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Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 7
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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 | WWII RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad 1944 - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboard note pads developed in the early days of aviation 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. In the Great War the aerial view became increasingly important, once the initial mobile phase of action developed into what we now know as 'trench warfare'. Trenches were hazardous to both mounted troops and men on the ground and prevented them from effectively reconnoitring enemy lines. Aircraft had no such restrictions and both cavalry and aircraft pilots and observers had to make notes and draw sketch maps of what they saw on their reconnaissance missions. Both types of personnel did this using boards strapped to an arm or a leg. Whist WWI examples turn up from time to time this is the very first WWII pattern we have obtained and clearly dates to 1944. The front of the board has a note pad that in this instance has been used with a few pages remaining ; interestingly it is stamped 2/52 so despite its wartime origins was still in service in the early 1950s. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts and hidden below the pad reads Form 433 and date, aeroplane & pilot.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, caries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. 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. The leather remains very supple and the buckles are in good working condition. In true Air Ministry style the board is fully stamped up with relevant nomenclature and is headed 'S.L. 1944' followed by a Broad Arrow property mark and is dated 1944. Below is stamped 'H855996/43/C22(b) Stores Ref No 6F/171' and a further broad arrow for good measure! RAF stores reference code 6F covers 'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
A range of photographs are attached showing the detail and the final period picture illustrates a similar but rather more sophisticated board from RFC and early post WWI period showing intended usage. The board measures 10" x 6" (25.5 cm x 15.5 cm) A modest but very useful piece of WWII RAF flying kit that is now remarkably hard to find in any condition. This one ticks all the boxes and would make a great addition to an RAF collection or mannequin display.
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| Original Distinguished Flying Cross Issue Case - Recently purchased at auction this is an original case as issued, marked D.F.C to top of lid and with recessed beige velvet section where the medal was located. First introduced on 3rd June 1918 and was originally awarded to RAF commissioned and warrant officers, including officers in Commonwealth and allied forces. In March 1941 eligibility was extended to Naval Officers of the Fleet Air Arm, and in November 1942 to Army officers, including those from the Royal Artillery, serving on attachment to the RAF. The medal was awarded for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy".
The medal is now abscent and we have no information on who it was awarded to, but it almost certainly dates from WWII. The leatherette covered case remains in remarkably good condition, whilst the gold leaf to the DFC stamp is now slightly faded, but clearly readable. The brass hinges and latch clip are full operational and this emotive case would make an ideal display item in an RAF collection or of course absolutely perfect if you are lucky enough to own an original DFC, that is now lacking its case. Alternatively very decent replica medals are available to buy at modest prices and would be set off perfectly with this original case. The fabric on the inside of the lid is again in good condition with minor age related staining and clearly marked with London's Royal Mint crest. The case measures 5.75" x 3.25" (15 cm x 8 cm) These case are becoming increasingly scarce so grab this one whist you can!
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| Luftwaffe Dreieckrechner DR2 Flight computer - In addition to mechanical and electrical radio directional navigation aids the Luftwaffe also utilized two different models of manual flight navigation devices which were basically circular slide rulers to assist in navigation calculations. These were referred to by flight crew as 'Knemeyer' and this example is in good issued condition is a Dreieckrechner DR 2 made by DENNERT & PAPE in Hamburg, Germany on April 1941. It also comes with a little provenance as we bought direct from the family of the original owner in Germany. Measures 6" diameter (15 cm)
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| RAF Original Snail Whistle - A very clean issued example with clear embossing with King's Crown, AM, 23/230 and on reverse 293/14/L1795. Minimal wear to chrome and overall nice original condition and good working order! We have found it very effective here in the office in terminating the nuisance phone calls we are all sadly inundated with these days!
The suspension loop is still attached and these were often hung from the collar loop of aircrew battledress or from Mae West lifejackets. A small but indispensable rescue aid that must have saved the lives of many downed allied airmen in WWII. This is a guaranteed period example unlike the many copies now appearing on the market.
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| Replica 1939 Pattern RAF Flying Boots. - Whist we normally stick with original items here at the Oldnautibits HQ, once in a while replica kit comes in, such as this set of RAF 1939 pattern boots. This pair has clearly never been worn and whilst they look a bit 'fresh' at the moment a bit of use would make them look more authentic and with 75th anniversary of VE Day celebrations and the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain both this year these could be the ideal way to complete an RAF outfit without breaking the bank with an original set-even if you could find a pair! Like the original item these feature a black leather shoe section, a stitched leather sole and a beige canvas leg section. Inside, again like the issue boot, they are fur lined and the top of the leg is secured by a black leather strap. No size is marked but we have test fitted them here and believe they align to a UK 7 or EU41. Whilst the pattern is not completely authentic they look a lot more convincing than the British Army canvas legged Mosquito boots which are often sold as substitutes for the '39 pattern. Ideal for re-enacting, film work, dressing a mannequin or just to complete that RAF fighter pilot look for the 2020 Goodwood Revival! We have just the one pair available and when they are gone they are gone.
