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 | RAF C type Late pattern Flying Helmet - This is a fine example of an early post war helmet. Leather is very soft and retains all its original finish and the snaps are all functioning with most of the paint in place. This is a second pattern internally wired C helmet. These first entered service with the RAF (and allies) in 1944 and was the standard issue helmet for aircrew for the rest of the war and continued post war until the first hard hat helmet was introduced in early 1950's. The receivers are marked with AM (Air Ministry) and a Kings Crown and below 10A/13466. The rubber receiver carriers, often a weak point on these helmets, are very crisp and no degradation at all. The wiring loom is fitted the additional small retaining straps either side of the exit point on the rear of the helmet. A standard bell plug marked 10H/10991 is fitted and like all our stock whilst for sale as a collectable item only we have had the avionics tested and we are told these are all in good working order. The elastic chin strap has a small area of fraying but still retains elasticity. Inside the leather lining is excellent with just minor service wear. Even the inspectors AID approval mark is still visible. The size stamping on this helmet is not clear but believe we can just make out the code 879 stamped in the shell making it a fitting size 3, the second largest size issued. These helmets in this size and condition are getting increasingly hard to find now and this one is well above the average.
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| RAF Very Pistol - These were issued with one-man and multi- place dinghies to enable downed RAF aircrew to attract the attention of passing aircraft or ships. They were also carried by fighter pilots tucked into their flying boots so to hand if required in an emergency. The barrel is numbered 48616 and the pistol cocks and 'fires' with a very positive action. The the grips are in good condition, as is the retracting lanyard loop. This flare gun was in 'live' condition when purchased so we have had it deactivated so can be legally owned in the UK without a fire arms certificate. We also had the detached breach locking spring repaired. These are now getting increasingly hard to find and will make an excellent addition to an RAF collection. An identical example is illustrated in Mick Prodgers excellent reference book 'Luftwaffe V RAF Flying Equipment of the Air War 1939-45' on pages 68 & 69. Measures 8" (20 cm)
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| RAF Irvin Flying Suit Thermally Insulated Trousers - Designed to be worn in conjunction with the insulated RAF flying jacket and much favoured by bomber aircrew in WWII. These flight trousers were made from the same thick pile fleece at the jacket and due to their weight came with attached braces which are often now missing. The button fly and full length original Dot zips (which were so designed to enable the trousers to be removed quickly in the event of a wound) are in perfect condition. The luxurious thick fur lining is in amazing condition although as no label is attached we do not know either the size or date of manufacture but they appear to be large and perfect for a Bomber Command display. The trousers are in much better than average condition with just a couple of minute moth nibbles in the seat area but on display are virtually undetectable.
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| Luftwaffe LKpW101 Winter flying Helmet - A classic of the standard pattern which was introduced into service in 1938 and then served throughout WWII. The brown leather leather shell is in excellent condition and still supple with a lambs wool interior lining which shows some service grub, commensurate with use. The goggle straps are good and the metal buckles and oxygen mask clips show none of the normal tarnishing or rust and are therefore likely to be the early nickel plated examples. The avionics are complete and the helmet is fitted with the early round Mi4C throat microphones coded bxo, an indication this helmet is from early production. This seems to be confirmed by the label that states the makers name Siemens rather than just a manufacturing code used on later production helmets. The helmet is fitted with a long communication cord and four-pole break coupling. A super helmet and and as a final bonus the helmet label is marked 59 making it a scarce large size which would correspond in RAF sizing to a generous size 4. This one certainly ticks all the boxes and whilst not mint and boxed it is a classic example that has most certainly seen some action. It won't be with us long!
