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Aeronautical - Aviation Instruments & Tools
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RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboards note pads were developed in the early days of aviation and used 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. This example, whilst not dated is of the WWII pattern. The front of the board has a note pad marked RAFForm 433; interestingly it is stamped 2/52 so despite its wartime origins it appears this example was still in use with the RAF in the 1950s. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts, as shown in our attached pictures.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, carries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for leg attachement. These are secured by a pair of quick release 'Bennett's buckles', of the same pattern used on RAF 'B' and early 'C' flying helmets. Although not marked the Air Ministry nomenclature for this item is Stores Ref No 6F/171, with the prefix code 6F covering'Personal Equipment Aircraft'. These are becoming increasinly hard to find and this one, other than a minor chip to the edge of the board is in totally original issued condition Board measures 10" x 6" (26 cm x 15 cm)
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£45.00
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RAF Type 48 Magnetic Oxygen Mask Microphone - A standard WWII example of the type fitted to the E, E* and G pattern oxygen masks. It carries an embossed stores reference code 10A/12570 to the face plate, whilst the microphone switch is marked 'On' and 'Off'. The instrument is wired up with a wartime specification flecked short cord and a two pin female connector to plug into an internally wired RAF C, D or E pattern flying helmet. A near identical example is shown on page 46 top left of Mick Prodger's excellent Luftwaffe V RAF Flight clothing book. We discovered a small quantity of these in a forgotten warehouse and these appear to never have been issued. Other than minor age rubbing of paint on the front plate they are in near perfect condition and the rubber parts are not perished, as is often the case. Interestingly the box in which this example was discovered has written outside 'checked 30/6/44' and below a further check date of 22/11/44. Like all our kit this is for sale as a collectable but we would not be surprised if this is not still in good working order -despite the passing of 80 years! The final picture shows and identical example fitted to a wartime G mask but this listing is for the microphone only.
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£30.00
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Luftwaffe Leuchtpistol Flare Cartridge Bandolier - These very simple webbing straps were designed to be fastened around the upper leg or flying boots of aircrew, so the flare pistol cartridges were always readily to hand when required ;they were also issued to German Fallschirmjäger / Paratroopers in WWII. This example has loops to hold 5 cartridges as shown. The reverse of the strap is stamped and possibly dated but this is now faded and we have been unable to decipher. The strap, which measures 21" (53 cm) remains in excellent original condition with signs of service wear. The strap came complete with three empty inert flare cartridges, as illustrated. We believe these to be original items but have had spurious data information added with transfers, as shown, perhaps to complete the authentic look for a reenactor or museum display. One cartridge has a maker code 'L' stamped on the end plate whilst the longer one carries AG/41 indicating it dates from 1941. The milled edge on the red example enables aircrew to identify the type of flare in the dark by touch alone.
We assumed when purchased this was a very good quality older replica. Originals are scarce items and command very high prices in the £400-£600 price range. We have however found a near identical one illustrated in the 'Deutsche Luftwaffe Uniforms and Equipment of the German Air Force 1935-1945', as scan attached. As a result, lets just say the jury is out on this items originality, but we have priced on the basis it is a replica. Whatever its origins it will make a very fine display item in a Luftwaffe collection, on a mannequin or for a serious reenactor. Original Leuchtpistol flare cartridges alone sell for IRO £35.00 each these days so grab yourself a bargain!
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£135.00
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RAF Very Pistol 1' Red Star Mk X11T Distress Flare Tin - This example, 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 dinghy packs of WWII. Whilst the original paint shows some wear and suface rust minor this is hardly surprising after 79 years, but the writing on it is still readable. The top would originally have been taped 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 X11. 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/44' indicating the tin was made by the British Metal Box Company in 1944. 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. A small but critically important escape aid that most certainly helped save the lives of many downed aircrew in WWII. These are getting increasingly hard to find so grab this opportunity whilst you can!
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£48.00
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USAAF Type E-6B Dead Reckoning Computer - The E-6B was developed in the United States by Naval Lt. Philip Dalton (1903–1941) in the late 1930s. The name comes from its original part number for the U. S Army Air Corps, before its reorganisation in June 1941. The designation "E-6B" was officially marked on the device for only a couple of years as by 1943 the Army and Navy changed the marking to their joint standard, the AN-C-74 (Army/Navy Computer 74). A year or so later it was changed to AN-5835, and then in 1948 to AN-5834.. Despite the name changes navigators and most instruction manuals continued using the original E-6B, whilst many just called it the "Dalton Dead Reckoning Computer".
