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Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 4
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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 | WWI RFC/RAF Air Safety Poster 'Low Flying- Avoid Barrages' - On offer is a very scarce original WWI instructional lithograph poster issued by the Royal Air Force Technical Diagram Department on 21st October 1918. The RAF was created on April 1, 1918 and was formed by the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) so this dates from the very conception of the Royal Air Force and the first example we have owned in 20 years trading. These Royal Flying Corps/RAF training posters were used to teach novice pilots during the First World War basic skills to help maximise their chances of surviving longer than the average. In 1916, the war entered its most deadly phase and reduced an RFC pilot's average life to just 18 hours in the air, having completed just 15 hours solo before being posted operationally. The RFC became known as 'The Suicide Club' with new pilots lasting, with average luck, just 11 days from arrival on the front and by early 1917, the Royal Flying Corp was losing 12 aircraft and 20 crew every day.
With this background it was essential for novice aircrew to minimise risks and in this case the image is clear that flying low over a battlefield barrage was not to be recommended and better by far to take a more indirect route home, even if this meant longer flying over enemy held territory. The dangers faced were not exaggerated as years ago we were offered a display mounted small calibre shell that has been grabbed by an Observer in flight at the top of its trajectory -or so the display plaque said! The drawing is finely detailed and whilst painted by an unknown artist he clearly had battlefield experience. The aircraft depicted flying low over the barrage in the centre of the print seems to be an SE5A with his wingman, again flying low and in potential danger is off to starboard.
The fine and emotive image remains crisp and clear and it has not been pinned to a notice board and seeing its late issue date may have avoided seeing service that might explain it exceptional condition despite its 102 years of age. It measures 31.50" x 19.75" (77 cm x 50 cm) and would look fantastic framed and glazed. This came in with a partner earlier issue air safety poster 'The Last Loop' that we are also listing today. Whilst on offer individually they would make great complementary pair and to encourage a double purchase we will offer a 10% discount on list price for a single sale. These posters turn up so infrequently they are hard to price but we did spot one in the series sold at auction in the US in April this year and with commission the new owner paid $1,000 or £ 800.00 The same auctioneer, LA-based Nate D Sanders had a set of 10 posters for sale and these were estimated at a hammer price of £6,000 or $7,500. Ours represents a rather better investment!
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| WWI Aviation Treen Trench Art Box - This item came from the same collection as the fine RFC tray we have just listed. It is again beautifully crafted and has a very sculptural shape with a lovely curve to it. It is made from waxed and polished laminated hardwood, probably mahogany. This one we are almost certain has been made from a donor scrapped propeller and whilst we have no way of knowing looking at the build quality it could well have been made by the same person who crafted the tray. Measures 7" long by 2.25" high by 1.5" wide at its widest point (18 cm long by 5.5 cm high by about 4 cm).
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| RNAS Trench Art Propeller Hub Clock - Another beautiful example of the trench art craft at its very best! Many of the prop hub/clock conversions that we have seen over the years can look a bit hit and miss, or spoiled by the inappropriate addition of a modern clock but this is the exception. The curve of the original propeller blade blends finely into the line of the hub, in which is set off by a very fine 8 day clock and the finished effect is close to sculptural.
Whilst yet again its maker and history are not known, below the clock dial is mounted in relief an RNAS eagle, so we assume that to be the origins of the donor prop although we do not have clues as to the type of aircraft it came from. Whilst a little indistinct below the eagle are the original propeller stamps, including an AID 357 inspectors stamp. The Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) was the air arm of the Royal Navy, under the direction of the Admiralty's Air Department, and existed formally from 1 July 1914 to 1 April 1918, when it was merged with the Army's Royal Flying Corps to form the Royal Air Force, the world's first independent air force. It seems almost certain therefore this was crafted sometimes during the 1914-18 War.
It remains in very sound condition with no rot or worm but it does have a minor crack in timber below the RNAS eagle, that could well be as a result of an accident and why the prop became unserviceable. It is made from laminated timber and is beautifully waxed and polished. This functional yet decorative bit of aviation art has been enjoyed in my own personal collection for the last 11 years. When it was purchased we had the clock movement serviced (our clock repairer was very complimentary about the quality of the movement and indicated it may be French) so after this period of time it may be worth having it serviced again but suffice to say it is working perfectly at the moment and keeping excellent time. It comes complete with period key and the winding and hand adjustments are carried out from the rear by removing the brass panel. The clock stands 11 1/2" tall and is 10 1/2" wide measured on the base (29 cm x27 cm).