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| WWII RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad 1944 - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboard note pads developed in the early days of aviation 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. In the Great War the aerial view became increasingly important, once the initial mobile phase of action developed into what we now know as 'trench warfare'. Trenches were hazardous to both mounted troops and men on the ground and prevented them from effectively reconnoitring enemy lines. Aircraft had no such restrictions and both cavalry and aircraft pilots and observers had to make notes and draw sketch maps of what they saw on their reconnaissance missions. Both types of personnel did this using boards strapped to an arm or a leg. We been fortunate enough to discover a box containing a very few of these but this is the only one remaining with a date. The front of the board has a note pad that has been partly used. It is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts; on removing the clamped board we found the pad is stamped 'Ben Lines ' a shipping company formed in Scotland in 1825 and still in business today. Interestingly this board is unique in that an acetate has been affixed and permanently varnished on below the pad giving details of the pre-flight and landing checks required and may well relate to post war usage.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, caries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. 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. The leather remains very supple and the buckles are in good working condition. In true Air Ministry style the board is fully stamped up with relevant nomenclature and is headed 'S.L. 1944' followed by a Broad Arrow property mark and is dated 1944. Below is stamped 'H855996/43/C22(b) Stores Ref No 6F/171' and a further broad arrow for good measure! RAF stores reference code 6F covers 'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
A range of photographs are attached showing the detail and the final period picture illustrates a similar but rather more sophisticated board from RFC and early post WWI period showing intended usage. The board measures 10" x 6" (25.5 cm x 15.5 cm) A modest but very useful piece of WWII/early post war RAF flying kit that is now remarkably hard to find in any condition. This one ticks all the boxes and would make a great addition to an RAF collection or mannequin display.
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| WWII RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad 1944 - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboard note pads developed in the early days of aviation 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. In the Great War the aerial view became increasingly important, once the initial mobile phase of action developed into what we now know as 'trench warfare'. Trenches were hazardous to both mounted troops and men on the ground and prevented them from effectively reconnoitring enemy lines. Aircraft had no such restrictions and both cavalry and aircraft pilots and observers had to make notes and draw sketch maps of what they saw on their reconnaissance missions. Both types of personnel did this using boards strapped to an arm or a leg. Whist WWI examples turn up from time to time this is the very first WWII pattern we have obtained and clearly dates to 1944. The front of the board has a note pad that in this instance has been used with only the back paper cover remaining and is dated 12/43. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts; on removing the clamped board we found the pad is stamped S.1181C (Established June 1930), so confirming the designs pre-war origins. The left column is headed 'Time' and the right is left blank for observations.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, caries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. 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. The leather remains very supple and the buckles are in good working condition. In true Air Ministry style the board is fully stamped up with relevant nomenclature and is headed 'S.L. 1944' followed by a Broad Arrow property mark and is dated 1944. Below is stamped 'H855996/43/C22(b) Stores Ref No 6F/171' and a further broad arrow for good measure! RAF stores reference code 6F covers 'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
A range of photographs are attached showing the detail and the final period picture illustrates a similar but rather more sophisticated board from RFC and early post WWI period showing intended usage. The original user of our board has written his name 'Davey' but we can only speculate on what he flew and where he served. The board measures 10" x 6" (25.5 cm x 15.5 cm) A modest but very useful piece of WWII RAF flying kit that is now remarkably hard to find in any condition. This one ticks all the boxes and would make a great addition to an RAF collection or mannequin display.
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| Luftwaffe Blendspiegel - An extremely scarce Luftwaffe emergency signalling mirror, complete with its even scarcer fabric case that was more often discarded or lost. These heliographs were Luftwaffe aircrew issue against FL 415 610 and were constructed of plated steel, which was highly polished on one side and with decal instructions for use fixed to the reverse. The instructions in German are : Achtung! Blendlicht von unten nach oben in Richtung Flugzeug werfen. Jn kurzen abstanden diesen vorgang solange wiederholen bis Erkennug sicher. Planloses Herumblinken zwecklos. FL 415610. Loosely translated we understand this means : Caution! Throw glare from bottom to top towards the aircraft. In a short time repeat this process until recognition is certain. Flashing around aimlessly serves no purpose. These instruments were usually carried stored in a pocket of the Channel Trousers or for convenience the case was generally discarded and instead directly tied to the schwimmweste, often using a gravity knife lanyard (as the example we are also listing today!
