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Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 1
These are some of the SOLD items that have been listed on our website
There are a maximum of 20 items on each page - our most recent sale is listed first - this is now quite a large reference record.
If you have a specific interest, use our keyword search to search the entire stock database.
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 | Luftwaffe Leuchtpistol Flare Cartridge Bandolier - These very simple webbing straps were designed to be fastened around the upper leg or flying boots of aircrew, so the flare pistol cartridges were always readily to hand when required ;they were also issued to German Fallschirmjäger / Paratroopers in WWII. This example has loops to hold 5 cartridges as shown. The reverse of the strap is stamped and possibly dated but this is now faded and we have been unable to decipher. The strap, which measures 21" (53 cm) remains in excellent original condition with signs of service wear. The strap came complete with three empty inert flare cartridges, as illustrated. We believe these to be original items but have had spurious data information added with transfers, as shown, perhaps to complete the authentic look for a reenactor or museum display. One cartridge has a maker code 'L' stamped on the end plate whilst the longer one carries AG/41 indicating it dates from 1941. The milled edge on the red example enables aircrew to identify the type of flare in the dark by touch alone.
We assumed when purchased this was a very good quality older replica. Originals are scarce items and command very high prices in the £400-£600 price range. We have however found a near identical one illustrated in the 'Deutsche Luftwaffe Uniforms and Equipment of the German Air Force 1935-1945', as scan attached. As a result, lets just say the jury is out on this items originality, but we have priced on the basis it is a replica. Whatever its origins it will make a very fine display item in a Luftwaffe collection, on a mannequin or for a serious reenactor. Original Leuchtpistol flare cartridges alone sell for IRO £35.00 each these days so grab yourself a bargain!
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| USAAF Type E-6B Dead Reckoning Computer - The E-6B was developed in the United States by Naval Lt. Philip Dalton (1903–1941) in the late 1930s. The name comes from its original part number for the U. S Army Air Corps, before its reorganisation in June 1941. The designation "E-6B" was officially marked on the device for only a couple of years as by 1943 the Army and Navy changed the marking to their joint standard, the AN-C-74 (Army/Navy Computer 74). A year or so later it was changed to AN-5835, and then in 1948 to AN-5834.. Despite the name changes navigators and most instruction manuals continued using the original E-6B, whilst many just called it the "Dalton Dead Reckoning Computer".
This example is marked Spec no 94-27892 and order no 42-18252, confirming it was manufactured in 1942. The fact it has turned up here in the UK would seem to indicate it served with the USAAF in WWII. They were used for pre-flight planning and in the air to aid in calculating fuel burn, wind correction and route timings. This example is incomplete and has at some stage been separated from the back section, that would have been used to calculate the effects of wind and drift during flight;this is reflected in our price. Otherwise it is in generally good condition, with some patination due to age and use and is U. S. Army Air Forces property marked. Measures 5.5"x 4.5" (14 cm x 12 cm)
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| RAF Inner Silk Flying Gloves - Another pair of RAF Inner silk flying gloves that we are listing today. These were designed to be worn under 1933 pattern gauntlets but were often worn alone, particularly by fighter pilots. Early production used silk, while later these would have been made from synthetic silk or rayon.
This pair are in issued condition, with general soiling, commensurate with service use, as well as a small hole to the tip of the right glove index and middle finger and the same on the left, as well as wear to the thumb, indicating these were probably used without the 1933 pattern leather gloves as intended. These could be tidied up and washed but in general we prefer to leave kit in 'as issued' condition which reflects their history and use. Many gloves of this pattern we see offered for sale are actually post-war issue but this pair is 100% wartime specification with nice clear stores issue marks in both indicating 22C/260 thus confirming a matched pair of size 8 1/2. They are also broad arrow property marked and carry inspectors stamps. These stamps are often washed out but still nice and clear here, which is a real bonus. It is often hard to decide if these gloves are silk or later issue rayon but am pretty certain these are the earlier silk specification. This pattern tends not to be dated, as here, and can now make around £125 for a mint unissued set. These however are keenly priced to reflect their current condition, but with the added bonus they have definitely seen allied wartime service.