This example is marked Spec no 94-27892 and order no 42-18252, confirming it was manufactured in 1942. The fact it has turned up here in the UK would seem to indicate it served with the USAAF in WWII. They were used for pre-flight planning and in the air to aid in calculating fuel burn, wind correction and route timings. This example is incomplete and has at some stage been separated from the back section, that would have been used to calculate the effects of wind and drift during flight;this is reflected in our price. Otherwise it is in generally good condition, with some patination due to age and use and is U. S. Army Air Forces property marked. Measures 5.5"x 4.5" (14 cm x 12 cm)
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£15.00
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RAF Staff Car Pennant - Acquired from the same source as the other example we have just listed, this one is constructed from man made fabric, with an embossed RAF roundel, so clearly a post war example. Like the other, these were flown from official RAF staff cars of Section or Station Commanders, of the ranks of Wing Commander and above.
The pennant is in flown condition, with some wear to the reinforced fabric, caused by flag pole and it also exhibits some staining and light soiling to the pennant surface. Our view is this adds to the authenticity of the item and unlike the many fake RAF ensigns currently listed on E bay we are happy to guarantee that this one has seen issued and seen RAF service. Measures 12.5"x5.75" (31.5 cm x 14 cm).If you are lucky enough to own an RAF staff car, this example being of lighter constructuion, will actually fly at a lower speed than the woven example also listed today.
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£55.00
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RAF / USAAF M-357-A Dinghy Radio Kite - Manufactured by the Bendix Aviation Co. from 1941 and issued to both RAF and USAAF aircrew in WWII. Often referred to as 'Aerial Kites' as they were made to lift 260 feet of steel wire from the coil drum on the 'Gibson Girl' emergency transmitter. This was effectively copied from a 1941 captured Luftwaffe issue example which used a winged as opposed to the standard box kite design adopted by the British. The system went into mass production in the USA with an initial order placed for 11,600 sets which became standard issue for multi person dinghies for aircrew operating over sea. The full kit also included a balloon and hydrogen generator, as an alternate to the kite, when wind conditions prevented its use.
This example comes complete with its cotton issue bag which is close to mint, with just very light storage marks. It is fully stamped which makes mention of the original contents that would have included inflation tubes and a hydrogen generator. On offer here is just the kite, but what makes it exceptional is the fact is appears mint and as issued. The cloth is neatly bound with cord ties as shown in our illustration and it is clear it has never been assembled. These kites featured a fold up aluminium frame that was designed to be 'idiot proof' and featured a 'pop-out spider' to facilitate assembly in a pitching dinghy. The kite had two different bridle attachment points, one for winds 7–20 miles per hour, the other for 15–40 miles per hour. In the folded state you can still read the reference to the 40 MPH attachment ring. Whilst we are happy to break the factory binding cord and assemble the kite on request, we prefer to leave it in its 'mint and boxed' state which makes this example so unique. Many of these that have survived have been used post war for recreational purposes (myself included) and we have had them with messages written on the cloth giving owners name and address and 'Please return if found'! This is certainly not the case here, so if you wish to add a pristine example to you collection in a condition as it left the Bendix factory all those years ago, this is the one for you! Kite folded in storage bag measures 22" (56 cm)The final image attached here shows a rather over dressed AAF Officer assembling a similar kite, whilst seated in a dinghy, but we feel this could be a studio shot, but interesting none the less!
We have been fortunate enough to purchase a small number of these kites from a forgotten store here in the UK, that have never been issued or used. Whilst these are being offered individually at a very modest £45.00 plus delivery for a purchase of 2 or more kites we will offer at a 10% discount. When they are gone, they are gone!
And as a postscript we have just supplied a number of kites to a kite flying enthusiast in Germany and he has kindly sent a fine picture of his son flying one of our kites and he has captioned the photograph 'Sunset Gibson Girl' taken on a beach in Denmark. With his permission we have published his photograph as part of this listing. So it is clear, despite the passing years, these kites still remain as airworthy as they were back in the dark days of WWII!
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£45.00
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RAF Aircrew Snail Whistle - A good original issued example with clear embossing with King's Crown, AM, 23/230 and on reverse 293/14/L1795. Some wear to chrome finish, commensurate with service use and a nice sign to differentiate the original item from the reproductions now available on the market. The suspension loop is still attached and these were often hung from the collar loop of the aircrew battledress blouse or from Mae West lifejackets, as illustrated in the famous picture attached showing Guy Gibson and his 617 Squadron crew. A small but indispensable rescue aid that must have saved the lives of many downed allied airmen in WWII.
