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Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 5
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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 | 'Eaglet' Flying helmet by D.Buegeleisen - Strauss & Buegeleisen was founded in 1910 by Elias Buegeleisen of New York, and manufactured aviators goggles under the 'Resistal' name. Brothers Joseph and David Buegeleisen joined the company, with Joseph heading up sales in the Detroit area and David was the West Coast representative. Both brothers subsequently left the business with David Buegeleisen producing helmets under the 'Eaglet' brand, based in San Francisco.. These were marketed to the aviation and motorcycle markets. This example is in fine original condition with the four segment shell made from glove soft brown leather to a cut similar to that used by the USN in the 1930's. The rear carries two goggle snaps both clearly marked 'The Eaglet Helmet' with the snaps supplied by United Carr. The chin strap is in good shape as is the large chromed buckle. Inside the lining is a little grubby but with no damage, commensurate with a a helmet that has seen service and is now over 80 years old. The ear section of the lining carries extra padding for additional comfort. No size is marked but we estimate this to be medium/large and would equate to an RAF size 3+. Mick Prodger illustrates an 'Eaglet' helmet on page 187 of his excellent 'Vintage Flying Helmets' as well as an unnamed example of similar design used by a Braniff airline Pilot in the 1930's. This fine helmet would sit happily in a flying helmet collection although we see no reason why it could not be used for vintage flying or by the classic car fraternity. More detailed photographs available on request.
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| Douglas C-54/DC-4 Crash Relic Trim Wheel - We believe we now have a positive identification as a result of input received from our good friends Boris and Chris from Switzerland. They have provided photographic evidence of similar wheel being used on the flight deck of a Douglas C-54/DC-4 so looks pretty conclusive so many thanks to them!
The wheel itself is bound with rope for better grip and the reverse has a cog to drive a chain. We have various clues to assist with a positive ID. One of the bolts is marked 'Aero Supply' which we believe to be of US origin. The wheel is stamped 510820 3 to the centre whilst on the reverse plate is scratched DOI 2417K and below WIS01. In addition it has a stamp within a circle which appears to read 'ATFI' and below 'H5' although this is not entirely clear. The diameter of the wheel is 8.5" (22 cm) and the mounting bracket (that shows signs of crash damage) is 12" (31 cm) top to bottom. Most of the original blue/grey paintwork remains in good condition.
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| Limited Edition Print signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Read V.C - We have been fortunate to purchase four limited edition prints which we are listing today, all published by 'Legends' (UK) in 1989. Each is signed in pencil by the artist J.G.Keek and the subject, in this case Flight Lieutenant Bill Read V.C. William Reid was born on 21 December 1921 and died 28 November 2001 was a Scottish recipient of the award. Reid was a 21-year-old acting Flight Lieutenant serving in 61 Squadron when he took part in the raid on Düsseldorf which led to the award of his VC. On the night of 3 November 1943, on the way to Düsseldorf, the windscreen of Flight Lieutenant Reid's Lancaster serial LM360 was shattered by fire from a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and the gun turrets and cockpit badly damaged. Saying nothing of his multiple injuries, he continued on his operation and soon afterwards the bomber was attacked again by an FW 190. His navigator was killed and the wireless operator fatally wounded. He was wounded again, as was the flight engineer, while the Lancaster received more serious damage with the starboard part of the tail plane being shot off. He decided to press on to the target, rather than turn back. Reid subsequently claimed that his main reason for carrying on was that turning back would have involved flying through or across the following bomber stream, with a real danger of mid-air collision. He reached the target, released the bombs, and only then set course for home. On the way back to Syerston, he saw the searchlights of RAF Shipdham, a USAAF-operated base in Norfolk. Despite being wounded and suffering from loss of blood, Reid succeeded in landing his plane - though the undercarriage collapsed and the aircraft slid along the runway. The wireless operator subsequently died in Shipdham's medical centre. Reid was awarded the VC on 14 December 1943. A part of his citation reads: "Wounded in two attacks, without oxygen, suffering severely from cold, his navigator dead, his wireless operator fatally wounded, his aircraft crippled and defenceless, Flight Lieutenant Reid showed superb courage and leadership in penetrating a further 200 miles into enemy territory to attack one of the most strongly defended targets in Germany, every additional mile increasing the hazards of the long and perilous journey home. His tenacity and devotion to duty were beyond praise". When the Victoria Cross awarded to Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid was put up for sale in 2009 it sold for £348, 000 setting a new world record for the highest price paid for a Victoria Cross awarded to a Briton-or I should say a Scot! Our print is signed by the artist and Bill Read and is numbered 38 of a limited edition of 1000. This print (and the others we have purchased) came sealed in acetate and we have left them as such to protect them. So the actual image quality is better than that shown in our listing. In addition to the pencil image of Reid the print also carries the 61 Squadron crest top right with the motto below 'Per Puram Tonates.' This print is a large size at 24" x 16" (60 cm x 40 cm) and would benefit from being framed and glazed. The print is not faded and the original Bill Read pencil signature is strong. The edge of the mount has a couple of tiny marks on it but these in no way detract from a fine print that clearly can never be repeated so grab it whilst you can!
