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Aviation Clothing - British
Flying Jackets, Suits, Gloves, Boots etc.
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RAF Inner Silk Flying Gloves - Another pair of RAF Inner silk flying gloves that we are listing today. These were designed to be worn under 1933 pattern gauntlets but were often worn alone, particularly by fighter pilots. Early production used silk, while later these would have been made from synthetic silk or rayon.
This pair are in issued condition, with general soiling, commensurate with service use, as well as a small hole to the tip of the right glove index and middle finger and the same on the left, as well as wear to the thumb, indicating these were probably used without the 1933 pattern leather gloves as intended. These could be tidied up and washed but in general we prefer to leave kit in 'as issued' condition which reflects their history and use. Many gloves of this pattern we see offered for sale are actually post-war issue but this pair is 100% wartime specification with nice clear stores issue marks in both indicating 22C/260 thus confirming a matched pair of size 8 1/2. They are also broad arrow property marked and carry inspectors stamps. These stamps are often washed out but still nice and clear here, which is a real bonus. It is often hard to decide if these gloves are silk or later issue rayon but am pretty certain these are the earlier silk specification. This pattern tends not to be dated, as here, and can now make around £125 for a mint unissued set. These however are keenly priced to reflect their current condition, but with the added bonus they have definitely seen allied wartime service.
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£65.00
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RAF Inner Flying Gloves - Designed to be worn under 1933 pattern gauntlets, but were often worn alone particularly by fighter pilots. Early production used silk, while later these would have been made from synthetic silk or rayon. These being 1944 dated are probably of the later material. Broad arrow property marked and stamped S.G. Ltd. Minor staining, but generally in very good issued condition with no holes. The gloves are a matched pair in size 9 1/2 making the stores ref. 22C/262.
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RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West - A very fine second-hand reproduction of the classic lifejacket of WWII. Introduced in 1941 this jacket incorporated many improvements over its Battle of Britain predecessor, the 1932 pattern, that included gas as well as oral inflation and above all it was produced in a colour that was more easily spotted when adrift and alone at sea! This jacket is the Rolls Royce of reproductions with every detail successfully replicating the original, even down to the style of the later pattern Lightning zip, to access the neck the kapok.
This one being in used condition has just the right amount of soiling associated with the original - check out the last photograph in our listing to compare. We initially thought the hand painted artwork represented an Irish shamrock, so ideal if you wish to recreate the look of the Irish ace Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane, the most highly decorated pilot during the early years of World War II. However, we believe it actually represents a four-leaf clover, synonymous with good luck. Either way this jacket has that' lived in' look that is normally lacking with factory fresh replicas. It comes complete with three correct specification and AM marked kapoks as well as an original later pattern plastic Mae West whistle; by repute these were introduced during the war to supersede the snail type metal whistle, as in extreme cold these were known to freeze to the user's lips. This example, like so many of this pattern, is somewhat distorted and no longer functions, but remains a perfect and authentic accessory. The vest lacks an inflation bladder but one could be added; in the meantime, a very convincing tube provides a far cheaper alternative. It also features a replica dye strip, as well as a pouch to carry the floating lamp and battery pack, as well as authentic style buttons, canvas grab handles and leg straps. Inside the jacket the fabric is very clean and the authentic look is completed with a sewn in fabric label featuring a Kings crown, stores reference nos 22C/448 (indicating the largest size) and makers details H. J. N & Co.
Currently original '41 pattern Mae West can command prices of up to a £1,000 price tag. Ours provides a far more economical alternative and works equally well in an RAF collection, on a mannequin display or, as the last owner, for convincing re-enactment purposes.
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RAF Navigators Brevet - This example came direct from the family and was worn during WWII, when the owner completed 2 full tours with Bomber Command, the second with an elite pathfinder Squadron. The brevet carries the standard 'N' designation with oatmeal coloured thread. It shows signs where it has been unpicked from a uniform but remains in excellent issued condition. Wartime navigators were responsible for keeping the aircraft on course at all times, reaching the target and then getting the crew safely back to the home base. He had to maintain a high level of concentration for virtually the whole of the flight, which could be up to seven hours, and most with very rudimentary navigational aids. To do this over two complete tours indicates skills of exceptional order - and more than a fair amount of good luck!