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| Royal Flying Corps Mk I Bigsworth Board by Blériot - In 20 years trading this is only the third example of one of these early boards we have been fortunate enough to source and offer for sale. Both the others were manufactured by 'The General Instrument and Engineering Co. Ltd', London whilst this one is stamped on the reverse 'Bleriot London', with the manufacturers details again being confirmed on the spares envelope as 'Bleriot Ltd, 4, Catesby St, Walworth, S. E.17'. On line research indicates BLERIOT traded as Bleriot-Odkent, London and was stablished 1905 making head, side and tail lamps, dynamos, lighting sets and it seems aviation map boards! In September 1910 Blériot opened a flying school at the newly established Hendon aerodrome near London and another in July 1914 at Brooklands in Surrey and also established a small factory there, becoming known as the Air Navigation and Engineering Company; ANEC survived until 1926. Blériot also built a large aircraft factory on Station Road, Addlestone in 1917; aircraft constructed were taken by road to Brooklands for final assembly and test flying.
We have no idea how many of these map boards Blériot's company made but our guess is not many and this is a rare survivor. It comes in it's original card box, that is now showing significant age wear, but is amazing it has survived at all. The instrument, known in service as ' a Bigsworth' board' was issued to aircraft navigators and observers in the RFC and RNAS so that they had a convenient way to plot their aircraft's course in flight, of course in an open cockpit. The inventor was Air Commodore Arthur Wellesley Bigsworth CMG, DSO & Bar, AFC, who was a pioneer aviator who had a distinguished military career and the man Captain W. E. Johns named his famous character "Biggles" after! The board features and acetate retaining cover (now showing some age wear) and beneath is an equally scarce original RFC chart, sheet 32, dated April 1916 showing the Melun area of Northern France where the first Battle of the Marne was fought in 1914. These charts were specifically made for the board and the acetate prevents it being blown away in the slipstream.
The board is fitted with a moveable protractor arm that carries a combined protractor/parallel rule acetate and the spares envelope contains an alternative protractor featuring a different scale (now showing some age damage). The reverse of the board is in close to mint condition, carrying the embossed makers details as mentioned, together with a Ministry arrow property mark and another in a square that may be an AID inspectors stamp. We understand these chart boards continued to be used by the RAF during the 1930's and looking at the design it clearly influenced the far more common larger WWII map board stores reference 6B/137. This is a museum quality item that rarely appears on the collectors market and with the added bonus of carrying the Blériot name, one of the most famous to be associated with the very early days of aviation. Measures 14"x 14" (36 cm x 36 cm)
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| White Cotton Flying/Motoring Helmet - On offer is a very basic unlined white cotton flying or motoring helmet. It has no provision for any communication equipment but would have given a certain amount of hair protection from wind buffeting in the air or on the road. It does not carry any manufacturers label and the only information gleaned from the inside is a pencil size mark of 6.75 and a confirming paper label giving the same information. The only other clue we have to its origins is a '1940' ink date stamp to the chin strap. This may be original but it is possible it has been added to this helmet to sex it up and create more demand. Actually we would date it as being more likely to have originated in the 1930's and whilst the helmet is the real deal the jury is out over the date! It certainly looks the part and gives that classic 'Amy Johnson' (or Keith Park) look for a very modest price!
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| Luftwaffe Electrically Heated Channel Trousers - The two piece 'flight suit was introduced in the spring of 1941, and replaced the more cumbersome one piece flight suits and were was commonly referred to as the "Kanalanzug" (Channel Uniform). The 'Kanal' trousers were first issued in blue/grey cotton and in late 1943 a leather version was offered, often to ME 262 pilots flying in defence of Germany. The standard characteristic of the trousers are two large frontal pockets, here with Prym marked snaps together with numerous other snap and zip closure pockets all designed to hold an assortment of safety aids in the event of ditching over water. The zips are all original and carry the leather pull tabs. Some are marked RHEINNNANDEL whilst others are by ZIPP, with lightning bolt logo and the ankle zips are by RAPID.
