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Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 2
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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 | RAF Magnetic Staff Car pennant Mast - This is only the second example of one of these we have had in 20 years+ of trading. It was found in a box containing assorted RAF items that originated from Bentley Priory, including the Air Officer Commanding pennant we have just listed, so we surmise this was were it served. This would appear to be post war issue and we are told the magnetic version was used when different staff cars were used, whilst a regular staff car would have had a permanent mast bolted to it.
It is finely engineered with both the finial and mast having a screw thread to aid the attachment of and safely securing the appropriate pennant. The mast is finished in what we believe to be stainless steel and the very strong magnet is enclosed within a rubber base, to avoid any damage to the car's paintwork. We understand these portable examples were good for speeds up to 8o MPH (128 KPH) but we have not as yet tested it on our Somerset roads!
The mast measures 14" from the base to the top of the finial (35.5 cm) and the rubber base is 3.75" diameter (9.5 cm) Please note this listing is for the mast alone and the Air Officer Commanding pennant is for display purposes only, but is listed for sale separately against item 6537. Modern diplomatic magnetic flag pole masts are being advertised currently at £236.81 Ours, which was definitely RAF issue and possibly with interesting provenance, is rather more modestly priced!
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| RAF Staff Car Pennant - These were flown from official RAF staff cars of Section and Station Commanders of the rank of Wing Commander and above. It is made from woven fabric finished in RAF blue with an embroidered RAF roundel stitched to the centre. The flag staff side is reinforced with leather to prevent wear to the fabric. We understand on RAF owned staff cars the flag pole was fitted by means of a screw in the base plate that was permanently attached to the vehicle. On lease cars the flag pole was attached via a magnetic base, so it could be easily removed depending on who was being driven.
This example remains in remarkably good flown condition with just very minor age wear. Unlike most of the fake RAF ensigns currently being offered as originals on E bay we can give a money back assurance this one is the real deal so you can buy with confidence. These are difficult to date but post war examples tended to be of nylon with an embossed roundel, so we would estimate this fine example dates from circa WWII or the early post war period. The pennant is double sided and measures 12.5"x 5.75" (31 cm x 14.5 cm) and the roundel is about 4.5" diameter (11 cm). The last one of these we offered was sold back in 2014 so grab this opportunity whilst you can!
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| Wing Commander Guy Gibson D. F. C. RAF Pilot's Flying Log Book No 2 - Clearly this example is a replica, with the original held as a national archive item at the Public Records Office. Despite this, these copies are now incredibly rare and have become a sought after collector's item in its own right. This was published in a single run by 'After the Battle ' magazine in 1975 and sold out very quickly and are now only very occasionally available on the second hand market. I will certainly never be selling my own copy but we have now been fortunate enough to find a further example that is offered for resale here. This one even comes with the original paper insert order form issued with the book when first offered for sale and is now nearly always missing.
Guy Gibson's Log Book No. 2 was faithfully replicated from the original copy held in the Public Record Office, London. The first and last pages have been stuck together as in the original book. The photograph that had been inserted on the page following the entry for the Dams raid on May 16, 1943, is missing in the original and is missing here. This log book remains in excellent used condition with just minor fading to a part of the cover, (which actually adds to the authenticity in our view) and is marked 'Log Book No2' ;it is not known what happened to Guy Gibson's original log book covering the period up to November 15, 1940. The written entries end of September 15, 1944. Just Three days later, on September 19, Gibson piloted a Mosquito, acting as Master Bomber and target illumination for an attack on Bremen. At 21.53 hours he turned for home but three-quarters of an hour later crashed in flames at Steenbergen, Holland. Mystery continues to surround his loss but the current theory is he was mistaken for a Luftwaffe Junkers 88 and was sadly shot down and killed by 'friendly fire'.
