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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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 | 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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| WRAF Officer Service Dress Cap - An excellent early post war example of an Officers pattern Women's Royal Air Force SD cap that are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This one is particularly interesting as sewn inside the plastic covering the makers label is a name card detailing the original owner as Flight Officer F. H. Wilson and below Womens Royal Air Force. This more or less covers the makers label but from the small part we can see we believe indicates the cap was made by Moss Bros of Covent Garden, London.
We have carried out limited research on the original owner and it seems possible she served during WWII as we have identified a WAAF Corporal F. H. Wilson who was notified as being wounded in action by Communique 436 and this was reconfirmed by an entry in 'Flight' of 26th August 1944. She then surfaces again on 22nd May 1950 as Flying Officer Wilson service number 2089639, when she was appointed as Assistant to the Provost Marshall. In November 1956, she is still assisting the Provost Marshall of the RAF. This position was first created in 1920, and had responsibility for the RAF Police; by the end of WWII, the strength of the RAF had reached 1.2 million personnel and the RAF Police had 500 commissioned officers, including 55 from the WAAF. Our research indicated the position was held by Air Commodore H. J. G. E. Proud from 1954 – 1956 and he was succeeded by Commodore W. I. G Kerby who became Provost Marshall during 1956, so both would have been Flight Officer Wilson's Boss 63 years ago. Her final promotion, still in the Provost Branch, is dated 1st January 1958 when she took the rank of Flight Office and she finally retitred from the RAF on 25th June 1963.
In view of the promotions detailed above and the rank shown on the label this cap would appear to date from around 1958 but despite its age it remains in remakably good issued condition. The cloth is generally very clean, with just a minor snag under the visor. The cap band carries a period Kings Crown RAF badge, showing minor age wear, as do the chin strap retaining buttons. Inside the lining shows normal wear, as you would expect. No size is marked but the physical measurement taken inside the hat band is 21.25" circumference or 54 cm. In summary this is an early post war example in above the average condition and with the added benefit of known provenance that is worthy of further research.
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| RAF Other Ranks Field Service Forage Cap - A very clean example and whilst not dated almost certainly originating from WWII. The cloth fabric, which is coarser material than used on the Officers version, is in very clean fresh condition and with just one minuscule moth nibble as shown in our listing photograph. The cap carries the standard Other Ranks brass RAF badge surmounted by a Kings Crown fixed in position by the correct retaining pin. To the front are two RAF brass buttons, again with Kings Crown. Inside is equally clean although any maker or size detail this cap may have carried has been worn away. An above the average example that would sit happily in any collection.
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| RAF Officers Visor Cap - Whilst this cap is not named we were advised when purchased it belonged to a Flight Lieutenant C. Cole who served as a Navigator in WWII. His no 1 uniform was also offered for sale as a separate lot but sadly we were outbid on it but I had the chance to inspect and his medal ribbons indicated he was awarded an MBE. Some limited research indicates it probably belonged to Flight Lieutenant Clifford Cole, service number143777, who remained with the RAF post war and was awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours 1st January 1953 and it seems highly likely he is our man.
This is really crisp example and made by the quality makers Bates and embossed on the green felt lining is 'Bates of 21, Jermyn Street, St James, London' and also marked below 'Light Weight'. It is also stamped in gold leaf with makers details on the leather hat band. It is not named to the original owner and looks as though it has had minimal, if any, service wear as overall condition is really excellent. The air force blue cloth all in really nice condition and no signs at all of the dreaded moth. It features an impressive Kings Crown cap badge with crisp brass eagle below and good leather chin strap. Like almost all RAF visor caps we see this one is not dated but with Kings Crown badge certainly wartime or early post war issue. No size is marked but the physical measurement taken inside the hat band it is 21 1/2" or 54.5 cm.