This set is the scarce electrically heated variant with all the connecting wires and connecting plugs intact. These two piece suits were not actually heated in themselves but carried a 24 volt power supply from the aircraft and enabled heated gloves and boots to be connected to the jacket and trousers. Inside they feature the characteristic blue velveteen that remains in very good condition. In the waist band is sewn a makers label named to 'Karl Heisler' Berlin C2, Magazin Str 14' and below and ink stamped 'Great No 23790'. The label carries an uncompleted date stamp reading 194 and a BA inspectors stamp. It also has a hand written name 'Prfm Hamann' which we believe to be the original owner although we have no information on him.
Generally the cloth is in above the average condition and very clean but the garment does show signs of service wear, mainly where the inside lower legs have rubbed together above the boots. One area has what appears to be a period repair but on display this hardly notices. In addition one of the closure snaps is missing from bottom of one of the front pockets but agin is invisible on display. The canvas waist adjusting belt and loops for the braces/ suspenders remain in place, although the suspenders are no longer present. Those with a copy of 'Deutsche Luftwaffe' can check out a near identical set illustrated on pages 252-261. An increasingly scarce and desirable example that would sit happily in any collection.
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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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| RCAF/RAF Flying Helmet Sponge Rubber Inserts - On offer are a matched pair of original WWII RCAF marked flying helmet receiver inserts. These were used on both RAF and RCAF B type flying helmets as well as with both the early and later patterns of the FAA C-type helmets. Originals hardly ever turn up these days and many that do are brittle and perished are of no use in serving their intended purpose. These are an absolutely pristine set and both fully stamped inside RCAF, stores reference number 22C/16 as well as the RCAF property mark of a broad arrow within a part circle. Both pads also carry a 'DU' stamp and we speculate this could refer to the manufacturer, perhaps DuPont? One is also stamped 'HD'. RAF issue examples carry a different stores reference code 22C/67 but are essentially identical so these would display equally well on both types of helmet. The final pictures attached show similar foams in place on an RAF B helmet (picture taken from our sold archive) and as can be seen these give the finishing touch and the characteristic look of these iconic Battle of Britain period helmets. We only have the one set available and when they are gone they are gone.
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| Royal Flying Corps Swagger Stick - Another Royal Flying Corps item we are listing today, in this instance a rather nice RFC Officers swagger stick. It carries a brass cap which is engraved 'RFC'. The opposite end carries a brass ferrule and both are nicely polished. The stick is a little unusual as the few we have seen here are made from bamboo cane whilst this one is of ebonised wood which to my eyes is more classy. The stick has a very slight bend but this does not detract and with a lovely period patina it would sit happily in any RFC collection. Whilst we acquired here in the south west of England its associated history has sadly been lost down the years but as we so often say it almost certainly would have a story to tell. Measures 24.5" (62 cm)
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| RAF Mk VIII Flying Goggles - A very clean example of this classic design introduced into service in 1943 and remained on the inventory until the 1970's. The leather face pad is in excellent condition with the inside showing evidence of normal service wear. The brass frame and central adjuster are well above average, with only minor paint rub. Clear lenses are fitted and are without the normal fogging problems. Original back strap with correct adjusters and still good elasticity. Decent Mk VIII's are now getting hard to find and prices are rising all the time. This set displays well with the FAA helmet which we have also just listed.
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| Mk IVB Flying Goggles - On offer are a really crisp pair of RAF Mk IVB flying goggles stores reference 22c/167. The frame is in very good condition with no distortion and virtually all the original paint in place. The set are fitted with very good clear lenses but no provision for the anti-glare flip shield. The nosepiece leather show some age wear as does the back strap ;the spring sections are exceptional. The leather strap carries embossed 'AM, Crown, Ref. No. 22C/167 Goggles Mk IV B'.
On the reverse side everything is in order but the rubber face pads are as ever hardened and a little distorted but on display this does not notice. Despite being the most 'common' of the Mk IV series goggles these are now getting hard to find and these are better than the norm. The pattern saw service in the Battle of Britain and would display perfectly with an RAF B helmet that it was designed specifically to be used in conjunction with.
