 |
|
Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 6
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.
|
 |
NEW STOCK |
 |
IN STOCK |
 |
FEATURED |
 |
SOLD |
 |
SOLD - similar available |
|
| Reference |
Stock Item |
|
Description |
|
|
 |
 | Luftwaffe Gravity Knife Lanyard - Whilst convincing replica lanyards exist originals hardly ever come on the market, but this is one such occasion. This is an early pattern that was found in the pocket of a set of period Channel Trousers and is entirely new to the market. The lanyard is fitted with metal clips either end (research indicates late war examples only carried a single clip due to material shortages) with one end designed to attach to the swing loop of the 'Fliegerkappmesser', that was introduced for use by both parachutists and aircrew in 1937. The other end was fixed to a loop inside the pocket of the 'Kanal' trousers to secure it in an emergency. The woven beige cord remains in absolutely sound condition with the metal clips being secured by a looped and whipped end. The inner sprung edge of the clips features a serrated pattern, which is a further sure sign of an original lanyard. The extended length is 56" (142 cm).An identical example is illustrated on page 321 of 'Deutsche Luftwaffe' (as illustrated here). In 20+ years of trading this is the first original lanyard we have had in and is competitively priced seeing its scarcity and rather better value than a second pattern example currently on offer elsewhere at EU 345 whilst another sold on US E Bay in May 2018 for $250.00
|
|
|
 |
| RNAS Named Medal Grouping and Identity Disc - Anything relating to the Royal Naval Air Service is now pretty scarce seeing it was only formed on 1st July 1914 and disbanded 1st April 1918 when it was merged with the Royal Flying Corps to become the fledgling RAF.
The grouping arrived contained in a quality fitted case named to George Kenning & Son London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow. This firm were founded in 1860 and acquired Spencer & Co in 1947. Mr Kenning was a manufacturer and supplier of regalia to various societies and was also a Masonic jeweller. We speculate the owner stored his medals in this box that originally contained something else.
The medals are the British War and Victory Medals 1914-1920 which were awarded in simple terms 'for just turning up! However unlike WWII campaign medals these are both engraved '201925. 1. A.M. E.E. Lister. R.A.F. ' but what adds additional interest is the inclusion of the relating aluminium Identity Disc. On line research confirms in WWI thin aluminium discs (as here) were the first official types issued, typically made at Regimental depots on fairground-style machines, punching into the soft metal one letter at a time and the layout was rarely in perfect alignment. By 1915 the requirement was to wear two official tags, both made of compressed fibre, deemed more comfortable to wear in hot climates and both carrying identical details. These were again stamped out in a similar manner and an eight-sided green tag with two holes was strung through one hole and hung around the neck and through the second hole another much shorter cord was strung, which had a round red tag on it. Thus when a casualty was encountered on the field of battle this allowed the red tag to be retrieved simply by cutting its short string, leaving the green tag still in place on the body. It meant that others subsequently finding a body with only a green tag would know that the death had already been reported and the details on the green tag remained to prepare a grave marker.
Our ID disc is characteristic of the pre 1915 pattern and reads 'R.N.A.S. LISTER.E.E. Ship No 1888 Off. no 1935'. So clearly issued to Air Mechanic 1st Class E.E.Lister, although we have so far been unable to identify what 'ship nos 1888' relates to. We were also confused by the 'Off No 1925' as that did not line up with service number engraved on the medals but further research revealed why the service number does not match the one in the Muster Roll. We learned men who transferred from the RNAS to the RAF were given new numbers, to avoid confusion with similar RFC numbers. Thus RNAS men who transferred to the RAF had a '20' prefix added to their RNAS number, so here Lister's RNAS service number was modified from '1925' to '201925'. All RNAS personnel were renumbered in this way in 1918, somewhat confusingly including the dead, even if they never got to serve with the RAF.