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| Royal Flying Corps Brass Ashtray - A new item that came in with a small RFC collection. On offer is a very fine cast brass ashtray, that features two RFC brevets cast in relief on the seratted rim. We are unsure if this is a commercially made example, but judging by the quite crude casting marks shown on the reverse, we feel it is more likely to have been made on the Squadron. It certainly has no makers or other marks to help with its identification. In a lifetime of collecting this is the first example of this pattern we have seen and whatever its origins it is a heavy item for its size, weighing in at a hefty 520 Gms but measureing just 6.5" long x 4.75" wide (16.5 cm x 12 cm). With the festive season fast approaching this could be a unique stocking filler for the RFC or aviation collector in your life?
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| Bristol Beaufighter Mk II Trench Art Model - The Bristol Type 156 Beaufighter (often called the Beau) first flew in July 1939 and was fitted with twin Hercules radial engines but due to lack of engine availability was subsequently developed to take Rolls Royce Merlin XX engines and became the Beaufighter Mk IIF. This Mk first flew operationally in late 1940, mainly with night fighter units based in home defence squadrons, although a few served with the Fleet Air Arm. A total of about 450 Merlin-powered Beaufighter Mk IIs was built, but in the spring of 1941, it became apparent that the Hercules engine shortage was resolved and it was feasible to switch the Beaufighter back to its original powerplant. All subsequent variants of this fighter were to be powered exclusively by the Hercules radial engine.
In total 5,298 Beaufighters were made, so the Merlin engine variant accounted for just over 8% of the total production, so was a very rare beast. Our very fine period trench art model is one of the scarce Mk II Merlin powered variants and as such a rare an unusual example. It is very nicely worked and is cast from a yellow brass, that almost gives the appearance of bronze. The model is complemented by a turned pitch pine stand that has been waxed and polished. We have been fortunate to offer for sale a good number of such models over the years but we would rate this example as one of the best. Often referred to a 'Whispering Death' grab this opportunity whilst you can and with the festive season nearly upon us again, this would be a brilliant and unique gift for the aviation enthusiast in your life and certainly not something you will ever find on Amazon. com! Wingspan measures 6" (15.5 cm) and the model including the stand is 5 1/2" high (14 cm)
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| 45 Squadron RAF Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. The Squadron, known as 'The Flying Camels' was formed during World War I at Gosport on 1st March 1916, when the unit was equipped with Sopwith 1.5 Strutters, which it was to fly in the Scout role. Deployed to France in October of that year, by the end of the Great War some thirty flying aces had served with the squadron's ranks. In the interwar years the squadron reformed at Helwan, Egypt. Assigned Vickers Vernon bomber-transports, the unit provided troop transportation and ground support and mail services throughout the Middle East, notably in support of anti-rebel operations in Iraq and Palestine. During this period the unit adopted the nickname "The Flying Camels" with the badge featuring a winged camel, approved by King Edward VIII in October 1936. The badge and nickname derive from the Sopwith used by tthem in World War 1 and its long service in the Middle East. The squadron motto is 'Per ardua surgo' translated as 'Through difficulties I arise'.
At the start of World War II, 45 Squadron converted to Bristol Blenheims. From mid 1940 it took part in the North African Campaign and then served with distinction throughout the Middle East and is among the few RAF units to see W combat against German, Italian, Vichy French and Japanese forces. When combined with WWI actions, the squadron was awarded no less than 14 Battle Honours, whilst post war 45 supported the Malaysian Emergency. The unit was both disbanded then reformed in 1992 and today the new No. 45(R) Squadron serves at RAF Cranwell, operating the Embraer Phenom T1s (see final pic).
Our crest is a fine example, surmounted by a gilt Kings Crown, with the badge itself appearing to be hand painted and protected behind a Perspex panel, with the squadron motto below. The badge is attached to an oak hardwood shield that incorporates a recessed brass wall hanger to the back. It measures an impressive 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) and other than minor age related wear is in remarkably good original condition. A very fine period plaque to a very famous squadron. With the festive season approaching would be an excellent stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life.