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| Battle of Britain Ground Crew Support Set - Manufactured by 'Leddo' to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain back in 1990 against model No. BB1003. This was a brand of die cast toys, founded in 1982 by Matchbox co-founder Jack Odell and Burt Russell and they produced diecast vehicles in Enfield, England from 1983 to 1999. The name was created by the founder by a reversal of his Odell's surname, a mnemonic device from when he served in WWII in the African desert and he used it then to avoid forgetting his wireless call sign! The company, like so many, could not however compete against low cost producers in the Far East and 'Lledo' went bankrupt in 1999 and Jack Odell died 2007. The demise of his 'Lledo' range saw the end of die cast manufacturing here in the UK or for that matter in Europe.
The three models in this set carry the 'Days Gone' range sub branding which was launched in 1983. The models are a Refuelling Bowser, a Balloon Barrage Tender and a Mobile Airfield Workshop Tender, that enabled the ground crew to bring the repair facilities to the fighters they were charged with maintaining. They are made in a scale that varied according to the model but they are in the range of 1:50 / 1:64 but are generally classified as about 1:60. Finished in RAF blue they are all finely detailed and remain in excellent condition despite being 20 years old. What makes this set stand out from the crowd is that as well as the internal display box it also comes with the original external card posting box that has a label with the address 250, Southampton, S09 7YG and a postage paid stamp. Whist these sets still turn up quite frequently this is the only example we have seen with the full packaging included. The boxes show evidence of minor age wear but generally reflect the models themselves, that appear never to have been played with.
Modestly prices but clearly never to be repeated so grab this set whilst you can!
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| A pair of RAF Photographic Printing Blocks - We believe these date from WWII, deduced by the uniforms worn but also both appear to be dated 1943 on the reverse. One block features a photographic image etched on a copper plate showing an RAF man relaxing off duty with pipe in hand, who is wearing Khaki Drill shorts, long socks and an RAF Battledress blouse. No rank or other badges are shown so it is impossible to identify who, where or exactly when. The other block, which is of identical dimensions 4.25"x3.00" (11 cm x 7.5 cm) and the etching features an RAF sergeant standing in his No 1 Other Ranks uniform without cap and with hands in pockets. Sadly the paper label to the reverse is in poor condition but also appears to be dated 1943 as mentioned already and also an indistinct name which we have been unable to decipher. Printing blocks like these were used alongside similar blocks containing typescript and were mounted in a printing press to commercially produce images and text for publications and it seems likely both images may have been printed in the same unknown wartime article. The copper etchings are nailed to a mahogany hardwood block and these represent a modestly priced and unusual pair for an RAF or printing collection that illustrates a technology that is now just for the history books.
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| Luftwaffe Aluminium Milk or Water Jug - This pitcher, which we assume would have been for milk or water, is made from aluminium with a metal handle. It is stamped HRE 40 which is the German WWII manufacturing code for the factory Heinrich Ritter Esslingen and indicates a year of manufacture 1940. The base carries a fine Luftwaffe eagle and FL.UV indicating 'Flieger Unterkunft Verwaltung', translated meaning 'Flight Barracks Administration.' Interestingly below the eagle is a very clear date 1939 so would appear this jug was made at the turn of the year 1939/40 based on the manufacturing code stamp date. This is the perfect item for a living history group or for a general Luftwaffe collector. In view of its size it makes a real statement and as a bonus would have certainly served through the battle of Britain period. Measures 15" high x 9" diameter at base (38 cm high x 22 cm diameter at base.)
