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 | RAF 1930 Pattern Flying Helmet with History - Often overlooked by collectors but an early and important part of the evolution of RAF issue flying helmets. This design replaced the RFC Mk I helmet and was the predecessor of the B helmet that entered service in 1935. Issued against stores reference 22C/57 many helmets were modified by the addition of flap type receiver housings, designated 22C/57, to accommodate radio-telephones or acoustic Gosport Tubes. Others are documented to have had 'B' type receiver cups fitted and adapted to take the D oxygen mask and so served into the early part of WWII.
This example remains as issued without flaps being fitted and the dark chestnut leather remains in remarkably good condition. These helmets carried a wide chin strap and a large buckle fastening ; the strap remains in sound condition although three of the metal eyelets are missing. The leather covered buckle, often a weak point, is close to mint. Inside the chamois lining is excellent but shows normal service wear commensurate with use. In the crown is an original manufacturers label and whist the writing has more or less worn away we can just decipher the maker is H.Bendall who went on to supply the 'B' helmet to the Air Ministry. We can not decipher the size or date although an ink stamp shows '9' and '33' so have assumed it was manufactured in 1933. It also carries a further ink stamp that M +2. The only real issue with this helmet, as is often the case with the 1930 pattern, is the interlining has hardened and crystallised but this does not impact from a display point of view. The velvet brow and chin strap lining remains sound.
What makes this already scarce and early helmet even more interesting is that it comes with provenance of the original owner, having been purchased from his family back in 2003, since when it has resided in my own personal collection. It was owned by Cecil Ferdinand Chinery, who was born 1 March 1896 and who served with the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) in the last year of WWI. Post war he transferred to the fledgling RAF and served in Palestine and also flew in various air displays at Hendon in the interwar years. He continued to serve into WWII but in a non-flying capacity, including time based at RAF Cardington. The family told me they had had a photograph of Wing Commander Chinery shaking hands with King George VI whilst on an official visit, but now sadly mislaid. He was appointed a Commander of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Military Division (OBE) on 11 July 1940. All too often the stories associated with the kit we purchase has been lost down the years but this is certainly the exception and a letter confirming the provenance will be supplied to the new custodian.
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| RAF Trench Art Shell Case - Another example of the craft which we are listing today, this time fashioned from a shell case clearly stamped 'DURA 20MM M21' and dated 1942. Online research indicates this was manufactured by the Dura Division of Detroit Harvester Corp, Toledo, Ohio, USA. Unusually this one is displayed inverted and the pointed end is screwed onto a turned aluminium base, that also features a riveted brass plaque with the RAF motto 'Per Adua Ad Astra' which translated means 'Through adversity to the stars'. We are unsure if the shell is an original item but compared with the other example we have listed today it carries no stampings to confirm its origins and we therefore surmise feel this may be a turned from a block of metal, fashioned to represent the 20 mil shell that was originally fitted. The front of the shell case has a wartime Other Ranks RAF Kings Crown cap badge attached and either side extended RAF wings cut from scrap brass. Whilst an inert display piece, to avoid any possible issues with customs, we are restricting this one to UK customers only. Measures 8" (20.5 cm)
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| RAF Trench Art 20 MM Shell Case Trench Art Lighter - Another fine example from the small collection we have just purchased. This one is free standing and whilst inert appears never to have been fired. The head stamp is clearly visible and is embossed 'BBC 1941 20 MM' Online research throws up some confusion over the manufacturer. Some chat rooms indicate this was made by the British manufacturer 'Barking Brassware Company', who apparently only made ammunition for the 20mm Hispano, so seems to fit the bill. Others state it was made by the 'Bridgeport Brass Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA', who also manufactured 20mm Hispano-Suiza cartridges. Seeing the items clear RAF origins we are inclined to think this is from the British Company but stand to be corrected by any 'armchair experts' out there! The Hispano-Suiza 20 MM HS-404 equipped virtually every British fighter aircraft during WWII including later Mks 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 he air to air and ground strafing roles.
