WWII RAF Pistol Lanyard

Another item from the same source as the shoulder and webbing holsters we have listed today. This was issued in WWII to a pathfinder Observer/Navigator who completed two full tours of duty and came direct from his family. These genuine WWII issued lanyard are becoming increasingly scarce now and is finished in RAF blue mohair cord and features a sliding knot to fit around the wearer neck and a fixed knot to attach to the service pistol. RAF aircrew flying over enemy territory could carry a sidearm, that would be for personal protection if the worst should happen and they came down in enemy territory. Paragraph 2566 of Kings Regs states 'Every officer, subject to clause 2, will be entitled to be issued with on demand one Colt automatic pistol or pistol revolver no2, Mk I (.38") for his personal use'. Our illustrative images include one of an RFC veteran serving again in WWII pictured in the summer of 1940, showing the correct usage of the lanyard whilst the final picture shows another, which does not exactly conform to King Regs! The lanyard shows signs of minor service usage but generally a very crisp and original example.