Please note the B helmet and D mask illustrated here are only shown for dispalay purposes and it is just the Mk IVB goggles that are on sale.
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| Luftwaffe Leuchtpistole Heeres Model 1928 Flare Pistol - This pattern was adopted to replace the M1894 of WWI vintage and was carried by Luftwaffe single seat fighter pilots and many bomber crews throughout WWII. These were often carried in the special pocket incorporated within the Luftwaffe Channel Trousers Early models were made from steel but subsequently of aluminium alloy, introduced prior to the start of WWII. This is such an example and is clearly maker coded 'ac' indicating the manufacturer was Walther with the date code below for 1941. The blued finish has largely worn away from this example but is otherwise in excellent shape. The body is stamped 6890B together with various other makings including two clear Walther Waffenamt stamps with 359 below. Excellent Bakelite grips, lanyard ring and metalwork. The firing mechanism cocks and 'fires' firmly and the breach both opens and locks perfectly. This flare pistol comes with a deactivation certificate and can be legally owned in the UK without the need of a fire arms certificate. The RAF version seems very crude in comparison to this finely designed and engineered German model. A similar example is shown on page 54 of Mick Prodger's Luftwaffe V RAF Flying Equipment reference book. Measures 9.5" (24 cm)
Please note due to shipping restrictions on deactivated weapons this item is only available to customers based in the U. K.
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| Rate of Climb Mk 3(P)* Instrument - An excellent post WWII RAF example dating from 1961 and the Mk 3 variant was fitted in a variety of aircraft of the period including the great Avro Vulcan, Canberra, Meteor and Hunter. The dial is in excellent condition and confirms manufactured by Kelvin Hughes and is further marked KRA 0205. The reverse of the instrument has an MOD data plate repeating all the spec details as well as a serial nos GP 587/61 thus confirming the date of manufacture. The dial is graduated with a scale of 0-4 indicating rate of climb (or decent) of 1000 feet per minute. This item is for sale as a collectable only. The diameter of the instrument measured across the dial is 3.25" (8.5 cm)
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| RAF Altimeter Mk X VIIA - These were designed as cabin altimeters for the navigators use, calibrated according to the I. C. A. N. Law and recording a height of up to 35,000 feet. Whilst this example is not dated we believe it to be of post war manufacture but this pattern was used on a variety of aircraft including the Lancaster, again for the navigators use. The instrument features a lubber line visible through an aperture in the face of the dial. The dial is also marked with stores reference number 6A/1538 whilst the back of the case is Broad Arrow property marked. A very crisp instrument but like all our stock on offer for sale as a collectable only. Dial diameter is 3.25" (8.5 cm)
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| Vintage Lator 17 Jewel Chronograph Watch - Whilst I don't profess to be an expert in vintage watches I have always had an interest in them and more so for those of military style or origin. I am currently thinning out my own collection and have decided to let this classic Lator go to a new home. I purchased it at auction back in 2003 and other than having the chronograph function repaired it has not been touched since and has never been worn whilst in my ownership.
The overall condition reflects the lack of use and believe our picture tells the full story. The steel body, bezel and crystal are all in remarkably good shape, as is the stunning black dial. All the chrono functions work correctly with the top button starting the sweep second hand with the right hand subsidiary dual recording the elapsed time from 0 to 45 minutes. The bottom button stops the sweep second hand and elapsed time, whilst a further press zeros the second hand and the cumulative minute counter back to zero. The left hand subsidiary dial records seconds and continues to run independently of the chrono function. The central control is for standard manual winding.
I have personally never removed the screw watch back but when purchased I had a colleague who specialised in clocks and watches check it out. He advised the movement fitted is a very high quality Landeron 248 example. A little research via on line chat rooms indicated the following and I quote, with thanks to blogger Michael Stockton :- 'I've featured a couple Landeron pieces before and it's clear that this is the redheaded stepchild of vintage chronograph movements. Well, it shouldn't be, unless durable, easily repaired and accurate movements are ripe for disdain. You will get a legitimate vintage chronograph that boasts a movement so fool proof that it made chronographs available to the masses. Think of a Landeron 248 much like you would a Ford Model T and you're on the right track'. Certainly a great endorsement from one who knows!