Don't just take our word for it just how good this facsimile is and I quote from Amazon. com reviewer J. R. Perkins: "As an historic document, this item ranks up there with the best. Especially if you have an interest in aviation from the Second World War, as Guy Gibson is one of the best known pilots of the Royal Air Force and to have a reproduction of his Log Book is something really special. Some of his less known sorties are listed here, being his time as a night fighter pilot with 29 Squadron flying Blenheims and then Beaufighters defending the skies of England against German night bombers. Truly a very special book to own and treasure. Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson VC DSO DFC (12 August 1918 – 19 September 1944), was the first CO of the Royal Air Force's 617 Squadron, which he led in the "Dam Busters" raid (Operation Chastise) in 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area. He was awarded the Victoria Cross and died later in the war. He had completed over 170 operations at the age of 24. "
One personal and emotive entry in the log book, made on 21st November 1940 and is featured in our attached photograph. Gibson met Eve Moore, a show dancer and actress, in December 1939 when she was performing in the revue'Come Out To Play' at the New Hippodrome Theatre, Coventry. Gibson proposed to Eve in October 1940 and she accepted and on 21st November he flew down to Cardiff in a Blenheim and the log book connotation reads under 'Duty'section:'To Cardiff -To be Married!
This edition is not to be confused with modern copies that have recently been offered from Holland and is from the original one off limited edition 'After the Battle' print run. We did however spot one offered on UK eBay that sold on 1st November 2020 for £350 plus delivery; ours is rather more modestly priced!
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| French Armée de l'Air Adjudant-Chef Tunic - A good original example with gold bullion wing badge to the chest indicating the original owner was a 'Flying Mechanic' which we understand in RAF terms would be a Flight Engineer. Below on the right breast pocket is a corresponding metal trade badge that picks up the same trade motif ;this could be a later addition. The cloth shows signs of service wear but is generally in very good condition and retains the dark navy blue colour characteristic of French Air Force uniforms. Rank bars are sewn to the shoulders and arms. Theses indicate the tunic is badged to a senior NCO with the rank of 'Adjudant-Chef', the senior of the two Warrant officer grades in the Armée de l'Air, with the rank indicated by a gold ribbon with a middle stripe of red; the junior grade of warrant officer carried a silver ribbon with a red stripe. Standard brass buttons are fitted with the Air Force logo and maker marked A. M & Cie Paris.
Inside is equally clean with no damage to the lining. The tunic carries a cloth badge with a name hand written 'Goudel Jacques Gerhas' which we believe would be the original owner rather than the manufacturer. We can not find any other identifying marks and as it is not dated our best guess is it probably originated in the late 1940's or 1950's but we stand to be corrected by all you French Armée de l'Air experts! No sizing is shown but we estimate it would be a good fit on a chest size of 39"-41" (99 cm -103 cm) An unusual tunic not often seen this side of the English Channel and seeing it is modestly priced would be a welcome addition to a collection but seeing the condition it would also suit a reenactor or something completely different for a fancy dress party.
Please also see the two period French visor caps we also currently have listed elsewhere in the 'Aeronautical, Headgear Other' section.
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| Framed Photograph of a Luftwaffe Administrative Officer - This clearly shows rank badges for a Hauptbrandmeister and to the base of the photograph is embossed "Photo-Wiebeche". Below is a set of fabric Luftwaffe national emblem badge with evidence of original stitching together with a cloth Reichskokade. The grouping is mounted in a more recent frame measuring 28 cm x 13 cm (11.5" x 5.25").
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OC471 
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| Adler-Liederheft Feldpostausgabe des Liederbuchs der Luftwaffe On offer is an original copy of an Adler Luftwaffe songbook published in Berlin 1939, then priced at a modest 20 Pfg! The literal translation of the booklets title is 'Adler-Liederheft Field post edition of the Luftwaffe songbook' and the cover shows a trio of JU 87 Stuka dive bombers in flight, as well as a Luftwaffe eagle and swastika set against an inverted sword. Inside it carries 8 black and while photographs and drawings showing the Luftwaffe in action and alongside a range of no doubt patriotic songs and the accompanying music. The booklet has 31 pages in total and despite now being 82 years old (this is not a reprint) it remains in remarkably good overall condition, with just light wear to the covers. Booklet measures 6.25"x 4.50" (16 cm x 11 cm)
Pages: 31
Cover: Soft
Author: Adler-Liederheft
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OC472
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| RAF Pilot's and Flight Engineer's Notes : Lancaster I, III & X Designed by Roy Chadwick, the Lancaster four-engine bomber entered service in February 1942 and became the backbone of RAF's Bomber Command in WWII and flew 156,000 operations over occupied Europe, successfully delivering 608,612 tons of bombs. The 'Lanc' had a crew of seven and these booklets were issued to all pilot's and flight engineers and contained invaluable information about the aircraft's operation, controls, handling, and emergency procedures. Most editions that turn up today are modern reprints and whilst convincing they are replicas. On offer here is a scarce original edition, printed in April 1944 and marked on the front cover A. P. 2062A (3rd edition), 2062C (2nd edition), 2962F (1st edition) and named to Pilot Officer Roeder (?)and below is written 'No 15'. We surmise this refers to 15 Squadron RAF, which converted to the Avro Lancaster in December 1943, operating from Mildenhall.