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| 20 MM Hispano-Suiza Trench Art Lighter - A very fine example of WWII trench art, crafted from an inert 20mm cannon shell. At the start of World War II, British fighters were equipped with Browning machine guns firing.303 ammunition, but it quickly became apparent that these rounds were too light to ensure serious damage to Luftwaffe aircraft. The introduction of armour further reduced the effectiveness of the rounds and something with more hitting power was urgently requirement. The British turned to the Spanish designed Hispano Suiza HS.404 autocannon that could fire a 20mm round and ball, and high explosive and armour piercing rounds were also available. The Hispano-Suiza subsequently equipped virtually every British fighter aircraft during WWII and after some early teething troubles it proved to be an extremely effective weapon and was used in the Spitfire, Hurricane, Typhoon, Tempest, Mosquito, Whirlwind, Beaufighter and others
Our example is threaded and attached to a handcrafted polished oak base. On removal we discovered, and as illustrated here, that it dates from 1942 and is also marked 20 MM and carries a manufacturers mark 'BBC'. There has been some debate as to whether this refers to the British 'Barking Brassware Company' or the American 'Bridgeport Brass Company' from Connecticut. The pundits largely agree it was the latter who produced this example and the company supplied millions of these rounds for both the USA and the UK under the "lend lease" agreement.
The lighter within the body of this example is acessed by sliding off the deactivated head, that reveals the flint strike and wick lighting arrangement. We have not tried to replace the flint, wick or fuel but see no reason why it would not still work as intended. We will however leave any decision on that to the new owner, so is offered for sale here as a very fine display item and as a memorial to the unknown fitter who crafted this piece 80 odd years ago. Measures fully assembled 8.25" (21 cm)
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| 600 'City of London' Squadron Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. 600 City of London Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force is a squadron of the RAF Reserve and really needs no introduction. It was formed in 1925 and originally intended to operate both in the day and night role. However, the squadron soon adapted to the night fighters and was one of the first units to use Airborne Interception radar. The Squadron served throughout the Battle of Britain, flying from Manston & Hornchurch and won battle honours for Home defence (1940–42), France and Low Countries (1940), The Battle of Britain (1940), North Africa (1942–43), Sicily (1943),Italy (1943–45), and Salerno, Anzio, Nettuno, the Gustav Line and the Gothic Line. They operated the Blenheim, Beaufighter, and Mosquito in WWII and at wars end, when 600 was disbanded, it was declared the highest scoring night fighter squadron in the RAF, as detailed in our final image attached. Post war, with the reactivation of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, 600 was reformed on 10th May 1946 at Biggin Hill as a day fighter squadron. It was initially equipped with Spitfires followed by Meteors. It was disbanded again on 10th March 1957, but was reformed on 1st October 1999 to provide basic and professional training to part-time reservists in a variety of RAF ground trades.
600 is the only squadron in the RAF to have two official badges, one (as here) featuring the City of London crest and is called "The Dustcart Crest" as the badge is found on all vehicles operated by the Corporation of The City of London! The second badge is called "The Moon and Paperknife". The design was decided on when the Sqn was based in N Africa and represents the Squadron's role as a Night Fighter unit at that time. Post war, on the reformation of the Sqn at Biggin Hill as a day fighter Sqn the Officers reverted to the original crest. This was unofficial until the then CO, spoke to the Honorary Air Commodore about it. She replied that she would "Have a word with her husband about it". As our HAC was HM Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen 's Mother), and her husband was King George VI, and the authorisation of the second badge quickly followed. The squadrons motto is "Praeter Sescentos" which appropriately translates to "More than six hundred" and reading the synopsis above it seems entirely appropriate!