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RAF Inner Silk Flying Gloves - Designed to be worn under 1933 pattern gauntlets but were often worn alone, particularly by fighter pilots. Early production used silk, while later these would have been made from synthetic silk or rayon.
These remain in above the average issued condition, with just one wear hole on the right thumb, as shown in our listing. The left glove has a bit of loose stitching and is a little cleaner than the right and both have the normal stains and marks from service use. Looking at the stitch detail these may possibly have been mismatched at some stage but when purchased came in with another near identical 1940 dated pair of silk inners and a set of RAF D gloves all from the same source (both already sold) and believe this is how they were used in service.
Inside the stores reference marks are washed out but just visible to the naked eye on the right glove is a feint King Crown and AM property mark. What however makes this set rather special is the original owner has written his RAF service number inside the right glove '631889'. Whilst these can be quite hard to track down, and more so without the owner's name to assist, against the odds we appear to have done so here. These seem to have been issued to and used by a Sgt Thomas Goldie, of 49 Squadron who was sadly KIA 7.12.40 flying as a Wireless operator /air gunner on a Hampden 1 X3028 (EA-S) that crashed at Welton, Lincs. The crew were returning from an operation to attack airfields in NW France, but crashed whilst trying to land back at RAF Scampton. Sgt Goldie is buried at Lesmahagow Cemetery, Lanarkshire.
Whilst the size detail is washed out these gloves are good fit on my hands so are probably a size 9, that would have carried stores reference number 22C/261. Whilst not mint, a very emotive set that have clearly seen operational service in the early part of WWII.
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Beaufort RAF Issue Mk 7 Lifejacket - Manufactured by Beaufort (Air-Sea) Equipment Ltd, this 'Mae West' aircrew lifejacket carries Stores Reference 22C/2275 and appears to date from May 1969. Many of this pattern seem to have been subcontracted to makers Frankenstein, so nice to have an original Beaufort made example. Manufactured from orange fabric, and like the WWII jackets it has 3 button closures to the front. When in service these jackets carried a plethora of escape aids and as well as kapok pads and a bladder it would have also held an inflation bottle, a Sabre rescue location beacon, a water activated torch and other kit to facilitate rescue. This jacket is stencilled on the back 'HON 37' which we assume to have been added when on the Squadron. We speculate this could indicate service at RAF Honington, were the Blackburn Buccaneer was opperated in 1969. If any visitor to the site can clarify meaning please get in touch and we will add to our listing. This jacket has clearly seen quite heavy service use with minor tears and holes and light staining. The neck zip works but is a little tender and one of the webbing straps, for dinghy pack attachment, has been cut, normal practice when these jackets came out of service. Interestingly, this same design was sourced for the 1969 Guy Hamilton blockbuster move 'Battle of Britain', when clearly prop availability took precedence over historical accuracy!
Today, 50 years after these jackets saw service with the RAF they are becoming increasingly hard to find in any condition and also expensive when they do turn up ; the price of this example reflects its overall condition today. This is not the best example we have seen but it certainly has that 'lived in look' and works well on a mannequin or for a reenactor or Goodwood Revival guest, to add that touch of authenticity. To that end our Boss, Mr Oldnautibits himself, borrowed this stock item when asked to dress in period on a recent classic car rally, as shown in the final image attached. Despite the passing years, we think the CO put on a pretty good show!
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RAF Old Pattern Stable Belt - Like the Officers gloves we have listed today these came in from the same source and is believed to have been issued to the same gentleman. The stable belt originates from when cavalrymen would place the surcingle around the waist when cleaning the stables. In the 1950s their use spread to all branches of the British armed forces, adding a splash of colour and individuality to the drab khaki working uniforms. Initially they were resisted by many senior officers, who saw them as too individualistic, but they soon became accepted throughout the forces.
This example was manufactured prior to 2007, when a buckled version was introduced and in all probability dates back to the 1970's. It has been used but remains in remarkably good condition with just very minor service wear to the leather straps. No size or other makings are shown but it is adjustable and we would estimate it would adjust out to fit a waist size of 34" or smaller (86 cm).