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| RAF Type 48 Magnetic Microphone - A standard WWII example of the type fitted to the E, E* and G pattern oxygen masks. It carries an embossed stores reference code 10A/12570 to the face plate as well as the microphone 'On' and 'Off' switch. The microphone is wired up with a wartime specification flecked short cord and a two pin female connector to plug into an internally wired RAF C, D or E pattern flying helmet. A near identical example is shown on page 46 top left of Mick Prodger's excellent Luftwaffe V RAF Flight clothing book. We discovered a small quantity of these in a forgotten warehouse and these appear to never have been issued. Other than a minor mark to the face plate it appears in near perfect condition. Interestingly the box in which this example was discovered has written outside 'checked 30/6/44' and below a further check date of 22/11/44. Like all our kit for sale as a collectable but we would not be surprised if this is not still in good working order -despite the passing of close to 75 years!
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| Coastal Command Booklet 'Battle of the Seas Booklet 1939-1942' This excellent series of paperback booklets were published by the Ministry of Information during WWII and are a superb reference source today. This example outlines Coastal Command operation from the start of the War up until 1942. It has 143 pages and is profusely illustrated with official period photographs of operations and shows Sunderland, Catalina, Anson, Beaufort and other types of aircraft on operations.
Chapter titles include 'Its the Bismarck', 'Ten million miles of sea', 'The Fight for Norway', 'The Attack on the U-Boats' and 'Rescue Flight and Secret missions'. Lots of crew pics taken both inside aircraft and on the ground and some excellent shots of the type of flying kit used in the period. Overall in good used condition with minor damage to the cover (which is named to Denmark) and age related wear to the spine. Measuring 7"x 9" (23 cm x 18 cm) and was printed by His Majesty's Stationery Office in 1943. This is an original wartime example and not a more recent reprint.
Pages: 144
Cover: Soft
Author: His Majestys Stationary Office
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| British War Department Issue Flight Test Helmet - A modest but often overlooked example that would sit happily in a specialist or general aviation collection. We have previously listed this type as 'an RAF training helmet' based on Jim Weld's reference booklet description that even lists it with an RAF stores reference number 22C/129. We are however now more inclined to go with Mick Prodger's description and use as detailed in his definitive 'Vintage Flying Helmets' reference book:-
'A simple unwired helmet made available to flight test departments of various aircraft production facilities. Although their exact purpose is not known, it seems possible that these helmets were issued to visiting dignitaries, VIP's and other personnel who may have been passengers during demonstration flights. The helmet was constructed of light brown waterproof fabric and lined with soft blanket wool. Snap down ear flaps were fitted with a brow strap that enabled the helmet to be tightened. Most of these helmets appear to have been manufactured in or around 1940 and were War Department marked. Many bear additional makings indicating they were the property of aircraft manufacturers such as Hanley Page or De Havilland (often stamped on the chin strap canvas). This pattern of helmet may also have been available to ATA and Civil Air Guard pilots'. As ever we are indebted to Mick for this detailed analysis but it is of course possible back in 1940 this pattern may have seen use with RAF aircrew or elsewhere, as the need arose.
Our example closely aligns to this description and carries an ink stamp to the wool lining 'Q', below 'WD' with broad arrow and '90'. In addition the manufacturers paper label is still in place indicating it was made by M. Kaye and is a size 6 1/2-6 7/8 and is dated 1940. It does not carry any other property marks and seeing the paper label is still in situ it could well be unissued. When these helmets do show up one issue tends to be the canvas tends to harden and become a little stiff and brittle and this is no exception. The chin strap exhibits minor cracking as does one of the fold back ear covers. Despite this it remains in very clean original condition and it displays well on an appropriate 'head', as shown in our illustration photograph, but would just need to be handled with care. As with all our stock if you have interest drop us an e mail and we can supply a range of detailed pictures. Other examples of this helmet are currently listed elsewhere at prices from £100 upwards with one at an eye watering £400 plus! Ours is rather more realistically priced.
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| RAF / USAAF M-357-A Dinghy Radio Kite - Manufactured by the Bendix Aviation Co. from 1941 and issued to both RAF and USAAF aircrew in WWII. Often referred to as 'Aerial Kites' as they were made to lift 260 feet of steel wire from the coil drum on the 'Gibson Girl' emergency transmitter. This was effectively copied from a 1941 captured Luftwaffe issue example which used a winged as opposed to the standard box kite design adopted by the British. The system went into mass production in the USA with an initial order placed for 11,600 sets which became standard issue for multi person dinghies for aircrew operating over sea. The full kit also included a balloon and hydrogen generator, as an alternate to the kite, when wind conditions prevented its use.
