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 | Battle of Britain period Luftwaffe Mess Plate - very crisply marked on reverse with Luftwaffe Eagle and Fl. U.V. Below it has a crest which confirms the German Military Reichwaffenamt. It is also dated 1940 so certainly would have served through the Battle of Britain. It is in good used condition and measures 9.5" (24 cm)
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| Air Ministry Issue Carpenter's Rule - A fine early example made from warranted boxwood by the quality Birmingham manufacturer J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham. The rule is clearly embossed with A.M., King's Crown and is dated 1931. The rule extends, utilising solid brass hinges and while showing minor age wear, is in remarkable condition. Extended length 24" (61 cm)
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| Malta Mess Bell 1947-50 - We bought this lovely mess bell from a gentleman in Devon who had owned it for years and the family history handed down with it was it served at RAF Luqa with 73 Squadron. We have checked on line and the dates 1947-50 seem to line up with when 73 Squadron were then based on the Island flying Spitfires and Vampires and were subsequently posted to Leconfield in 1950. The base measures 6.75 long (17 cm) and seems to be made of Bakelite. The bell stands 5.5" high (14 cm.).Bell itself is 3.5" across the mouth (8.5CM).It has a very nice tone and is operated by turning the knurled ends. It has no makers or other marks and seeing its construction it appears to have been made up on the Island. Certainly a one off!
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| Supermarine Swift 1/72 Scale Balsa Model by Bateman - On offer is a completed painted model with Royal Navy decals together with a part made similar model in its original packaging and complete with building instructions. We estimate these models date from the 1950's so contemporary with the full size aircraft which while pretty, did not have the most illustrious service career and was replaced with the far more successful Hawker Hunter in 1961. Wing span of model 5.5" (14 cm)
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| RAF Mk VII Flying Goggles 2nd pattern - On offer are a superb set of original Mk VII flying goggles that have been fully refurbished to a very high standard indeed. The brass frame and flip shield mount, which is marked with a Kings Crown, AM and stores reference number 22C/826, are original items but have been re finished in the correct deep blue paint. The leather parts and face pads are replacement items but are exact copies of the original reflecting how the goggles would have looked when issued back in 1942. The back strap is an original issue item, but would have originally been fitted to wartime RAF night training goggles. These goggles do turn up from time to time and we have seen them listed on some websites and e bay as 'mint unissued originals' which is not entirely accurate! We describe them exactly as they are and offer at a price well below what a set of originals in this condition would cost today. These would display perfectly with an appropriate RAF flying helmet and oxygen mask but would also be ideal for the re enactor to wear without risking damaging a 100% original set. The tinted lenses fitted to these goggles in our view give them the edge over the clear lenses normally seen.
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| Aircraft Generator Propeller - This example unusually comes with its original pine box (lacking lid). The propeller is larger than those we normally see with a diameter of 61 cm (24"). It carries original stencilling to one blade, reading 247 and embossed on the hub with the letter E. It is reputed to be of the type used on airships and the flat pitch of the blades would seem to support this. Manufactured in hardwood, it has a lovely patina and in excellent conditon with just a tiny chip to one blade end.
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| Supermarine Spitfire 'Desk Tidy' Trench Art - A superb example featuring a hardwood base on which is mounted an aircraft alloy 'lightning bolt' stand with a small but nicely detailed Spitfire mounted on top, which is also fashioned from aircraft alloy and fitted with turning three bladed propeller. Two aluminium strips are fitted to the front of the base to hold a pen or pencil in position. To the rear right of the base is a further aluminium container with a sprung loaded flip top which carries a Kings Crown and RAF albatross logo, possibly fashioned from an RAF button. Inside the container we found an original used Edward VII stamp! Clearly period made, this is a totally unique item and several cuts above standard trench art. The base measures 6.75" x 4.5" (17 cm x 11 cm). The Spitfire stands 6" high (15 cm) and has a wingspan of 4" (10 cm)
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| Aircraft Propeller Paper Knife - Just what every aviation enthusiast needs on his desk! A beautifully detailed and very tactile two bladed propeller finished in chrome with central hub and spinner. The paper knife measures 10" (25 cm). No idea of its history of age but here at the Oldnautibits HQ we have never seen another. An ideal Christmas present that you won't find listed on Amazon. com!