We have currently been unable to trace E.E.Lister's service career but he does not seem to appear to be listed on the War Graves Commission site, so we are assuming he survived the war but is certainly worthy of further research. Whist a modest medal grouping it is made scarcer by relating to a Royal Naval Air Service mechanic, with the added interest of the inclusion of his early pattern identity disc. The medals and accompanying ribbons remain in fine condition and it is apparent they were never worn by the recipient.
|
|
|
 |
| Cook Mk I Vintage Glider Compass by Cobb-Slater Instruments - Another interesting and we believe scarce item that may appeal to the vintage gliding community. Manufactured by Cobb-Slater Instrument Company who were based in Matlock, Derbyshire, England, who made a variety of instruments between 1940 and 1960 for use in gliders and sailplanes. We have discovered various company advertisements from the period indicating they supplied amongst other things variometers, barographs, venturis and water Traps as well as the Cook Compass Mk I as our example.
This compass, which sits in gimbals (the earlier version did not) and was designed to avoid the compass oil rotating in the instrument when the glider banking tightly in thermals so despite the strong movement the instrument would still give an accurate reading. Interestingly the 'East' and 'West' compass points on the dial are reversed so we assume when the when the dart shaped pointer is pointing West it indicates the true heading of the sailplane is actually West not East as you would expect; of course visa versa applies when pointing to East. The instrument is not dated but the data plate indicates serial nos 965 and a patent applied number of 20912. The body of the compass shows some wear to the paintwork but the compass needle correctly indicates North although we cannot guarantee its accuracy and like all our stock is for sale as a collectable only but it may be possible to make it airworthy again to soar in an appropriate vintage glider cockpit. Whilst a modest size at 2.25" from dial to base (5.5 cm) and 1.5" diameter across the dial (4 cm) we have never seen another offered for sale so grab it whilst you have the opportunity as we are unlikely to find another!
|
|
|
 |
| WWII Luftwaffe drogue parachute - A first class example of a Luftwaffe drogue parachute or in the local vernacular "Hilfsschirm" or "help parachute" that would originally have been contained in either a pilot's seat or back pack type 'chute. Made of silk the diameter of the canopy is about 24" (61 cm) and retains all its original cords as shown. The end loop would have originally been attached to the top of the main canopy by a short length of cable and when the D ring was pulled would have exited first from the pack and be opened by the folded spring frame inside and so ensure the full canopy deploys with all possible speed. The edge of the drogue is fully stamped with a very crisp Luftwaffe eagle and below 2. Sturzkampfgruppen Kommando. Our research indicates this refers to a dive bomber Group, so could well relate to use by JU 87 Stuka aircrew. Alongside is a crisp 'BA 1761' stamp applied by the quality control department in the factory and standing for 'Betriebs Aufsicht' and below a clear production date of 11 July 1942. Adjoining this is a further stamp reading 315585 which is probably the production werk number. The canopy remains in good original condition with just minor age related marks but no damage. The spring mechanism still functions exactly as intended and all the lines are intact although the cable attachment is absent. Now becoming a scarce item and the perfect size to display withing a collection.
|
|
|
 |
| Original Royal Flying Corps Veterans Wings - Aircrew who served with the Royal Flying Corps in WWI were entitled to wear their qualification brevet on R.A.F, Army or even Home Guard uniforms if they served subsequently, including during WWII. The only exception to the rule being if they were posted on further flying duties, in which case the relevant flying badge took precedence. The brevet would be worn in conjunction with the relevant medal ribbons that were entitled.
In this instance we have a fine pilots brevet with padded wings surmounted by a good Kings Crown, with the RFC logo and laurel leaf below. It is in excellent original condition and retains some cotton stitching from when it was unpicked from the breast of the owners uniform. These badges were hard won and remained an emotive and personal reminder of the owners flying career. In this instance the provenance associated to the badge has been lost down the years but it undoubtedly would have a story to tell. The canvas backer shows minor wear but generally as good an example as you are likely to find. Measures 4.5" wingtip to wingtip (11.5 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| Luftwaffe Summerfliegerkombi Flying Suit Model KSo/34 - The German one piece flying suit, officially known as a 'Fliegerschutzanzug für Sommer (Kombination) K/So 34' first entered service in 1934 for aircrew use in temperate climates. These suits were cut large enough to fit over the standard uniform that was worn beneath. A regulation issued on July 4th 1940 and April 24th 1941 introduced a replacement two piece protective flight suits for fighter pilots designed to increase the wearers mobility and not be as restrictive in the close confines of a cockpit, but the one piece suits continued to be worn right up until the end of the war but tend to be more associated with bomber crews.
