing raids over London during the Battle of Britain. 69 operational flights in total. His plane was shot down over the Channel on September 15, 1940 and he was wounded but rescued. Pilot and observer were killed. He returned to ops October 10 bombing London again, later taking part in the raids on numerous other cities in England, including Coventry. Log book ends abruptly on December 15, 1940, following a raid on Sheffield, suggesting Schweighardt may have been killed. Battle of Britain period log books are extremely rare and highly sought after. Included is research on his shooting down and a print of a rare colour photo of his Do17 U5+GS. Some stains to cover but intact and in very good condition overall – a remarkable piece of history

SOLD

Private collection of 42 wartime photos + ID and license to AAF major.

Very high quality photos of average size (approximately 5" x 3.5" - 13cm x 9cm / some slightly bigger, some smaller) depicting numerous aircraft types, pilots in aircraft with flying kit, including the owner Glen Charpie, a P-51 pilot in the Pacific theatre. Includes a great series of a crashed B-29 burning and photos of Iwo Jima. Lots of visiting aircraft at his base. many are captioned on the back. Also includes 3 original negatives plus his ID and instrument license and miniaturized copy of his standing orders dated May 1942. A lot of great history and research opportunities here.

SOLD

Book: The British Navy's Air Arm, published 1944.

Softcover book, 250 pages, 4.5" x 6.5" with over 10 photographs about the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, published by Penguin Books in the USA, 1944. Primarily an informational book about the FAA for publicity and morale boosting but actually loaded with useful information about the structure an activities of RN aircrews, aircraft, the role of WRNS, training etc. Creasing to cover but overall very good condition.

SOLD

US made commercial flying helmet of the type used by US Navy pilots.

Large size 1930s era commercial / private purchase flying helmet of the type popularly worn by US Navy fighter pilots in the Pacific theatre in preference to the issued M-450. Khaki cotton twill with a long chin strap and snap-down goggle retaining tabs at the back. Great woven label in the nape indicating manufacture by Aviation Supply Co, of Atlanta Georgia and a tag giving the size 7-1/2. Very good, clean condition.

SOLD