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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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 | 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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| Luftwaffe Nitsche & Gunther Pattern 'Splinter' Goggles - This model, designated 'Flieger-Splitterschutzbrille', was developed by Dr. Knothe, of the optical firm Nitsche & Gunther and were favoured by Luftwaffe fighter pilots in WWII. Allocated stores refrence nos Fl. Nr30550 these represent the later 3rd pattern, offered in varients 'A' & 'D' and entered service in 1944. The pattern features a moulded black plastic frame, with a hinge arrangement over the nose. They are fitted with slightly tinted convex lenses, that were designed to provide protection from flying splinters and shrapnel, without too much curvature to distort vision.
Original examples of this pattern are now very hard to find and expensive, with good examples retailing at well over the £1,000+ level. Many of the replicas that do appear on the market from time to time originated in the Czech Republic although we are told by our contacts in that country the firm that made them is no longer in business and production has ceased. This may explain why even reproductions are now very scarce. We have no idea of the origins of this set but they have been decently executed but not to the exacting build quality of the original. The hinged frames are in excellent condition and on reverse they are indistinctly marked "NiGuRa", the branding used by the original manufacturers Nitsche and Gunther, Rathenow. This model was issued with clear and tinted lenses (designated 'A' & 'D') and it is our view the tinted variant, as this set, displays well, particularly in conjunction with the 'Netzkopfhaube' flying helmet, shown here with an approriate Luftwaffe winter flying jacket, are for display purposes and this sale is for the goggles alone. The pattern features large ventilation slots around the frame to avoid the lenses steaming up in use and the set is completed with a beige elastic back strap with a metal adjuster.
These goggles, despite being replicas, have none the less become a collector's item in themselves and are getting increasingly hard to find. These represent and an ideal stop gap for a serious collector, for a reenactor or film company which needs authenticity without risking using an original and for a fraction of the price of the real thing. We were advised the last of the Czech production was being offered back in 2012 was priced then at EU 500 so grab a bargain whilst you can!
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| Luftwaffe Parachute Quick Release Buckle - A good semi relic example of the war time Lufwaffe Parachute Harness Quick Release Box (SA-Schloss) as used on WWII aircrew seat and chest parachutes and was also used by German Airborne Fallschirmjager troops. It is clearly engraved to the front plate with "Gurtzeug Ablegen", a directional arrow and below "Drehen, Dann Drücken". Roughly translated these are operating instruction "To Release harness : Turn and push". Further text is engraved on the side of the box reading "Gesichert" meaning "Safe" or "Secured" and "Ensichert" indicating the buckle is "Unlocked". The back is fully stamped and was manufactured by Autoflug Berlin against Fl number 30232 and werk number 2043984. This pattern was used on most Luftwaffe parachute harnesses, including both the seat and chest-type. In service the parachute would have carried four harness attachment buckles, that would have slotted into, and were locked by, the buckle ; these are now absent although we have attached a refrence phtograph to illustrate the set up. We have also included a period operational photograph showing an HE 111 crew, with the Obsever wearing a similar buckle.
This QRB was ground dug here in the UK but sadly the details of the recovery have been lost. It has minor corrosion to the front and back plates and the assembly screws but overall it remains in very good display condition. Interestingly the mechanism is now seized in the "Ensichert" position so it is hoped the wearer survived the incident in which he was clearly involved. It may be possible to free the locking mechanism, but as with all our stock we prefer to leave in 'as found' condition and were it to be able to talk it most certainly would have a story to tell!
