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Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 8
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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 | 'Conyne' Pattern Aerial Kite and Tube - Another aerial kit we are listing today but this one is proving a bit of a mystery! When purchased it was described as 'for use in conjunction with the Airborne Lifeboat '. Research online does indicates in 1943 the Air Ministry refined the antenna raising system further; they were apparently happy with the 'Gibson Girl' transmitter but the box kite was superseded by a Conyne design which could be rocket launched with the aid of a Very pistol. Whilst our kite looks very similar in shape and design with a lightweight white cotton sail and aluminium struts, they differed from this example as the spars were engineered with a spring system to open the kite in the air after launch. Ours whilst initially similar has to be assembled by hand so we have discounted this possibility. The issue tube is clearly marked 'Assembly and Operation of Hand Flying Kite and Aerial' but the detailed instructions don't really assist with a positive identification as no RAF or other stores reference numbers are shown. Interestingly the illustration (further detailed photographs are available on request) shows a gent in a sailors cap in apparently a wooden craft. We have discussed this conundrum with Mick Prodger and whilst only a guess he wondered if it could have been issued for use by Naval or Merchant Navy lifeboats WWII? To further confuse the situation I remember as a boy in the 1950's being given a similarly designed kite by my Father who at the time was the C/O of the Air Section of a school cadet Force and my memory tells me it was ex RAF. It could always be an Airborne lifeboat kite as described to us but a standard launch example but let's just say the jury is still out!
Suffice to say a rather scarcer pattern than the standard RAF box kite design, as per the mint example we have listed. The condition of this one is not perfect but despite the odd repair and minor damage and some staining to the cloth it remains in remarkably good display condition. The collapsible frame is made from aluminium whilst the front pole to which the aerial would have been attached is hardwood. Interestingly this is considerably longer than the storage tube ; it may be this is not original to the kite or it was packed separately or even perhaps the transit tube has been misplaced with another. So currently we have more questions than answers but if any visitors to the site can clarify the origins of this example we would be delighted to hear from them and we can add new information to this listing. The cardboard and metal storage tube measures 30.5" (77 cm) whilst the kite measured along the main spar is 51" (130 cm)
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| RAF War Service Dress named to Sgt Anholm - Here we list here a matched RAF Battledress blouse and trousers named to the same Sergeant. Sadly we have no history on him other than he clearly served in WWII but without clues like his initials or service number tracking him down could prove a bridge too far. Both the blouse and trousers have good clear labels with the blouse made by Montague Burton Leeds in 1945 whilst the trousers are by John Hammond & Co (1922) Ltd and are dated 1944 and over stamped June 1944. The blouse carries standard rectangular RAF Other Ranks shoulder titles. Below is clear evidence where Sgt Anholm's stripes have been removed as is often the case when uniforms are sold on by the family. It would be nice to have the blouse rebadged but we will leave this to the new owner. The condition of the cloth is way above the average for an original wartime set with just a couple of very small moth nibbles to the back panel but on display these are virtually invisible. All buttons and buckles are present and correct.
The matching trousers are like the tunic, very clean and fresh and despite being made 75 years ago just a couple of moth nibbles that on display do not really detract. The field dressing pocket is of the later button closed type as opposed to the early War flap version. Clearly Sgt Anholm was not a large man with the tunic being as size 2 (Height 5' 2"-5' 4", Breast 34"-35" and Waist 31"). The trousers are a size 1 to fit a Waist 29" and Leg 28.5". So despite its modest size this matched set could form the ideal basis of an RAF Flight Sergeant mannequin or just as a display item in your collection. As with all our stock more detailed photographs are available on request. Genuine matched and named wartime RAF Battledress are becoming increasingly hard to find so grab this opportunity, on offer at a competitive price, whilst you can!
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| USAAF A-3 Parachute Harness - Or to use its full title 'Group 2 (Yellow) Parachute Assembly, Quick Attachable Chest, Type A-3 harness'. This pattern was developed in late 1943 and first saw operational service early in 1944. This example is a really first class replica and whilst used previously in the ownership of a re-enactor is remains in very clean original condition.