We have only ever had one other 600 Squadron plaque that sold very quickly to a US collector. This one is an even nicer example, so grab the opportunity to add it to you collection whilst you can. The RAF eagle, the City of London Crest and the scroll below all stand out in relief from the oak shield, that carries a recessed wall hanger to the back. It remains in excellent original condition, with just minor age-related wear, as to be expected. It measures an impressive 10" x 6.75" (25 cm x 17 cm)
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| RFC/RAF Vickers Vimy Generator Propeller - A very fine example from my own collection and we are indebted to the ever helpful Col Bob Gardener for his assistance with identification. He confirmed this prop "was designed by the Royal Aircraft Factory and is likely to date from the second half of 1917. It powered a generator which delivered upto 500 Watts and was typically used on large bomber aircraft such as the Vickers Vimy and the Handley Page O/400. The A. I. D stamp on the hub is for the Aeronautical Inspection Department and its presence is proof of airworthiness. H453 indicates one particular inspector, who inspected on behalf of the Royal Aircraft Factory at W. D. Oddy & Sons of Leeds who were the manufacturers, from 1917-1925. The number T28153 is the drawing number where the letter 'T' indicates the Royal Aircraft Factory, who designed it. The hub also carries the makers name, 500 Watts and a War Department/RFC property mark of an A (for Aviation) above a Broad arrow property mark".
The Handley Page 0/400 Bomber (also known as the Bloody Paralyser), first flew in 1915 whilst the Vimy was delivered to the RAF from October 1918, so just too late to see operational use in World War One. John Alcock & Arthur Brown of course selected the Vimy for their record breaking pioneering flight across the Atlantic in 1919, due to it being the only reliable twin engine aircraft available at the time.
This fine survivor, dating from the early days of aviation, is made from laminated hardwood with a with a bronze or brass central boss and remains in excellent condition, but showing signs of light operational use. It would be hard to find a nicer example and of course benefits from being fully identified, that is not often the case. It measures 19" tip to tip (48 cm)
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| RAF Type 48 Magnetic Oxygen Mask Microphone - A standard WWII example of the type fitted to the E, E* and G pattern oxygen masks. It carries an embossed stores reference code 10A/12570 to the face plate, whilst the microphone switch is marked 'On' and 'Off'. The instrument is wired up with a wartime specification flecked short cord and a two pin female connector to plug into an internally wired RAF C, D or E pattern flying helmet. A near identical example is shown on page 46 top left of Mick Prodger's excellent Luftwaffe V RAF Flight clothing book. We discovered a small quantity of these in a forgotten warehouse and these appear to never have been issued. Other than minor age related storage marks they are in near perfect condition and the rubber parts are not perished, as is often the case. Interestingly the box in which this example was discovered has written outside 'checked 30/6/44' and below a further check date of 22/11/44. Like all our kit this is for sale as a collectable but we would not be surprised if this is not still in good working order -despite the passing of nearly 80 years! The final picture shows and identical example fitted to a wartime G mask but this listing is for the microphone only. A 10% discount can be offered for a single purchase of x2 or more, whilst stocks remain.
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| RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad and Navigators Protractor Grid Square - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboards note pads were developed in the early days of aviation and used during WWI for use by the Royal Flying Corps and continued in RAF service up until the present day, where the note pad becomes an integral part of the fast jet aircrew flying suit. This example, whilst not dated is of the WWII pattern. The front of the board has a note pad marked RAFForm 433; interestingly it is stamped 2/52 so despite its wartime origins it appears this example was still in use with the RAF in the 1950s. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts, as shown in our attached pictures.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, carries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. One has a small section missing, as shown, but otherwise they remain soft and supple. These are secured by a pair of quick release Bennett's buckles, marked accordingly and of the same pattern used on RAF 'B' and early 'C' flying helmets. Although not marked the Air Ministry nomenclature for this item is Stores Ref No 6F/171, with the prefix code 6F covering'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
Included with this lot is a Navigators Protractor Grid Square marked 'Airtour. This would appear to be a civilian origin as it is marked 'Airtour Flight Group'. These simple devices were an essential tool of navigators, both civilian and military, before the introduction of electronic aids such as GPS. The knee board measures 10" x 6" (25 cm x 15 cm) and the protractor 5" x 5" (13 cm x 13 cm)
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| DH Tiger Moth Wheel Cover and back plate - The iconic de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth was designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and built by the de Havilland Aircraft Company and first flew in October 1931. It was operated by the Royal Air Force and others as a primary training aircraft in WWII and beyond and was not retired from RAF service until 1959. A total of 8,868 were built and many remain in airworthy condition and are enjoyed by private aviators worldwide.