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Royal Flying Corps 'Double-Gauntlet' Fownes Flying Gloves - This very scarce pattern was designed and patented in 1907 by Henry Urwick, the son of one of the Fownes Brothers owners. Fownes was established in Worcestershire, a prosperous glove making region in England, back in 1777 and they remain in business to this day. In the early days of aviation very little flight clothing was available to combat the bitter cold of an open cockpit at 5,000 or 10,000 feet and aircrew mainly resorted to the civilian market for their needs, with motoring clothing being the first port of call. The Fownes design however was specifically created for use by fledgling RFC aircrew and continued as an issue item in the early days of the RAF.
The unique design Urwick created is effectively a two in one glove with the inner part being an ordinary glove with thumb and fingers, whilst the outer section was in the form of a mitten, that covers the inner finger section but could be folded back when needed to aid access to flight controls and critically to operate machine guns. The pattern immediately proved popular with aircrews, where frostbite was a constant and deadly threat, exacerbated by the windchill factor created at speeds of 70-80 MPH. This pair was issued, we believe, to the same airman as the RFC goggles, we have just listed and whilst showing clear signs of significant service use, yet despite their age remain in remarkably good display condition. The tan leather is soft and supple and the seams are sound. The inner palm area and the top 'mittern' section are more soiled, as you would expect. The metal studs to secure the mitten in the folded position remain in situ but now carry some age-related Verdigris. The inner fleece lining has now been worn away. The leather lining of the gauntlet section remains very clean and is clearly size stamped '8/2' in two places and further manufacturers details, that now largely indecipherable, but appear to show Patent detail, Made in England and we suspect originally the company name.
We are indebted to Mark Hillier's excellent 'Royal Flying Corps Kit Bag' reference book (which should be in the reference library of every serious RFC collector), for much of the above information and where the Fownes design is fully described and illustrated on pages 61-65. In 20 years as a dealer and in a lifetime as a collector this is a first for us and perhaps the rarest of all aviators flying gloves, where often the origins are impossible to pin down. No such doubt exists here and this set represents a one-off opportunity to add these to your collection.
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Ladies CC41 'Utility Clothing' Fur Gloves - The CC41 Utility logo was a British Board of Trade requirement that appeared on footwear, utility furniture, textiles, and utility clothing for just over ten years from 1941. CC41 designated that the item met the government's austerity regulations. By 1941, with the need to produce clothing and other war essentials for the expanding armed services during the Second World War, many items were rationed. Certain raw materials could no longer be imported, and those that could were directed towards the war effort. In addition, the U boat threat and the Battle of the Atlantic resulted in shortages of both raw materials and finished goods. The scheme was therefore designed to encourage economy of production, rather than restricting commercial endeavour and encouraged manufacturers to specify a more leanly specified version.
The utility mark also meant that the item was tax free, which appealed to the public, so there was a greater incentive to produce items to this standard. The iconic logo was designed by a commercial artist called Reginald Shipp and is in the form of two 'cheeses' that look rather like the letter 'C'. A number of theories have been put forward as to what the 'CC41' stood for with some stating it stands for 'Civilian Clothing', others for 'Controlled Commodity'. The government introduced the 'Limitation of Supply Orders' that forced manufacturers to produce only a fraction of their pre-war amounts and CC41 goods represented cheap, but reliable goods.
Our gloves carry a clear CC41 label sewn into the left glove that indicates that they date from between 1941 and 1952 when the scheme was finally discontinued. Despite them qualifying as 'utility clothing ' they are actually made from very good materials including real fur inside and out with grain leather used on the palms and fingers. No size is marked but fit nicely on an average ladies hand and are both stylish and warm. The previous lady owner used them in the front cockpit of her husband's Tiger Moth but they would be equally useful in an open top classic car and of course they are perfect for a CC41 collector. Whist of a later date, similar gloves were used by RFC aviators in WWI. This pair remains are in fantastic original condition that belies their age.