Stamped on one of the beige webbing straps, that also feature a central black fleck, is 'Standard Parachute Corp ' and is dated May 1942 together with an AN acceptance stamp in a circle. The buckles and fittings are all made from cast alloy and the harness features the distinctive yellow felt coding to ensure aircrew selected the correct parachute pack from the stores. The A-3 carried the attachment hooks on the harness and the loops were on the pack but to confuse matters on the A-4 the reverse applied so the component parts were definitely not compatible! The set is completed by the correct olive drab pack pad that is nicely stamped 'Back Pad part nos 42D2013 and 'Date of manufacture May 1942' and a further AN acceptance stamp. Originals of these are getting very hard to source now and this is reflected in their price. This replica provides a more economical alternative that will look good dressed on a mannequin or of course for the re-enactor looking for authenticity and it will only improve with usage.
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| RAF Trench Art 20 mm Shell Case Trench Art Lighter - An attractive example mounted on a turned wood base with the case then fixed to a plinth that may have been made from scrap Paxolin or similar synthetic plastic material. The Hispano-Suiza 20 MM HS-404 equipped virtually every British fighter aircraft during WWII including later marks of the Spitfire, Hurricane, Typhoon, Tempest, Mosquito, Whirlwind, Beaufighter, P38 Lightning and many more. After some early teething troubles it proved to be an extremely effective weapon in both air to air and ground strafing roles.
This example is in first class condition and the cannon shell itself retains its copper band. The shell case has been sectioned and the top part is removable which then reveals a lighter mechanism fitted inside; we have bought and sold several similar examples over the years. We have not attempted to get this working and we can no longer guarantee its original purpose although it does look complete and the flint wheel still creates a good spark. Despite being completely inert to avoid any issues with customs we are restricting the sale of this item to UK destinations only. Stands 8.5" tall including the base (22 cm)
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| RAF K Dinghy Hand Paddles - Standard issue with the fighter pilot's K type single seat dinghy in WWII. These were designated with stores reference number 27C/1906 and were constructed from rubber stretched over a simple metal frame.
The user would insert his hands and wrist between the paddle and the elastic retaining bands and use to propel the dinghy through the water. This pair is in issued condition with some staining to one paddle as shown. Both are stamped CQD 1096/3 1 and further stamps reading R.F.D.36;'RFD' indicating this set was made by 'RFD', which represents the company founder Reginald Foster Dagnall, who established the business in 1920. Despite not being in pristine this set gives the impression they have been issued and used so would add a touch of authenticity in an appropriate display and are priced to reflect their current condition.
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| RNAS WWI Flying Filter Goggles - Probably the scarcest pattern of WWI flying goggles and so few have survived that most museums do not have a set on display and the only other example we have been able to find is part of the Yale Peabody Museum collection in the US. When Mick Prodger published his classic reference work 'Vintage Fling Helmets' he was unable to source a set for inclusion although he has since owned a single pair. It is understood they were experimental when first issued to Royal Naval Air Service pilots in1917. Each set was contained within a custom made wooden case that held 16 coloured lenses (or officially designated "light filters") that were intended to assist with locating and spotting enemy ships and submarines from the air under different conditions. Some were for looking through haze, whilst others were for spotting oil on the surface of the water, or again for locating shadows under the water or even enemy gun flashed over the trenches. The set was completed when issued with an instruction manual giving directions for use and even an address for pilots to write to with their observations as to how these worked in practice!