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| U.S.A.A.F. Flying Helmet named to 1st Lt. Talmage L Ambrose - A fine AN-H-15 Summer flying helmet manufactured by the Bates Shoe Co. with a contract number dating it to 1944. Manufactured from beige cotton helmet the size is marked as medium. The cloth is in excellent condition. Shows minor storage soiling and age wear only. AAF labelled. Good strap complete with velvet chin pad protector. The helmet is fully wired with the receivers stamped ANB-H-1 and made by the Rola Company and over stamped SC3339A, both connected to a communication cord marked Headset HS 38. The helmet is fitted with snaps and clips for oxygen mask attachment. Inside the helmet is in excellent issued condition and is complete with a woven AAF label. What lifts this helmet from the good to the exceptional is that stencilled inside is named to the wartime owner Ambrose service number 0767060. Subsequent research confirms the helmet belonged to TALMADGE L. AMBROSE, born in Akron, Ohio. On completion of his training he was posted overseas to European Theatre on Operations and assigned to 373 Fighter Group, 410 Fighter Squadron, joining the unit in Normandy flying the P -47 Thunderbolt. He flew 84 missions, destroying at total 11 enemy aircraft. His kill tally including four FW 190-D's in one afternoon over Hanover, Germany on April 8, 1945, and for this action he was awarded a DSC. In addition he won the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 17 man, Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Pacific Theatre and European Theatre Medals with 5 Battle Stars and Unit Citation Medal. During one operation Ambrose was shot down by 22 mm ground fire over Siegfried Line. Indeed a helmet with history and something rather unique for a serious AAF collection!
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| Luft-Navigationskarte Flight Chart dated 27 June 1940 - a superb original example covering a major part of Western Europe including Switzerland, Luxemburg, Denmark, Poland, Rumania and of course large parts of Germany (including 'The Big City') and Austria. Clearly marked with the Luftwaffe insignia to the top and issued in Berlin in 1940 so a genuine Battle of Britain survivor. This is a paper chart so minor age related wear on the folds and some pin holes to corners but seeing it is now 73 years old it is in exceptional condition. It comes in a card case marked Union-Mappe nr 494/1 We can't say for sure this is original with the map but it seems likely. The case shows rather more age wear then the chart! It does have a name written in ink but with the Gothic script we have been unable to decipher. This is a large chart measuring when unfolded 51" x 46" (130 cm x 117 cm).
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| Luftwaffe LKpN101 Netzkopfhaube Flying Helmet - this classic mesh flying helmet which has become synonymous with Luftwaffe fighter pilots in WWII. This example has a manufacturers label coded hdc indicating it was made by Luftwahrtgeratewerk Hakenfelde, Berlin-Spandau. The size stamp is 58 and is a large example and would correspond to an RAF size 3 or 4. The helmet is in nice overall condition but like many the mesh has been carefully repaired at some stage and still displays very well. This example features tan leather receiver cups and provision for the Luftwaffe three point oxygen mask and is therefore a second patter. The helmet is fully wired with receivers and throat microphones marked Ln 26779-2 and Mi 4B and also carries the short communication cord favoured by fighter pilots with a 4 point connector marked Fl 27560. Inside is commensurate with normal service use. We have had cleaner examples but would still rate this one well above average.
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| Heinkel HE 70 'Blitz 'Model - The Heinkel He 70 was a German first flew in 1932 as a mail and fast passenger aircraft which also saw use in auxiliary bomber and reconnaissance roles. The He 70 is known mainly as the direct ancestor of the Heinkel He 111 which used its distinctive oval wings and streamlined fuselage in a twin-engine configuration. It is therefore an unusual and scarce model. Unlike the other items we have just listed, this one, which is mounted on a marble base, looks to be of commercial origin. It could perhaps have been commissioned in the 1930's as a gift for the companies potential customers. It is nicely made showing cockpit, ailerons and elevator detail and carries a twin bladed propeller. The base measures 2.5" square (6 cm) and the model stands 2.5" high (6 cm) and the wingspan is 5.5" (13 cm).
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| Messerschmitt Bf 108 Trench Art Model - We believe this model to be of the the Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun although we stand to be corrected if we have got this wrong! The 108 was an all metal single-engine sports and touring aircraft developed by Bayerische Flugzeugwerke and first flew in 1935 and served with the Luftwaffe during World War II, where it was primarily used as a personnel transport and liaison aircraft. We are advised the stand of this model is fashioned from a part recovered from an aircraft crash site although we are unable to ID the part. The stand is 4" high (10 cm) and the model carries a wingspan of 4" (10 cm). The airframe is made from aircraft alloy and although no propeller is fitted but this helps to give the aircraft the look of being in flight. An unusual subject for a trench art model.
