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 | RAF Panchromatic Film Container - Stores ref. no. 14B/2496 and clearly marked AM with King's Crown and Day High Speed. While we have not broken the seal, it appears the 24 feet of film is still contained within but we can no longer guarantee it is still suitable for its original purpose! Clearly dated 21.4.45, this is the first example we have had and would display nicely with other wartime RAF photographic equipment. Measures 7" (18 cm)
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| RAF Supermarine Spitfire Photograph Album - very impressive album containing 22 black and white mounted photographs of various marks of the Supermarine Spitfire. The album also contained one further un mounted photograph (shown here on the cover) contained in a plastic folder. On the reverse is ink stamped 'VICKERS ARMSTRONG LTD, SUPERMARINE WORKS, for reprints quote negative no. F299A'. Many of the mounted photographs also contain a number to the front face so we assume these may all be official Vickers Armstrong press and publicity images. Various marks are covered including a fine shot of the prototype K 5054 in flight. Another emotive (and seasonal) shot shows a Spit parked up at dispersal against a snowy airfield with another taxing in. Another image shows Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXC, UZ-Z of No. 306 (Polish) Squadron taken on a press day at Northolt on 16 November 1942. The aircraft is equipped with 30 gallon slipper tank, which by that time was becoming a common attribute of Spitfire operations over the continent. BS456 was usually flown by Jozef Zulikowski's and interestingly close examination of the photo reveals a round dot over the individual letter "Z";his was no coincidence, but conformed with Polish spelling of Zulikowski's name which in Polish script the Z has a dot over it. It is known from other photographs from that day that the same letter was repeated in black on the aircraft's lower nose under the spinner. Another photograph we have identified features Spitfire PR Mk XI, EN654, actually being flown by Jeffrey Quill, Vickers-Supermarine's Chief Test Pilot. This aircraft later operated with No. 16 Squadron RAF, and in June 1945 was specially modified as a mail carrier for service with the Fighter Command Communications. We will leave further research to the new owner but a wonderful album for anyone with an interest in the Supermarine Spitfire. The album carries one photograph to a page, each measuring 5.5" x 3.5" (14 cm x 9 cm) The final 6 pages are blank. The album has a blue leatherette cover with matching blue tassels and carries a brass RAF crest to the front cover. All in excellent condition. The album closed measures 13" x 8.5" (32 cm x 22 cm)
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| RAF Aircrew Emergency Whistle - WWII, clearly stamped with King's Crown, AM, 23/230 and on reverse 293/14/L1795. Minor wear to chrome, but overall nice original condition and good working order!
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| RAF Ditching Whistle - This vital tool was issued to all aircrew in WWII and often attached to the battle dress collar or to the Mae West life jacket to be used for attracting attention in a crash situation. Crisply marked with AM, King' Crown and 23/230. On the reverse is marked 93/14/L1795. Chrome in good overall condition and full working order!
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| RAF Aircrew Ditching Whistle - Manufactured by J Hudson & Co., Birmingham. Less commonly found than the snail pattern, these whistles were used by wartime aircrew as an essential rescue aid, particularly after ditching at sea. Period photos show these hanging from the 1941 pattern Mae West life jackets or the collar of battledress aircrew blouses. Condition of this example is close to mint with no wear to the chromed brass body. Crisp Air Ministry King's Crown and A.M. markings with reference numbers 293/W/102. This is an early war example which was subsequently replaced by a white plastic economy version which is was hoped would prevent the whistle freezing to the lips in extreme cold. Measures 3.5" (8 cm)
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| Supermarine Spitfire Tail Wheel - Unlike many wheels offered for sale and listed as 'ex Spitfire' this one really is! It was discovered in south west England and the hub was somewhat corroded when purchased having apparently lain out in the open for many years. The technical team here at the Oldnautibits HQ have spent some time working on it and after some gentle cleaning and polishing it is now in very decent display condition. The design appeared to match the classic Spitfire wheel but we were pleased to discover, once the years of crud were removed, the all important drawing number AH 2184 embossed on both sides of the rim. It also has various other marks including Serial Nos F/72254 and near centre on the inner hub AHO 726. The tyre and inner tube are still fitted ; the tube even retains the original brass dust cover. The tyre is marked 3x4 and ZA5 as well as 'Eclectically Conducting'. Both tyre and hub show service and age wear but still in excellent display condition although it will never be airworthy again! Diameter is 10" (25 cm) so a very good display size compared with the Mosquito tail wheel we sold a while back! Sadly any provenance has been lost down the years but this remains an emotive item and guaranteed to be from a Spitfire -arguably the most famous aircraft in history. Rather more sensibly priced than the example that recently sold on e bay for in excess of £200 and £400!