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| WWII RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad 1944 - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboard note pads developed in the early days of aviation during WWI for use by the Royal Flying Corps and continued in RAF service up until the present day where the note pad becomes an integral part of the fast jet aircrew flying suit. In the Great War the aerial view became increasingly important, once the initial mobile phase of action developed into what we now know as 'trench warfare'. Trenches were hazardous to both mounted troops and men on the ground and prevented them from effectively reconnoitring enemy lines. Aircraft had no such restrictions and both cavalry and aircraft pilots and observers had to make notes and draw sketch maps of what they saw on their reconnaissance missions. Both types of personnel did this using boards strapped to an arm or a leg. Whist WWI examples turn up from time to time this is the very first WWII pattern we have obtained and clearly dates to 1944. The front of the board has a note pad that in this instance has been used with a few pages remaining ; interestingly it is stamped 2/52 so despite its wartime origins was still in service in the early 1950s. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts and hidden below the pad reads Form 433 and date, aeroplane & pilot.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, caries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. These are secured by a pair of quick release Bennett's buckles, marked accordingly and of the same pattern used on RAF B and early C flying helmets. The leather remains very supple and the buckles are in good working condition. In true Air Ministry style the board is fully stamped up with relevant nomenclature and is headed 'S.L. 1944' followed by a Broad Arrow property mark and is dated 1944. Below is stamped 'H855996/43/C22(b) Stores Ref No 6F/171' and a further broad arrow for good measure! RAF stores reference code 6F covers 'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
A range of photographs are attached showing the detail and the final period picture illustrates a similar but rather more sophisticated board from RFC and early post WWI period showing intended usage. The board measures 10" x 6" (25.5 cm x 15.5 cm) A modest but very useful piece of WWII RAF flying kit that is now remarkably hard to find in any condition. This one ticks all the boxes and would make a great addition to an RAF collection or mannequin display.
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| Original Distinguished Flying Cross Issue Case - Recently purchased at auction this is an original case as issued, marked D.F.C to top of lid and with recessed beige velvet section where the medal was located. First introduced on 3rd June 1918 and was originally awarded to RAF commissioned and warrant officers, including officers in Commonwealth and allied forces. In March 1941 eligibility was extended to Naval Officers of the Fleet Air Arm, and in November 1942 to Army officers, including those from the Royal Artillery, serving on attachment to the RAF. The medal was awarded for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy".
The medal is now abscent and we have no information on who it was awarded to, but it almost certainly dates from WWII. The leatherette covered case remains in remarkably good condition, whilst the gold leaf to the DFC stamp is now slightly faded, but clearly readable. The brass hinges and latch clip are full operational and this emotive case would make an ideal display item in an RAF collection or of course absolutely perfect if you are lucky enough to own an original DFC, that is now lacking its case. Alternatively very decent replica medals are available to buy at modest prices and would be set off perfectly with this original case. The fabric on the inside of the lid is again in good condition with minor age related staining and clearly marked with London's Royal Mint crest. The case measures 5.75" x 3.25" (15 cm x 8 cm) These case are becoming increasingly scarce so grab this one whist you can!
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| Luftwaffe Dreieckrechner DR2 Flight computer - In addition to mechanical and electrical radio directional navigation aids the Luftwaffe also utilized two different models of manual flight navigation devices which were basically circular slide rulers to assist in navigation calculations. These were referred to by flight crew as 'Knemeyer' and this example is in good issued condition is a Dreieckrechner DR 2 made by DENNERT & PAPE in Hamburg, Germany on April 1941. It also comes with a little provenance as we bought direct from the family of the original owner in Germany. Measures 6" diameter (15 cm)
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| RAF Original Snail Whistle - A very clean issued example with clear embossing with King's Crown, AM, 23/230 and on reverse 293/14/L1795. Minimal wear to chrome and overall nice original condition and good working order! We have found it very effective here in the office in terminating the nuisance phone calls we are all sadly inundated with these days!
The suspension loop is still attached and these were often hung from the collar loop of aircrew battledress or from Mae West lifejackets. A small but indispensable rescue aid that must have saved the lives of many downed allied airmen in WWII. This is a guaranteed period example unlike the many copies now appearing on the market.