The one oddity on this watch is the back plate is Broad Arrow marked and below 6B/551 and 2296/67. This would appear to indicate the watch had RAF associations but my limited research has failed to confirm this. I have again found online a chat room advising of a Lator chronograph carrying similar makings to ours with debate, concerning its origins, but again no final decision was reached. So in view of this (and unlike some E bay sellers we could name! we are offering as 'A military style chronograph' probably dating from the 1960's that sits well both on the wrist or in a specialist collection. Whilst it appears to be in good working order it has not been serviced in at least 15 years but we will leave that decision to the new owner. It is fitted with an appropriate mint and unused grey nylon NATO strap by CWC and as with all our stock please ask if you require further detailed photographs.
Pricing on this model remains a mystery. Currently one is for sale on the net at £1,495.00 and another at £635.00 The last one we saw actually sold made £310.00 on E bay in March 2018 and believe this is closer to the mark so we are pricing ours in the same ballpark and is for sale as seen.- Whilst I don't profess to be an expert in vintage watches I have always had an interest in them and more so for those of military style or origin. I am currently thinning out my own collection and have decided to let this classic Lator go to a new home. I purchased it at auction back in 2003 and other than having the chronograph function repaired it has not been touched since and has never been worn whilst in my ownership.
The overall condition reflects the lack of use and believe our picture tells the full story. The steel body, bezel and crystal are all in remarkably good shape, as is the stunning black dial. All the chrono functions work correctly with the top button starting the sweep second hand with the right hand subsidiary dual recording the elapsed time from 0 to 45 minutes. The bottom button stops the sweep second hand and elapsed time, whilst a further press zeros the second hand and the cumulative minute counter back to zero. The left hand subsidiary dial records seconds and continues to run independently of the chrono function. The central control is for standard manual winding.
I have personally never removed the screw watch back but when purchased I had a colleague who specialised in clocks and watches check it out. He advised the movement fitted is a very high quality Landeron 248 example. A little research via on line chat rooms indicated the following and I quote, with thanks to blogger Michael Stockton :- 'I've featured a couple Landeron pieces before and it's clear that this is the redheaded stepchild of vintage chronograph movements. Well, it shouldn't be, unless durable, easily repaired and accurate movements are ripe for disdain. You will get a legitimate vintage chronograph that boasts a movement so fool proof that it made chronographs available to the masses. Think of a Landeron 248 much like you would a Ford Model T and you're on the right track'. Certainly a great endorsement from one who knows!
The one oddity on this watch is the back plate is Broad Arrow marked and below 6B/551 and 2296/67. This would appear to indicate the watch had RAF associations but my limited research has failed to confirm this. I have again found online a chat room advising of a Lator chronograph carrying similar makings to ours with debate, concerning its origins, but again no final decision was reached. So in view of this (and unlike some E bay sellers we could name) we are offering as 'a military style chronograph' probably dating from the 1960's that sits well both on the wrist or in a specialist collection. Whilst it appears to be in good working order it has not been serviced in at least 15 years but we will leave that decision to the new owner. It is fitted with an appropriate mint and unused grey nylon NATO strap by CWC and as with all our stock please ask if you require further detailed photographs.
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| Fleet Air Arm 1st Pattern N type Flying Helmet - This pattern is often incorrectly called FAA D type but they actually have their own designation which is 'N' Type flying helmet. The chin strap protector is stamped 22C but as advised by Mick Prodger this helmet did not carry a stores reference suffix number but was referenced as 'NIV', meaning "Not In Vocabulary. "This fine example is a very early externally wired 1st pattern with contra goggle straps and provision for use with the D, as well as later E, E* and G masks. An oxygen mask clip has been added so it appears to have been used in conjunction with one of these later masks.