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| Air Ministry Issue Oldham Head Torch - This is the second example of an RAF issue head torch we are listing today. This one comes complete with its original issue storage case which is named on the hinge to the original owner W.T.Dafle but judging by the condition it appears to be virtually unused. Oldham & Son Ltd. Denton Manchester were established in 1865 and by 1887 began to manufacture machinery and equipment for coal mining, which included battery-powered miners' lamps. It appears this Air Ministry head lamp may have evolved from Oldham's earlier work on mining lamps. The metal battery box is marked with the company name and further embossed 'Battery Container Ref 5A/1968' with a Kings Crown and A.M. Unlike the other example this one is also marked CW.The box has a belt clip and hanging hook to the rear and is switched. This is connected to the head lamp via a cable. The wire has minor wear to one section of insulation caused by long storage in the box. The transit case carries an elasticated strap to enable the lamp to be attached to the head (or helmet) to leave both hands free for more important work. The strap is stamped Ref 5A/1969 and again AM and a Kings Crown. Other than minor rust to metal clips it is close to mint and probably never used. The lamp fitting on this example is to a different pattern to the other and is finished in chrome. These units would have been issued on RAF stations in WWII and would have been used by a variety of aircraftsmen including mechanics, armourers or anyone working at night who needed to keep his (or her) hands free. We have assumed these units were for ground crew use only although it seems possible they may have also been used by aircrew. We have never seen a boxed example of this lamp before and is an interesting variant on the other example listed today we have no idea if it still functions so like all the kit on offer is offered for sale for display purposes only
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| RAF Chart Board Lamp - Another fine Air Ministry lamp we are listing today. This again appears to be in mint unissued condition. These lamps come with an integral bulldog clip to enable them to be fixed in the navigators position to light the navigational maps. It is fitted with a dimmer switch (stamped 5C/726) which in turn has the original cable and plug attached (marked with Kings Crown and ref 5C/959) to connect to the aircrafts 24 volt electrical system. The lamp itself is profusely marked including a crisp Kings Crown and 'Chart Board Lamp'. The angle of the lamp shade is fully adjustable to ensue the light is directed where it is required rather than where it was not! This pattern was used on a variety of RAF bombers including the Lancaster, Halifax, Wellington and others. These are becoming increasingly difficult to find now and they don't often turn up in mint condition like this fine example. We have nothing to test it on here although with the correct power supply we suspect it would work as intended but like all our kit for sale here as a collectors item. It even comes with a spare bulb!
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| Air Ministry Issue Oldham Head Torch - Oldham & Son Ltd. Denton Manchester were established in 1865 and by 1887 began to manufacture machinery and equipment for coal mining, which included battery-powered miners' lamps. It appears this Air Ministry head lamp may have evolved from Oldham's earlier work on mining lamps. The metal battery box is marked with the company name and further embossed 'Battery Container Ref 5A/1968' with a Kings Crown and A.M. The box has a belt clip and hanging hook to the rear and is switched. This is connected to the head lamp via a cable and the lamp carries an elasticated strap (now somewhat stretched) to enable it to be attached to the head (or helmet) to leave both hands free for more important work. The strap is stamped Ref 5A/1969 and again AM and a Kings Crown. These units would have been issued on RAF stations in WWII and would have been used by a variety of aircraftsmen including mechanics, armourers or anyone working at night who needed to keep his (or her) hands free. We have assumed these units were for ground crew use only although it seems possible they may have also been used by aircrew. In remarkably good issued condition although we have no idea if it still functions so like all the kit on offer is offered for sale for display purposes only
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| RAF Christmas Military Airgraph - This is an early form of fax enabling servicemen to send special greetings to loved ones in WWII. This example dated 10/11/42 (the sender was not taking any chances on wartime Christmas mail-nothing changes! and was sent by LAC D.Ashburner who was with 119 Maintenance Unit RAF serving with Persian and Iraq Forces. The Airgraph, which is stamped 'authorised by the Egyptian Postal Administration' is addressed to Miss Dorthea Morton living in Cannock, Staffordshire, England. The message reads simply'Christmas Greetings. You are still in my thoughts always ' and is signed Douglas xxxxxx. The image is of a square rigged vessel under full sail. The message has been checked and stamped by the RAF censor and we hope it was successfully delivered to the recipient 73 years ago. We also hope LAC Douglas Morton safely returned at war's end to his sweetheart in Cannock. Nicely framed for display and would make an ideal and unique Christmas present for RAF collector in your life! This is an original items and not a reprint or copy. Measures 8.75" x 6.75" (22 cm x17 cm.)