This example comes complete with its cotton issue bag which is close to mint, with just very light storage marks. It is fully stamped which makes mention of the original contents that would have included inflation tubes and a hydrogen generator. On offer here is just the kite but what makes it exceptional is the fact is appears mint and as issued. The cloth is neatly bound with cord ties as shown in our illustration and it is clear it has never been assembled. These kites featured a fold up aluminium frame that was designed to be 'idiot proof' and featured a 'pop-out spider' to facilitate assembly in a pitching dinghy. The kite had two different bridle attachment points, one for winds 7–20 miles per hour, the other for 15–40 miles per hour. In the folded state you can still read the reference to the 40 MPH attachment ring. Whilst we are happy to break the factory binding cord and assemble the kite on request, we prefer to leave it in its 'mint and boxed' state which makes this example so unique. Many of these that have survived have been used post war for recreational purposes (myself included) and we have had them with messages written on the cloth giving owners name and address and 'Please return if found'! This is certainly not the case here, so if you wish to add a pristine example to you collection in a condition as it left the Bendix factory all those years ago, this is the one for you! Kite folded in storage bag measures 22" (56 cm)
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| RAF / USAAF M-357-A Dinghy Radio Kite & Case - Manufactured by the Bendix Aviation Co. from 1941 and issued to both RAF and USAAF aircrew in WWII. Often referred to as 'Aerial Kites' as they were made to lift 260 feet of steel wire from the coil drum on the 'Gibson Girl' emergency transmitter. This was effectively copied from a 1941 captured Luftwaffe issue example which used a winged as opposed to the standard box kite design adopted by the British and Americans. The system went into mass production in the USA with an initial order placed for 11,600 sets which became standard issue for multi person dinghies for aircrew operating over sea. The full kit also included a balloon and hydrogen generator, as an alternate to the kite, when wind conditions prevented its use.
This example comes complete with its cotton issue bag, which is in very good original condition, with just very light storage marks, picked up during the last 75 years. It is fully stamped which makes mention of the original contents that would have included inflation tubes and a hydrogen generator. On offer here is just the kite but what makes it exceptional is the fact is appears mint and as issued. The cloth is neatly bound with cord ties as shown in our illustration and it is clear it has never been assembled. These kites featured a fold up aluminium frame that was designed to be 'idiot proof' and featured a 'pop-out spider' to facilitate assembly in a pitching dinghy. The kite had two different bridle attachment points, one for winds 7–20 miles per hour, the other for 15–40 miles per hour. In the folded state you can still read the reference to the 40 MPH attachment ring. Whilst we are happy to break the factory binding cord and assemble the kite on request, we prefer to leave it in its 'mint and boxed' state which makes this example so unique. Many of these that have survived have been used post war for recreational purposes (self-included! and we have had them with messages written on the cloth giving owners name and address and 'Please return if found'! This is certainly not the case here, so if you wish to add a pristine example to you collection in a condition as it left the Bendix factory all those years ago, this is the one for you! Kite folded in storage bag measures 22" (56 cm). The final image attached here shows a rather over dressed AAF Officer assembling a similar kite, whilst seated in a dinghy, but we feel this could be a studio shot, but interesting none the less!
We have been fortunate enough to purchase a small number of these kites from a forgotten store here in the UK, that have never been issued or used. Whilst these are being offered individually at a very modest £45.00 plus delivery for a purchases of 2 or more kites we will offer at a 10% discount. When they are gone they are gone!
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| RAF Manston Trench Art Cross - Formed in the shape of a cross mounted on a tapered plinth, that is reminiscent in design of a war memorial and is a finely worked and unusual example of WWII RAF trench art. It is made from scrap Plexiglas, probably recovered from damaged RAF airframe canopies and refashioned for slightly less aggressive use! The rear of the base is finely engraved to the read 'RAF Manston'; despite having no specific provenance with the piece this is clearly where it originated from.