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£60.00
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Luftwaffe AK39 Armbandkompass - The AK39 Wrist Compass was first introduced in 1939 for use by German aircrew for navigation purposes if forced to abandon their aircraft. Whilst designed for wrist use, as its name implies, many period photographs exist of it attached to Schwimmweste, or other bits of flight equipment. The AK39 came in two variants and this example is the first specification; these were generally manufactured by the Kadlec Instrumente-Fabrik Elektrische Instrumente of Prag Czechoslovakia, while under German occupation, although this example does not give any clues as to who made it. The reverse of the black plastic case is embossed with the full specification including Armbandkompass, followed by Baumuster AK 39, Werk nr. 10244972 and the Luftwaffe requisition Fliegermaterial number, Anforderz Fl 23235. The compass card swings freely but like most examples we see the air bubble is slightly larger than intended, but the oil remains very clear. The compass is fitted with the original wrist strap and buckle that remains in good issued condition. Generally this is an above the average example that would sit happily in any collection. The compass diameter is 2.4" or 6 cm.
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Gosport Connector Tube - Another item that has just come in with a box of assorted aircraft instruments which we are currently listing. This is another first for us and believe it is a section of semi flexible metal tubing that would have facilitated instructor and pupil to communicate via their Gosport tubes, perhaps from a DH Tiger Moth? We surmise this as the chromed metal ends exactly fit the male ends of a Gosport tube and frankly we can't think what other aviation use this item may have had. Of course if any visitors to the site can add any words of wisdom we will add these to this description. The black finished tube appears in excellent condition and remains semi flexible; the slightly flared chromed ends carry a little surface rust as shown but all in all it is basically sound. Tube measures 19.75" (50 cm) end to end. Tube diameter at each end is.75" (1.75 cm).
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£12.00
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WWII RAF Airspeed Oxford Propeller 1940 - The Oxford (nicknamed by all as 'Ox-box') was used to prepare aircrews for Operations in RAF Bomber Command and could simultaneously train pilots, navigators, bombaimers,, gunners and radio operators on the same flight, so was a perfect mobile classroom in the sky. In addition to training duties, Oxfords were used in communications and anti-submarine roles and as air ambulances in the Middle East. As an interesting aside this prop is of fixed pitch yet the Oxford's instrument panel had a feathering control switch. When we queried this with one who is 'in the know' the answer was simple. Most aircrew training on the Oxford would go on to A/C with props that feathered. So they were taught how using a non-operative dummy switch which moved from coarse to fine pitch but was actually not connected to anything!
This is an absolutely superb examples that would be impossible to upgrade. No chips or dings and finished in original black RAF paint with yellow tips. The two data plates on the hub are spot on. One is clearly dated July 1940 and below two lead seals one with an AID inspectors stamp marked 31K.Below is stamped K9024 and 73090. Carrying the ultimate date of July 1940 it means this prop served during the Battle of Britain period, although of course the Oxford being a training aircraft did not take part directly. The other plaque is stamped with 'DRG No Z3810/4, Cheetah 1X and LH D7 5' P628'. This indicates the propeller drawing number (with Z confirming the manufacturers were the Airscrew Co. of Great Britain), the engine (a Mk IX air-cooled Cheetah), left hand rotation and pitch and diameter of the blades.
It is a fantastic display size and makes a real statement as it measures 90" (229 cm) tip to tip and is 15" (38 cm) wide measured on the diameter of the hub on the wider side. In many ways it is reminiscent of the early Watts fixed pitch wooden propellers, the ultimate goal of all serious WWII prop collectors and as fitted to Mk I Spitfires and Hurricanes. Ours however is a fraction shorter and very significantly cheaper! As with all our stock feel free to request additional detailed photographs so you don't need to just take our word for how nice this pieces of WWII RAF history really is! Due to its size we would prefer to sell this one on a collection only basis but feel free to check with us on possible delivery options. We have had a few examples of these over the years but this one really does tick all the boxes! And it is both 100% more original whilst less than a third of the price of a restored example currently on sale with a London dealer for £3,200!