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| Mk II First Aid Pack for Air Crews - These packs were exclusively issued for aircrew use in WWII and were designed to be carried in their service dress or battledress uniform or in a pocket in the Sidcot flying suit. The pack is made from waterproof rubberised canvas and as well as containing standard field dressing items it also contains a specialist medical kit primarily intended for treating burns. A full list of the contents is printed on both sides of the pack as well as basic opening and usage instructions. The pack is also stamped with a red cross, an AM and a Kings Crown. This is a scarce early Mk II set and unusually it has never been opened, so will contain its full contents as issued. The pack is in good display condition but one side has very slight staining and the reverse (not shown in our photograph) is partially faded perhaps due to exposure to the sun. These are getting increasingly hard to find in any condition and would make a good addition to an RAF collection. Clearly for sale as a display item only and contents definitely no longer for us! Measures 6.25" x6.25" (16 cm x 16 cm)
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| FAA C Type Flying Helmet - The Fleet Air Arm variant of the standard C type helmet remains one of my favourites. Often mistaken for the B type it features the classic zip ear receiver cups and has the facility for Gosport tubes to be fitted as well for use for talk between crew members on aircraft such as the Swordfish. This example is the second pattern internally wired helmet and is fully wired with 10A/13466 pattern receivers fitted as well as a near mint loom and bell jack plug. Both receiver zips carry the original leather pull tab and are in good working order. Receiver foams are not fitted but could be added to this helmet to give the cups a better shape The helmet shell leather is generally sound with minor lifting to the finish on the rear of the helmet. All snaps are in working order and the oxygen mask clip is in place to take E*, G or H pattern oxygen masks. The shell carries a crisp broad arrow property mark and 22C.NIV stamp. Inside the lining is equally clean with signs of light use only. The velvet brow pad is in perfect condition. Whilst no size is marked the helmet seems to be a roomy 4 so a real bonus to find a scarce large size. The elastic chin strap is a little distorted but still displays well. Whilst not mint this is a great example of an issued helmet and would sit happily in any collection. More detailed pictures are available on request.
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| RAF Aircraft Teardrop Identification Lamp - Dating from WWII these lamps were mounted on a variety of RAF aircraft including all marks of Spitfire where it was fitted directly behind the canopy aft of the aerial mast. The technical description for it is 'upward Identification lamp' and is fitted with a clear teardrop shaped lens hence its more common name. The lamp body is nicely stamped with an AM and kings Crown and the stores reference number 5C/909. No bulb is fitted and whilst sold as a collectable we see no reason, subject to normal checks, that it could be used as intended. The unit is in excellent original condition with just minor storage marks to the paint. Measures 5" (11 cm)`
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| RAF B Type Flying Helmet - The standard flying helmet of the RAF in the early part of WWII including the Battle of Britain the pattern was first issued in 1935 and remained current until replaced by the C type in late 1941. This example is in virtually un issued condition and other than a small amount of paint run on the oxygen mask snaps is mint. Often overlooked by collectors this helmet is without the characteristic domed receiver cups but is actually how it would have been issued with the receiver cups (stores reference 22C/66) being fitted by the station tailor to suit the wearers head requirements. That being said B helmets were also used in this configuration for training purposes when communications were not required. The leather shell is still soft and all the seams are tight. The chin and back adjuster straps are finished in an unusual burgundy leather; the chin strap chrome tip is still in place. The Bennett buckles are perfect with no damage to the leather coverings. Inside the condition is mint. The helmet has a makers label in the crown indicating the helmet is a size 1 (6 1/2-6 3/4) and as well as a kings Crown and A.M. It also carries stores reference nos 22C/65 and was made by Frank Bryan Ltd of London and Worcester. The helmet is dated 1939; later production examples omitted the manufacturers details and location as this would provide unwelcome attention from the Luftwaffe! The lining is also ink stamped B2 as well as a further AM and Kings Crown The velvet brow and strap linings are again mint. Whilst the variant with the classic bulbous receiver cups gets all the glory serious collections should also feature this variant and this one certainly satisfies the maxim 'buy the best example you can afford'!