On offer today is a single resin wheel cover that carries the famous De Havilland Aircraft Company'DH logo, as well as a part nos REF 200 D. H. O. The reverse is stamped with what we assume to be the makers mark 'Veteranfly, Sweden, PL88'. The wheel cover is accompanied by a metal backplate that carries various DH part numbers, as detailed in our accompanying photographs. The wheel cover is 8.5" diameter (21.5 cm) and the back plate is 6.5" (16.5 cm).The final picture attached shows a Tiger Moth about to depart Popham airfield, fitted with a similar wheel cover, stylishly picked out in red and white paint. Ours would benefit from similar artistic attention to bring it up to display standards but we will leave that to the news owner. As well as appealing to the collectors market we imagine, subject to the necessary checks, this could well be an airworthy item, if you just happen to have a DH. 82 under restoration in your back garden?
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| R. N. A. S. Haldon Clock Presented to Lt F. C. Muir R. N. V. R. - Here we have a very fine Art Deco Smith's Electric Clock which was presented by his fellow Officers to the recipient on the occasion of his wedding in WWII. It carries a fine solid silver hallmarked plaque to the top indicating the maker was 'RP' who we believe to be Robert Pringle of London. It also carries a London assay mark and a date letter for 1937. The plaque is a finely engraved and reads:- 'Presented to Lieut & Mrs F. C. Muir on the occasion of their marriage by 794 Squadron & Personnel of R. N. A. S Haldon 3rd January 1942.
We have been able to trace Lt Muir and as an Acting Sub Lieutenant he was serving with R. N. V. R. 794 Squadron in August 1940. The airfield, situated in Devon inland from Dawlish and Teignmouth, was initially used in WWII by the RAF the Research Development Flight, from RAF Boscombe Down, engaged in developing balloon cable cutters and airfield rocket defences. The airfield was transferred to the Admiralty in August 1941 and the main role for RNAS Haldon was that of a relief landing ground and a refuelling stop for Air Towed Target aircraft. Detachments from RNAS Yeovilton frequented the station operating over the Lyme Bay live firing ranges. Aircraft types included Defiant, Skua, Swordfish, & Spitfire. On December 31st 1942 the station lost its commissioned name and it was reduced to Care & Maintenance status in May 1943. The Admiralty officially closed and paid off RNAS Haldon on February 17th 1946 and the Gilding School left for Exeter in June 1946 and was the last military flying unit to operate from the site.
The clock was clearly a quality piece in its day and was made by Smiths Electric Clocks Ltd of Cricklewood London. The hands are adjusted from the rear and it would have originally operated on a mains 200/250 volts connection. The mains cord is now absent and whilst subject to professional checks it may be possible to get functioning again it is for sale here purely as an historic art deco and R. N. A. S collectable from an often overlooked Devon air station of WWII.
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| RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West - A very fine second-hand reproduction of the classic lifejacket of WWII. Introduced in 1941 this jacket incorporated many improvements over its Battle of Britain predecessor, the 1932 pattern, that included gas as well as oral inflation and above all it was produced in a colour that was more easily spotted when adrift and alone at sea! This jacket is the Rolls Royce of reproductions with every detail successfully replicating the original, even down to the style of the later pattern Lightning zip, to access the neck the kapok.
This one being in used condition has just the right amount of soiling associated with the original - check out the last photograph in our listing to compare. We initially thought the hand painted artwork represented an Irish shamrock, so ideal if you wish to recreate the look of the Irish ace Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane, the most highly decorated pilot during the early years of World War II. However, we believe it actually represents a four-leaf clover, synonymous with good luck. Either way this jacket has that' lived in' look that is normally lacking with factory fresh replicas. It comes complete with three correct specification and AM marked kapoks as well as an original later pattern plastic Mae West whistle; by repute these were introduced during the war to supersede the snail type metal whistle, as in extreme cold these were known to freeze to the user's lips. This example, like so many of this pattern, is somewhat distorted and no longer functions, but remains a perfect and authentic accessory. The vest lacks an inflation bladder but one could be added; in the meantime, a very convincing tube provides a far cheaper alternative. It also features a replica dye strip, as well as a pouch to carry the floating lamp and battery pack, as well as authentic style buttons, canvas grab handles and leg straps. Inside the jacket the fabric is very clean and the authentic look is completed with a sewn in fabric label featuring a Kings crown, stores reference nos 22C/448 (indicating the largest size) and makers details H. J. N & Co.