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Air Ministry Mechanics Oil Can by T.E.Bladon - A good issued example in brass with a curved spout with a threaded tip but as usual the screw in stopper is absent.. The base of the spout is clearly stamped with the makers name T.E.Baldon (who also made oil lamps for the railways). This example carries an impressive Kings Crown and AM (Air Ministry) property mark and is dated 1940 so was clearly used in the RAF and would have served throughout WWII including the battle of Britain. The reservoir of the can is accessed by a removable threaded plug on the base..No doubt this was an essential piece of kit in an RAF 'Erk's' tool box. Sadly no history with this one but no doubt it has a story to tell! Minor bumps and knocks commensurate with use but a modest but interesting display item in an RAF collection. Measures 9" (23 cm)
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£28.00
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Mk II & Mk II* Gunsight Replacement Reflector - Most of the original WWII figher gunsights we see have chipped or broken reflectors fitted. Original replacements are both difficult to find and expensive, so we have here a much cheaper and practical solution. This item has been made up to the original dimensions using optically corrected perspex. Fitted to an original gunsight, it is virtually impossible to tell it is not an original item as you can see on the attached picture showing an identical example use on my Spitfire cockpit section project. We currently only have one example in stock but more are on order and are expected in soon. 4.5" square (114mm)
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£35.00
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Air Ministry Salters No. 20T Trade Spring Scales - In a lifetime collecting RAF memorabilia, this is the first set of RAF issue scales we have ever seen. These are clearly marked on the brass dial with a crown, A.M. and 4A/NIV C22B and B122754/40, thus dating the instrument to 1940 and highly likely it served through the Battle of Britain. The dial is also engraved Silvesters Patent, Made in England, to weigh 150 lbs. On the back of the instrument is painted C Flight, although sadly no squadron details. We do not know the exact use for these scales but possibly for weighing kit bags and personal items prior to an overseas posting to calculate the aircraft's loading weights. We spoke to a specialist Salter's scale collector and he too confirmed the rarity of this item and suspect we will wait a long time to find another. It is heavy, so please check delivery costs with us before ordering. Dial diameter 15.5" (39 cm)
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£145.00
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Wellworthy Trench Art Piston Ashtray - Manufactured from an original piston marked: Wellworthy 567401 4 Injectorbide A6/11599 Alfin AEC LOEX HMB. We have no idea what engine this would have been used in, although the Wellworthy factory was established in 1919, supplying engine components to the aircraft industry and finally closed for business in 1989. This example is particulary attractively engineered. Diameter 5.25" (13.5 cm)
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£45.00
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RFC/RAF Vickers Vimy Generator Propeller - A very fine example from my own collection and we are indebted to the ever helpful Col Bob Gardener for his assistance with identification. He confirmed this prop "was designed by the Royal Aircraft Factory and is likely to date from the second half of 1917. It powered a generator which delivered upto 500 Watts and was typically used on large bomber aircraft such as the Vickers Vimy and the Handley Page O/400. The A. I. D stamp on the hub is for the Aeronautical Inspection Department and its presence is proof of airworthiness. H453 indicates one particular inspector, who inspected on behalf of the Royal Aircraft Factory at W. D. Oddy & Sons of Leeds who were the manufacturers, from 1917-1925. The number T28153 is the drawing number where the letter 'T' indicates the Royal Aircraft Factory, who designed it. The hub also carries the makers name, 500 Watts and a War Department/RFC property mark of an A (for Aviation) above a Broad arrow property mark".
The Handley Page 0/400 Bomber (also known as the Bloody Paralyser), first flew in 1915 whilst the Vimy was delivered to the RAF from October 1918, so just too late to see operational use in World War One. John Alcock & Arthur Brown of course selected the Vimy for their record breaking pioneering flight across the Atlantic in 1919, due to it being the only reliable twin engine aircraft available at the time.
This fine survivor, dating from the early days of aviation, is made from laminated hardwood with a with a bronze or brass central boss and remains in excellent condition, but showing signs of light operational use. It would be hard to find a nicer example and of course benefits from being fully identified, that is not often the case. It measures 19" tip to tip (48 cm)
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RAF Type 48 Magnetic Oxygen Mask Microphone - A standard WWII example of the type fitted to the E, E* and G pattern oxygen masks. It carries an embossed stores reference code 10A/12570 to the face plate, whilst the microphone switch is marked 'On' and 'Off'. The instrument is wired up with a wartime specification flecked short cord and a two pin female connector to plug into an internally wired RAF C, D or E pattern flying helmet. A near identical example is shown on page 46 top left of Mick Prodger's excellent Luftwaffe V RAF Flight clothing book. We discovered a small quantity of these in a forgotten warehouse and these appear to never have been issued. Other than minor age related storage marks they are in near perfect condition and the rubber parts are not perished, as is often the case. Interestingly the box in which this example was discovered has written outside 'checked 30/6/44' and below a further check date of 22/11/44. Like all our kit this is for sale as a collectable but we would not be surprised if this is not still in good working order -despite the passing of nearly 80 years! The final picture shows and identical example fitted to a wartime G mask but this listing is for the microphone only. A 10% discount can be offered for a single purchase of x2 or more, whilst stocks remain.