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| RNAS Pilots Note and Radio Beacon Flight Board - this example would appear to have been made up in the workshops rather than being an issue item but it exudes charm. The item is made from varnished marine ply and on the from is a sheet of clear Perspex held in place by bulldog clips to allow a note pad or page from a chart to be inserted. The reverse carries a circular diagram to the top with what we believe to be radio beacon codes. Below this is a list of 13 Royal Naval Air Stations with details of their listening channels, identity and 'safe sector' Further information is shown concerning heights as well as a Naval C.G.A Whiskey' legend (Ground Control Approach) And a final reference to 'Fixer Service –Victor' but the meaning of this is lost on me. We suspect no huge age but a nice example of more recent RNAS flight equipment. Measures 11" x 5.5" (28 cm x 14 cm)
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| RAF WWII Floating Dinghy Knife - An excellent example issued as part of the larger multi place H, Q and J type survival dinghies used on multi crew aircraft. Curved stainless steel blade with rounded 'safety' end to avoid inadvertently puncturing the inflation tubes of the dinghy.. The buoyant cork handle and lanyard ensured the knife wouldn't be lost overboard. The blade is in near perfect condition and is marked with stores reference number 27C/2023. The original lanyard is attached and shows some age staining. The knife is complete with leather scabbard and canvas backer, which carries stores reference number 27C/2024. These essential items of emergency equipment are becoming increasingly hard to find
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| RAF Mess Plate - almost certainly dating from WWII and judging by the crude build quality we are assuming it served in the Other Ranks Mess! The rim carries the RAF logo and above a King Crown. On the reverse the makers marks indicate Bristol Established 1683. Some age crazing but generally good issued condition. This plate comes with a sprung wall hanger, if required. Measures 9.5" (24 cm)
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| Leitz Pattern Goggles - We recently bought this set with a small collection of Luftwaffe flight headgear. They are technically general purpose goggles intended for motorized troops but whilst this was their designated use they are seen in period photos being worn by Luftwaffe aircrew and a near identical pair is listed in Anders Skotte's reference book 'Luftwaffe Flight Headgear' where he describes as 'flight goggles'. In appearance they are often confused with Model 306 but when placed alongside they are noticeably smaller in terms of frame and lens size. The rubber cushions are 100% sound and no perishing and the stitching is perfect. The olive green alloy frames have almost all the original olive paint on them. The single screw central nose bar adjuster is marked M.W. and on opposite side is stamped 42 dating them to 1942. The clear glass lenses fitted are exceptional and no fogging or damage. The original grey elastic back strap is fitted with correct adjusters but has lost some elasticity over the years but is fine for display purposes. Below each frame is a slide ventilation adjuster bar and really the only fault is on the right frame the adjuster end has broken off but does not notice or detract from a display point of view. The rubber face pads are stamped 18 and R on one and 28 on the other. All Luftwaffe flight goggles are getting very hard to find now so these represent an excellent alternative at an entry level price.
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| Luftwaffe Armbandkompass Model AK-39 - This example is the first pattern and is complete with original wrist strap. The bezel rotates and has the correct size air bubble in the oil. It is fully stamped on the reverse with manufacturer's detail and Luftwaffe FL Nos. 23235. These compasses were issued to German air crew to aid escape if forced down in enemy territory. This example has been used post war by a Royal Navy helicopter pilot! Now sold as a collector's item, but we are assured it still works as intended.
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| WWII Fighter Aircraft Antenna Radio Mast - This is particularly nice example and clearly untouched since coming out of service. Surprisingly it has no data marks on it to help with an ID but our research indicates this to be a model AN-104-A of the type fitted to the P-51 Mustang. The hardwood body is enclosed in the original aluminium sheaf which carries much of the black paint showing service wear particularly to the leading edge. The mast is drilled at the top with a small hole to carry the aerial wire, whilst at the bottom is a female connector for a coax plug to carry the signal to the aircraft radio. The only damage to it is a split in the aluminium sheath on one side only but all in all it is an extremely impressive display item. Sadly the provenance of the aerial has been lost but it must certainly have a story to tell! Measures 32" (81 cm)
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| Splitterschutzbrille Pattern Anti Splinter Flying Goggles - These came in with a small Luftwaffe collection we have recently purchased. The previous owner was sadly sold this set of second pattern Nitsche and Gunther pattern goggles as originals by an unscrupulous dealer and unfortunately this has proved an expensive exercise for him. Sadly many 'replicas' of this pattern are available on the market (some less generous would call them fakes) and when purchasing it is very much a case of 'Caveat Emptor' when considering parting with a large chunk of the collecting budget and even more so if you don't have the goggles in your hand. Many of these replicas originated from the Czech Republic although we are told by our contacts in that country the gentleman who made them is no longer with us and production has (currently) ceased. We have no idea of the origins of this set but they have been decently executed but are let down by a less than convincing back strap. The rigid frames are excellent and on reverse they are indistinctly marked "NiGuRa" and on the opposite side is stamped a '2'. Excellent tinted glass convex lenses are fitted and displayed with the 'Netzkopfhaube' flying helmet we have just listed they look the business. So an ideal purchase for a film company or reenactor who would not want to risk using an original but equally appealing to a collector to set off a Luftwaffe flying helmet display- for the fraction of the price of the real thing. We were advised the last of the Czech production was being offered in 2012 at EU 500 so grab a bargain whilst you can!
