RAF Gosport tubes Stores Reference Nos 6F/154

a good original set with interesting provenance. The Bakelite earpieces are both marked with the RAF stores reference number, Kings Crown and AM property mark. The swivel connections work fine and the cloth covered metal tubes arein generally good shape with one minor abrasion mark. The aluminium plug on the opposite end is again in good condition with signs of normal service wear. Unusually this pair is fitted with a rubber tubes near each earpiece, perhaps added to avoid abrasion from the flying helmet. This set came from the estate of a famous French pilot, M. Victor Mérentier, originally from Marseille. He helped establish between 1927-1929 the first aero postal routes around the world and in particular from France to Africa, then over Atlantic to the USA together with his colleagues Mermoz, Saint-Exupéry and Guillaumet, all legends in their home country. We are unclear if he served in WWII perhaps with the Free French as that might explain why he was in possession of Air Ministry property!