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RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad and Navigators Protractor Grid Square - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboards note pads were developed in the early days of aviation and used 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. This example, whilst not dated is of the WWII pattern. The front of the board has a note pad marked RAFForm 433; interestingly it is stamped 2/52 so despite its wartime origins it appears this example was still in use with the RAF in the 1950s. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts, as shown in our attached pictures.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, carries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for attachment to either thigh or arm. One has a small section missing, as shown, but otherwise they remain soft and supple. 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. Although not marked the Air Ministry nomenclature for this item is Stores Ref No 6F/171, with the prefix code 6F covering'Personal Equipment Aircraft'.
Included with this lot is a Navigators Protractor Grid Square marked 'Airtour. This would appear to be a civilian origin as it is marked 'Airtour Flight Group'. These simple devices were an essential tool of navigators, both civilian and military, before the introduction of electronic aids such as GPS. The knee board measures 10" x 6" (25 cm x 15 cm) and the protractor 5" x 5" (13 cm x 13 cm)
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DH Tiger Moth Wheel Cover and back plate - The iconic de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth was designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and built by the de Havilland Aircraft Company and first flew in October 1931. It was operated by the Royal Air Force and others as a primary training aircraft in WWII and beyond and was not retired from RAF service until 1959. A total of 8,868 were built and many remain in airworthy condition and are enjoyed by private aviators worldwide.
On offer today is a single resin wheel cover that carries the famous De Havilland Aircraft Company'DH logo, as well as a part nos REF 200 D. H. O. The reverse is stamped with what we assume to be the makers mark 'Veteranfly, Sweden, PL88'. The wheel cover is accompanied by a metal backplate that carries various DH part numbers, as detailed in our accompanying photographs. The wheel cover is 8.5" diameter (21.5 cm) and the back plate is 6.5" (16.5 cm).The final picture attached shows a Tiger Moth about to depart Popham airfield, fitted with a similar wheel cover, stylishly picked out in red and white paint. Ours would benefit from similar artistic attention to bring it up to display standards but we will leave that to the news owner. As well as appealing to the collectors market we imagine, subject to the necessary checks, this could well be an airworthy item, if you just happen to have a DH. 82 under restoration in your back garden?
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R. N. A. S. Haldon Clock Presented to Lt F. C. Muir R. N. V. R. - Here we have a very fine Art Deco Smith's Electric Clock which was presented by his fellow Officers to the recipient on the occasion of his wedding in WWII. It carries a fine solid silver hallmarked plaque to the top indicating the maker was 'RP' who we believe to be Robert Pringle of London. It also carries a London assay mark and a date letter for 1937. The plaque is a finely engraved and reads:- 'Presented to Lieut & Mrs F. C. Muir on the occasion of their marriage by 794 Squadron & Personnel of R. N. A. S Haldon 3rd January 1942.
We have been able to trace Lt Muir and as an Acting Sub Lieutenant he was serving with R. N. V. R. 794 Squadron in August 1940. The airfield, situated in Devon inland from Dawlish and Teignmouth, was initially used in WWII by the RAF the Research Development Flight, from RAF Boscombe Down, engaged in developing balloon cable cutters and airfield rocket defences. The airfield was transferred to the Admiralty in August 1941 and the main role for RNAS Haldon was that of a relief landing ground and a refuelling stop for Air Towed Target aircraft. Detachments from RNAS Yeovilton frequented the station operating over the Lyme Bay live firing ranges. Aircraft types included Defiant, Skua, Swordfish, & Spitfire. On December 31st 1942 the station lost its commissioned name and it was reduced to Care & Maintenance status in May 1943. The Admiralty officially closed and paid off RNAS Haldon on February 17th 1946 and the Gilding School left for Exeter in June 1946 and was the last military flying unit to operate from the site.