This booklet contains 46 pages detailing a vast amount of information, including a general description of the aircrafts operating systems and controls in Part 1. Part II deals with handling, part III operating data for the Merlin engines, whilst Part IV explains what to do in emergencies. Part V then covers supplementary notes for the Flight Engineer and concludes with part VI which contains superb pull-out diagrams/photos illustrating the pilots instrument panel, the port side of the cockpit, the flight Engineers panel and diagrams of the fuel system. The booklet remains in remarkably good issued condition and with just minor service wear and age related staining to the front and back covers and rust to the staples. These original examples are becoming increasingly hard to find now and this one would sit happily in any RAF related collection. If any visitors to the site can help identify Pilot Officer Roeder please get in touch and we will add to our description.
Pages: 46
Cover: Soft
Author: Promulgated by order of the Air Council
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| Luftwaffe Enlisted Man's Leather Belt and Buckle - Another fabulous item that is entirely new to the market and most unusually comes with confirmed wartime provenance. It was recently discovered in the Normandy The village of Saint-Vaast-d'Equiqueville, located 25 kms south of Dieppe, and in WWII was the GHQ of Generalleutnant Erwin Sander, commander of the 245. Infanterie-Division. The 17th Luftwaffe Field Division was based in the village from 1942 and six men were billeted at a local farm. When posted elsewhere at short notice in 1944 in the rush to pack up and leave they left behind some items of equipment, including this belt. The current owner of the farm was a boy of 15 in 1944 and took the belt as a souvenir when their uninvited 'guests' left and has remained with him in Normandy ever since.
The belt is in fine original condition although it is clear the unnamed original owner was very slim, as the belt has been field shortened with the adjustment strap removed from its original position and somewhat crudely resewn to suit a smaller waist, as evidenced in the photographs. The belt is stamped with the makers name Joseph Moll, Gogh and dated 1937. The pre-war specification brown leather is in fine original condition, as is the early aluminium buckle and clip. The eagle, swastika and wreath are all well defined but with some evidence of service wear. The back of the buckle is stamped '39' whilst the hook attachment is embossed 'OLC' in a diamond surround. Sadly the belt is not named but we can only hope the wartime owner was not put on a charge when this essential piece of Luftwaffe property was found missing!
Clearly here the story behind the belt is as important as the belt itself and we will supply a written letter confirming the wartime provenance so the associated history is not lost in the future.
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| RAF Engraved Cigarette Case - An excellent example that whist not dated almost certainly originated in WWII. The outside of the case in engine turned and to the centre is a crisp set of RAF wings surmounted by a Kings Crown; whilst the paint is now largely worn away we believe the crown was originally red and the 'RAF' lettering was set against a blue background. The case, which is chrome finished, has the odd bump from usage which is as to be expected but remains in generally good condition with no wear to the chrome and the hinge and spring catch both remain in good working order. The reverse of the catch is marked 'Made in England' and possibly the makers name, which we have been unable to decipher. Inside is equally crisp and the case retains the original elastic for holding the cigarettes in place. What lifts this example well above the norm is a presentation engraving on the inside lid reading :'To Babs with all my love, Al. 'Sadly the history of the piece has been lost down the years but we can only assume this was given by 'Al' to 'Babs' as a present to his wife or girlfriend as a sweetheart gift and in the days when almost everyone smoked and enjoyed up to 40 'Woodbines' a day would have been a functional rather than a r0mantic present! This case would sit happily in any RAF collection and is significantly cheaper then a similar silver example that also turn up from time to time. Measures 3.75" x 3 1/2" (9.5 cm x 8.5 cm)
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| Aircraft Piston Grip Display Stand - We had this original aircraft piston custom modified with a central alloy mount machined up and bolted to the top to provide a unique display stand for an aircraft control grip. The example shown, which is ex Harvard/Texan, is not included in the sale but is offered for sale below against item 3743 and comes complete with the appropriate control column, but is included here for display purposes only.