On offer is a particularly fine example that beats the odds in that the yellow cotton issue case remains with it, unlike most. This is clearly stamped Blendspiegel Fl. 414610 and other than some wear to one edge the cover remains in remarkably good condition. The instrument itself is very fine with no rust or other damage and virtually all the transfer instructions remaining in place whilst the 'business side' mirror is crisp and un marked. This item also came with interesting provenance, coming from the family of a British soldier who served with 11th Air Formation Signals within the Royal Corps of Signals. This was an army unit which provided line communications for 83 Group 2 Tactical Air Force. They landed in Normandy on 7th June'44 and the unit moved through France, Belgium and Holland as the war progressed finally reaching the Luneberg area in N Germany in mid-1945. By August 1945 they was billeted at the former Luftwaffe airfield of Fliegerhorst Celle-Wietzenbruch in Celle, Lower Saxony, that was captured by the allies on 11th April 1945. On return home the serviceman brought this Blendspiegel, along with souvenirs found at the abandoned Luftwaffe base and it remained untouched in safe storage with his family until recently purchased by us.
In 20+ years of trading and in a lifetime as a collector this is the first example that we have owned. Like so much these days the Blendspiegel is being replicated so it is very much a case of 'Caveat Emptor' when considering a purchase. We are however, as with all our stock, happy to guarantee both the item and the stated provenance. It would be hard to find such a crisp example and for once we don't need to ask the open ended question 'if it could only talk! easures approximately6.5" x 3.25" (16.5 cm x 8.0 cm)
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| Luftwaffe K-33 winter Flying Helmet - This was the standard WWII unwired helmet for use by aircrew for primary training as well as for combat crew positions where no communication was necessary. These were also used by single engine fighter pilots early on during the Blitzkrieg in 1939/40. It is interesting by mid war virtually all crew positions required radio contact yet it is documented it remained in manufacture certainly until 1943, with later examples carrying the provision for attaching two and three point oxygen mask.
This helmet is of the latter type with two metal clips either side of the helmet and an adjustable brow attachment, as used on the LKpS101 and LKpW101 wired helmets. The leather is in really excellent condition with no issues and both the goggle snaps are in place and working. The double chin straps are good with service grub to the inside linings and the metal parts remain bright The woven makers label indicates it was made by STRIEGEL & WAGNER KOM.GES. LICHTENFELS/BAYER.OSTMAR and Grosse but the size detail is worn out but we would estimate a medium fit. Perhaps not the most sexy of the wartime Luftwaffe flying helmets but no collection would be complete without this model and it would be hard to improve on this example
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| Luftwaffe FK 34 Summer Flying Helmet - 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 green rayon lining. It carries an unusual cotton manufacturers label confirming it was made by G.A.Hoffman Berlin S.W.29 followed by a weak stamp indicating 37 that could be the date of manufacture It is further stamped 55 although if the size it certainly fits closer to a 60. The double leather chin and rear goggle straps are all very crisp and we can't find any issues at all to mention, and the metal parts are like new. What makes this example stand out from the crowd is instead of having and adjustable brow strap (as per the FK 33 we have also just listed) this helmet has a strap and snap arrangement. This is a first for us but if you own a copy of Mick Prodger 'Vintage Fling Helmets' check out page 232. At the bottom he details an FK34 to an identical specification and writes:' 1937 dated FK34 Fling helmet with snap down leather strap on the crown instead of the adjustable forehead strap. It is believed this crown strap was an early oxygen mask attachment point which was also incorporated into the Italians and Japanese copies of Luftwaffe helmets'. It therefore appears this is a very early and rather scarce variant of the more commonly found type of FK 34 and very unusual and desirable example to add to a Luftwaffe helmet collection. In addition the overall condition certainly matches the old collectors criteria of 'always buy the best example you can afford'! Grab it whilst you can.
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| 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 and complete example of the type, that is in excellent original condition. The leather shell is unmarked and all stitching is intact and tight, with virtually no rubbing to the receiver housings covers as we normally see. It has provision for using with a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted. The metal parts are all excellent with just very minor age related marks ; the goggle and chin straps are again crisp. Inside is equally clean and the lambswool lining is very clean with evidence of just very light use and well above the average. The earphones Perspex covers remain in place and 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 lozenge shaped throat microphones are marked Mi 4b and Ln 26779-2. To complete the helmet is a near mint manufacturers label a sewn in label confirming made by Siemens -Apparate, Maschinen G.m. b. H. Whilst this helmet is not dated the fact the manufacturers details are shown rather than a code indicates probably a pre-war example. It also features a good clear BAL ink stamp stands for Bauaufsichten der Luftwaffe, the air force procurement agency, the helmet pattern number Baumuster LKpW101 Great No 124-436A and and Z.Ln26618. The only part not readable on the label is the size stamp but the helmet is on the small size but ideal for display and would be hard to improve upon.
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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)
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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.
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