The clock was clearly a quality piece in its day and was made by Smiths Electric Clocks Ltd of Cricklewood London. The hands are adjusted from the rear and it would have originally operated on a mains 200/250 volts connection. The mains cord is now absent and whilst subject to professional checks it may be possible to get functioning again it is for sale here purely as an historic art deco and R. N. A. S collectable from an often overlooked Devon air station of WWII.
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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.
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RAF 1937 Pattern Webbing Belt and Holster Set - This set came to us from the same family source as the shoulder holster that we have also recently listed. It comprises standard issue webbing but it would appear the theatre made holster was found more appropriate for aircrew duties by the owner. 1937 pattern webbing equipment was adopted by the RAF sometimes in 1941 and replaced the earlier 1925 pattern. It was made to the same specification as the Army issue sets, with the only difference it was issued in blue grey rather than khaki. The new webbing was compatible with the earlier design and the two sets continued to be worn interchangeably for many years. The holster viewed from the front looked identical in both patterns but on the back the later model, as well as the two double hooks that are provided for attachment to the waistbelt, it had a similar hook is fitted horizontally at the top for connecting to the ammunition pouch, absent on this example.
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'. These weapons were designed to be carried in the 37-pattern webbing holster, as offered here. The mounting procedure for the holster was set out in Drill Instructions and was worn on the left, and to ensure thew weapons safety was attached to the wearer by a lanyard worn around the neck (see our separate listing) or under the shoulder epaulets by pilots or RAF personal when armed. We attach a range of pictures of the set, as well as a drawing of the correct usage of the webbing in aircrew use, based on an actual photograph of Flt/Sgt Frank Nutkins of 180 Sqd.
The set includes a standard '37 pattern belt and holster whilst also including webbing cross straps and brace attachments. The current condition is just as it was when it came to us. The nomenclature details of the holster are now largely faded but we believe the manufacturing date is 1943. The shoulder straps and braces carry various stamps as well as an RAF service number. We have left the brass work as the set came in, but for a small additional consideration we could have this buffed to parade ground standards if required. Wartime webbing is becoming increasingly hard to find and this Pathfinder issued set, that was all issued to one man, makes it particularly collectable.
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RAF Theatre Made Shoulder Holster - Shoulder holsters are comparatively unusual in British military service with most handguns being carried on the hip. RAF aircrew flying over enemy territory could carry a sidearm (but many, if not most, chose not to do so) 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'. These weapons were designed to be carried in the 37 pattern webbing holster, but this was not practical for aircrew and needed to be out of the way when flying, so as not to interfere with the operation of the aircraft. Whilst post war the RAF have sourced custom made aircrew shoulder holsters we are not aware of such kit being issued in WWII, but with this prelude this leads us nicely into describing the item we are now listing.
Made from blue canvas this shoulder holster is clearly theatre made, probably by the Squadron tailor and came directly from a family source, together with an issue 37 pattern holster set, Navigators brevet and other miscellaneous items. The wartime owner completed two full tours of duty, the second with a Pathfinder Squadron, and it is assumed he had this made up to carry a sidearm during operations. As such it features no nomenclature whatsoever, so we can only speculate on its origins. The inside of the canvas shows wear caused by rubbing, so would appear to have seen operational use. The beige webbing strap is designed to loop over the wearers right shoulder and the holster is then secured in place by cloth ties arround the back. We imagine this would have been worn tucked away beneath Battledress blouse, as the holster has no securing strap to hold the sidearm in place. In a life time of collecting this is the first such example we have seen so represents an extremely scarce piece of aircrew flight equipment and we doubt we will ever find another. My late Fathers BD blouse is clearly not included in the sale and is for illustrative purposes only.
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Westland Whirlwind XJ 393 Access Panels - On offer are two aluminium panels that were originally fitted to Westland Whirlwind HAR 3, registration A2538 construction number 10A/57 and registration code XJ 393. This aircraft was the original prototype Mk III Whirlwind and first flew on 27th June 1955. She spent most of her active life at Research Establishments (A&AEE, Defford, Pershore), before becoming an RN Instructional Airframe. She was then displayed at the now defunct Torbay Aircraft Museum and was finally scrapped in 1993.