This superb example is complete and despite being over 100 years old appears to be in unissued condition. It was discovered in a building close to Kalafrana on the southernmost tip of Malta which was a seaplane base between 1917 and 1946, when it was transferred to the Royal Navy. In WWII RAF Kalafrana was home to 228 Squadron flying Sunderland's and remained in use until the 1960's. Clearly these are the flying goggles that time forgot, until recently re discovered. The booklet shows some insect damage to the cover and the staples are rusted but is still readable and indicates a print date of June 1918. The box is sound and as well as the filters currently fitted to the goggles it comes with a further 6 filters thus making up the full set; each pair of filters is numbered and whilst showing some age fading but are undamaged. The goggles themselves are virtually mint and the tan leather is still soft and pliable; the cloth bound edge is fur lined and remains pristine, as are the face pads. The fabric backstrap is complete but has lost its elasticity over the last 100 years and now needs to be handled carefully. The strap is marked in pencil with a 'K' and the metal clip and adjustment clip are rust free.
This set is undoubtedly a museum quality item and if you happened to be a Museum curator or a private collector you will need to move fast to secure them for your collection.
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| Private Purchase Flying Helmet - An original period flying or motoring helmet that probably dates from the 1920's and was purchased by us from a retired Tiger Moth pilot who last used it in the 1980's. Constructed in soft tan leather it remains in remarkably good condition with no issues to report and just the odd mark or stain that adds to the vintage patination. The helmet has triangular cut outs for the ears with wind deflection scoops mounted in a rear facing position. The brow of the helmet carries a small peak.
Inside is lined in tan cloth and is again in excellent original condition. It carries no makers label so we are unable to ascertain who made this one but it is typical of private purchase flying or motoring helmets of the early post war period and used into the 1930's. The chin strap and buckle remain sound. Whilst no size is marked it is a decent size and we would guess equates to an RAF size 3 or 4 helmet and would fit a head of about 60 cm or 7.5". Like the other helmet we have listed today this too would be the perfect accessory for your classic car or aircraft or the finishing touch for all those vintage events you will be attending this summer!
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| RFC Goggles Mask Flying Mk II - In the early days of aviation flight clothing was often adapted from civilian or motoring apparel and the practice continued into the early years of WWI. In the case of goggles many were private purchase and the mask model gave excellent face protection when used in conjunction with the RFC cowl helmet. By 1916/17 the WD started issuing an official flying goggles which were designated the Mk I, stores reference 22C/10 which were fitted with clear lenses and the Mk II, stores reference 22C/11, which were identical but featured tinted lenses. The same pattern was also sold by Triplex as a private purchase item post war and was used up until the 1930's. Clearly the issue ones are the most desirable, scarce and as a result the most expensive to purchase today. Here we have a more or less text book example of this pattern.
The leather face mask remains supple and retains most of its original brown finish. To the left side and printed in gold leaf is the googles designation 'Goggles mask Flying Mk II' so these are the tinted lens option; the lenses are without damage and are not suffering from fogging as is normally the case. The manufacturers details are also shown as being 'The Triplex Mask & Lens Co Ltd' followed by the all important RFC property mark of a War Department Broad Arrow and an 'A ', designating the Air Branch, so no doubts this is a genuine RFC issue set. Clearly with use the gold leaf stamping invariably wears off or fades so this set is exceptional and the designation remains crisp and clear despite the 100 + years since it came out of the factory. The metal lens frame is blackened; early examples had chrome or nickel frames and the black variant was introduced to prevent glare. The classic 'teardrop ' shape will be recognised in the next development of RAF goggles of the 1930's, also confusingly referred to as Mk II goggles, which remained in service until the Battle of Britain despite being technically superseded by the less favoured Mk III and IIIA patterns. A patent number 116597 is stamped into the frame. Inside the mask is lined with leather and fur trimming to around the lenses. The back strap is a simple adjustable elastic strap that shows some age wear and stretching but remains sound.
In summary a very fine and desirable RFC issue example that rarely turn up for sale in any condition so grab them whilst you can.
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| RAF K Type Dinghy Hand Paddles - Standard issue with the fighter pilot's K type single seat dinghy in WWII. These were issued against stores reference number 27C/1906 and were constructed from rubber stretched over a simple metal frame.