This example is in first class condition with the front having a Kings Crown attached and a large RAF eagle below and despite its origins now being lost it is safe to assume this would have originated from an RAF station in WWII. The cannon shell itself retains its copper band and interestingly the beautifully engineered brass head unscrews to reveal a hollow interior which would originally have held high explosives. The shell case has been sectioned and the top part is removable which then reveals a lighter mechanism fitted inside of near identical construction to the other example we have also just listed (Item OC319).We have not attempted to get this working and we can no longer guarantee its original purpose although it does look complete. Despite being inert to avoid postage issues at customs we are restricting the sale of this item to UK customers only. Measures 7.25" tall (18.5 cm)
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| RAF Trench Art Shell Case Lighter - A rather fine period made example. The case is fixed to a hardwood and brass base so we are unable to establish date but this appears to have been crafted from a 20 mil cannon shell. The pointed end however gives us more clues and the head is embossed 'M.M.D' and below '152 and 8/41' which we assume dates it to 1941. Whilst munitions are not our speciality research online research indicates this projectile was made by the Auto-Lite Battery Corporation of California USA by their Metal Manufacturing Division (hence the MMD stamping).
The inert shell case has been sectioned and the top part is removeable with reveals a lighter mechanism fitted inside. We have not attempted to get this working and we can no longer guarantee its original purpose although it does look complete. The base of the shell case carries a period Kings Crown and an RAF eagle so we have assumed this piece originated from scrap recovered from an RAF station back in WWII. Sadly the provenance behind it is now lost although it would clearly have a story to tell and would sit happily in either an RAF or trench art collection. Despite being inert to avoid postage issues at customs we are restricting the sale of this item to UK customers only. Measures 9.25" tall (23.5 cm)
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| Private Purchase 1930's Flying Helmet by S.Lewis - A classic example of an inter War period flying helmet manufactured by S.Lewis. Inside the crown of the helmet is stitched a high quality woven label confirming ''S. Lewis's OF RACING FLYING & MOTOR CLOTHING FAME' with an address at 27, CARBURTON STREET LONDON. W.1. TEL. MUSEUM 4793 followed by 'No Connection with any other firm.' This was added to avoid confusion, as another manufacturer of the period operated under the trading title of 'D.Lewis of Great Portland Street, London' and the two firms wanted to establish their own identities. We have found a period S.Lewis advertisement on line featuring an identical helmet dated 1930 (marked at 25/9 to those of us who remember 'old' money! and the pattern remained in use throughout the 1930's and into WWII.
Whilst a private purchase item many RAF pilots preferred to use these in preference to the issued item and Bob Stanford Tuck is a classic example. Added to the fact all private flying was suspended once war was declared it is safe to assume many of this pattern served with the RAF and this text book example would make a fine addition to an RAF or general collection. The dark brown leather is very soft and supple and is close to mint condition. It features an adjustable wide chinstrap for added comfort and press stud leather earflaps for use with Gosport tubes which were fitted when we purchased and were offered as a standard fitting back in the 1930's. These remain in very good original condition with no fraying to the tube covers. The brow carries a leather adjustment strap to customise the helmet's fit whilst to the rear is a buckle fastening goggle retaining strap. Inside is equally crisp with signs of just very light use. The remains of the paper size label is still in place confirming the size is possibly 7 1/2 but part of the label is missing ; having tried it on it probably equates to an RAF size 3 helmet. The top specification manufacturers label has already been mentioned but an added bonus is the original owner has inked in his name one Robin Sykes. Sadly we have no history on him and whilst two 'Sykes' were members of 'The Few' in the Battle of Britain neither was called Robin. Interestingly however a picture of Sub Lieutenant John Humphrey Sykes in the excellent 'Men of the Battle of Britain' appears to show him wearing a similar helmet, thus reconfirming many of this pattern saw RAF use in WWII.
In summary a very fine example that fully meets the oft quoted collectors maxim of ' always buy the best example you can afford' and this one is realistically priced with the added benefit of being fitted with Gosport tubes so the helmet is offered in service condition. All that is lacking is the DH Tiger Moth to plug it into!
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| One Flight Too Many One Flight Too Many I was delighted to received a copy of this excellent volume for Christmas and can recommend it as an excellent read. It covers the often forgotten art of Photographic Reconnaissance (PR) and is written by a former PR Spitfire pilot, Jimmy Taylor. It gives a very clear description of what he had to do, the aircraft and cameras he was given, how he planned and took his photographs, and how he navigated his way, alone and unarmed under constant observation by enemy radar, to his distant targets. This is also Jimmy Taylor's autobiography, so the reader has access to his frank contemporary diary of autumn 1944 and goes with him on his exciting sorties, including when he was chased by a then-unknown German jet, and his last one, when his engine blew up and forced him to parachute into a part of eastern Holland and led to his eventual capture with details of the heroic behaviour of the Dutch Resistance. Taylor's story is told with humour and modesty and makes for fascinating reading, and is enhanced with hundreds of photographs taken at the time, including some of his own sorties. This is a great book in every sense: it will enlighten readers who are curious about the work of the PR squadrons and will fascinate aviation enthusiasts of all ages myself included! We do not actually stock this volume but it can be purchased for £27.50 plus shipping from the distributor, YPD Books at www.ypdbooks.com or from your local bookseller. Pages: 756 Cover: Hard Author: Jimmy Taylor
Pages: 756
Cover: Hard
Author: Jimmy Taylor
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| RAF B Type Helmet - Superb original helmet as issued without receiver cups fitted. Stores ref. 22C/65, size 2. Everything complete and working, hard to better.