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| Replica 1939 Pattern RAF Flying Boots. - Whist we normally stick with original items here at the Oldnautibits HQ, once in a while replica kit comes in, such as this set of RAF 1939 pattern boots. This pair has clearly never been worn and whilst they look a bit 'fresh' at the moment a bit of use would make them look more authentic and with 75th anniversary of VE Day celebrations and the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain both this year these could be the ideal way to complete an RAF outfit without breaking the bank with an original set-even if you could find a pair! Like the original item these feature a black leather shoe section, a stitched leather sole and a beige canvas leg section. Inside, again like the issue boot, they are fur lined and the top of the leg is secured by a black leather strap. No size is marked but we have test fitted them here and believe they align to a UK 7 or EU41. Whilst the pattern is not completely authentic they look a lot more convincing than the British Army canvas legged Mosquito boots which are often sold as substitutes for the '39 pattern. Ideal for re-enacting, film work, dressing a mannequin or just to complete that RAF fighter pilot look for the 2020 Goodwood Revival! We have just the one pair available and when they are gone they are gone.
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| WWII RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad 1944 - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboard note pads developed in the early days of aviation during WWI for use by the Royal Flying Corps and continued in RAF service up until the present day where the note pad becomes an integral part of the fast jet aircrew flying suit. In the Great War the aerial view became increasingly important, once the initial mobile phase of action developed into what we now know as 'trench warfare'. Trenches were hazardous to both mounted troops and men on the ground and prevented them from effectively reconnoitring enemy lines. Aircraft had no such restrictions and both cavalry and aircraft pilots and observers had to make notes and draw sketch maps of what they saw on their reconnaissance missions. Both types of personnel did this using boards strapped to an arm or a leg. We been fortunate enough to discover a box containing a very few of these but this is the only one remaining with a date. The front of the board has a note pad that has been partly used. It is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts; on removing the clamped board we found the pad is stamped 'Ben Lines ' a shipping company formed in Scotland in 1825 and still in business today. Interestingly this board is unique in that an acetate has been affixed and permanently varnished on below the pad giving details of the pre-flight and landing checks required and may well relate to post war usage.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, caries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. These are secured by a pair of quick release Bennett's buckles, marked accordingly and of the same pattern used on RAF B and early C flying helmets. The leather remains very supple and the buckles are in good working condition. In true Air Ministry style the board is fully stamped up with relevant nomenclature and is headed 'S.L. 1944' followed by a Broad Arrow property mark and is dated 1944. Below is stamped 'H855996/43/C22(b) Stores Ref No 6F/171' and a further broad arrow for good measure! RAF stores reference code 6F covers 'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
A range of photographs are attached showing the detail and the final period picture illustrates a similar but rather more sophisticated board from RFC and early post WWI period showing intended usage. The board measures 10" x 6" (25.5 cm x 15.5 cm) A modest but very useful piece of WWII/early post war RAF flying kit that is now remarkably hard to find in any condition. This one ticks all the boxes and would make a great addition to an RAF collection or mannequin display.
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| WWII RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad 1944 - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboard note pads developed in the early days of aviation during WWI for use by the Royal Flying Corps and continued in RAF service up until the present day where the note pad becomes an integral part of the fast jet aircrew flying suit. In the Great War the aerial view became increasingly important, once the initial mobile phase of action developed into what we now know as 'trench warfare'. Trenches were hazardous to both mounted troops and men on the ground and prevented them from effectively reconnoitring enemy lines. Aircraft had no such restrictions and both cavalry and aircraft pilots and observers had to make notes and draw sketch maps of what they saw on their reconnaissance missions. Both types of personnel did this using boards strapped to an arm or a leg. Whist WWI examples turn up from time to time this is the very first WWII pattern we have obtained and clearly dates to 1944. The front of the board has a note pad that in this instance has been used with only the back paper cover remaining and is dated 12/43. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts; on removing the clamped board we found the pad is stamped S.1181C (Established June 1930), so confirming the designs pre-war origins. The left column is headed 'Time' and the right is left blank for observations.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, caries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. These are secured by a pair of quick release Bennett's buckles, marked accordingly and of the same pattern used on RAF B and early C flying helmets. The leather remains very supple and the buckles are in good working condition. In true Air Ministry style the board is fully stamped up with relevant nomenclature and is headed 'S.L. 1944' followed by a Broad Arrow property mark and is dated 1944. Below is stamped 'H855996/43/C22(b) Stores Ref No 6F/171' and a further broad arrow for good measure! RAF stores reference code 6F covers 'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
A range of photographs are attached showing the detail and the final period picture illustrates a similar but rather more sophisticated board from RFC and early post WWI period showing intended usage. The original user of our board has written his name 'Davey' but we can only speculate on what he flew and where he served. The board measures 10" x 6" (25.5 cm x 15.5 cm) A modest but very useful piece of WWII RAF flying kit that is now remarkably hard to find in any condition. This one ticks all the boxes and would make a great addition to an RAF collection or mannequin display.