Manston, located in Kent, was formed in from 1916 as an RFC aerodrome. In September 1939, as RAF Manston, No. 3 Squadron operating Hawker Hurricanes flew in, under the command of No. 11 Group Fighter Command. During the Battle of Britain, Manston was strategically located and was always in the thick of the action and was heavily bombed. Due to its hilltop location it remained usually fog-free and had no approach obstructions and so became a destination of last resort to many badly damaged aircraft and these became the source of spare parts and it is possible this is where the material used here originated from. Post war Manston was home to the USAF, followed again by the RAF, but when they finally pulled out in 1999 Manston became Kent International Airport.
This unique survivor is small but beautifully formed. It stands 6" tall (15 cm) and the base is 3" across (8 cm). Whilst showing minor age wear it is in excellent display condition and would make the perfect gift for the aviation, RAF or Battle of Britain collector in your life this Christmas and certainly not something you can find on Amazon. com-or anywhere else!
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| RAF / USAAF M-357-A Dinghy Radio Kite & Case - Manufactured by the Bendix Aviation Co. from 1941 and issued to both RAF and USAAF aircrew in WWII. Often referred to as 'Aerial Kites' as they were made to lift 260 feet of steel wire from the coil drum on the 'Gibson Girl' emergency transmitter. This was effectively copied from a 1941 captured Luftwaffe issue example which used a winged as opposed to the standard box kite design adopted by the British and Americans. The system went into mass production in the USA with an initial order placed for 11,600 sets which became standard issue for multi person dinghies for aircrew operating over sea. The full kit also included a balloon and hydrogen generator, as an alternate to the kite, when wind conditions prevented its use.
This example comes complete with its cotton issue bag which is close to mint, with just very light storage marks. It is fully stamped which makes mention of the original contents that would have included inflation tubes and a hydrogen generator. On offer here is just the kite but what makes it exceptional is the fact is appears mint and as issued. The cloth is neatly bound with cord ties as shown in our illustration and it is clear it has never been assembled. These kites featured a fold up aluminium frame that was designed to be 'idiot proof' and featured a 'pop-out spider' to facilitate assembly in a pitching dinghy. The kite had two different bridle attachment points, one for winds 7–20 miles per hour, the other for 15–40 miles per hour. In the folded state you can still read the reference to the 40 MPH attachment ring. Whilst we are happy to break the factory binding cord and assemble the kite on request, we prefer to leave it in its 'mint and boxed' state which makes this example so unique. Many of these that have survived have been used post war for recreational purposes (self-included! and we have had them with messages written on the cloth giving owners name and address and 'Please return if found'! This is certainly not the case here, so if you wish to add a pristine example to you collection in a condition as it left the Bendix factory all those years ago, this is the one for you! Kite folded in storage bag measures 22" (56 cm). The final image attached here shows a rather over dressed AAF Officer assembling a similar kite, whilst seated in a dinghy, but we feel this could be a studio shot, but interesting none the less!
We have been fortunate enough to purchase a small number of these kites from a forgotten store here in the UK, that have never been issued or used. Whilst these are being offered individually at a very modest £45.00 plus delivery for a purchases of 2 or more kites we will offer at a 10% discount. When they are gone they are gone!
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| RAF Battle Of Britain 1940 Churchill's Speech Match Box Cover - Manufactured from tin, the cover carries RAF wings logo to the front and on the reverse an edited version of Churchill famous speech made to the House of Commons on August 20th 1940: "The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the World War by their prowess and b~ their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. ''
These covers were first produced and sold in 1941 and this is an original period example, that came in with a box of assorted kit belonging to a WWII airman. The exterior finish shows some age related marks below the acetate, but generally in good original condition and would complement the RAF cigarette case, item 6825, we also have listed in this section. We would offer a 10% discount on the list price of both for anyone ordering the two items together and would make a perfect low cost stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life this Christmas. Measures 2.25" x 1.5" (6 cm x 4 cm)
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