We have had a very few of these over the years and this is well and truly the best example to date. Firstly it is a desirable size 4 (7 1/2 – 7 3/4). Intended for use in tropical/desert climates in the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa it incorporates a neck flap, exactly as the RAF pattern D helmet, to protect the wearer from the sun, a real issue in the open cockpit of a Fairy Swordfish. The outer fabric and the flap is very lightly soiled, commensurate with service use. The oxygen mask and goggle snaps are very good and retain virtually all of their original coatings. The helmet is fitted with the characteristic zipped leather receiver housings that give these helmets their distinctive look ; both are very good condition with no damage or scuffing and have excellent brass zips still fitted with elongated leather pull tabs associated with FAA helmets. The earpieces have their original receiver carriers in place and are fitted with a very good pair of set of original foam rubber cushions, one being RCAF marked. Below one earpiece is an ink 'AM' stamp with Kings Crown. The chin strap Bennett buckle clip is exceptional with the full leather cover remaining in place with no damage; the chin strap is missing chrome end but otherwise no issues at all.
Inside is equally crisp. The neck flap has soiling where you would expect and just minor grub on the satin lining which on these helmets is nearly always badly stained or damaged or both. The ear doughnuts are also satin covered and just one minor nick to one. The felt brow lining that is prone to wear or moth damage is close to mint. The helmet is not named and sadly the history has been lost down the years but it most certainly would have a story to tell. These first pattern FAA N helmets are often missing from many collections and are actually significantly harder to source than the RAF B type. Grab the opportunity to add this one to the collection whilst you have the chance!
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| Pilots Navigation Kit Briefcase - An original case clearly stamped to front 'Pilots Navigation Kit Air Force United States Army. It also carries a fine AAF decal below and below that a line of writing has been deliberately obliterated. The could have ben the original owners name but perhaps more likely it was the US Army property mark which was removed when the case was used post war for civilian purposes. The briefcase, which is now empty, has clearly seen some quite heavy use with wear to both the brown grain leather and also to the olive drab fabric sides. The original 'Conmar USA' zip is fitted and whilst this still runs care needs to be taken in view of the wear to he olive drab fabric. The leather handles are both in place and in sound condition.
Inside is a fitted interior with files for storing navigation charts, other papers, a pencil slot and a name card mount. Evidence exists where various stickers have at some stage been applied to the interior. Sadly any history associated with this item has been lost down the years. A similar example is illustrated on page 162 & 163 of Jon Maguire's excellent 'Gear Up' reference book. In view of the age related wear on this item it needs to be handled with care but would still provide an excellent backdrop to an appropriate USAAF display. Case measures 17" x 12" (43 cm x 30 cm).
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| RAF Officer Visor cap - An unusual example as it carries a woven makers label to the inner quilted crown lining indicating 'Made to Order, English Tailoring, Bernard Cailor, Alexandria'. So seems almost certain this was made in for an RAF Officer serving in Egypt in WWII. It is named on leather headband but the writing is now indistinct due to service wear and the passing years. The cap is in pretty good shape but has a few small moth nips but hardly noticeable on display. It features a good crisp Kings Crown cap badge but with a little Verdigris on the brass eagle; the leather chin strap is in perfect condition. No size is marked but measured around the inside of the hat band is 21.25" or 53.3 cm. Whilst not mint a good probably late wartime example sensibly priced.
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| A Genuine Post War RAF Ensign ( and a few words of warning! - Many in the RAF collecting fraternity may also have noticed the plethora of "Battle of Britain RAF 1940 dated airfield flags" that are cropping up on a weekly basis for sale on that well known online auction site. I and many of our dealer/collector colleagues hate to see the public being apparently convinced to part with their hard earned funds on modern fakes masquerading as the real deal. So a few timely words of warning.
The extremely limited number of genuine wartime RAF ensigns we have had here over the years very rarely have decipherable stampings and even less have clear dates as these have generally faded through use in the elements or washed out over the years. The ones that do retain decipherable stampings tend to be Broad Arrow property marked not A. M. and we have never yet seen a wartime flag with the town of origin, as were this to happen this would have simply been a calling card for Hermann Göring's crews. The fakes currently seem to favour Sheffield or Oxford as the fictitious places of origin for some unknown reason. Other tell tail signs are wartime ensigns were made with overlaid pieces of cotton fabric stitched together not simply screen printed. They carried coir rope with brass Inglefield clips to attach to the flag mast not white nylon. Generally these fakes look too fresh although the latest batch are being roughed up and dirtied to make them look more authentic. We also see other ensigns being offered including the ultimate rarity "WWI RAF 5 feet long RFC royal flying corps airfield linen flag dated 1918". In a lifetime of collecting I have yet to handle a genuine RFC ensign. Please note the sellers are cleverly not saying these items were made back then they are just 'dated 1940' which may be a slight of hand but might just protect them from litigation. Today as we write this listing several examples are on offer with a '1940' example already having attracted 30 bids and currently at £225.00 Can we politely suggest if you have bid or are even slightly tempted by such a listing to first get in touch with the seller and ask him to categorically guarantee in writing the item is a genuine RAF/RFC period ensign and not a modern copy. Never has "Caveat emptor" or "Let the buyer beware" been more applicable. If it looks too good to be true it probably is…….