Currently original '41 pattern Mae West can command prices of up to a £1,000 price tag. Ours provides a far more economical alternative and works equally well in an RAF collection, on a mannequin display or, as the last owner, for convincing re-enactment purposes.
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| WWII RAF Pistol Lanyard - Another item from the same source as the shoulder and webbing holsters we have listed today. This was issued in WWII to a pathfinder Observer/Navigator who completed two full tours of duty and came direct from his family. These genuine WWII issued lanyard are becoming increasingly scarce now and is finished in RAF blue mohair cord and features a sliding knot to fit around the wearer neck and a fixed knot to attach to the service pistol. RAF aircrew flying over enemy territory could carry a sidearm, that would be for personal protection if the worst should happen and they came down in enemy territory. Paragraph 2566 of Kings Regs states 'Every officer, subject to clause 2, will be entitled to be issued with on demand one Colt automatic pistol or pistol revolver no2, Mk I (.38") for his personal use'. Our illustrative images include one of an RFC veteran serving again in WWII pictured in the summer of 1940, showing the correct usage of the lanyard whilst the final picture shows another, which does not exactly conform to King Regs! The lanyard shows signs of minor service usage but generally a very crisp and original example.
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| RAF 1937 Pattern Webbing Belt and Holster Set - This set came to us from the same family source as the shoulder holster that we have also recently listed. It comprises standard issue webbing but it would appear the theatre made holster was found more appropriate for aircrew duties by the owner. 1937 pattern webbing equipment was adopted by the RAF sometimes in 1941 and replaced the earlier 1925 pattern. It was made to the same specification as the Army issue sets, with the only difference it was issued in blue grey rather than khaki. The new webbing was compatible with the earlier design and the two sets continued to be worn interchangeably for many years. The holster viewed from the front looked identical in both patterns but on the back the later model, as well as the two double hooks that are provided for attachment to the waistbelt, it had a similar hook is fitted horizontally at the top for connecting to the ammunition pouch, absent on this example.
RAF aircrew flying over enemy territory could carry a sidearm, that would be for personal protection if the worst should happen and they came down in enemy territory. Paragraph 2566 of Kings Regs states 'Every officer, subject to clause 2, will be entitled to be issued with on demand one Colt automatic pistol or pistol revolver no2, Mk I (.38") for his personal use'. These weapons were designed to be carried in the 37-pattern webbing holster, as offered here. The mounting procedure for the holster was set out in Drill Instructions and was worn on the left, and to ensure thew weapons safety was attached to the wearer by a lanyard worn around the neck (see our separate listing) or under the shoulder epaulets by pilots or RAF personal when armed. We attach a range of pictures of the set, as well as a drawing of the correct usage of the webbing in aircrew use, based on an actual photograph of Flt/Sgt Frank Nutkins of 180 Sqd.
The set includes a standard '37 pattern belt and holster whilst also including webbing cross straps and brace attachments. The current condition is just as it was when it came to us. The nomenclature details of the holster are now largely faded but we believe the manufacturing date is 1943. The shoulder straps and braces carry various stamps as well as an RAF service number. We have left the brass work as the set came in, but for a small additional consideration we could have this buffed to parade ground standards if required. Wartime webbing is becoming increasingly hard to find and this Pathfinder issued set, that was all issued to one man, makes it particularly collectable.
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| WWII RAFVR Lapel Badge - The RAF Volunteer Reserve was formed in July 1936 to provide individuals to supplement the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. The purpose was to provide a reserve of aircrew to draw upon in the event of war. When the Second World War broke out in September 1939 the RAFVR comprised 6,646 pilots, 1,625 observers/navigators and 1,946 wireless operators. During the war, the Air Ministry used the RAFVR as the principal means of entry for aircrew to serve with the RAF. All those called up for Air Force Service with the RAF, both commissioned officers and other ranks, did so as members of the RAFVR under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939.