We are unsure of the actual engine the piston came from but inside it is marked 'Lycoming' and also stamped 'Z243' and 'P1'. We have been advised it may have been taken from a Wright Cyclone engine, for whom Lycoming made the pistons, so if correct could have been used on types such as the RAF Boston, A20, the Mitchell and others. If any visitors to the site can provide a more definite ID we will add it to our description.
The diameter of the piston is 5.2" (13 cm).The grip support strut is 4.33" high (11 cm) and it's diameter is 1.18" (3 cm). We can't think of a better way to display an aircraft grip so grab it whilst you can as this is a one off item and when it is gone it is gone!
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OC473
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| RAF Pilot's Notes for Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI, TEX & X1 The Beaufighter prototype first flew in July 1939, just six months after the layout drawings had been agreed and was met with an order for 300 aircraft, under Specification F.17/39. Entering service in July 1940 it operated as a night fighter in the Battle of Britain. Robust, versatile and heavily armed, the Bristol Beaufighter operated in many roles and theatres, remaining in RAF service until 1960 and when withdrawn from service 5,928 had been manufactured. The Mk VI featured Hercules X VII engines and over 1,000 examples of this model were built. The TFX variant was a torpedo fighter aircraft, dubbed the "Torbeau" whilst the Mk XIC was supplied to Coastal Command. These pilot's notes, like the Lancaster version also listed today, is a scarce original copy dated January 1944 and is a second edition A. P.1721. The cover is named in feint pencil to a F/Sgt K. R. ………., the final lettering of which we have been unable to decipher.
The booklet has 44 pages and contains a vast amount of information, with Part 1 including a general description of the aircrafts operating systems and controls. Part II deals with handling, Part III operating data for the Hercules engines, whilst Part IV details what to do in emergencies. Part V then concludes with superb pull-out diagrams/photos illustrating fuels systems, the pilots instrument panel, the port & starboard sides of the cockpit and Emergency Exits and related equipment carried. The booklet remains in remarkably good issued condition and with just minor service wear and age related staining to the front and back covers and rust to the staples. These original examples are becoming increasingly hard to find now and this one would sit happily in any RAF related collection. During its service the Far East that the 'Beau' acquired its nickname of "Whispering Death" because the quiet, fast, and low-flying abilities enabled the aircraft to be on top of the enemy before he had time to react. Grab yourself the chance to own this scarce booklet relating to an iconic aircraft of WWII ; we suspect it will be a long tome before we see another.
Pages: 44
Cover: Soft
Author: Promulgated by order of the Air Minsitry
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| Luftwaffe AK39 Armbandkompass with extension strap - The AK39 Wrist Compass was first introduced in 1939 for use by German aircrew for navigation purposes if forced to abandon their aircraft. Whilst designed for wrist use, as its name implies, but many period photographs exist of it attached to Schwimmweste, or other bits of flight equipment. The AK39 came in two variants and this example is the first specification; the very early production models had a solid black bezel that was followed by a translucent bezel as here.
These early compasses were generally manufactured by the Kadlec Instrumente-Fabrik Elektrische Instrumente of Prag Czechoslovakia, while under German occupation, although this example does not give any clues as to who made it on the dial. The reverse of the black plastic case is embossed with the full specification including Armbandkompass; interestingly below it normally read 'Bauart Kadlec' confirming the maker and it looks as though this may have been ground out although an identical example is shown on page 311 of 'Deutsche Luftwaffe' and was probably done in production to avoid telling the enemy where the production facility was based. Below the removed wording is 'Baumuster AK 39', 'Werk nr. 10152808' and the Luftwaffe requisition number, Anforderz Fl 23235. The compass card swings freely and the bezel rotates as intended but like most examples we see the air bubble is slightly larger than intended, but the oil remains very clear. The compass is fitted with the original wrist strap and buckle that remains in good issued condition. As a really nice bonus item this example is fitted with an original leather strap extension that was designed so the compass could be wrist worn over a heavy flying suit or jacket The compass diameter is 2.4" or 6 cm. A fine example of the early model that would sit happily in any Luftwaffe collection.