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RAF War Service Dress blouse - Universally know as 'battledress' and first introduced to flying personnel only in 1941 but subsequently standardised for wear by all RAF personnel later in WWII. This example is a 'Plain Jane' in that it simply carries shoulder eagles but no other badges so would originally have been issued to an 'Erk'! It remains in remarkably good condition and seems to have largely avoided the attentions of the dreaded moth with just one or two minor nibbles but these are largely hidden when on display. The blue serge material retains its original RA blue colour and all buttons are in place. The waist belt shows some wear to the inside caused by the chromed buckle but again hidden when on display.
Inside is equally clean with just minor wear to the inside collar. The original label is still clear and this confirms War Service Dress Blouse Size 11 to fit a chap of 5' 9"-5'10", Breast 38"- 39" and waist 34". The label is Broad Arrow marked and caries a makers name W. Harmer and Co Ltd and is dated 1944. The tunic is not named so its wartime history has been lost down the years. A good clean wartime dated example and getting increasingly hard to find.
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RAF Police Arm Band - A near mint example in excellent original condition. RAF Police arm bands were first authorised in service in 1944. Two types were produced, one in wool with a two pronged buckle and the other, a printed version with brass poppers. More recent examples had Newey snap fasteners, while current examples have velcro fastenings and also carry rank insignia. This example would be hard to improve upon. Measures 18" (46 cm)
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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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RAF Gloves, Flying, Gauntlet, Type D - A virtually mint set, finished in soft chestnut leather with a wool lining. These are of a straight pull on pattern and formed part of the 'D' series electrically heated system and when issued were used in conjunction with rayon inner liners. Later in WWII when the heating aspect became less important they were often used alone or with silk inners. This set (which is for the outers only) shows a slight colour variation between the left and right glove, as is normally the case as a result of the gloves being made in different factories and paired up when issued to avoid pilferage. Both carry good clear labels with the left glove carrying stores reference 22C/768 and the right 22C/771. Interestingly despite these references indicating a pair of size 9 gloves the labels have been modified by hand to indicate size 9.5 and certainly the fit seems to indicate the larger size. The labels are also A.M. marked with Kings Crown, contract numbers and AID inspectors stamps. Like all our kit, whilst these are offered for sale as collectables, seeing the pristine condition we see no reason why they can not be used for the intended purpose, for re-enactment or for classic motoring. They certainly meet the collectors maxim 'always buy the best you can afford'! Further pictures are available on request to show the full detail described.
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RAF Corporal's War Service Dress Blouse and Trousers - First issued exclusively to aircrew in 1941 it was originally referred to as 'Suit, Blue Grey, Aircrews ' but it was subsequently issued to all and became universally known as "Battledress". This very fine example of the type is a matched suit made by Sindall Bros & Co Ltd and carries a broad arrow stamp with a label dated 1945, so it just caught the latter stages of WWII. It is in virtually unissued condition although seeing Corporal rank stripes and medal ribbon it has clearly been issued and used although sadly it is not named, so any associated history has now been lost. The Medal ribbon show the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal and War Medal (1939-45) were awarded to the original owner.
The Blouse is in fantastic condition with fine Corporal's stripes to each arm and oblong shoulder titles above. The fabric of blouse is exceptionally clean and more or less factory fresh and no other damage or marks ; the waist band is WD and Broad arrow stamped as well as the code letter 'Z' indicating 1945 issue. The matching trousers, which carry the same makers label so have not been mismatched like many of the suits we see. They are equally clean but have a few small moth nibbles but on display these hardly notice. The field dressing pocket to the front is of the later simplified button closure type. The suit is marked size 7 with the tunic indicating suitable for height 5' 7"-5'8", breast 35"-36" and waist 31". The matching trousers are marked for the same height and waist with the seat marked as 36"-37" and leg measurement 30.5".
Despite the minor moth damage to the trousers this example is well above the average for a 1945 dated BD suit and wartime examples are becoming increasingly hard to source now in any condition. This would make the ideal example for a mannequin display but would also be strong enough to wear for re enactment purposes, if you should just happen to be of modest proportions! As with all our stock more detailed photographs are available on request.