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| RAF H Type Oxygen Mask - First issued in early 1944 the H mask replaced the earlier G pattern and it remained in RAF service, with minor modifications, for the remainder of the 20th century. This example Stores Reference 6D/2244098 is broad arrow marked and was manufactured in April 1982 and has never been issued. When purchased it came complete in its original packaging with attached documentation that confirmed it was checked by RAF stores in December 1997 and subsequently declared 'Serviceable' by 16 Maintenance Unit Stafford. We have only opened the packaging today to take the photographs. This example is marked 'Small' and is fitted with an Amplivox 13100 microphone and mint communication cord and female plug. A full elastic harness is fitted, again in unissued condition, with snaps and clips to use with RAF C, D & E pattern flying helmets as well as the later G. The harness also features the reversible 'quick connect' loops for use with the later metal oxygen mask hooks. If the mask is required without the elastic webbing harness please contact us for a separate price. Despite now being over 36 years old this example is in fantastic condition with only issue being some light storage staining to the inside chamois leather lining. Like all items offered on the site this is for sale as a collectable only, although subject to the correct checks we feel it is highly likely it is still in working condition but we can't guarantee this. These masks are no longer in production so grab the opportunity now to purchase one of the last examples whilst our very limited stocks remain. When they are gone they are gone.
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| P-39 Airocobra Landing Gear Clutch Lever - The Bell P-39 Airacobra was one of the principal American fighter aircraft in service when the United States entered World War II. It was operated by the USAAF, the Soviet Air Force, the Free French and the RAF and it scored the highest number of individual kills attributed to any U.S. fighter type in the Eastern European theatre.
It is rare to find identifiable crash recovered cockpit parts but this is the exception. The landing gear clutch handle was mounted in a horizontal position on the port side of the cockpit and would have been operated by the pilots left hand. Sadly the history of the crash site has been lost but the handle and attached gear remains in remarkably good condition with significant amount of the original paint still in place and with the clear lettering to the top of the handle we had no problems identifying the part. It will display well in a collection but if you happen to be rebuilding a P-39 cockpit in your garage this could prove indispensable! Handle measures 3.3" (9 cm)
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| RAF Dinghy Leak Stoppers - On offer are 6 individual stoppers that would have formed part of the aircrew dinghy pack. The smaller sets comprised three bungs and would normally be included in the K type pack issued to single seat fighter pilots. This set includes the additional larger sizes so is more likely to have been issued to Bomber Command aircrew, to be used in conjunction with the larger H or Q type multi crew dinghies. If the dinghy was holed the threaded section of the bungs would be screwed into the fabric of the boat to form a repair by simply 'stopping' the hole. To save space the stoppers are designed to be inserted one into another for storage purposes. The smallest plug no1 is wooden but the reminder are rubber and are numbered 2-6 with '6' being the largest diameter. A small but critical piece of kit for survival at sea and no doubt many aircrew who were forced to ditch at sea would owe their lives to this ingenious device. This set is in mint and unissued condition and still carries the French chalk applied when manufactured. We were fortunate to to procure a few sets of these but this is the last one and when it is gone it is gone.
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| Supermarine Spitfire Trench Art Ashtray - A beautifully worked example featuring the iconic Spitfire, banking to port and pole mounted above an alloy ashtray. The model has clearly been hand worked and whilst generally an accurate depiction the starboard wing trailing edge shows minor inconsistencies that just adds to the charm. The ashtray is interesting made from cast alloy and we assume made up using scrap aviation metals recovered at the time and features three dished supports to hold burning cigarettes. You can almost smell the 'Craven A' or 'Senior Service'!