The user would insert his hands and wrist between the paddle and the elastic retaining bands and use to propel the dinghy through the water. This is a good matched pair stamped with both stamped CQD 1096/3 and further stamps reading R.F.D.38 'RFD' indicating this set was made by 'RFD, which represents the company founder Reginald Foster Dagnall, who established the business in 1920. The reverse side is marked '35'. These are a matched pair and in excellent issued condition with just minor wear to the elastic section and age related storage marks.
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| Air Ministry Night Simulation Epidiascope Attachment - In a lifetime of collecting RAF memorabilia we have never seen one of these before. Whilst at school in the 1960's I remember the Epidiascope being used to project images, text from books and photographs onto a white screen ; 50 years ago this all seemed very 'high tec' to myself and my classmates! The example we have here is rather special. It is nicely Air Ministry (A.M.) marked and carries reference nos 14A/3039 with '14A' being the RAF parlance for all camera equipment. It is also embossed 'NIGHT SIMULATION ATTACHMENT FOR EPIDIASCOPES USE WITH WHITE SCREEN AT 18 FT'. The instrument was clearly designed to be mounted over the epidiascopes lens and by altering the central slide filter made up of clear, opaque and dark glass different conditions could be simulated. The filter is marked 'Slide Out' for full moon, 'Slide In' for half moon and 'Flap Down' to simulate starlight -we assume when no moon. A pointer is attached to the filter top and this in turn can be read off on the top of the instrument depending on climatic conditions and height. So using the filter it was possible to project target photographs taken in daylight and simulate how the same view would look at night having factored in weather conditions, the state of the moon, general visibility and aircraft height. What makes this example potentially even more interesting is a typed label has been attached inside reading 'Nuremberg Raid March 30/31st 1944.' The RAF Bomber Command raid on Nuremberg on 30-31 March 1944 resulted in the highest number of aircrew losses for any single operation in World War 2. Out of 779 bombers sent to attack 105 did not return. 534 airmen made the final sacrifice and a further 157 were captured. We have no way of proving if this instrument was used at the Nuremburg briefing but if it was it makes it an item of significant historical appeal. The dark filter shows some age wear but everything is in place with the body being made from black painted brass. It would certainly make a unique addition to a Bomber Command collection or a perfect display item if you happened to own a 1940's Ross military Epidiascope! Measures 7" across (18 cm)
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| RAF Spitfire 2 Way Ignition Magneto Switchbox - Another item that is now becoming increasingly hard to source. This is the classic short toggle type as fitted to the Spitfire and Hurricane, as well as wide variety of RAF aircraft of the WWII era including the Tempest and Typhoon. It should not be confused however with the long toggle type that is more associated with the heavies.
This 2-way ignition switch box, is clearly marked on the case 'SWITCHBOX 2 WAY IGNITION' and 'Ref. No. 5C/548', and is located in the pilots instrument panel and forms an integral part of for starting the Merlin Engine. It is also marked with a crisp Kings Crown and A.M. below whilst one end of the case carries and ink stamp 'MK' with a '2' below. The brass front face is clearly annotated MAGNETO no 1 and No2 with 'ON' being in the up position and 'Off' in the down ; below the 'off' is painted in STI/ELEC/8. The switch springs are perhaps not as crisp as they once were but operate perfectly well but this item is for sale as a collectable and it can not be guaranteed for its original purpose. It would of course make a perfect addition to a Spitfire or Hurricane replica instrument panel or cockpit project.
Prices on these switch boxes are going up all the time and we have seen similar currently listed at £187 and an eyewatering £285! Ours is rather more modestly priced so grab it whilst you can as we have no more once this has gone.
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| Air Ministry Inclinometer Reference 6A/389 - Officially called a 'Fore-and-Aft Level, Type B' these were first described in the 1934 edition of AP1275. The type 'B' variant superseded the Type 'A' which was used on RNAS aircraft during the 1914-18 war. This updated version was significantly lighter and was used in a variety of RAF aircraft of the 1930's, including the DH82 Tiger Moth, Bristol Bulldog, Gloucester Gladiator and many more. It remained in service until the more sophisticated blind flying instruments panels were introduced which included an Artificial Horizon.