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| RFC Trench Art Shell case - This example, like the match box case we have listed today, carries a Royal Flying Corps NCO and Other Ranks cap badge engraving with laurel leaves, Kings Crown and RFC monogram to the front. The reverse is engraved with a four bladed propeller in somewhat naïve form with the dates 1912-18 below. The shell case, has been fired, is fully numbered on the base with P.D.P.s 190 and dated 9.16; it is also marked 37-85 and carries a logo of a small round bomb with flames above. We understand the P.D.Ps indicate it was made by Pinchart Denys, Paris (the largest manufacturer of shell casings in France), 37 confirms a 37 mm calibre, 85 represents 1885, the year this type of shell was first introduced, 190 the manufacturing lot number and the date of production is September 1916. We have priced this and the match box cover separately but we can offer a 10% discount if both items are purchased together. Measures 3.75" (9.5 cm)
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| Royal Flying Corps Trench Art matchbox holder - Small but beautifully formed! Fashioned from battlefield brass scrap the font is engraved with a Royal Flying Corps NCO and Other Ranks cap badge with laurel leaves, Kings Crown and RFC monogram. The reverse side is egraved with a WWI Iron Cross with an imperial crown, 'W' and the date 1914. Both front back and spine area carry incised lines to highlight the engraving. Sadly no history although this item came with the engraved trench art shell case we are also listing today. Measures 2.5" x 1.25" (6 cm x 4 cm)
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| Flight Map - from the Battle of Britain period, of South East England (sheet 12). Various hand written observations, by pilot, relating to balloon obstructions, gunnery ranges, etc. with dates 1937, '38 and '39. Good issued condition. (Other similar maps available – please ask for details).
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| RAF Syringe Petrol stores Reference 1C/5251 - Anther great instrument from the very early days of the RAF. It appears never to have been issued and comes in its original card box still marked with the stores reference details shown above. The top plate is marked 'Tested R & L 3'and below AM (Air Ministry) and a Kings Crown and 1928 which we assume to be the date of manufacture. We believe these tools were used for priming aircraft engines and whilst for sale as a collectable it seems to be in perfect condition and comes with a removable brass spout. Measures 11.5" with spout fitted (29 cm)
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| Air Ministry Tyre Pressure Gauge by Kismet - Here we have another very fine RAF instrument in its original leather case marked 'Tyre Gauge Kismet Special 20-120 LBS'. The gauge itself is engraved with a crisp AM (Air Ministry) and Kings Crown property mark and 'Kesmet Special Giant Model ' although being quite a modest size we feel this description is a bit of a misnomer! We checked the the patent nos 532760 and this was applied for on 7th September 1939 and this was granted on 30 January 1941 so like other items listed on the site today this instrument almost certainly has a Battle of Britain period provenance. The maker is shown as William Turner & Brothers Ltd of Sheffield. The extending pressure scale covers tyre pressures from 10-120 P.S.I. Whilst this may be in working order for sale here as an RAF collectable only. Measures 5.5" (13.5 cm)
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| Superb 60 Squadron Trench Art Tobacco Barrel - Made from laminated timber almost certainly obtained from a propeller hub from a squadron aircraft, complete with a close fitting lid surmounted by a brass knob. When lifted the interior retains strong and aromatic smell that exudes history! To the front is a hand made copper shield engraved 'No 60 Squadron' and below a detailed image of what we believe to be an SE5/SE5A with which 60 Squadron was equipped with from July 1917 onwards. In March 1918 the assigned markings were changed to 2 white bands painted on the fuselage immediately in front of tailplane. 