Sadly the history behind this emotive item has been lost down the years but without a doubt it would have a story to tell. This would make an ideal stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life and a real one off! Spitfire wingspan 6" (15 cm) and diameter of ashtray 4.5" (11.5 cm)
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| Japanese Army Air Force WWII Bomber Crew Winter Flying Helmet - A good issued example of a pattern which is normally associated with bomber aircrew. These were first issued in the 1930's and remained a standard pattern helmet through until the end of WWII. The shell is made up from eight pieces of brown leather and is in generally good shape but exhibits some lifting of the original top finish, but it has responded well to a treatment of Pecards antique leather dressing. Bomber crew flight helmets were quite heavily padded. This gave increased insulation and also provided a degree of head protecting against knocks and bumps when manoeuvring between crew positions inside the aircraft. The seams are all tight although thehelmet has a small area of damage to the top left brow.
Pressed hardened leather ear cups are fitted and on the inside of right one it is fully stamped with kanji (Chinese characters) indicating this helmet was manufactured by 'the Clothing Department 'located in Osaka. It is further embossed indicating the production date was 'Showa 14' (meaning Japanese era) 1939 so it pre dates the attack on Pearl Harbour. Each receiver cup has a 2.5 cm holes to their centres for the mounting of communications receivers (which the Japanese seldom used). The two press studs for the goggle straps are attached to the top of the hardened receiver cups which is a distinct feature of the Bomber helmet as the fighter version had these straps fixed to the rear. It also features an adjustable leather strap at the rear of the helmet to aid the fit of the helmet. The chin strap leather shows some service wear but it fine for a display purposes; the friction rings rings are in excellent condition. Below the chin strap rings is the Chinese 'kanji' character which indicates this helmet is a desirable 'Large' size.
Inside the helmet carries a two tone synthetic fur lining which is in excellent issued condition. Whilst this helmet is not mint and has clearly seen service it is still a very decent untouched display example of an increasingly rare WWII pattern. Those of you owning a copy of Mick Prodger's excellent book 'Vintage Flying Helmets' will see a near identical example illustrated on page 310. Many thanks to my good friend Mr Yasu Kikuchi for invaluable help in the translation the Japanese characters as so identifying the origins of this flying helmet!
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| Air Ministry Light Switch - An original example featuring a porcelain back plate and domed brass cover and switch gear. Clearly embossed to the brass with a Kings Crown and below the Air Ministry stores reference number 5A/450. RAF equipment designate in the 5A series covered ground lighting so we believe this to be a standard light switch used throughout RAF bases in WWII.
The porcelain mount carries various stampings to the reverse including 'BCM Registered Ektrik' who we assume to be the maker and registered name. Condition is excellent and the switch spring remains firm but this item is for sale purely as a collectable as we doubt it complies with UK let alone EU current legislation! Measures 2.5" diameter (6.2 cm)
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| WWII Air Ministry Issue Fitters Callipers - We have had numerous examples of these over the years but this set is larger than the norm measuring 6.5" long (16.5 cm).They are in really good issued condition and carry a Kings Crown and below A.M. (for Air Ministry) as well as he all important date of 1940 so would have certainly served through the Battle of Britain. The instrument is also embossed with the makers name Geo Plumpton & Co of Warrington. The same embossing is repeated on the reverse side not shown in our picture. Another modestly priced genuine wartime period item that would make an idea stocking filler for the aviation collector in you life.
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| Luftwaffe Fliegerblinkgerat Airfield Signal Lamp - This is the first example of these we have ever had and is in superb original condition and still with most of the Luftwaffe grey paint intact. Model number 124-502A1 and the manufacturer's code is blc, indicating it was made by the renowned optical manufacturer Zeiss. Compete with optical sight and signal switch, together with a length of electical cable but lacking plug. These lamps were used to signal to Luftwaffe aircraft approaching the airfield when conventional radio communication was not possible. A rare and orignal optical instrument. Diameter of lens 24 cm (9.5").
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| RAF tropical Issue Snake Bite 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 Beadon lightweight flying suit. The container is made from chrome plated brass and is embossed with the makers name Gardner Co. London as well as a 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 ; this is now absent. The chrome finish shows minor surface wear but generally an excellent original example. Measures 1 9/10" (6 cm)
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| RAF Flight Sergeant's Jacket Other Airmen - Fully badged with a padded Navigators brevet to the left breast and Sergeants stripes and Kings Crown to both arms, surmounted by rectangular shoulder eagle. Interestingly the left breast pocket has cotton loops sewn on and we speculate this may have been to carry a Pathfinder badge, but this is pure guesswork on our part. This tunic is the second pattern, which replaced the 1940 design, that carried faux French cuffs. It is made from coarse airforce blue fabric which is generally in well above the average condition and not faded, as many we see, with just a few minor moth nips, that are hardly noticeable on display.