This example is of the very early specification as identified by the horizontal crutch zip fly, as in June 1940 it was replaced by a more practical vertical zip. The other distinguishing feature of this pattern was a map pocket, closed with a vertical zip fitted on the left chest. Perhaps the most striking difference between this suit and the second pattern is the map pocket was replaced by a vertical emergency opening device operated by a pull ring, to enable the suit to be removed quickly on occasions when the airman was injured.
Our suit is constructed in classic 'pepper and salt' fabric and whilst showing evidence of light service use and minor staining it is all in exceptional condition. The cloth has the odd snag and very minor wear but no patches or damage. The bottom of both legs have some mall black spots which could be paint but if dressed on a mannequin this would be hidden. The zips are all original single lightning bolt examples by Zipp, with the reverse marked DRP149421, characteristic of pre-war production; the zips retain their original leather pullers and are in good working order. The suit carries the leather oxygen mask attachment point and the leather collar strap is in place. The snap fastenings are by PRYM.
Inside the suit is equally clean with the inner storm flap carrying some ink stamps but these are now washed out and we cannot decipher. On the reverse of this flap is a high quality woven manufacturers label confirming the suit was made by Bekleidungsfabrik Habelt of Crailsheim, Wrtb; in translation "Garment Factory Habelt, Crailsheim". We understand the Fritz Habelt organisation made uniforms and flight clothing for both the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine and was designated with RB no. 0/0708/0001, although this is not shown. The label is also marked 'Baumuster: KSo/34' indicating Model number and 'Gewicht' (weight) which is left blank and below is 'Baujahar 1936', the year of manufacture followed by 'Grösse 11b' which is the size. The inner sleeves are fitted with a grey twill cloth with snap fastenings.
Not much more we can add other than these first pattern suits hardly ever come on the market. It almost certainly served through the Battle of Britain and despite dating from 1936 it remains in really excellent issued condition. As we have mentioned with other newly listed Luftwaffe items this one again matches the collectors criteria to always buy the best example you can afford. You don't however need to take our word for it as using our new facility we have now added a range of additional photographs to illustrate the detail of this great example!
|
|
|
 |
| Luftwaffe LKp S101 Summer Flying Helmet - This model was introduced in 1938, and replaced the 1936 specification LKp S100 and whilst made to the same basic pattern it featured improved Siemens communications and better sound insulation. Instead of aluminium earphones housings of the earlier helmets this features hard rubber cups covered with dark brown leather which had a more streamlined appearance and with an external recess at the top which helped secure the goggle straps in place. The avionics were also enhanced by the installation of a Perspex membranes inside and padded with fleece lined cushions around the earphone speaker. The housing for the throat microphones on the LKp S101 was also improved with two straps containing the microphone linked by an inverted "T" at the nape of the helmet. This also served as the junction between the helmet's internal wiring and the long cord and plug-in connector. The throat straps were adjustable by means of two buckles, and once correctly adjusted could be joined together or removed at the front by means of a snap fastening.
On offer is an excellent example of the type and way above the condition these helmets are normally found in. The 'salt and pepper' cotton weave fabric shell is excellent with just one very small hole to the crown and no staining. The leather parts are all good with minimal evidence of light service use. The helmet has provision for using with a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted; the metal parts show slight age wear. The goggle straps are all fine and functional and fitted with Prym snaps; the characteristic double chin straps are way above the average.
Inside the helmet the earphones Perspex covers are in place, exhibiting minor age wear and embossed Ln 26602. The helmet is fully wired and carries a 1 metre long wiring lead with a 4 pin plug fitted marked BLKvFL 27560 and the lozenge shaped magnetic throat microphones are marked Mi 4b ln26799-2. The lining is made from olive satin with lambswool around the receivers, for added comfort. The lining shows evidence of light service wear but is again well above the average. Sewn in are two woven set of labels; identical examples are shown in Mick Prodger's 'Luftwaffe V RAF' reference book page 25 centre top and described as 'labels from an early helmet'. The top label is named to Siemens and marked below Baumuster LKp S 101 and Ln. Nr 26617 ; below is a very feint ink date stamp and whilst rather faded we believe indicates a manufacturing date of June 1939 so a pre Battle of Britain example that certainly adds to the interest! A secondary manufacturers oblong label is also attached reading STRIEGEL & WAGNER KOM.GES. LICHTENFELS/BAYER.OSTMARK Grosse : 59, indicating size.