Measures 3" x 2.5" (7.5 cm x 6.3 cm)
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| RAF Team Rife Championships Presentation Hip Flask - The Royal Air Force Rifle Association was founded in 1921 with the object, as expressed at the time, of 'promoting interest in small arms shooting for Service purposes by means of individual and collective Competitions. It was renamed in 1946 as the Royal Air Force Small Arms Association. Sadly this one came without any provenance but we are assuming the engraving refers to the RAF Middle East Command where we had a significant presence in the 1930's including Iraq, Palestine and India. The flask has no makers marks but it was clearly presented to the Runners up in an RAF rifle competition back in 1934. The plated metal base cover slides off revealing a glass flask beneath and the top is covered in leather with a viewing slit to check remaining contents. The flask carries a screw top metal stopper and overall it is generally in very sound used condition. Measures 5.6" high (14.5 cm)
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| RAFA Isle of Man Presentation Item - Featuring a wood base surmounted by a brass globe on which is perched a brass eagle with outstretched wings. To one side is an RAF ensign while to the other is the Isle of Man flag. The base carries the Royal Air Force Association scroll and below silvered engraved plaque reading "Presented to the Royal Air Force Association Isle of Man Branch with grateful thanks from all members on the occasion of the Annual Conference Douglas 21/22nd June, 1952. "This item was purchased at auction after the Isle of Man RAFA Club recently closed due to the sadly declining membership. While signs of years of polishing to the plaque and base, it is still readable and the item has a beautiful aged patina. Measures 12" (31 cm) from base to top of flag.
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| RAF Safi Malta Trench- Art Ashtray - Royal Air Force Safi was located on the island of Malta, established in 1941 as a diversion airstrip for the main operating base at RAF Luqa ; a similar diversion airstrip to Safi was located at RAF Krendi.
RAF Safi was constructed at a time when Malta was under intense aerial bombardment (it became the most bombed place on earth in 1942) and Malta's Air Command needed to have alternative diversion airstrips to use as emergency landing grounds. Construction at Safi started in 1941 and the strip became operational in 1942 and was inaugurated by AOC Malta Sir Keith Park and it remained operational throughout the War. Post WWII Safi was reduced in function to become a Maintenance Unit. Today Safi's runway has long gone and the hangars and dispersal area have been extensively redeveloped.
We assume this nicely worked ashtray dates from the WWII period of occupation by the RAF and it features an RAF eagle and below a scale map of Malta and Gozo with the location of RAF Safi clearly marked. We were fortunate to purchase two of these ashtrays, clearly both worked by the same hand. The first sold even before we could list on the website and is now in the collection of one of our regulars back on Malta where it belongs;we don't anticipate its partner will be with us long. Items related to the Air War on Malta are few and far between and this is the first related pair of items we have ever handled relating to RAF Safi, so grab it whilst you can as we are unlikely to find another. Made from a good weight of copper plate the top surface is nicely polished whilst the bottom is 'au naturel'. The ashtray measures 4.75" diameter (12 cm). The final pictures attached show AOC Keith Park, taken at the offoicial opening of RAF Safi, with the ceremony perfomed by Field Marshall Lord Gort VC, Malta's then Govenor.
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| RAF Bomb Release Trigger Button - WWII Air Ministry marked Bomb Aimer's Release switch, with stores reference code 5D/534, complete with original lead that is connected to a type 5J plug stores ref 5D/596. These Trigger Buttons were used as a bomb release mechanism in a number of WWII bombers, including the Avro Lancaster, where it was located on the starboard side of the fuselage in the bomb aimers position in the nose. The firing switch could be modified with the addition of a metal loop that enabled it to be mounted in an interlock firing switch holder and could then not be removed until the bomb load had been fused and so prevented the accidental release of unfused bombs. This switch assembly appears to be in unissued condition with just minor storage marks to the lead. An identical example was sold at auction at the RAF Museum London on 5th March 2022 for £ 552. Ours represents rather better value!
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| Halycon 'Battle of Britain' Mk 8 Flying Goggles - Halycon manufacture probably the most authentic replica of the wartime RAF Mk VIII goggles, although they are somewhat misnamed at this model did not enter service with the RAF until October 1943 - three years after the Battle of Britain! That technicality aside these can be realistically described as 'mint and boxed' and appear to have never been used ;they even come with the original Halcyon users guide and tissue wrapping paper. These are the top specification model and closely match those worn by RAF pilots in WWII and early post war-see our final image attached to compare. Manufactured here in the UK they feature padded brown exterior leather and soft beige leather face pads that are hand stitched onto the solid brass RAF blue painted frames. The goggles carry the traditional angled clear polycarbonate lenses and are completed with a brown elastic backstrap. The chances are your will not be flying a Spitfire or Lancaster these days but they remain the perfect choice if you happen to own a Tiger Moth or for that matter a Norton Commando or a Triumph TR2! For those planning ahead, these would make the ideal stocking filler this Christmas for the aviator or classic bike or car enthusiast in your life!
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