Inside the unlined tunic carries a good clear label indicating a size 2 to fit a chap of a modest 5'2" to 5' 4" height and with breast 34"-35" and a waist of 32". The manufacturer's details are H.523727/41/C.I.B. and clearly dated 1941 below. The original owners name has sadly been been blacked out, a common practice when families sell on original uniforms. The tunic is completed by a standard pattern waist belt and a full set of Kings Crown brass buttons made by J.R.Gaunt of London.
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| RAF Officers Brown Leather Dress Gloves - This fine pair of gloves and the RAF stable belt we are also listing today came in with a post war RAF visor cap and we believe all three items belonged to the same Officer. These gloves are made from very soft calf or doe leather and are sealed with a button closure. They are a matched pair and carry a label inside indicating a reference nos of 415-8012, marked size 9 and dated 1974. The label confirms they were made by the quality glove makers of Burfield, operating from a small factory in Martock, Somerset coincidentally just 5 miles from the Oldnautibits HQ!
Burfields & Co. were established back in 1944 and the company had a long, successful association with the British Ministry of Defence and the RAF in the supply of service gloves. Sadly they went into liquidation in March 2017 so all production has now ceased and these can never be repeated. So grab this one off opportunity to invest in a fine pair of quality gloves that must have cost the UK tax payer a fortune to manufacture. Ideal for re-enactment, The Goodwood revival or even for general wear. They appear virtually unworn and at this price must be a fraction of their original cost.
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| 1941 Pattern Mae West Floating Light and Battery Housing - The RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West was first introduced in July 1941 and whilst it evolved as the war continued it remained the standard 'waistcoat, lifesaving, stole inflated' pattern until well into the 1950's. One of the improvements made occurred in July 1943 when two cylindrical pockets were added on the lower right hand side designed to house a floating lamp and attached battery pack. The example we have on offer here is such a lamp, issued against stores reference 5A/2728. This is the correct item for display with a '41 vest as opposed to the more commonly seen 'Easco' lamp which is not.
The cylindrical metal battery container retains most of its original blue paint and carries a clear Kings Crown, A.M. and the stores reference number detailed above. What lifts this one above the norm is it still carries its original paper label which clearly states made by G.E.C and is described as 'Floating Light Life- Jacket'. Below is a photo of an airman wearing a Mae West and carrying the lamp followed by instructions for us. The base of the battery housing carries a metal seal and the instructions indicate 'In emergency ONLY break the seal by pushing base sharply upwards and turning to right'. The seal on this example remains intact. A final detail is the label is marked 'reprinted March 1943' so is an early production example when stocks were clearly being prepared for the introduction into service in July '43.
The floating lamp is made from wood and metal and the lamp cover and bulb remain in place. The base is marked' Made in England, L 611, G.E.C' and a patent number. The one issue with this set, which is apparent on most that we see, is the the wiring insulation is hardened, cracked and perished. It would be possible to replace this with appropriate modern wiring for display purposes but we prefer to leave it in its current original condition. These are now getting increasingly hard to find and other than the wiring issue is a really crisp and wartime dated example.
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| RAF Dinghy Pack Very Pistol Red Star Distress Cartridge Tin - Another essential rescue aid which we are listing today. This tin, which is now empty, would have contained three red star distress flares designed to be used in conjunction with the standard RAF issue Very pistol and would have been included in both the single seat and multi place dinghies of WWII. Whilst the original paint shows some wear and surface rust that is hardly surprising after 73 years but the writing on it is still readable. The top would originally have been taped on to avoid moisture entering and is marked 'Do not remove sealing tape & open until cartridges are required'. The front detail confirms the contents as '3 Cartridges Signal 1" Red Mk 12. T.' And 'Lot No' below. The same is written on the reverse side whilst on the side is 'Box No.381. Mk I'. In smaller writing towards the base is written '12MB/45' indicating the tin was made by the British Metal Box Company in 1945. The tin measures 3 1/2" x 2.75" (9 cm x 6 cm) and an identical example is illustrated on page 68 of Mick Prodger's excellent Luftwaffe V RAF Flight Equipment reference book.
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