This example is in really crisp original condition with a white oblong dial graduated clearly from zero in the centre indicating flat and level flight. It then caries a scale going up to 20 degrees in a climb and 20 degrees in a dive so effectively the instrument gave a visual indication of the angle of the aircraft through the air and effectively worked in the same way as a spirit level, but in the vertical plane. The 'A' version of instrument originally contained a red dye but this was found prone to fading so was uprated with a black dye on later models. The dye is still present in this example and whilst we can't warrant its accuracy it seems to work as was intended back in the 1930's. It is made from what looks like Bakelite and is fully stamped with REF. No. 6A/389, a Kings Crown, A.M. and a serial number 145752. On the reverse of the dial is an ink manufacturers or inspectors stamp ; we are unsure who made this example but the main makers were either Short & Maison or Reid & Sigrist Ltd. The dial measures 5.5" (14 cm).These instruments are becoming increasingly difficult to find now so grab the opportunity whilst it is available. It is the first one of the kind we have had in for a considerable time and when it is gone it is gone!
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| Bristol Blenheim Mk I Trench- Art Model - The iconic fighter bomber of the early years of WWII and quite a scarce subject for a trench art model. Clearly period and hand made the brass has a lovely bronzy patina to it. We stand to be corrected by the Blenheim aficionados but we believe this to be an early Mk I and features the classic stubby nose characteristic of the type. Built by Bristol Aeroplane Company as a light bomber and was used extensively in the first two years of WWII including the battle of Britain, where it took heavy casualties.
The Type first flew in April 1935 and delivery to RAF squadrons commenced in1937. The Blenheim was one of the first British aircraft with an all-metal stressed-skin construction, retractable landing gear, flaps, a powered gun turret and variable-pitch propellers and The Mk I was faster than most fighters in the late 1930's. Development in fighters however lead to significant losses in the daylight role and it was decided that the Mk IF would be relegated to night fighter duties where it had better success. Our model is mounted on an unusually squat brass stand and it has never had propellers fitted and thus gives a convincing impression of the machine flying low and fast showing off the Bristol Mercury VIII radial piston engines to their best advantage. Wingspan measures 9" (22.5 cm) and it stands 2" high (5 cm) measured to the top of the tail fin
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| RAF Air Speed Indicator Mk IXA - The Mk IXA instrument (the 'A' signifying the dial is non-luminous) entered service in the 1930'sand replaced the V series of instruments and was the first to have a bakerite case and was standard fit in most British aircraft in WWII. Numerous versions were made each with a different speed scale; in this instance the speed is marked in M.P.H. as opposed to Knots and the scale runs from 2-240 MPH. This indicates this is an early instrument as on later ones the scale commenced at 5MPH. The branch connecting tubes emerge from the back of the dial which is nicely stamped with a Kings Crown and A.M. as well as a patent number. This instrument would have been fitted to a variety of aircraft but definitely the RAF Auster 1V & V. Whilst this instrument is offered for sale as a collectors item only it does still have an RAF Returned Equipment ticket attached which indicates when last checked it was pronounced 'Serviceable' by the assessing officer. Dial bezel dimension 3.6" (9.3 cm)
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| Group Captain L.T.N.Gould MC RFC/RAF Presentation Plaque - An absolutely unique item my own personal collection and now being offered for rehoming for the first time. When purchased back in 2012 it came with no history but fortunately Lionel Thomas Nutcombe Gould is easily researched on line and with the key aspects of his service career vividly hand painted on our plaque it has been simple to corroborate the facts. Young Lionel Gould was born in Alveston, near Stratford on Avon, in 1893 and was educated at Marlborough College and on leaving volunteered for War Service with the Royal Garrison Artillery. In 1915 he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps, initially as an Observer but subsequently won his coveted RFC Pilots brevet in March 1916. He served initially at Gosport and then on active duty in France from 1915 and by July 1917 he was appointed CO of 21 Squadron. Whilst in France Major Gould was awarded the Military Cross announced in the London Gazette 18 July 1917 with the citation :- "He has done consistent, good, and valuable work while co-operating with the artillery, often under most difficult conditions. He always set a splendid example by his exceptional pluck and determination."