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| Luftwaffe Blendspiegel - An extremely scarce Luftwaffe emergency signalling mirror, complete with its even scarcer fabric case that was more often discarded or lost. These heliographs were Luftwaffe aircrew issue against FL 415 610 and were constructed of plated steel, which was highly polished on one side and with decal instructions for use fixed to the reverse. The instructions in German are : Achtung! Blendlicht von unten nach oben in Richtung Flugzeug werfen. Jn kurzen abstanden diesen vorgang solange wiederholen bis Erkennug sicher. Planloses Herumblinken zwecklos. FL 415610. Loosely translated we understand this means : Caution! Throw glare from bottom to top towards the aircraft. In a short time repeat this process until recognition is certain. Flashing around aimlessly serves no purpose. These instruments were usually carried stored in a pocket of the Channel Trousers or for convenience the case was generally discarded and instead directly tied to the schwimmweste, often using a gravity knife lanyard (as the example we are also listing today!
On offer is a particularly fine example that beats the odds in that the yellow cotton issue case remains with it, unlike most. This is clearly stamped Blendspiegel Fl. 414610 and other than some wear to one edge the cover remains in remarkably good condition. The instrument itself is very fine with no rust or other damage and virtually all the transfer instructions remaining in place whilst the 'business side' mirror is crisp and un marked. This item also came with interesting provenance, coming from the family of a British soldier who served with 11th Air Formation Signals within the Royal Corps of Signals. This was an army unit which provided line communications for 83 Group 2 Tactical Air Force. They landed in Normandy on 7th June'44 and the unit moved through France, Belgium and Holland as the war progressed finally reaching the Luneberg area in N Germany in mid-1945. By August 1945 they was billeted at the former Luftwaffe airfield of Fliegerhorst Celle-Wietzenbruch in Celle, Lower Saxony, that was captured by the allies on 11th April 1945. On return home the serviceman brought this Blendspiegel, along with souvenirs found at the abandoned Luftwaffe base and it remained untouched in safe storage with his family until recently purchased by us.
In 20+ years of trading and in a lifetime as a collector this is the first example that we have owned. Like so much these days the Blendspiegel is being replicated so it is very much a case of 'Caveat Emptor' when considering a purchase. We are however, as with all our stock, happy to guarantee both the item and the stated provenance. It would be hard to find such a crisp example and for once we don't need to ask the open ended question 'if it could only talk! easures approximately6.5" x 3.25" (16.5 cm x 8.0 cm)
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| Luftwaffe K-33 winter Flying Helmet - This was the standard WWII unwired helmet for use by aircrew for primary training as well as for combat crew positions where no communication was necessary. These were also used by single engine fighter pilots early on during the Blitzkrieg in 1939/40. It is interesting by mid war virtually all crew positions required radio contact yet it is documented it remained in manufacture certainly until 1943, with later examples carrying the provision for attaching two and three point oxygen mask.
This helmet is of the latter type with two metal clips either side of the helmet and an adjustable brow attachment, as used on the LKpS101 and LKpW101 wired helmets. The leather is in really excellent condition with no issues and both the goggle snaps are in place and working. The double chin straps are good with service grub to the inside linings and the metal parts remain bright The woven makers label indicates it was made by STRIEGEL & WAGNER KOM.GES. LICHTENFELS/BAYER.OSTMAR and Grosse but the size detail is worn out but we would estimate a medium fit. Perhaps not the most sexy of the wartime Luftwaffe flying helmets but no collection would be complete without this model and it would be hard to improve on this example
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| Luftwaffe FK 34 Summer Flying Helmet - Luftwaffe K 34 Flying Helmet - This pattern was constructed from the same pattern as the LKp S100 and made without any provision for communications and used in crews positions where radio equipment was not required or by those in training. This is the summer variant of the helmet, finished in 'salt and pepper' fabric whilst an identical pattern, designated K33, was offered with a brown leather shell and fleece linings for winter use. A further variant was made in grey leather for use by Me262 jet pilots This pattern was manufactured at least until 1943 and is a later example, having additional metal studs and brow hook fitted to enable 3-strap oxygen masks to be used.