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OC382 
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| Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps A good used example of the 4th edition published in 1962 by Ian Allan and compiled by John W.R.Taylor. It is appropriate to be listing this copy now as it features a fine period picture of an Avro Vulcan on the cover and it is this month (October 2015) that Vulcan XH558 will be making her last ever flight, 62 years after her first! Opening the pages of this booklet is like going back in time. It goes into some detail of how the RAF and was organised over 50 years ago and details the aircraft they operated then. It covers the various commands, training, methods of entry, aircraft colours and a section on ranks, badges and insignia. This in turn leads onto a wealth of black and white photographs of the aircraft operated at that time and leading off with the Avro Vulcan which first flew on 3rd September 1953. It concludes with a tantalising glimpse of the Hawker P.1127 vertical take off strike fighter which went on to serve with distinction as the Harrier. Less satisfactory is a mention of the Vickers/English Electric TSR-2 bomber which 'will combine Mach 2 performance with the ability to operate from very short airstrips'.Or not. The back cover featured an advertisement for Airfix model aircraft which back in 1962 I was a prime customer! 64 pages of nostalgia at a very modest price!
Pages: 64
Cover: Soft
Author: J.W.R.Taylor
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| RAF Issue Mk III Flying Goggles - On offer are a very fine set of increasingly scarce and desirable Air Ministry issue Mk III goggles stores reference 22C/69. This set I have owned in my own collection since 2010 but as I have another pair I am now letting these go. They are rather special in that they came in their own rubberised canvas case made from the same material used for escape map pouches. We have no idea if this was an issue case or just something the owner used to pop them into when not in use. Either way it is named to G.B.Butterwick who we surmise was the chap these were originally issued to. They did not come with any history and we have been unable to ID him although we did locate a chap with same name and initials who flew with the R.F.C. in WWI. The goggles are way above the average and meet or exceed the collectors maxim 'buy the best example you can afford'.Interestingly they are fitted with light blue turquoise tinted lenses. I checked with Mick Prodger when I bought them and he has seen this specification before and confirms there is reference to 'tinted lenses' in the relevant AP's so a super rare variant of the pattern. The Perspex lenses are excellent although they do have some scratches which was a design fault with this pattern and the 111A's. Leather parts are all good. Only issue is the inner padding is dried and hard as normal but seems to be a standard fault with every pair of these we have seen. The folding hinge and hinge stops are all good. Most of the black paint is in place on the brass frames with just minor age rub. All four screws are original and in place. The nose cover is excellent with hardly any scuffs on the face pad leather and they have clearly been looked after. The back strap is exceptional and canvas spring covers are mint and the springs function perfectly. The leather part of the back strap is perfect as well as are the metal fittings with no rust of corrosion. The friction adjust buckle is stamped WILL NOT RUST and despite the passing years this is true! The back strap is fully stamped with A Crown M REF 22C/69 and on line below :Goggles Mk III CL * 6925/39/CL.So no doubt these are British Air Ministry issued not the more common and less desirable RCAF version which mainly seem to turn up these days. The Mk III entered service in 1935 and intended for open cockpit use. The 111A came in in 1936 and designed for closed cockpit but clearly they did not supersede Mk III's as these carry a 1939 date code. Grab them whilst you can as they won't be with us for long!
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| RAF Dinghy Seat Pack Type A Mk 3* - stores reference 27C/2445 and designed to carry the single-man fighter pilot Type K dinghy which was carried folded within the pack attached to the seat type parachute in place of the usual Sorbo rubber seat cushion. The Mk III* pack was identical to the earlier Mk II but with the addition of an external pouch to house the emergency bail out bottle which was introduced in April 1944. Manufactured in heavy olive drab cotton canvas, broadly rectangular in shape with a separate cover attached with press-studs which are all in mint condition. These packs have internal stowage pockets to house the accessories not carried within the dinghy itself; this example is empty of contents. The exterior of the pack carries a multi-lingual label stitched to the cover with basic operating instructions in English, French, Czech and Polish. The pack is complete with lanyard and quick release connectors to attach to the '41 pattern Mae West. The whole set is in virtually mint faultless condition and would be impossible to improve upon and would certainly match the collectors maxim to 'buy the best you can afford.' Please check out the K dinghy mast and sail as well as the emergency rubber water cushion and inflator which we are also listing today and which would have been originally stored within a similar pack.
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OC381
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| The RAF 'GEN BOOK'
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Here, at Oldnautibits HQ, we get to see all sorts of items and this little booklet entitled "The RAF Gen Book of Service Slang", has caused us much amusement!
We understand that the book was compiled by Ernest L. Howard-Williams, who used the pseudonym "HW" - "HW" was a serving WWII RAF Officer when he compiled the book. The inside cover is named to "D. Billingham - Xmas 1945". The book contains an alphabetical guide to WWII RAF slang, together with a range of cartoons that illustrate the meaning of many of the expressions.