Gould beat the odds and survived the war and in May 1918 he married Barbara Harriet Sperling. He transferred to the fledgling RAF and went on to serve at Worthy Down (1919) Flower Down (1920) Baghdad (1921-22) Delhi & Simla (1923-24) Grantham (1925 & 27) Weston Zoyland (1926 & 27) (our local base just down the road from our HQ), Bicester (1928) Andover (1929) before moving to the Air Ministry 1930-31. He was then promoted to Wing Commander in 1928 with subsequent appointments to command 502 Ulster Squadron, a heavy night bomber Sqn based at RAF Aldergrove, Belfast (1932-33). Further promotion followed to Group Captain and he took command of the School of Naval Cooperation at Lee on Solent (1934-35). He was at Coastal Command (1936-39) then RAF Cranwell (1940-41). The final posting detailed on our plaque was RAF Penrhos (an advanced flying training unit in North Wales) during 1942 and later he served in India, Iraq and in the Air Ministry Signals Branch. Interestingly in 1943 he was given the temporary rank of Commander in the Royal Navy but we have no idea of the background to this and is worthy of further research.
Lionel's s son Auriol Stephen Nutcombe Gould born in Sudbury, Essex in 1922 also became an aviator signing up with the RAF as a pilot in WWII. Sadly on 24 January 1943, flying a Hawker Typhoon of 197 Sqn from RAF Drem it crashed Queenside Hill, south west of Glasgow and he was killed aged just 21. The Father outlived the son and Group Captain Gould retired from the RAF after the War but in 1947 lady luck finally left his side. It is recorded in January 1947 he visited his brother, Commander JC Gould of the Royal Navy, at his home in Radlett, Hertfordshire. The very next morning after his arrival his brother found him dead in a gas filled room. It was suggested that a gas pipe had become disconnected as he tried to light the fire but who can tell the reason for his tragic demise. He is buried in Fulbeck Churchyard in Lincolnshire and not far from RAF Cranwell where he also served in the early years of WWII; his wife was much later buried beside him. He was just 54 when he died.
Our plaque is handmade and depicts the RAF eagle to the centre surmounted by a Kings Crown. In diamond shaped form it is made from solid oak using two pieces cemented together and carries a brass hanging plate to the reverse. The scrollwork either side clearly details all his significant service appointments and we can only assume this was made up and presented to him as a memento of his RFC/RAF service when he finally retired. The edge of the plaque is bevelled and is picked out in red, white and blue although the paint here is now showing its age. The rest of the scrollwork is remarkably bright and we would imagine it was treasured by this great aviator as a reminder of his very significant service career. It measures 9"x 9" (23 cm x 23 cm) and I will be sad to see this piece of history go but it will undoubtedly sit happily in a top end RFC or RAF collection. An ideal solution would be for it to be reunited and displayed with Group Captain Gould's impressive medals, wherever they may now be.
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| RAF Mk IV Flying Goggles 22C/111 - The Mk IV series of flying goggle, stores reference 22C/111, was designed specifically for use with the RAF B type flying helmet, with the large elasticated loop straps designed to encircle the bulbous zipped receiver housings. First introduced by the Air Ministry in June 1940, the concept behind the design was sound but the manufacture of them proved a nightmare! Our set are the incredibly scarce original variant and features a complicated double panel laminated glass hinged lens arrangement, with the outer lenses frame swivelling outwards. The design was further compromised as the sun filter 'flip shield' with an external coiled spring arrangement was found to be incredibly weak and invariably broke off in service.