This helmet remains in really excellent original condition with no damage or staining to the cloth shell or green rayon lining. It carries an unusual cotton manufacturers label confirming it was made by G.A.Hoffman Berlin S.W.29 followed by a weak stamp indicating 37 that could be the date of manufacture It is further stamped 55 although if the size it certainly fits closer to a 60. The double leather chin and rear goggle straps are all very crisp and we can't find any issues at all to mention, and the metal parts are like new. What makes this example stand out from the crowd is instead of having and adjustable brow strap (as per the FK 33 we have also just listed) this helmet has a strap and snap arrangement. This is a first for us but if you own a copy of Mick Prodger 'Vintage Fling Helmets' check out page 232. At the bottom he details an FK34 to an identical specification and writes:' 1937 dated FK34 Fling helmet with snap down leather strap on the crown instead of the adjustable forehead strap. It is believed this crown strap was an early oxygen mask attachment point which was also incorporated into the Italians and Japanese copies of Luftwaffe helmets'. It therefore appears this is a very early and rather scarce variant of the more commonly found type of FK 34 and very unusual and desirable example to add to a Luftwaffe helmet collection. In addition the overall condition certainly matches the old collectors criteria of 'always buy the best example you can afford'! Grab it whilst you can.
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| Luftwaffe LKp W101 Winter Flying Helmet - This model replaced the pre-war LKp W100 and whilst made to the same basic pattern it featured improved Siemens communications and better sound insulation. Instead of aluminium cups the earphones are housed in 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 the helmet between the cushioned fleece lining and the earphone speaker. The housing for the throat microphones on the LKp W101 was also improved with two straps containing the microphone linked by an inverted "T" at the nape of the helmet. This housing 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 very fine and complete example of the type, that is in excellent original condition. The leather shell is unmarked and all stitching is intact and tight, with virtually no rubbing to the receiver housings covers as we normally see. It has provision for using with a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted. The metal parts are all excellent with just very minor age related marks ; the goggle and chin straps are again crisp. Inside is equally clean and the lambswool lining is very clean with evidence of just very light use and well above the average. The earphones Perspex covers remain in place and are undamaged and embossed Ln 26602. The helmet is fully wired and carries a long wiring cord with a 4 pin plug fitted marked BLKvFL 27560 and the lozenge shaped throat microphones are marked Mi 4b and Ln 26779-2. To complete the helmet is a near mint manufacturers label a sewn in label confirming made by Siemens -Apparate, Maschinen G.m. b. H. Whilst this helmet is not dated the fact the manufacturers details are shown rather than a code indicates probably a pre-war example. It also features a good clear BAL ink stamp stands for Bauaufsichten der Luftwaffe, the air force procurement agency, the helmet pattern number Baumuster LKpW101 Great No 124-436A and and Z.Ln26618. The only part not readable on the label is the size stamp but the helmet is on the small size but ideal for display and would be hard to improve upon.
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| Luftwaffe Gravity Knife Lanyard - Whilst convincing replica lanyards exist originals hardly ever come on the market, but this is one such occasion. This is an early pattern that was found in the pocket of a set of period Channel Trousers and is entirely new to the market. The lanyard is fitted with metal clips either end (research indicates late war examples only carried a single clip due to material shortages) with one end designed to attach to the swing loop of the 'Fliegerkappmesser', that was introduced for use by both parachutists and aircrew in 1937. The other end was fixed to a loop inside the pocket of the 'Kanal' trousers to secure it in an emergency. The woven beige cord remains in absolutely sound condition with the metal clips being secured by a looped and whipped end. The inner sprung edge of the clips features a serrated pattern, which is a further sure sign of an original lanyard. The extended length is 56" (142 cm).An identical example is illustrated on page 321 of 'Deutsche Luftwaffe' (as illustrated here). In 20+ years of trading this is the first original lanyard we have had in and is competitively priced seeing its scarcity and rather better value than a second pattern example currently on offer elsewhere at EU 345 whilst another sold on US E Bay in May 2018 for $250.00
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| RNAS Named Medal Grouping and Identity Disc - Anything relating to the Royal Naval Air Service is now pretty scarce seeing it was only formed on 1st July 1914 and disbanded 1st April 1918 when it was merged with the Royal Flying Corps to become the fledgling RAF.