This particular badge, which is numbered on the back with the official Air Ministry number 14921, was issued to a volunteer who served as a Navigator and completed two tours of duty with Bomber Command, the second with an elite Pathfinder Squadron and beat the odds and survived the war. These badges were made by the Royal Mint and were issued to those accepted for service in the RAF, but who were awaiting call up. Worn on the lapel of civilian clothes, to show others they were doing their bit and were not avoiding "doing their bit" for the war effort.
This is a fine wartime example that came directly from the original owners family and remains in superb original condition and retaining original buttonhole fitting. Measures c. 1" (2.5 cm) tall.
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| RAF Navigators Brevet - This example came direct from the family and was worn during WWII, when the owner completed 2 full tours with Bomber Command, the second with an elite pathfinder Squadron. The brevet carries the standard 'N' designation with oatmeal coloured thread. It shows signs where it has been unpicked from a uniform but remains in excellent issued condition. Wartime navigators were responsible for keeping the aircraft on course at all times, reaching the target and then getting the crew safely back to the home base. He had to maintain a high level of concentration for virtually the whole of the flight, which could be up to seven hours, and most with very rudimentary navigational aids. To do this over two complete tours indicates skills of exceptional order - and more than a fair amount of good luck!
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| RAF Theatre Made Shoulder Holster - Shoulder holsters are comparatively unusual in British military service with most handguns being carried on the hip. RAF aircrew flying over enemy territory could carry a sidearm (but many, if not most, chose not to do so) that would be for personal protection if the worst should happen and they came down in enemy territory. Paragraph 2566 of Kings Regs states 'Every officer, subject to clause 2, will be entitled to be issued with on demand one Colt automatic pistol or pistol revolver no2, Mk I (.38") for his personal use'. These weapons were designed to be carried in the 37 pattern webbing holster, but this was not practical for aircrew and needed to be out of the way when flying, so as not to interfere with the operation of the aircraft. Whilst post war the RAF have sourced custom made aircrew shoulder holsters we are not aware of such kit being issued in WWII, but with this prelude this leads us nicely into describing the item we are now listing.
Made from blue canvas this shoulder holster is clearly theatre made, probably by the Squadron tailor and came directly from a family source, together with an issue 37 pattern holster set, Navigators brevet and other miscellaneous items. The wartime owner completed two full tours of duty, the second with a Pathfinder Squadron, and it is assumed he had this made up to carry a sidearm during operations. As such it features no nomenclature whatsoever, so we can only speculate on its origins. The inside of the canvas shows wear caused by rubbing, so would appear to have seen operational use. The beige webbing strap is designed to loop over the wearers right shoulder and the holster is then secured in place by cloth ties arround the back. We imagine this would have been worn tucked away beneath Battledress blouse, as the holster has no securing strap to hold the sidearm in place. In a life time of collecting this is the first such example we have seen so represents an extremely scarce piece of aircrew flight equipment and we doubt we will ever find another. My late Fathers BD blouse is clearly not included in the sale and is for illustrative purposes only.
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| Westland Whirlwind XJ 393 Access Panels - On offer are two aluminium panels that were originally fitted to Westland Whirlwind HAR 3, registration A2538 construction number 10A/57 and registration code XJ 393. This aircraft was the original prototype Mk III Whirlwind and first flew on 27th June 1955. She spent most of her active life at Research Establishments (A&AEE, Defford, Pershore), before becoming an RN Instructional Airframe. She was then displayed at the now defunct Torbay Aircraft Museum and was finally scrapped in 1993.
The panels have faded green paint on outside and silver inside and with the aircraft code XJ 393 stencilled to each. Metal parts show some rust and age related staining. The panels fasten to the airframe with metal turn screws and one panel has a canvas pouch to the inside stencilled 'Window Curtain Stowage (empty). We imagine these panels fitted over the crew compartment windows but stand to be corrected on this. If you are a Whirlwind fan or happen to have an old airframe in your back garden these could be just for you! Panel one measures 22 1/2" x 22 1/2" (57 cm x 57 cm) and panel two is 24 1/2" x 23" (62 cm x 23 cm.)
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