The Mk IV were also found to be heavy in use, so with all these problems the Air Ministry specified the Mk IV A of a similar deign but without the hinged windows but made of a plastic material. These however proved to be hardly any lighter and very few were made and were in turn replaced by the final variant the Mk IVB, which is the pattern that most often surfaces today. These redressed many of the issues described, were more robust, eliminated the opening window frames and had a stronger flip shield arrangements. Weight remained an issue, although the introduction of riveted guide plates to locate the goggles on the B helmet helmet, helped to an extent. The 1VB was issued in some quantity and remains the most common of the variants that turn up today.
Our example is a rare early survivor and is pretty much in text book condition. The black painted frame is excellent with just a little wear around the flip shield mount; the delicate flip shield, stores reference 22C/113 'Screens anti -glare', as previously described, is surprisingly undamaged. The lenses are above the average with just minor fogging. The leather nose cover and chamois backing are excellent, but the black rubber face pads are slightly distorted and hardened, as always seems to be the case, but this does not detract from a display point of view. The elastic loops and sprung cloth covered straps are in top condition, as is the leather back strap with good clear embossing with nice firm Kings Crown, A.M. Mk IV 22C/111 and makers details Levers Optical Co Ltd.
Not much more than we can add other than Mk IV's in any condition hardly ever appear on the market now and to find a pair in top condition as these is an exceptional opportunity that we are unlikely to be able to repeat anytime soon.
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| 6D/101 Mk IIIB*Oxygen Connector - These increasingly rare connectors were standard RAF issue in the late 1930's and in the early stages of WWII and in use during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. They were used to connect the D mask oxygen hose to the aircraft oxygen system. Whilst the A and B variants look identical the A had no internal valve with just a rubber washer fitted to provide an effective seal to the aircrafts oxygen system. This evolved into the more refined B which is fitted with a sprung non-return valve which automatically closes when the connector is removed from the system.
Oxygen was supplied by a constant flow rather than a demand valve system and entered the mask by a breathing hose. Interestingly prior to 1941 this was insulated with a cloth covering ; our example still retains the cut end of that oxygen hose which is just rubber so it is assumed this one is a later issue example. In a Spitfire the male connector was mounted on the starboard side of the cockpit above the chassis control lever. Made from solid brass this example is clearly stamped with stores reference 6D/101 (the 6D prefix indicating Oxygen equipment) whilst the reverse side is stamped Mk IIIB* and above GB6 in a circle, as well as a Broad Arrow property mark. The sprung valve remains firm and whilst for sale as an aviation collectable we see no reason, if you happen to have a Spit to plug it into, it would work as intended back in 1940.
These are almost impossible to source now with thousands being scrapped for their brass post war so grab this rare survivor whilst you have the chance!
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| 267 Squadron Presentation Tankard - No 267 Squadron was formed at the sea plane station at Calafrana, Malta in 1918, and flew anti-submarine patrols. In WWII 267 reformed at Heliopolis, for local transport duties in Egypt. It used a variety of aircraft for transporting passengers, mail and freight between Egypt and outlying bases. By August 1942, operations extended throughout the Mediterranean area and its role included the movement of personnel and equipment, casualty evacuation and occasional supply-dropping Ops to guerrilla bands in Italy and the Balkans. In 1943 267 moved to Italy and in February 1945 was transferred to India, where it carried supplies during the 14th Army's final offensive that cleared Burma of the Japanese. On 1945 267 reformed at Kuala Lumpur as a transport support and communications squadron in Malaya. It flew Pioneers, Pembroke's and Dakotas. This tankard is embossed to base 'Malayan Tin' clearly dates to this period of the Squadrons long history. It is engraved 'Presented to F/Lt Halliwell By No 267 Squadron Officers Mess 1946'. We purchased this tankard on Anglesey but we have no other specific provenance with it but if any visitors to the site can add any information on F/Lt Halliwell we would be happy to add this to our description The tankard shows minor service wear but is in generally good display condition. It appears to be 1 pint capacity and measures 4 1/2" high (11 cm)
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| RAF 'B' Squadron Presentation Tankard 1940 with possible CUAS Connections - A fine wartime example that clearly has a story to tell! Sadly the provenance has been lost down the years but we have certain clues to go on. On the base rim is embossed 'Mathers & Son Cambridge'. We believe this to be a Cambridge retailer rather than the manufacturer as we have seen clocks with the same name but we could of course be wrong. The base is also stamped 482 followed by a flower shaped device and 1/2 PT indication a half pint capacity. To the front of the tankard is a set of hand engraved RAF Wings surmounted by a Kings Crown and below the wording 'From "B" Squadron March Eights 1940'. Our surmise on this piece is it was purchased by Cambridge University Air Squadron (CUAS) from a local retailer and they had it engraved. The 'March Eights 'that could be a reference to a Cambridge University Rowing Club event and perhaps it was presented as a winner's prize.