Like the other Luftwaffe kit we have recently listed this helmet ticks all the boxes and it would be very hard to find a better original example and these are becoming increasingly scarce and more so in this condition. This example would display perfectly with the 1936 Sommerfliegerkombi which we have also just listed.
|
|
|
 |
| Luftwaffe K 34 Flying Helmet - This pattern was constructed from the same pattern as the LKp S100 and made without any provision for communications and used in crews positions where radio equipment was not required or by those in training. This is the summer variant of the helmet, finished in 'salt and pepper' fabric whilst an identical pattern, designated K33, was offered with a brown leather shell and fleece linings for winter use. A further variant was made in grey leather for use by Me262 jet pilots This pattern was manufactured at least until 1943 and is a later example, having additional metal studs and brow hook fitted to enable 3-strap oxygen masks to be used.
This helmet remains in really excellent original condition with no damage or staining to the cloth shell or rayon lining. It carries a quality woven manufacturers label confirming it was made by B.Rawe & co of RHEDA (Westf), a textile company founded in 1896 and still in business today. The double leather chin and rear goggle straps are all very crisp and we can't find any issues at all to mention, other than very light service wear. Like the M-43 cap we have also listed today this helmet again matches the collectors criteria 'buy the best example you can afford'. Perhaps not the most sexy of the Luftwaffe wartime flying helmets but one that is often overlooked and is missing from many collections so grab this opportunity whilst you can!
|
|
|
 |
| Luftwaffe LKpN 101 Netzkopfhaube Flying Helmet - This pattern is known as the net or mesh flying helmet and is normally associated with German fighter pilots in WWII. Whilst its date of introduction to service remains hazy photographs exist of it in use during the Battle of Britain so it was certainly in service in 1940, if not before. Designed to be lightweight and cool in wear it was manufactured without a chin strap, with the oxygen mask utilised to secure in place. Two main versions of this helmet were produced and it is believed the earlier variant had provision for a two point oxygen mask but with a slightly different and possibly later pattern that had provision for a three point mask; confusingly but both carried the same nomenclature LKpN 101.
Our example is the two point version and finished in dark brown netting and matching leather trim. The mesh is a potentially weak point on this pattern but on this one it is in exceptional condition, with no issues to mention. The communication 'T' carrier is also a potential weak spot but again this one is excellent. The rear goggle straps are in place, fitted with Prym snaps. This is a fully wired helmet with the less usual long communication cord fitted with a 4 point plug marked Ln27868. This is unusual as it has been customised with yellow paint, we assume to aid the wearer to connect to the female side the correct way around. Two Siemens-Halske electro-magnetic throat microphones marked Mi 4b Ln 26779-2 are attached to a leather and chamois lined neck strap, secured with one press-stud fastener.
Inside all is as it should be. The earphone cups contain the original Perspex covers stamped Ln 26602 and unusually are in undamaged original condition. These are surrounded by a fleece lining that shows evidence of very light service wear. The central suede bar carries a fine woven label ; a near identical example is shown in Mick Prodger's excellent 'Luftwaffe V RAF' flight clothing book top right of page 27. Ours is marked 'Netzkopfhaube' followed by Gr. (size) but the ink stamp is now faded but looks like 59. Below this is Baumuster (Model type) LkpN101, Great nr. T124-452. A.2, Werk Nr. -/Ko, And. Z. Ln 26670 and finally Hersteller with the ordnance code of "hdc". This confirms the helmet was made by the firm of Luftfahrtgeraetewerk Hakenfelde GmbH, Berlin-Spandau.