'A' flight also carried A to F painted behind the fuselage cockade so it reasonable to assume the original owner was with 'A' flight. The shield engraving features these bands, an 'A' flight code and on the tail fin serial nos A 190 so research may reveal the actual aircraft depicted. Below the aircraft engraving is 'RAF' and 'France 1918'. Seeing the RAF were formed on 1 April 1918 this, and the fuselage markings, would indicate this barrel is from or after this date. It also comes with some intriguing provenance. When we purchased it in 2005 we were told it was captured as a war souvenir by a German soldier when Moreuil airfield near Amiens in the Somme region was overrun, having only been abandoned hours before after anything of use to the enemy had been set on fire. 60 Squadron had an illustrious war with Captain W.A. Bishop receiving the Victoria Cross for his solo attack on a German aerodrome and of course Ace Albert Ball VC, DSO, MC, served with 'A Flight' of 60 Squadron in 1916. I have owned this unique artefact in my collection but now after 8 years it is time to find it a new custodian. Measures 7" tall (18 cm) and is 5.5" diameter (14 cm)
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| Luftwaffe LKu 4 Gyro Kompass by Siemens - Whilst no data plate is attached we believe the model number is FL22561 and could have been fitted to the instrument panel of a range of WWII Luftwaffe aircraft including JU-88, He-111 and Me110. This instrument, whilst for sale as a collectors item, seems to be in good clean condition. K 126 is painted on the facia plate with makers details below and on the base it is marked 'Bei eingedrucktem Knopf' and 'Kurssteuerung ausgekuppelt.' The control knob bottom left operates the lower gyro compass card whilst the knob bottom right operates the top card. Below the compass card is a clear window containing a ball bearing which we assume is a turn and bank indicator. The ball moves freely but suspect this window would have originally contained damper oil which is now missing. The back of the instrument shows access for a power source as well as a multi pin male plug connecting point with terminals marked 1-12. The instrument measures 5.25" x 4.75" x 6.75" (14 cm x 12 cm x 16 cm deep.)
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| RAF School of P.T. Uxbridge Course Notebook - Despite its somewhat lacklustre cover the contents of this notebook are superb! It covers the course notes taken by J.S.Wilkinson RAF service nos 542282 who attended number 32 Qualifying Course from 2 August 1938 to 7 October. His Commander is listed as F/Lt A.F.Ingram and Chief instructor is F/O E.J.Bradbury. The course notes, that cover 117 pages, are written in a very neat copperplate script. The notes cover elementary anatomy and physiology and are interspaced with numerous drawings and diagrams including many anatomical drawings, bone structures,, muscles and circulatory system. Part 2 commences with notes relating to Athletics including further sections on Hockey, Athletics, Football, Tennis, Rugby, Pass ball, and comprehensive notes on Boxing. The final two pages, we suspect drawn when the course was over, show a pastoral scene and we guess Pupil Wilkinson was in need of some R & R after a gruelling 2 months hard graft! The Royal Air Force School of Physical Training was formed on the same day as the RAF, 1st April 1918, at RAF College Cranwell. The School of PTI's one of only 2 schools ofthe same age as the RAF still in existence, the other being the Central Flying School. In 1920, the School moved to RAF Uxbridge where it remained until the Second World War. Early in the War the School was closed down - presumably because everyone thought the War would be over by Christmas and there was no need to train more PTI's! Would make a unique gift for any modern day PTI trainee and a reminder of how things were run in the RAF 76 years ago!
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| Trench Art Cigarette case - This example appears to have been made from aircraft alloy and has been finely worked by hand. One side features stylised flowers with a very 1930's deco feel. The reverse carries another flower related pattern with a cartouche in the centre which may have been designed for initials or a name to be inserted but on this one it is blank. The hand made spring catch allows the case to open. Inside is an elastic strip to hold the cigarettes in place. Our feeling is this may have originated in North Africa and made by locals from wartime scrap for sale to the forces as a souvenir but it could also be an example of POW work. Either way it is an excellent example of the genre. Measures 5" x 3" (13 cm x 7.5 cm). Please also check out the other military cigarette cases we are listing today
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