Cambridge University Air Squadron was formed in October 1925 and was the first in the country. The University Air Squadrons were an important source for aircrew for the RAF in the pre war years and special concessions were made to members of the University Air Squadrons in the way of seniority if they subsequently joined the RAF. From 1937 members in their third year who were sufficiently proficient could be commissioned in the newly-created RAFVR. Surprisingly all UAS's were disbanded in September 1939 but were reformed again in 1940. The value of these 'publicly-funded flying clubs' was demonstrated emphatically by the contribution made by former UAS members to the war effort and during the Battle of Britain when no less than 97 formed part of Churchill's 'Few', with many still wearing their pre war 'badge of honour 'Prestige flying suits.
Suffice to say it is a nice period example with an ornate handle and glass bottom. It is very slightly distorted, as is often the case with tankards that have generally enjoyed a working life, in addition to being a presentation piece. It would no doubt polish up if so required but we prefer to leave it in 'as found' condition and we like to think it may have been used in the smoke filled bar of 'The Eagle', much frequented by RAF and USAAF aircrew in WWI. This unique pub became a favourite haunt for them and many of their signatures remain on the ceiling, a reminder of times gone by and bring back many emotive memories;it is a must do if you should are everin Cambridge and just as important as a visit to Kings College chapel to all those of a certain inclination! If any visitors to the site can add anything in regard to the pewter marks detailed or our surmise on the tankards early history please get in touch and we will add this to our description. Measures c.4" high (10 cm)
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| RAF PRU Aircraft Camera Control Box Type 35 - With official designation 'Control Box Type 35 Stores reference 14A/2206' it was designed to work in conjunction with the F24 camera, first introduced in 1925 and used by British and Allied armed forces during WWII and post war. We are advised, with information provided by the Imperial War Museum, these units were designed by the Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York.
The F 24 was installed in a wide variety of fighters and bomber aircraft including the PRU Spitfire, the Lancaster and the Mosquito. It was set up to work on the "robot" principle. When the pilot or bomb-aimer presses a button, the rest can be safely left to the T.35 control unit, an ingenious device which can control a whole series of operations—from a 500 exposure reconnaissance requiring exposures at regular intervals, to the synchronisation of the flash explosion of bomb bursts during an operation.
The instrument itself looks to be in good used condition and the original grey paintwork shows wear commensurate with light service use. The top dial can be set to the interval in seconds for the exposures from 5 to 50 seconds The bottom dial controls the number of exposures with a scale from 1 to 125. The unit is marked 24 volts and whilst not dated we believe this to be from the late WWII period or early post war as the T.35 remained in use until the mid-1950's when it was fitted to such aircraft as the Canberra. Whilst we are offering as a collectable and can't guarantee it still works it looks to be in first class condition. The Photo Reconnaissance Unit of the RAF is often undervalued but the PRU boys carried out a critical function often in unarmed aircraft. This controller would make a wonderful addition to a specialist or general RAF collection. Box measures 8"x 4.5" x3" (20 cm x 11 cm x7.5 cm) The unit weighs 1.8 kilos unpacked so please check for a delivered price before ordering!
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