We really can't add much more other than yet again this one ticks all the boxes and one of the most sought after Luftwaffe flying helmets. The specification of this example, finished in dark brown net and leather with a 2 point mask arrangement and long comms cord is the one considered the true "Battle of Britain" model, based on photographic evidence. I suspect we will wait a long time to find another to match this specification and condition.
|
|
|
 |
| Royal Flying Corps Mk III Aeroplane Dashboard Lighting Switchboard - Here we have a scarce and desirable RFC aircraft cockpit panel switchboard in superb original condition and just awaiting a connoisseur owner! The Mk III Instrument lighting set was introduced in the latter part of WWI and superseded the more basic Mk I and II versions which entered service from February 1915. The Mk III was fitted in a variety of RFC aircraft including the HP 400 bomber, the Bristol F2B, the Royal Aircraft Factory RE8 and the Sopwith Dolphin. The fascia plate is in very crisp condition and clearly indicates manufactured by A.P Lundberg & Sons, London. Andreas Peter Lundberg (1831- 1926), was born in Wermland, Sweden. He visited England in 1862 and subsequently became a naturalized British subject and remained here in the UK until his death. In 1882 he founded the firm of A. P. Lundberg and Sons who manufactured various types of quality lighting and associated switchboards, including this very fine example, that dates from circa 1916.
The panel features six brass switches that control (starting from the right) Accumulators No 1 & 2 (batteries), Miscellaneous, Rev counter, Aneroid (Altimeter), Compass and Airspeed indicator lighting. Below the bank of switches is the all-important RFC property mark of a War Department Broad Arrow and an 'A ' above, designating the Air Branch, so no doubts this is a genuine RFC issue set. Below it is the designation 'Mk III Aeroplane Dashboard Lighting'. The Mk I board was introduced in 1915 and was followed by the Mk II which comprised a lamp on a universal joint and a hood, fitted with a dimmer switch and was designed to illuminate the entire panel. The Mk III instrument lighting set was rather more sophisticated and had the facility to light each designated instrument separately and the full set was made up of the accumulators, the switchboard and a six individual lamp holders, brackets and caps to be mounted as appropriate beside the respective instruments on the panel. Following the end of WWI and with the formation of the fledgling RAF, the set was given the RAF stores reference number 5C/246.
The switch board features a metal fascia plate which is attached to a mahogany case attached by 6 original brass screws, whilst to the rear are two brass electrical terminals. The switches have a very crisp action; whilst for sale like all our stock as a collectable, if the inside proves as crisp as the out it may be possible, subject to the necessary checks, for this switchboard to be made airworthy again. So if you have an RE8 or a Sopwith Dolphin in the hanger this could be just the item you need! Whilst compact at 5.25" x 3.0" x 1.75" (13.5 cm x 7.5 cm x4.25 cm) it is beautifully formed and a really emotive piece. Many thanks to Alan Hulme for providing the excellent reference information which forms the basis of this description and we commend his specialist and invaluable guides, including his latest 'Cockpit instruments of British Military Aeroplanes Vol 1. We have a full set here in the Oldnautibits HQ which prove invaluable in our research.
|
|
|
 |
| RAF First Aid Outfit For Air Crews Mk II - These packs are becoming increasingly rare and few now turn up as crisp as this example. Designed to be carried by all aircrew in a designated pocket in their service or battledress uniform and were introduced following lessons learned during the Battle of Britain. Burns to aircrew were the most common types of injuries and the rubberised sealed canvas pack contained cotton bandages, ampoules, anti-burn Mitten impregnated with antiseptic ointment, anti-burn jelly in a 1oz tube, large wound dressings and safety pins.