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| De Havilland DH88 Comet Racer Trench Art Model - A fine example mounted on a sectioned alloy cylinder converted into an ashtray. The de Havilland DH.88 Comet was a twin-engine British aircraft designed for the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race. The type set many aviation records during the race and afterwards served as a pioneer mail plane. The modern features and clean lines of the DH.88, especially in the striking colours of Grosvenor House, the race winner, make it a true design classic. Our model, fashioned from aircraft alloy lacks propellers but this helps create the impression it is really in flight. The cylinder ashtray is 5.25" diameter (13 cm). The model stands 6" high (15 cm) and carries a wingspan of 5.5" (14 cm.) Purchased from the same collection as the Spitfire model we have just listed.
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| Airscrew Weybridge Mounted propeller Display - A very attractive display board featuring the central section of an original propeller featuring a transfer indicating manufactured by the Airscrew Co & Jicwood Ltd, Weybridge. Whilst the Airscrew Company was formed in 1923 the subsidiary Jicwood was not established until 1938, so the propeller was clearly manufactured on or after this date. Stamped on the hub is the code WT U765 T28 and above the serial number 768. If any visitors can help with an ID to the aircraft type it relates to we will add information to our description. The hub is fitted with a metal spinner finished in the colours of an RAF roundel. Mounted above the propeller is an original Royal Flying Corps trench art brass ashtray which is finely engraved with an RFC pilots brevet. The display is completed with a framed photograph depicting a rather bent WWI/1920's period biplane with the registration code K- 1505 clearly showing on tail and fuselage. Clearly the various parts displayed have all originated from different sources but has resulted in a very effective aviation themed collage. The propeller relic measures 25.5" (64 cm) and the grey painted wooden display board is 20" from top to bottom (51 cm.)
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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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| RAF Kapok Liner 1941 Pattern for the Sidcot Suit - this is a near mint and possibly unissued example with a label indicating this is a size 5 stores reference 22C/856. Original Air Ministry marked lightning zips are fitted and in the collar the suit is also stamped with a Kings Crown and AM property mark. The label confirms this suit is intended for a wearer of 5'10"-5' 11" with a chest of 38"-40" and a waist of 34"-36". This kapok liner would display perfectly with the 1941 Sidcot suit we currently have listed item PC187 and we could offer a 10% discount to any customer ordering the pair.
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| 617 Dambuster Squadron Associated Photograph Albums - We purchased these at auction here in the S.W. of England but sadly have no provenance with them. Two of the albums are titled "Dambusters 93 & 96", a third album is headed "Dambusters 96", whilst the 4th is without title. The display albums contain a quantity of colour photographs in the main taken at locations in Germany and Holland associated with the dams raid. We imagine they originally belonged to a battlefield guide or an associate and represent personal photographs taken when dams raid veterans revisited the sites of their wartime exploits. This possibly unique archive needs further research as the pictures are not named but clearly feature 617 squadron veterans who are recognisable by their distinctive ties. While the photographs are currently displayed behind plastic, they deserve to be catalogued and properly mounted in an appropriate album. A fascinating archive to the other "Few" who took part in Operation Chastise. Sadly with the passing years, we suspect most of the veterans featured are no longer with us.
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| 100th Air Refueling Wing Paper Weight - Appears to be made from marble with a 100th air refueling shield mounted in the top section with a felt base. Measures: 3" x 3" (8 cm x 8 cm).
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| Battle of Britain RAF Pilots Bust - we understand these were made using 90% white Italian Carrara marble giving it an authentic look and feel. The pilot depicted is wearing the classic flight gear associated with the Battle Of Britain. He is sporting a fully wired B type helmet, Mk IIIA goggles and a 1932 pattern Mae West over his no 1 Uniform as well as a classic silk flyers scarf. We are not sure if the bust represents a specific pilot but prefer to think he is a generic sculpture of 'One of the Few'. He weighs in at 2.2 Kilos so please check with us for a delivered price before ordering. Measures 8" (20 cm) No makers marks.
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