The grouping arrived contained in a quality fitted case named to George Kenning & Son London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow. This firm were founded in 1860 and acquired Spencer & Co in 1947. Mr Kenning was a manufacturer and supplier of regalia to various societies and was also a Masonic jeweller. We speculate the owner stored his medals in this box that originally contained something else.
The medals are the British War and Victory Medals 1914-1920 which were awarded in simple terms 'for just turning up! However unlike WWII campaign medals these are both engraved '201925. 1. A.M. E.E. Lister. R.A.F. ' but what adds additional interest is the inclusion of the relating aluminium Identity Disc. On line research confirms in WWI thin aluminium discs (as here) were the first official types issued, typically made at Regimental depots on fairground-style machines, punching into the soft metal one letter at a time and the layout was rarely in perfect alignment. By 1915 the requirement was to wear two official tags, both made of compressed fibre, deemed more comfortable to wear in hot climates and both carrying identical details. These were again stamped out in a similar manner and an eight-sided green tag with two holes was strung through one hole and hung around the neck and through the second hole another much shorter cord was strung, which had a round red tag on it. Thus when a casualty was encountered on the field of battle this allowed the red tag to be retrieved simply by cutting its short string, leaving the green tag still in place on the body. It meant that others subsequently finding a body with only a green tag would know that the death had already been reported and the details on the green tag remained to prepare a grave marker.
Our ID disc is characteristic of the pre 1915 pattern and reads 'R.N.A.S. LISTER.E.E. Ship No 1888 Off. no 1935'. So clearly issued to Air Mechanic 1st Class E.E.Lister, although we have so far been unable to identify what 'ship nos 1888' relates to. We were also confused by the 'Off No 1925' as that did not line up with service number engraved on the medals but further research revealed why the service number does not match the one in the Muster Roll. We learned men who transferred from the RNAS to the RAF were given new numbers, to avoid confusion with similar RFC numbers. Thus RNAS men who transferred to the RAF had a '20' prefix added to their RNAS number, so here Lister's RNAS service number was modified from '1925' to '201925'. All RNAS personnel were renumbered in this way in 1918, somewhat confusingly including the dead, even if they never got to serve with the RAF.
We have currently been unable to trace E.E.Lister's service career but he does not seem to appear to be listed on the War Graves Commission site, so we are assuming he survived the war but is certainly worthy of further research. Whist a modest medal grouping it is made scarcer by relating to a Royal Naval Air Service mechanic, with the added interest of the inclusion of his early pattern identity disc. The medals and accompanying ribbons remain in fine condition and it is apparent they were never worn by the recipient.
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| Cook Mk I Vintage Glider Compass by Cobb-Slater Instruments - Another interesting and we believe scarce item that may appeal to the vintage gliding community. Manufactured by Cobb-Slater Instrument Company who were based in Matlock, Derbyshire, England, who made a variety of instruments between 1940 and 1960 for use in gliders and sailplanes. We have discovered various company advertisements from the period indicating they supplied amongst other things variometers, barographs, venturis and water Traps as well as the Cook Compass Mk I as our example.
This compass, which sits in gimbals (the earlier version did not) and was designed to avoid the compass oil rotating in the instrument when the glider banking tightly in thermals so despite the strong movement the instrument would still give an accurate reading. Interestingly the 'East' and 'West' compass points on the dial are reversed so we assume when the when the dart shaped pointer is pointing West it indicates the true heading of the sailplane is actually West not East as you would expect; of course visa versa applies when pointing to East. The instrument is not dated but the data plate indicates serial nos 965 and a patent applied number of 20912. The body of the compass shows some wear to the paintwork but the compass needle correctly indicates North although we cannot guarantee its accuracy and like all our stock is for sale as a collectable only but it may be possible to make it airworthy again to soar in an appropriate vintage glider cockpit. Whilst a modest size at 2.25" from dial to base (5.5 cm) and 1.5" diameter across the dial (4 cm) we have never seen another offered for sale so grab it whilst you have the opportunity as we are unlikely to find another!
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