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Coveralls, Mens, Cotton Drill, White - We are unsure of the origins of this suit although we have been told a small quantity were discovered in South Africa some time ago and this may be from that source. It is in the style of the pre-war RAF 'Prestige suit', popular with well heeled pilots in the early years of WWII including the Battle of Britain. The suit is made from white cotton with a fully buttoned front, flapped pleated chest pockets and side entry pockets at the waist. Interestingly the white buttons are removeable via split rings in the same way as original Prestige Suits and RAF Khaki Drill uniforms, to aid washing. It is fitted with a cotton waist belt with a chrome finished buckle. The suit does not carry a makers label but we would estimate it would fit a person with about a 38" chest, a 32" waist and up to 5'10" in height. We are happy to check individual measurements and like all our stock additional detail photographs are available on request.
This style of suit was also worn by racing drivers and pit mechanics and with appropriate accessories would form the basis of an outfit for a 1940's event, re-enactment the the Goodwood Revival or dressed on a mannequin for display purposes. Original Prestige Suits are now into four figures (if you can find one! and decent replicas are well over £100. This one is rather more modestly priced! It is in excellent condition but has clearly had light use, with the odd surface marks and minor rust stains. It could of course be washed but we have left it just as it came in as we believe, as it stands, this adds a touch of period authenticity.
Wd also have fresh in a very small selection of super qulity replica WWII RAF bullion Squadron badge that if attached to the front breast pocket would set the suit off perfectly. Details and prices on request.
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RAF War Service Dress named to Sgt Anholm - Here we list here a matched RAF Battledress blouse and trousers named to the same Sergeant. Sadly we have no history on him other than he clearly served in WWII but without clues like his initials or service number tracking him down could prove a bridge too far. Both the blouse and trousers have good clear labels with the blouse made by Montague Burton Leeds in 1945 whilst the trousers are by John Hammond & Co (1922) Ltd and are dated 1944 and over stamped June 1944. The blouse carries standard rectangular RAF Other Ranks shoulder titles. Below is clear evidence where Sgt Anholm's stripes have been removed as is often the case when uniforms are sold on by the family. It would be nice to have the blouse rebadged but we will leave this to the new owner. The condition of the cloth is way above the average for an original wartime set with just a couple of very small moth nibbles to the back panel but on display these are virtually invisible. All buttons and buckles are present and correct.
The matching trousers are like the tunic, very clean and fresh and despite being made 75 years ago just a couple of moth nibbles that on display do not really detract. The field dressing pocket is of the later button closed type as opposed to the early War flap version. Clearly Sgt Anholm was not a large man with the tunic being as size 2 (Height 5' 2"-5' 4", Breast 34"-35" and Waist 31"). The trousers are a size 1 to fit a Waist 29" and Leg 28.5". So despite its modest size this matched set could form the ideal basis of an RAF Flight Sergeant mannequin or just as a display item in your collection. As with all our stock more detailed photographs are available on request. Genuine matched and named wartime RAF Battledress are becoming increasingly hard to find so grab this opportunity, on offer at a competitive price, whilst you can!
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RAF Flight Sergeant's Jacket Other Airmen - Fully badged with a padded Navigators brevet to the left breast and Sergeants stripes and Kings Crown to both arms, surmounted by rectangular shoulder eagle. Interestingly the left breast pocket has cotton loops sewn on and we speculate this may have been to carry a Pathfinder badge, but this is pure guesswork on our part. This tunic is the second pattern, which replaced the 1940 design, that carried faux French cuffs. It is made from coarse airforce blue fabric which is generally in well above the average condition and not faded, as many we see, with just a few minor moth nips, that are hardly noticeable on display.
Inside the unlined tunic carries a good clear label indicating a size 2 to fit a chap of a modest 5'2" to 5' 4" height and with breast 34"-35" and a waist of 32". The manufacturer's details are H.523727/41/C.I.B. and clearly dated 1941 below. The original owners name has sadly been been blacked out, a common practice when families sell on original uniforms. The tunic is completed by a standard pattern waist belt and a full set of Kings Crown brass buttons made by J.R.Gaunt of London.
