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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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| Original Oak Flooring from from RAF Bentley Priory - Removed from Bentley Priory during restorations. The section of oak flooring, which is tongued and grooved, is mounted with a Kings Crown RAF Fighter Command plaque with the motto 'Offence Defence'. Below that is a brass plaque which confirms the provenance 'Part of the oak flooring of Bentley Priory Headquarters Fighter Command from where Air Chief Marshall Lord Dowding directed the Battle of Britain.' Recent fears that Bentley Priory, which was designed by 19th Century architect Sir John Soane, would be lost to the nation have been proved unfounded after a long campaign and the fine building located in Stanmore, north west London, will become a permanent memorial to Fighter Command's crucial role in protecting Britain from Luftwaffe raids. The museum is scheduled to open in September 2013. We can only speculate who walked on this section of floor board but nice to think it came from 'Stuffy' Dowding's own office and 'listened in' to conversations between the great man and Sir Keith Parks and others back in the dark days of 1940. The section of original flooring measures 4.5" x 3.5" (11 cm x 9 cm). A modest but important piece of Battle of Britain memorabilia!
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| RAF No 1 Group Headquarters Bomber Command Station Plaque - A superb original hand painted example featuring a black panther's head. The badge commemorates the code name 'Panther' which the Group had in 1939 at the time of its mobilisation for service in France, as the Advanced Air Striking Force. This is surmounted by a Kings Crown and below the motto 'Swift to Attack'. The shield is finished in varnished oak and on the back we discovered hand written 'Hucknall 1940 '. A little research has revealed Hucknall is one of the oldest airfields in the country that has seen continuous use since it was built in 1916. No 1 Group Bomber Command, on returning from France in June 1940, reformed at Hucknall in Nottinghamshire with Fairy Battles then Vickers Wellingtons in its arsenal. Polish squadrons came under 1 Group's command between 1940 and '41 bringing in much needed pilots, hoping to ensure the War would soon be won. In 1942, No 1 Group re-equipped with Halifax's and Lancaster's and attacked the Ruhr Valley, Cologne and Berlin with over 1000 bomber ops flown. Our plaque is fitted with brass mounting points on the reverse and we assume it would have been displayed somewhere on the base HQ at RAF Hucknall during WWII. The original painting has been varnished over, probably for protection and whilst the varnish has lifted in places the colours are still vibrant. A definite one off! Measures 15.25" (39 cm)
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| RAF Pilot or Navigator's Stopwatch Mk IIIA - The reverse of the case is unusually simply marked with a AM, a King's Crown and 818, rather than the normally seen code 6B/117 or 6B/221. The main dial is graduated from 0-60 seconds and the subsidiary 0-30 minutes. This example has been personally highlighted in red at the 7 and 10 minute marks and clearly an addition made by the original owner. It appears in good working order, although on sale as a collectable and we cannot guarantee its time keeping properties. Please also see associated item 5448B.
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| Luftwaffe LKpW101 Flying Helmet - An excellent example of the standard Winter pattern with a leather shell and sheepskin lining. Generally in excellent issued condition with all correct snaps and buckles in place, together with provision for attaching a 3 point oxygen mask. The metal parts show minor age related rust. The helmet is fully wired with long communication cord fitted with a 4 pin jack plug marked Fl 27650 and also carries lozenge shaped throat microphones embossed Ln 26779-2. Inside the label is in place confirming the helmet was made Siemens and Gerat nos 124-436A. The label carries various other ink stamps but these are not clear. The Perspex receiver covers are still in place and not damaged like so many. The only issue with this helmet is the inner brow lining pad has been removed at some stage but this is not visible when on display. An excellent display helmet in above the average condition.
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| 6th Aircrew Meeting 2000 Stein Mug - Transfer mark to the front with the above mentioned details together with Jabo G38 Javer and Tornado with three outline pictures of Tornado aircraft finished in national flag colours of England, Germany and Italy. The capacity of the stein is 0.5L. In excellent condition.