The panels have faded green paint on outside and silver inside and with the aircraft code XJ 393 stencilled to each. Metal parts show some rust and age related staining. The panels fasten to the airframe with metal turn screws and one panel has a canvas pouch to the inside stencilled 'Window Curtain Stowage (empty). We imagine these panels fitted over the crew compartment windows but stand to be corrected on this. If you are a Whirlwind fan or happen to have an old airframe in your back garden these could be just for you! Panel one measures 22 1/2" x 22 1/2" (57 cm x 57 cm) and panel two is 24 1/2" x 23" (62 cm x 23 cm.)
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Luftwaffe Parachute Quick Release Buckle - A good semi relic example of the war time Lufwaffe Parachute Harness Quick Release Box (SA-Schloss) as used on WWII aircrew seat and chest parachutes and was also used by German Airborne Fallschirmjager troops. It is clearly engraved to the front plate with "Gurtzeug Ablegen", a directional arrow and below "Drehen, Dann Drücken". Roughly translated these are operating instruction "To Release harness : Turn and push". Further text is engraved on the side of the box reading "Gesichert" meaning "Safe" or "Secured" and "Ensichert" indicating the buckle is "Unlocked". The back is fully stamped and was manufactured by Autoflug Berlin against Fl number 30232 and werk number 2043984. This pattern was used on most Luftwaffe parachute harnesses, including both the seat and chest-type. In service the parachute would have carried four harness attachment buckles, that would have slotted into, and were locked by, the buckle ; these are now absent although we have attached a refrence phtograph to illustrate the set up. We have also included a period operational photograph showing an HE 111 crew, with the Obsever wearing a similar buckle.
This QRB was ground dug here in the UK but sadly the details of the recovery have been lost. It has minor corrosion to the front and back plates and the assembly screws but overall it remains in very good display condition. Interestingly the mechanism is now seized in the "Ensichert" position so it is hoped the wearer survived the incident in which he was clearly involved. It may be possible to free the locking mechanism, but as with all our stock we prefer to leave in 'as found' condition and were it to be able to talk it most certainly would have a story to tell!
Measures 3" x 2.5" (7.5 cm x 6.3 cm)
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RAF Bomb Release Trigger Button - WWII Air Ministry marked Bomb Aimer's Release switch, with stores reference code 5D/534, complete with original lead that is connected to a type 5J plug stores ref 5D/596. These Trigger Buttons were used as a bomb release mechanism in a number of WWII bombers, including the Avro Lancaster, where it was located on the starboard side of the fuselage in the bomb aimers position in the nose. The firing switch could be modified with the addition of a metal loop that enabled it to be mounted in an interlock firing switch holder and could then not be removed until the bomb load had been fused and so prevented the accidental release of unfused bombs. This switch assembly appears to be in unissued condition with just minor storage marks to the lead. An identical example was sold at auction at the RAF Museum London on 5th March 2022 for £ 552. Ours represents rather better value!
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RAF Red Star Mk 12T Distress Flare Tin - This example, 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 dinghy packs 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. This is example is not in quite such good condition as the one we have just sold and this is reflected in the price.
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Luftwaffe Dreieckrechner DR2 Flight Computer - In addition to mechanical and electrical radio directional navigation aids, the Luftwaffe also utilised two different models of manual flight navigation devices, which were essentially a two-sided slide rule. One side is used to correct the course of flight taking into account the wind direction. This was achieved by setting the arrow to the desired course and rotating the white inner dial to the wind direction in black, then correcting the course by turning the aircraft to the corresponding angle. The reverse side was used to determine the impact of wind direction and speed upon aircraft flight time by adjusting the outer and inner white dials. These instruments were referred to by flight crew as 'Knemeyer' after the inventor Siegfried Knemeyer (5 April 1909 – 11 April 1979), who was a German aeronautical engineer, aviator and the Head of Technical Development at the Reich Ministry of Aviation during World War II. The earliest examples of the DR2 date from around June 1936 with the latest being dated November 1942 and the model subsequently evolved with the introduction of the DR3, first introduced in March 1943. Interestingly no records have been found to indicate a DR1 ever existed.