The pouches were issued as a Mk I, 11 or 111 variant, this being a Mk II. The outside of the canvas is printed on both sides with a list of contents, as well as 'Pull to Open' and basic instructions for use. It also carries an AM stamp and King's Crown on both sides as well as the designation 'Mk II'. These pack was opened by tearing at the top corners via two tabs and of the limited number that have survived over the last 70+ years many if not most have been opened by inquisitive hands. This example remains in as issued and unopened condition with the full contents inside, although we have no way of telling the condition of the contents today. The canvas cover remains in virtually unmaked condition and all the writing remains clear and readable. Unopened examples are significantly more desirable and this one clearly matches the collectors maxim 'buy the best you can afford'. Dimensions: 5.75" x 5.75"x 1 1/2". (15 cm x 15 cm x 3 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| Luftwaffe Gravy or Sauce Ladle - Constructed from one piece of lightweight aluminium, the ladle has a central raised ridge on the handle and is well marked with an impressed Luftwaffe eagle. The reverse of the handle is marked with impressed manufacturers code, "H.M.Z. 39" indicating made by Arbeitsgemeinschaft Holz des Klingensthaler Bezirkes GmbH, Brunndoebra which was located close to the German / Czechoslovakia border. The date of manufacture was 1939. It is also stamped "Fl. U.V." indicating, 'Flieger Unterkunft Verwaltung', translated meaning 'Flight Barracks Administration'. Shows some service wear but generally very crisp and would have served throughout the Battle of Britain period. Measures 7.5" (19 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| RAF Altimeter 6TM/9 - We are not entirely sure of the background to this instrument although the data plate on the reverse confirms it was made by Kollsman Instruments Ltd of Southampton. It also details Ref no 6TM/9 and 'Altimeter Synchrohotel'. On the side wall of the case is painted 'Barschle Adjusted 29.01.80'. The crisp dial is graduated in 1000 of feet with a subsidiary readout showing actual height. It also carries a further label confirming it has at some stage been repaired by Kollsman Instruments at The Airport, Southampton. Apologies for the vague description but we are sure the experts out there will know exactly what it is! Dial width 3.25" (8.5 cm)
|
|
|
 |
| Spitfire Radio Antennae Mast Replica - On offer is a wooden replica of the radio mast fitted to the most iconic fighter of WWII. This example is a somewhat scaled down version of the original and measures 25 1/2" tall (65 cm). Finished in olive drab paint it provides an attractive display item at a fraction of the cost of an original!
|
|
|
 |
| Luftwaffe LKp W101 Winter Flying Helmet - This model replaced the pre-war LKp W100 and whilst made to the same basic pattern it featured improved Siemens communications and better sound insulation. Instead of aluminium cups the earphones are housed in hard rubber cups covered with dark brown leather which had a more streamlined appearance and with an external recess at the top which helped secure the goggle straps in place. The avionics were also enhanced by the installation of a Perspex membranes inside the helmet between the cushioned fleece lining and the earphone speaker. The housing for the throat microphones on the LKp W101 was also improved with two straps containing the microphone linked by an inverted "T" at the nape of the helmet. This housing also served as the junction between the helmet's internal wiring and the long cord and plug-in connector. The throat straps were adjustable by means of two buckles, and once correctly adjusted could be joined together or removed at the front by means of a snap fastening.
On offer is a very fine example of the type, that appears to be in almost unissued condition. The leather shell is very soft and has virtually all its original factory finish intact, with just minor rubbing to the receiver housings. It has provision for using with a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted. The metal parts are all excellent and the goggle and chin straps are absolutely mint. The earphones Perspex covers are undamaged and embossed Ln 26602. The helmet is fully wired and carries a long wiring cord with a 4 pin plug fitted marked BLKvFL 27560 and the round throat microphones are marked Mi 4c with manufacturers code bxo. Inside the helmet is equally clean with a full lambswool lining and with a sewn in label confirming the size is Gr 56, the model nos, and other detail which includes the manufacturer's code bxo, indicating it was made by Deutsche Telephonwerke und Kabelindustrie A.-G., Berlin SO 36. The label is not dated like some but we would estimate manufacture in the mid WWII period. It also features a good clear BAL ink stamp stands for Bauaufsichten der Luftwaffe, the air force procurement agency. Like the other Luftwaffe kit we have recently listed this helmet ticks all the boxes and it would be very hard to find a better original example.
|
|
|
 |
| 617 Squadron Honours Board 1943-1945 - It seems only appropriate we should list this item today, exactly 75 years to the day after Wing Commander Guy Gibson led 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force on an audacious bombing raid to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley, on an operation code named 'Chastise' that took place on the night of 16-17 May 1943.