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| Handley Page Hampden and Vickers Armstrong Wellington Cut Away drawings - A fine matched pair of drawings showing the various design features of these two classic RAF aircraft, that formed the backbone of Bomber Command in the early stages of WWII. Both images are mounted on card and whilst not dated we believe they could well be period drawings. The Hampden shows minor foxing and age related marks but both remain in good display condition.
What makes them particularly interesting is we were told when purchased back in 2008 they came from the personal collection of Captain Gladstone Adams who was born in 1880 and became both an inventor and well know photographer. In 1914, aged 34, he volunteered to serve in WWI and because of his photographic skills, he joined the Royal Flying Corps as a reconnaissance photographer with the 15th Wing in France. In April 1918 he was stationed at the front, close to where the German flying ace, Baron Manfred von Richthofen, was shot down and killed. Adams was given the unenviable task of photographing the deceased pilot to prove that 'The Red Baron' had really been killed. He was then involved in the preparations for the pilot's burial, with full military honours. In WWII Gladstone was approaching 60 but he nevertheless served as Flight Lieutenant with the 1156 Air Training Corps in Whitley Bay. Post war he lived in Whitley Bay and was one of the longest serving Northumberland County Councillors. Captain Gladstone Adams died, after a very eventful life in 1966. The prints each measure 8" x 6" (20 cm x 15 cm) and come from my personal collection and ideally would benefit from mounting and framing, but we will leave that to the next custodian.
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| Saunders-Roe Lerwick and Lockheed Hudson advertising prints from 1941 - The Saunders-Roe A.36 Lerwick was a British flying boat built by Saunders-Roe Limited (SARO) on the Isle of White. The Lerwick was Saunders-Roe's answer to Air Ministry Specification R1/36 calling for a medium range flying boat for anti-submarine, convoy escort and reconnaissance duties. A contract was placed in June 1937 to purchase 21 aircraft and the first machine off the production line took to the air on 31st October 1938. It was intended to be used alongside the Short Sunderland in Royal Air Force Coastal Command but it was a flawed design and on entering RAF service in 1940 had a poor safety record and a high accident rate. Of the 21 aircraft actually built, 10 were lost to accidents and one for an unknown reason and as such the remaining examples were retired 1942, one would think much to the relief of their crews! This drawing is dated 1941 on the reverse and is we suspect a rare survivor. The print is signed Morton who we believe to be Cavendish Morton (1911 – 2015) a painter and illustrator acclaimed for his impressionistic landscapes and sweeping, atmospheric maritime themes in East Anglia and the Isle of Wight – the two locations where his career was principally acted out.
The other print was published in Aeroplane magazine on June 6th 1941 and whilst unsigned shows an aircraft in flight with a map of Germany below which highlights various targets. The print is connotated Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft Ltd, contractors to H. M. Government England. The company was established in 1937 at Eastleigh near Southampton. They were primarily a repair and overhaul facillity, but also a construction shop for other companies' designs, and won a contract to manufacture the Supermarine Seafire. In addition Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft Limited also had a factory on the Macmerry aerodrome near Edinburgh, Scotland and the workforce were principally concerned with the repair of Lockheed Hudson aircraft which ties in with our artwork. Both drawings are in really excellent original condition and are mounted on card so ideal for framing.
Both measure 10.25" x 7" (26 cm x 18 cm)
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| 934 Barrage Balloon Squadron Trench Art Plaque - Totally unique and scarce item of WWII trench art relating to a barrage balloon squadron. The plaque is hand carved from a solid lump of oak and features to the front a kings Crown and below the RAF eagle (although this interpretation has the look of a parrot! and below 934 Squadron. The Crown and RAF eagle are highlighted in gold paint which is now rather faded. To the bottom left is finely carved overlapping letters RAF and to the bottom right the letters BB which seeing 934 was a balloon Squadron we assume refers to Barrage Balloon, but could possibly be the makers initials. Research indicates 934 Squadron was part of no 13 Balloon Centre which in turn was part of 32 Balloon Barrage Group which was under the command of Air Commodore A. A. Walser who served in WWI as both an Observer and Pilot with the RFC and won both the MC and the DFC. 13 Group was formed at Collaton Cross, Plymouth on 3 September 1939 and it was made up of 5 flights of 8 balloons but by August 1940 24 balloons are recorded. Plymouth suffered a severe pounding in WWII in what has become known as the Plymouth Blitz which ran from June 1940 to April 1944. We understand 934 Squadron was disbanded in November 1944, presumably after the threat of further air raids was minimal but undoubtedly the men and woman who served at Collaton Cross had an important and no doubt dangerous role to perform on the home front. Sadly we have no provenance with this piece although it was purchased in south west England) but a scarce and unusual subject of an often overlooked arm of the RAF. Measures 10" x 6" (26 cm x 14 cm.)