What makes this copy rather special is someone, perhaps D.Billingham himself, has hand coloured all the illustrations. In addition, in the "gen" listings he has added in pencil some more of his own like "Twilight.... See Passion Killers", which are also featured in one of the cartoons! Another addition is Penguin - a rank without wings, or in other words non aircrew personnel. Other examples are a "Fizzer", who was a good looking girl, or a perfect landing, a "Target for Tonight" is a girlfriend, a "Devil Dodger" is the RAF Chaplin. Confusingly, both "Blackouts" and "Passion Killers" are WAAF's knickers! A "Jeep" is apparently a local girl, or a small runabout, or possibly both?
This paperback booklet shows some wear commensurate with age, but generally very good and, as we have said, has caused a lot of amusement here in the Oldnautibits HQ! With the festive season on us before very long, this would be an excellent unique stocking filler at a modest price. Click the cycling images above, to see the Slideshow
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Pages: 32
Cover: Soft
Author: Ernest L. Howard-Williams,
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| 941 Balloon Squadron Art Deco Presentation Table Lighter - Presentation engraved to base 'From N.C.O's and Airmen of 941 Squadron'. Land at Lightwood in Sheffield was requisitioned by the Air Ministry and was opened on 15 August 1939 to became home to No. 16 Balloon Centre, part of No.33 Barrage Balloon Group, RAF. The Centre comprised three Squadrons: 939 West Riding Sqn, Sheffield West, 940 West Riding Sqn, Rotherham and 941 West Riding Sqn, Sheffield Central. Each squadron had three flights comprising 8 balloons each. 941 Squadron was commanded by S/Ldr R. E. Wilson M.C., assisted by flight commanders: Fl/Lts. N. Harland, A.L. Baker, and R.G.A. Colley. In August 1940, 941 Sqn was disbanded due to a lack of volunteers, with equipment and personnel being transferred to 939 Sqn. In total, the Centre was responsible for 72 balloons for the defence of Sheffield. In 1943, the Lightwood site was renamed RAF Norton. By 1943/44, with the threat of heavy air raids diminishing, most of the balloons were transferred south for the defence of London and the site closed as a balloon centre in late 1944. The lighter is marked to the base 'Foreign Brit. Patent 400888'.From our research this lighter was surprisingly made in Germany by Brevete S.G.D.G. and is model 111, introduced in 1937. It would therefore appear this was exported to Britain pre war and was subsequently purchased and presented to an un named member of 941 Squadron sometime between 1939 and 1941. The Battle of Britain officially ran from July 10th to 31 October 1940 and with Sheffield being the centre of steel production was a hot spot back in the summer of 1940. The lighter appears in good used condition but shows some wear to the silver plate. The mechanism and spark seem to work fine but we have not tested to see if it is fully operational and is therefore for sale a collectable item of scarce barrage balloon memorabilia. The lighter measures 4.0" x 3.5" (10 cm x 9 cm) If you have interest in Barrage Balloon memorabilia please also check out item 5440 in our 'Miscellaneous Aviation' section as this relates to 934 Squadron.
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| Radio USAAF Radio Compass DF Loop LP-21-AK Antennae - This great item comes with interesting provenance. The story associated is that in WWII a small boy was living close to the perimeter of the USAAF base at Grafton Underwood. He became friendly with and was 'adopted' by some of the chaps stationed on the base and like most small boys had a fascination with all aspects of life therein. Over a period of time he acquired a number of souvenirs from obsolete equipment or from aircraft that crashed on or near the base. In early July 1942, the 97th Bombardment Group arrived at Grafton Underwood with 342 and 343rd Squadrons operating the Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress aircraft. The collection of souvenirs we have purchased would seem to relate to this period or later. We understand these antennae were used on a variety of AAF aircraft but because of its association with Grafton Underwood we believe this and other relic parts purchased are all from 'the Flying Fortress.' This item is still in original olive green paintwork which is now showing signs of service use with minor corrosion. The mount and electrical connections are still in place and it is clearly marked Loop LP-21-AM.The underside of the mount carries two male sockets, one engraved PL-108 and the other PL-112. We understand these loop antenna picked up ground based signals that were then fed to the radio compass to enable blind approaches to be made accurately in bad weather. Sadly we have no information of which aircraft this was fitted to but would make an imposing display item in a USAAF related collection. Measures 26" x 16" (66 cm x 41 cm). Please also check out the other relic items we will also be listing, all from the same collection.
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