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RAF Officers Brown Leather Dress Gloves - This fine pair of gloves and the RAF stable belt we are also listing today came in with a post war RAF visor cap and we believe all three items belonged to the same Officer. These gloves are made from very soft calf or doe leather and are sealed with a button closure. They are a matched pair and carry a label inside indicating a reference nos of 415-8012, marked size 9 and dated 1974. The label confirms they were made by the quality glove makers of Burfield, operating from a small factory in Martock, Somerset coincidentally just 5 miles from the Oldnautibits HQ!
Burfields & Co. were established back in 1944 and the company had a long, successful association with the British Ministry of Defence and the RAF in the supply of service gloves. Sadly they went into liquidation in March 2017 so all production has now ceased and these can never be repeated. So grab this one off opportunity to invest in a fine pair of quality gloves that must have cost the UK tax payer a fortune to manufacture. Ideal for re-enactment, The Goodwood revival or even for general wear. They appear virtually unworn and at this price must be a fraction of their original cost.
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WAAF Other Ranks V Neck Pullover - This garment came in with a selection of other WAAF uniform items and we have therefore assumed seeing it is finished in RAF blue this is another WAAF issue item. The inside collar is marked with 5090018 which we assume to be the original owners service number. Sewn into the hem is a makers label marked H & E Ltd and branded 'Puritex' regd;it is also broad arrow property mark. The date is mis-stamped but seems to have originated in the 1950's. This garment is very small and is marked size 1. The wool has the odd snag and hole so all in all not in the best condition but it could be darned and could still make a good display item. It is priced accordingly!
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WAAF Officers Tunic and Skirt - Original WAAF uniforms are now getting very scarce although this is not exactly what it seems but with the re-enactment season already upon us this could be a means to an end! It came in from an owner who used it once to attend a 1940's themed dance so is now looking for a new home! The tunic jacket is an original item and carries rank lace to the sleeves and is labelled 'Suits No1 (Home) Dress Officers RAF and is broad arrow marked and is dated 1952. We believe this tunic to be a 're-clocked' and it probably started life as a Gent's example. The tunic is in generally very good condition with a couple of minor moth nips but these do not detract. The lapels carry brass VRT badges that look to be original and stand fro Volunteer Reserve Training that was established in 1947 for use in RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).The jacket carries brass Kings Crown buttons and a brass belt buckle to WWII specification. The medal ribbons are for the Defence Medal, the 1939-45 War Medal and interestingly the Burma Star. The tunic measures 30.5" from collar to bottom hem (77 cm) and the arms are 24.5" shoulder to cuff (62 cm.) The Officers skirt does not carry a label but is fully lined and looks as though it is tailor made and probably of a later date but a good match for the tunic. We estimate the waist to be around 30" (76 cm) and is 26" from waist to hem (66 cm) We would estimate the set should be a good fit for a ladies size 12.
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WAAF WWII Drivers Gloves - An extremely scarce pair of Air Ministry issue gauntlets finished in very soft mid brown leather. The design is similar in many respects to the 1933 RAF pattern flying gloves but without the zip fitted in the wrist section. The leather (probably calf) is very soft and in virtually unworn condition. The inner lining is clearly stamped with a Kings Crown and below A.M. as well as A.I.D. inspectors stamps in both gloves. A similar pattern was also issued to F.A.N.Y drivers as well as ATS despatch riders in WWII but in this instance their is no doubt these are the scarce Air Ministry issue WAAF pattern. The size stamp is not clear but they could be a size 6 making them on the small size. This is the first pair of WAAF gloves we have had in 10 years and we don't anticipate these will be with us long!