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| Marshal of the Royal Air Force ArthurTedder Presentation Inkwell - An absolutely unique item presented by a group of elite Officers attending a course at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich in 1923 and 1924. The College was established in 1873 and provided advanced training courses for both Naval and other serving military Officers. The RNC Greenwich closed its doors for the last time after 125 years in 1998.
This fine silver capstan style inkwell is hallmarked Birmingham and date coded for 1919. Whilst showing some age related knocks and bangs what really lifts this item into a totally different category is the presentation engraving to the front panel. Whilst a little indistinct after nearly 100 years this reads : '1923-1924 Presented to Royal Navy Staff College By the attached Officers Major F. L. Pardoe, Captain S. A. H. Hungerford, Major E. J. de C Boys, Wing Commander T. R. C-B-Cave, Wing Commander A. W. Tedder. 'The last named, Lord Tedder, had a most illustrious and well documented career, serving first as a pilot in the RFC in WWI and rising to become Deputy Supreme Commander at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force under General Eisenhower for Operation Overlord in WWII.
Limited research has proved the other named Officers attending this course are a veritable 'Who's Who' of the British military. Major Pardoe served with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps in WWI, won a DSO and retired a Lt. Colonel in 1930. Captain S. A. H. Hungerford served with the Indian Army, won a Military Cross and retired in 1943 with the rank of Colonel. Major E. J. de C Boys served with the Lincolnshire Regiment in WWI, also won the Military Cross and retired as a Lt Colonel in 1935. Wing Commander Thomas Reginald Cave-Brown-Cave also had an impressive military career, serving with the RNAS in WWI, transferring to the newly formed RAF in 1919, where he specialised on Airship research. In WWII he was appointed 'Director of the Camouflage Research' at Farnborough, with the primary responsibility of concealing possible military targets from the Luftwaffe. Post war became Professor of Engineering at University College, Southampton, retiring in 1950.
1st Baron Tedder's service career is of course extensively documented and it is confirmed he attended the RNSC from 24th September 1923 until the spring of 1924. Tedder famously fell out with Montgomery during Operation Overlord but when the unconditional surrender of the Germans came in May 1945 Tedder signed on behalf of General Eisenhower. He was promoted to the substantive rank of Air Chief Marshal on 6th June 1945 and was further elevated to Marshal of the Royal Air Force on 12th September 1945. Post war he had responsibility for implementing arrangements for the Berlin Airlift. Tedder was elevated to the Peerage as Baron Tedder in 1946 and retired from RAF service in May 1951.
We assume this inkwell was purchased, engraved and presented to the Royal Navy Staff College by this most illustrious group of Officers, on the completion of their course in 1924. It would have been held in their silver collection and probably dispersed when the college finally closed its doors in 1998. I have owned it since 2005 but now is the time for a new custodian to take on this unique piece of military silverware. As mentioned it shows some age related dings and bangs and the hinge exhibits a little play and the hinge rod may be a replacement. A removeable ceramic inkwell insert is fitted in the interior recess. The silver marks on the lid remain crisp and clear but those on the capstan body are now hard to decipher, but are detailed on the attached photograph. The base retains the original leather cover that is in excellent condition and measures 5.25" diameter (c.13 cm) and it stands 2.5" high (6.5 cm). A unique and frankly museum quality piece of British military history.
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| RAF Beadon Suit Snakebite Lancet - These ingenious tools were developed by the Air Ministry to be carried by aircrew serving in the Far East theatre as part of the tropical survival kit 27P/19, in conjunction with the Flying Overalls, Lightweight, Tropical, stores reference 22C/1047-1053 and the supplementary Bag, stores reference 22C/1070. The suit, often referred to as 'The Beadon Suit' entered service in 1945 for primary use in South East Asia and was also used in the early post war years. It contained 12 pockets for a variety of escape aids and if the worst should happen could be transferred to the Beadon bag and carried like a ruck sack.