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| Gold Visibility Meter Mk II - This wonderful instrument was invented by Captain Ernest Gold who was was General Haig's 'weather man' in WWI. He served with the RFC, who in 1915 were the only people really interested in meteorology. He was a brilliant graduate and rose to very senior posts between the wars. His 'Gold Visibility Meter', was used for making the accurate assessment of visibility on airfields at night feasible for the first time. The device was operated by Met Office staff where there were often two visibility lights mounted at the far end of the runway. These carried very high quality incandescent bulbs of a known candle power. The Visibility Meter consisted of a graduated glass slide ranging from completely clear to completely black. Each Observer routinely calibrates them on nights of very good visibility. This is done by drawing the slide across the viewing field until the Vis Light is just extinguished. On a night of poor vis the point at which the light then extinguishes gives an indication of the opacity of the atmosphere between the observer and the Vis Light and the Met officer could recommend if conditions were good enough for flying. Our instrument comes complete in its Bakelite storage box and carries serial number 1487/43 dating it to 1943 and was manufactured by Casella of London. It is complete with rubber eye piece in good condition and the often missing extension tube for the reverse side. Transit case measures 11" x 3.5" (28 cm x 9 cm.)These instruments were only declared obsolete in 1966.
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| Air Ministry Registry Canvas Bag - And now for something completely different! This bag is made of the same heavy green canvas used to manufacture those desirable WWII RAF navigators bags which are now so sort after. Both the front and back panels have heavy brass eyelets inserted and with clear stencil writing to the front panel 'Please return quickly to Air Ministry Registry Whitehall'. We can only assume this was a document bag used in the same manner as postal services bags for transporting important Air Ministry related documents to and from overseas postings. If any visitors to the site can help with a more accurate description and original usage please drop us a line and we can add to the listing. The bag is in exceptional condition and whilst not dated we are assuming it dates to WWII or perhaps early post war. This is the only example we have ever seen and would seem to be a scarce example of RAF memorabilia. Measures 19" x16" (48 cm x 40 cm)
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| RAF C type Flying Helmet - a 2nd pattern with an internal wiring loom which was introduced into RAF service in 1944 in excellent original condition. It is clearly stamped with the military broad arrow property mark and the stores reference number 22C/879 making this a size 3 helmet at 7 1/8-7 3/8th inches. The leather is still soft and generally above average condition with just the odd rub and scuff. All the goggle and oxygen mask snaps are in place and working and the chin strap retains its elasticity. The loom is in near perfect condition with the correct wartime bell shaped jack plug and the classic 'hangman's loop' has been added to shorten the cord length. Receivers are marked 10A/13466 and the rubber receiver carriers are in great shape. Inside the lining is in excellent condition with no holes or damage. The size stamping is still clear and hand written is R.W.S. which we assume to be the initials of an original owner. The name Hampton has also been added but sadly no history with this one. The velvet brow pad is again perfect. Overall an excellent example of this classic RAF WWII/early post war flying helmet. We are also listing today a set of RAF Mk VIII goggles that would display perfectly with this example.
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| Original Oak Flooring from from RAF Bentley Priory - Removed from Bentley Priory during restorations this example has been display mounted on a shield and was presented to the original owner for his services whilst appointed the Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Flight. The section of oak flooring, which is tongued and grooved, is mounted with a Kings Crown RAF Fighter Command plaque with the motto 'Offence Defence'. Below that is a brass plaque which confirms the provenance 'Part of the oak flooring of Bentley Priory Headquarters Fighter Command from where Air Chief Marshall Lord Dowding directed the Battle of Britain.' Recent fears that Bentley Priory, which was designed by 19th Century architect Sir John Soane, would be lost to the nation have been proved unfounded after a long campaign and the fine building located in Stanmore, north west London, will become a permanent memorial to Fighter Command's crucial role in protecting Britain from Luftwaffe raids. The museum is scheduled to open in September 2013. We can only speculate who walked on this section of floor board but nice to think it came from 'Stuffy' Dowding's own office and 'listened in' to conversations between the great man and Sir Keith Parks and others back in the dark days of 1940. The section of original flooring measures 4.5" x 3.5" (11 cm x 9 cm) and the shield is 7" x 6" (18 cm x 15 cm). A modest but important piece of Battle of Britain memorabilia!
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