We have no idea who created this board or where it was displayed but we imagine it must have come from a redundant museum. It appears to be a one off and whilst the mount is melamine or similar the wood effect sets off perfectly the high quality etched aluminium data plaques and black and white photographs. The board effectively recounts the history of 617 from immediately after the Dams Raid to the end of WWII in 1945. It was deemed by the powers that be after 'Chastise' Gibson should be taken off operational flying and on 2 August, Gibson made his last fight with 617 Squadron, with his regular crew and his successor, Wing Commander George Holden. The information plaques detail the Ops flown by the subsequent Commanders Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire VC, Wing Commander Willie Tait and Group Captain Fauquier, together with dates and their targets. It also features two line drawings of the Avro Lancaster B1 in standard and modified forms. The board also carries black and white photographs mounted behind Perspex of Gibson, 617 crews, the 12,000 lbs 'Earthquake' and 22,000 lbs 'Grand Slam', both created by the Dam's bouncing Bomb inventor Sir Barnes Wallace. Another plaque gives considerable detail on the sinking of the 'Tirpitz' as well as a photograph of the post mission upturned hull of the wreck.
This is another one off item that we had intended to display here on the office wall but lack of space has precluded this so it is time to re home the board, when hopefully it can be shown to better advantage. It would sit happily in a private collection but ideally it would be better to go back into an appropriate museum display. It measures 48" x 24" (122 cm x 61 cm) and is fitted with brass hanging plates to aid wall mounting. As with all our stock feel free to request a range of more detailed photographs to check out the work involved in creating this homage to the amazing Commanders and crews of 617 Squadron.
|
2222 
|
 |
| HMS Cornwall Commissioning Book Although we describe this book as second hand it is virtually mint. It was issued to commemorate the commissioning of HMS Cornwall in the presence of HRH The Princess of Wales at Falmouth on 23rd April 1988. Cornwall was a Batch 3 Type 22 frigate of the Royal Navy. She was the first Batch 3 to be built, and the last to be decommissioned. Cornwall was known as "The Fighting 99" or "Ice cream frigate" and was based at Devonport, Plymouth, Devon. On 26 April 2011 she returned to Plymouth for the last time, and decommissioned on 30 June 2011 and was subsequently sold for scrap. Her bell was presented to Truro Cathedral. The books 54 pages are lavishly illustrated with colour and black and white photographs and includes a full list of the first ships company. The condition is impossible to fault with a silhouette image of the ship embossed on the leatherette cover as and it would be a fine addition to the library of any ex members of the ships company or their families.
Pages: 54
Cover: Hard
Author: CaptainC.L.Wexford-Brown D.S.O. & Others
|
|
|
 |
| Luftwaffe Crash recovered relics from Walton Wood, Norfolk - This small grouping came from a UK collector and we are told were recovered from Walton Wood, near East Walton in Norfolk. On line research confirms Dornier E-4 Wnr.4267 coded U5+CK operating with KG2 was shot down on 23rd August 1942 by Beaufighter X7944 piloted by Flying Officer Hugh Wyrill so would seem to indicate these relics relate to this aircraft.
Clearly the top item is the Dreieckrechner flight computer which is a period DR2 model manufactured by Dennert & Pape of Hamburg. It is clearly dated with a November 1940 manufacturing date as well as a Luftwaffe Fl number 23825. It is in better than relic condition but the disc is slightly bowed and distorted and has minor heat damage to the Perspex slides, so has most certainly been in a crash. The reverse side is in equally sound display condition.
Alongside this is a black elbow joint that looks like an oxygen or air tube connected onto the ribbed end. It has clearly been ground recovered with traces of mud and rust on the severed joint. The piece of alloy skin measures 10" long (26 cm) and still carries a good deal of the dark olive drab paint; some corrosion as you would expect but no ID marks to give a clue to its origins and we have no idea where it came from on the airframe. The final item is a bit of yellow cloth strap with a friction buckle. The webbing is severed and the stitching torn; it looks like the buckle part has been sewn back on using black thread. This is the piece I am least convinced by and it may not be associated with the crash but was picked up in the same area but we can't say for certain it's origins. It could I suppose be a Mae West strap or another unidentified strap used in the aircraft (flare holder perhaps) but that is pure speculation.