This small but essential bit of kit was one of the associated items issued with the suit. The container is made from chrome plated brass and is embossed with the makers name Gardner Co. London as well as a Kings Crown and an A. M (Air Ministry) property mark. One end unscrews to reveal a small chromed lancet blade used to cut out the venom from a snake bite. The other end unscrews to reveal a cavity that would have originally contained a potassium permanganate capsule for use on the bite. As is nearly always the case this is now absent but we have replaced with a very convincing replica that is fine for display purposes. The chrome finish shows minor surface wear and scratches but generally an excellent original example and better than average condition and like so much else getting much harder to find now. Measures c.2" (6 cm)
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| Victory Through Air Power Propaganda Scarf by 'Glamour Wear' of London - A commemorative headscarf entitled 'Victory through Air Power'. The scarf is printed with illustrations showing the story of flight from the Orville Brothers invention of the 'flying machine' through to the conclusion of the Second World War. Large square commemorative cream-coloured headscarf printed with insignia and aircraft illustrating the story of flight and in each corner is a pilot's brevet for the RAF, RAAF, RCAF and USAAF. In the centre is the phrase 'Victory through Air Power' printed in red and surrounding a depiction of Orville and Wilbur Wright 1902 as 'Inventors of the flying machine' and around this are various illustrations showing bombing raids, crashed aircraft, flying formations and burning cities and factories. The scarf is made of Rayon (probably due to the lack of silk immediately post war) and the edge is finished in short tassels. Printed in one corner of the headscarf is the name of the manufacturer 'Glamour Wear, London'. Jacqmar is perhaps the most famous maker of propaganda scarves but we have been unable to find anything on 'Glamour Wear of London' but we assume this item was manufactured in the early post WWII period to celebrate aviation in general and victory in WWII in particular. The condition is generally good but it does have a few tiny holes and we suspect the colours have faded a little over the years. The range of images depicted are superb and the scarf would display well framed behind non reflective glass. Measures 30" x 30" (76 cm x 76 cm)
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| RAF WWII Kings Crown Ashtray - A really crisp example that features a set of RAF pilots wings in brass and picked out in red and blue to the centre, surmounted by a Kings Crown, so almost certainly dates back to WWII. The middle of the tray is recessed to carry ash and on each corner is an indent to receive a Craven 'A' or a Players cigarette-untipped of course! The reverse does not carry any makers marks or other clues to its origins, but it is stamped EPNS ;this stands for "Electro Plated Nickel Silver" with Nickel Silver being the base metal onto which silver is plated. Despite its name, Nickel Silver contains no silver at all, but is an alloy of Nickel, Zinc & Copper. I actually purchased this from aviation collector and sometime dealer Kevin King back in 2004 but after nearly 17 years it is time to find a new custodian for it. Whilst displaying minor marks, commensurate with age, it remains in remarkably good original condition. Measures 4.25"x4.25" (10.5 cm x10.5 cm)
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| Aeronautical Inspection Department Alloy Ashtray - Another scarce example from my own collection purchased in 2010 and we have not seen another since. The Aeronautical Inspection Department (AID) was formed in December 1913 for the purpose of inspecting aircraft and other supplies for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and effectively its function was to act as the quality control and airworthiness branch for all aspects of aviation. It was originally established by the War Office, and then passed successively to the Ministry of Munitions (1917), the Air Ministry (1920), the Ministry of Aircraft Production (1940), the Ministry of Supply (1946), and the Ministry of Aviation (1959). ByWW11 the AID was an engineering organisation, mainly staffed by civilians, but in part RAF, whose prime purpose was to ensure that all RAF and RN equipment manufactured or repaired by contractors and by RAF maintenance units was to approved designs and was fit and serviceable for issue to the users, be they Royal Air Force or the Royal Navies Fleet Air Arm (FAA).
This example carries a Kings Crown, so we believe would date from not later than WWII. Below the Kings Crown is the Air Inspectorate Department crest with wings, AID and the Latin motto 'Securitas Per Diligent' which roughly translated means 'By Diligence Security'. The crest stands out in relief whilst the tray, which could well be made from lightweight aircraft aluminium, has a hammered finish. It carries no makers marks and seems highly likely this was made by the AID themselves. It measures 4 1/2" diameter (11.5 cm) and represents an unusual item from and often overlooked yet critically important department.
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