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WAAF Flight Officers Tunic and Skirt - Another scarce WAAF uniform that exudes originality. The tunic carries a makers label to the inside pocket indicting it was tailored by Hector Power of Regent Street, London W1. The label is also named to the original owner who was a A.B.O Keetle; below the name is printed 16/5001 and a date 4/8/42. We have no service history to go with this uniform but it could no doubt be researched. The tunic carries rank lace to a Flight Officer but with a variation in the colour of the two rings so clearly indication when Section Officer Keetle was made up to 'Flight' rank (which corresponds to the male rank of Flight Lieutenant).The jacket is in excellent original condition with just the odd snag commensurate with service wear but it has fortunately more or less avoided the ravishes of the dreaded moth. It carries a pair of original 'A' lapel badges indication Ms Keetle was a volunteer and is fitted with brass Kings Crown buttons by Gaunt of London. The belt shows minor wear caused by the buckle prongs as you would expect. The matching skirt is again in a similar condition with a side zip fitted to the waist band. Interestingly it looks as though the waist has been taken in at some stage ; judging by the small tunic size this would indicate Flight Officer Keetle was of a modest disposition! In view of the size constraints in the 21st century we believe this one deserves a place in a museum or aviation collection although we have just listed other uniforms which may be more suited for re enactor's purposes. Examples of genuine wartime issue WAAF uniforms are now very scarce and we don't anticipate this one being with us for long. If any visitors to the site can add any of Flight Officer Keetle's service history we would be delighted to add this to our description.
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WAAF WWII Pattern Issue Shirt - We are pleased to offer a rare WAAF issue shirt that came in with a WAAF tunic which we have also just listed. It is in very good issued condition and is made from light blue-grey cotton fabric. Other than a minor stain to the rear right back shoulder we can't see any other issues in terms of damage, stains or moth. The shirt is clearly cut for the female figure, having pleats let into the front shoulder area. The shirt buttons from the left (female) side and it also carries a small open top patch pocket on the left breast. Inked on the inside collar is a service number 2010225 and it is named to Waters S. The shirt comes with a detachable collar that is Kings Crown and AM marked with the code H544685/41 which would date it to 1941 and is named to Ranson with a service number 451639. Clearly the collar has been mixed up at some stage but it appears to fit correctly and it comes complete with a two period collar studs. The collar shows signs of use but is generally in good shape with just minor age staining and the fabric is not quite as bright as on the shirt, which is to be expected. A near identical example is illustrated on page 81 of Bayley & Ingram's excellent 'WWII British Women's Uniforms' reference booklet. No size is marked but we estimate this would be a good fit on a size 14.
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WAAF Officers Re-Enactors Uniform - Another item from the small WAAF collection we have in. Here the tunic jacket appears to be an original item and we believe dates to WWII and unlike the other tunic we have listed today has not been 're-clocked'!.It carries a makers label, now somewhat faded, reading M.Walker Ltd, 47 Albemarle Street, London. The rest has faded away over the years. Below in white ink is B 36 and W 30 which we assume to be the bust and waist sizing. The jacket is to WWII specification with brass Kings Crown buttons (made by Gaunt) and a brass belt buckle. The tunic shows some service wear and moth nips but generally in decent display condition. The skirts that came with it is of later manufacture and carries an MOD label stating 'Skirt Woman's Blue-Grey 1972 Pattern'. The size is marked as 67/64/96; we have no idea what this means but it is small! It was made by Watts & stone Ltd. This again shows some service wear and like the tunic could benefit from a dry clean. Check our the other WAAF related items that came in with this set which we are also listing today.
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WAAF Tunic and Skirt - Another item from the small WAAF collection we have in. Here the tunic jacket appears to be an original item and we believe dates to WWII and unlike the other tunic we have listed today has not been 're-clocked'!.It carries a makers label, now somewhat faded, reading M.Walker Ltd, 47 Albemarle Street, London. The rest has faded away over the years. Below in white ink is B 36 and W 30 which we assume to be the bust and waist sizing. The jacket is to WWII specification with brass Kings Crown buttons (made by Gaunt) and a brass belt buckle. The tunic shows some service wear and moth nips but generally in decent display condition. The skirts that came with it is of later manufacture and carries an MOD label stating 'Skirt Woman's Blue-Grey 1972 Pattern'. The size is marked as 67/64/96; we have no idea what this means but it is small! It was made by Watts & stone Ltd. This again shows some service wear and like the tunic could benefit from a dry clean. Check our the other WAAF related items that came in with this set which we are also listing today.