These items, mounted on a board and framed with relating story of crash would look quite impressive, in a similar way to the parachute flare cartridge diorama we have also listed today. As with all our stock more detailed photographs of the individual items are available on request.
|
|
|
 |
| Royal Naval Air Service WWI Flying Filter Goggles - Probably the scarcest pattern of all aviator googles from any period worldwide. It is believed very few were made and it has been speculated they may never have developed further than the experimental stage and so few have survived today that most museums do not have a set on display. The only other example we have been able to locate is part of the Yale Peabody Museum's collection in the US. When Mick Prodger published his classic reference work 'Vintage Fling Helmets' he was unable to source a set for inclusion. It is understood they were experimental when first issued to Royal Naval Air Service pilots in about 1917. Each set was contained within a custom made wooden case that held 8 pairs of coloured lenses (or officially designated "light filters") that were intended to assist with locating and spotting enemy ships and submarines from the air under different conditions. Some were for looking through haze, whilst others were for spotting oil on the surface of the water, or again for locating U Boat shadows under the water or even enemy gun flashed over the trenches, where RNAS pilots served with distinction alongside their RFC colleagues. The set when issued included an instruction manual giving directions for use and the most appropriate filters to use depending on operational area and prevailing light conditions.
This superb example is complete and despite being over 100 years old appears to be in unissued condition. They were discovered in a building close to Kalafrana on the southernmost tip of Malta, which was a seaplane base between 1917 and 1946, when it was transferred to the Royal Navy. In WWII RAF Kalafrana was home to 228 Squadron flying Sunderland's and remained in use until the 1960's. Clearly these are the flying goggles that time forgot, until recently re discovered. The booklet shows some aging and the staples are rusted but is still readable and indicates a print date of December 1917. Seeing the historical value of the booklet and its somewhat tender state we have had a very convincing replica reprinted that can be read without fear of damaging the original and both are included within the grouping. The original wooden transit box is sound and as well as the two pairs of filters currently fitted to the goggles it comes with a further 6 filters thus making up the full se. Each pair of filters is numbered and whilst showing some age related wear and fading it is amazing they have survived at all. The goggles themselves are virtually mint and the tan leather is still soft and pliable; the cloth bound edge is fur lined and remains pristine, as are the face pads. The olive drab fabric backstrap is complete but has lost its elasticity over the last 100 years and now needs to be handled carefully; this would have been secured behind the users head by means of a ring and hook arrangement.
It is staggering these goggles have survived at all for over 100 years and this set is undoubtedly a museum quality item that rarely, if ever, appears for sale on the collectors market. As with all our stock additional photographs are available on request to enable you to check out the detail for yourself as described.
|
|
|
 |
| Air Ministry First Aid Outfit Aircraft - In near mint and unissued condition, with just very minor storage marks. Made from olive green cotton, with a satchel type flap cover which seals via means of a webbing strap and brass buckle. The outside of the flap is stamped "FIRST AID OUTFIT /AIRCRAFT" whilst inside is marked with a crisp Kings Crown with AM below followed by the makers details "H.B.Curtis & Son Ltd 1941". These packs were carried in 'heavies' of Bomber Command and Coastal Command and the number of kits supplied depending on the number of aircrew aboard. An identical but issued example is featured on page 109 of Mick Prodger's excellent 'Luftwaffe V RAF flying Equipment' reference book.
Whilst this example is empty the original contents, as confirmed by the Imperial War Museum, was made up of : 4 morphine dosage labels, 1 shell dressing,4 ampoules of morphine in tins, 2 triangular bandages, 2 tourniquets & shell dressings, water sterilizing kit, boracic lint, 2 hand envelopes & burn dressing for fingers, r 3 tubes anti-burn/anti sunburn cream, safety pin, phial of aspirin & phial of chalk, opium tablets, phial of cathartic tablets, phial of quinine tablets and an & iodine ampoule box. So despite its small size 8" x 8"x 4" (20 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm) it would have provided essential aid to injured aircrew. The case also has provision for a shoulder strap but in this instance this has not been fitted. The interior has a number of dedicated pouches to store the various component parts, so they could be quickly brought to hand when needed. With packing it displays well as it is but could form the basis of a completed pack if time, budget and patience allow.
|
|
 |
 |