Oh yes we nearly forgot. Whilst this listing is mainly to 'flag' (pun intended! the dangers of this fraudulent activity we are also prepared to sell this Guaranteed GENUINE 1991 dated RAF issue station ensign. It was not made in Oxford or Sheffield but by quality manufactures Zephyr Flags & Banners of Thrapston (established in 1969) in Northants. It carries the RAF stores reference code 6345-99-125-1140 and a Broad Arrow property mark. It is a large size at 8' x 4' (244 cm x 122 cm). It is made to the correct post WWII specification with a printed roundel and union flag against an air force blue cotton background. It has a nylon line attached and is fitted with brass Inglefield clips. We would love to say it was used at Biggin Hill or Debden but sadly we can't. It appears to be in virtually unflown condition. "You pays your money and takes your choice" but if this listing saves any collector wasting money on fakery and fraud we have achieved a minor victory today!
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| Luftwaffe LKp S101 Summer Flying Helmet - This model was introduced in 1938, and replaced the 1936 specification LKpS100 and whilst made to the same basic pattern it featured improved Siemens communications and better sound insulation. Instead of aluminium earphones housings of the earlier helmets this features hard rubber cups covered with dark brown leather which had a more streamlined appearance and with an external recess at the top which helped secure the goggle straps in place. The avionics were also enhanced by the installation of a Perspex membranes inside and padded with fleece lined cushions around the earphone speaker. The housing for the throat microphones on the LKp S101 was also improved with two straps containing the microphone linked by an inverted "T" at the nape of the helmet. This also served as the junction between the helmet's internal wiring and the long cord and plug-in connector. The throat straps were adjustable by means of two buckles, and once correctly adjusted could be joined together or removed at the front by means of a snap fastening.
On offer is a good issued example of the type and whilst it displays evidence of quite hard service life it is complete and despite minor issues displays very well. The 'salt and pepper' cotton weave fabric shell shows signs of in service use, particulary on the outside brow and a very tiny tear to the front right section but this does not detract on isplay. The leather parts are good although the left chin strap buckle has been damaged at some stage and has been neatly sewn back on. The helmet has provision for use with a a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted; the metal parts show slight age wear. The goggle straps are all fine and functional and fitted with Prym snaps; the characteristic double chin straps are both excellent.
Inside the helmet the earphones Perspex covers remain in place, and embossed Ln 26602 and are in excellent condition. It is fully wired and carries a 1 metre long wiring lead with a 4 pin plug fitted marked BLKvFL 27968 and unusually one side has been painted green to ensure it is quickly connected to the female coupling on a 'right first time' basis. The helmet is fitted with the early pattern round Mi4a & FL26779-1 magnetic throat microphones. The lining is made from olive satin with lambswool around the receivers, for added comfort. The lining shows evidence of very light service wear and remains in exceptional condition. Sewn in are two woven set of labels; identical examples are shown in Mick Prodger's 'Luftwaffe V RAF' reference book page 25 centre top and described as 'labels from an early helmet'. The top label is named to Siemens and marked below Baumuster LKp S 101 and Ln. Nr 26617 ; below is a clear red BAL inspectors stamp. A secondary manufacturers oblong label is also attached reading STRIEGEL & WAGNER KOM.GES. LICHTENFELS/BAYER.OSTMARK Grosse : 55, indicating a small size. This is almost certainly a pre war manufactured example that could well have served through the Battle of Britain although its history has been lost down the years. This pattern is becoming increasingly hard to find and is priced to reflect its overall condition. Despite the issues mentioned it would provide a very decent example of the type in any Luftwaffe or flying helmet collection.
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