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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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RAF 1943 Pattern Escape Boots with a twist! - This pair was recently purchased in Normandy and show how the 1943 pattern flying boot can be transformed as the designer Major Clayton Hutton of MI9 intended. The leg section has been carefully cut away leaving in place of an obvious pair of aircrew flying boots a 5 eyelet cap Oxford shoe that would not have been out of place in Oxford Street or in the then German occupied Avenue des Champs-Élysées thus giving the downed airman a much better chance of avoiding capture. Clearly we can only speculate on the provenance of this pair but lets hope the owner managed to link up with La Résistance Française and he was able to make a home run leaving only his footwear behind in Normandy! The shoes show signs of wear and interestingly the original leather soles have been repaired with rubber that have hand cut grooves cut into them to give better grip. This could indicate post war civilian use under new ownership! The interior still features the lambs wool lining that would have extended up the original leg to keep the airman warm in flight. It seems the escape knife having performed its intended role was then discarded and is now sadly missing. In line with all 1943 pattern boots no size is marked but we would estimate these to be around a UK size 10-11 (45-46).Few collectors would mutilate an original set of escape boots but here you have the chance to display this set in the 'escape mode' perhaps alongside an 'as issued' pair. The shoe fillers are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.
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RAF Type 'D' Flying Gauntlets - a really top quality matched pair carrying broad arrow marked labels confirming stores reference nos 22C/769 for the left glove and 22C/772 for the right. They also both carry the same code 10440 indicating unlike many RAF wartime flying gloves they have never been mismatched. These are a large size 10 and whilst they were designed to be worn as part of the D heated system with electrically wired inners they were often used alone or with unheated silk inners. This set would be impossible to upgrade with very soft light tan leather in virtually unmarked condition.
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RAF Dinghy Seat Pack Type A Mk 3* - stores reference 27C/2088 and designed to carry the single-man fighter pilot Type K dinghy was carried folded within the pack attached to the seat type parachute in place of the usual Sorbo rubber seat cushion. Manufactured in heavy olive drab cotton canvas, broadly rectangular in shape with a separate cover attached with press-studs. These packs have internal stowage pockets to house the accessories not carried within the dinghy itself. This example benefits from being fitted with an emergency rubber water cushion for drinking purposes stamped 27C/2138 and enclosed within a canvas zipped cover marked 27C/2138 and Jecco. The exterior of the pack carries a multi-lingual label stitched to the cover in we believe English, French, Czech and Polish. The pack is complete withy lanyard and connectors to attach to the '41 pattern Mae West. The whole set is in virtually mint faultless condition and would be impossible to improve upon.
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RAF Dinghy Seat Pack Type A Mk 3* - stores reference 27C/2445 and designed to carry the single-man fighter pilot Type K dinghy which was carried folded within the pack attached to the seat type parachute in place of the usual Sorbo rubber seat cushion. Manufactured in heavy olive drab cotton canvas, broadly rectangular in shape with a separate cover attached with press-studs. These packs have internal stowage pockets to house the accessories not carried within the dinghy itself. This example benefits from being fitted with an emergency rubber water cushion for drinking purposes stamped 27C/2134 and enclosed within a purple canvas zipped cover marked V.D.The exterior of the pack carries a multi-lingual label stitched to the cover in we believe English, French, Czech and Polish. The pack is complete with lanyard and quick release connectors to attach to the '41 pattern Mae West. The whole set is in virtually mint faultless condition and would be impossible to improve upon.
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RAF 1941 Pattern Sidcot Suit stores reference 22C/777 - this was the final wartime development of the Sidcot suit of WWII. Identical to the 1940 pattern but with the addition of an electrical wiring system to allow use in conjunction with D type heated gloves and boot liners and was favoured for use by aircrew of Bomber Command. Manufacture in heavy olive drab canvas it was designed to be used with a kapok liner for additional warmth. This is a very clean example and benefits from being fitted with all original zips which are all AM and Kings Crown marked. All in working order with just a single tooth missing on the left sleeve zip. The electrical wiring loom is still in place with the correct snaps at wrist and ankles. Inside the suit is also very clean with a clear AM marked label indicating the suit is large size 5 suitable for height 5'10" to 5'11". All original buttons are fitted and this suit would be hard to improve upon particularly in this hard to find large size. Ideal for display or re-enactment purposes.
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