Our DR2 was manufactured in February 1940, so it almost certainly was in use during the Battle of Britain and was manufactured by the instrument maker DENNERT & PAPE in Hamburg, Germany and carries Fl no 23825. Whilst the instrument is complete, the alloy outer rim shows signs of corrosion, as shown in the attached images. Both the compass and calculating sides remain in good issued condition but with signs of service use. Sadly, the history related to this instrument has been lost, but it seems likely it could haven been wreck recovered. Some dealers might create spurious provenance about a named Battle of Britain crash site but we prefer to tell it as it is. The metalwork, despite the corrosion is entirely stable and having clearly had a service history it would still sit happily in a Luftwaffe or Battle of Britain related collection and is priced to reflect its current condition. The Luftwaffe flight chart shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not included in the sale. Measures 6" diameter (15 cm)
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RAF Height and Airspeed Computor Mk II - A handheld circular aluminium bodied height and airspeed computor (sic) is made from three concentric, decreasing diameter calibrated discs laid on top of each other and secured by a central split pin. There are two additional quarter discs with screw adjusters for setting temperature and ground pressure. The instrument features rotating metal discs used to set the ground barometric pressure, temperature, indicated height and airspeed and were used in conjunction with 'I. C. A. N. ' isothermic calibrated altimeters to calculate speed, time and distance travelled. Manufactured by the quality instrument makers Henry Hughes and Sons, London it is marked with serial number 9095/39, indicating a production date of 1939. The back of the instrument also carryie a crisp Air Ministry property mark.
A similar Mk I dead-reckoning flight computer dating from 1940 is illustrated on page 113 of Mick Prodger's excellent 'Luftwaffe V RAF Flight Equipment' reference book, where he confirms these instruments were most commonly carried by pilots of single engine fighter aircraft, so like the Luftwaffe DR2 flight computer we have also just listed, this could well have served in the Battle of Britain. The Hurricane had a canvas pouch fitted on the starboard side of the cockpit to hold it securely in place, so it was always to hand when needed (see final photograph attached). The instrument remains in very good original condition and would appear to be in good working order, with signs of just light service use. Measures 5.75" diameter (14.5 cm).
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Air Ministry 'Bigsworth' Chart Board 6B/270 - Universally known as 'The Bigsworth chart board', the design dates from around 1918, to aid in the safe use of charts for aerial navigation. It consisted of a wooden board upon which a navigational chart could be placed and held in place by brass retaining clips. The board was square and was available in two sizes, 14 inches or 17 inches with this example being in the larger size, corresponding to 43 cm x 43 cm. The design was conceived by Air Commodore Arthur Wellesley Bigsworth CMG, DSO & Bar, AFC (27 March 1885 – 24 February 1961) who anecdotally is believed to be the aviator who the literary hero 'Biggles' was based on!
These plotting boards were particularly useful in pre and early WWII aircraft, where space was limited and which did not carry a proper Navigators position ; to illustrate this see final photograph attached of a similar board in use in a Blenheim light bomber circa 1939/40, circa the Battle of France. It consisted of pivoted double parallel linking arm that could be adjusted up and down the side of the board and mounted on its other end was a protractor which could be positioned over any point on the chart. The Bigsworth chart board became one of the most convenient aids for plotting and determining courses and finding position and was produced in substantial quantities. It remained in service well into WWII when it was still providing a portable and self-contained navigation station in aeroplanes in which adequate facilities for the Navigator/Observer were still lacking. It continued in use in training aircraft such as the Anson into the early post war years. It was also issued to and used by Fleet Air Arm aircrew in WWII.
Our example remains in above the average issued condition with signs of light service use. To the left edge is a strip of hardwood attached by three brass hinges; we are not entirely clear of the application intended but is is something we have seen before and this may have been to mount the board in a semi fixed position in the navigators position. To the reverse it carries clear stamped nomenclature with a Kings Crown, A. M. property mark (for Air Ministry) and stores reference nos 6B/270, 6B being the code for 'Aircraft Navigation Equipment, Accessories & Spares'. It was manufactured by P. A. C. Ltd. and the serial number confirms it was made in 1940. Below is scratched 'T. W. ', we assume to be the initials of the wartime custodian. The reverse side also carries an oblong green canvas pouch, designed to hold the all important Navigator's pencils. All navigation equipment was closely guarded and cared for by their owners, as the lives of the entire crew depended on his accurate navigation. These instruments are becoming increasingly rare and those that do turn up are mainly the more common 6B/137 version. This would make a great addition to a specialist or general RAF collection and is the first we have been fortunate to obtain for some time and when it is gone it is gone. The flight chart shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not included in the sale. Similar could be supplied at extra cost if required to complete the display.
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Chart Table Plotter Mk II Stores reference 6B/241 - Mk II plotting arms were a move on from the integral Bigsworth chart board setup, that we have also just listed. The Mk I & 11 instruments were manufactured using heavier duty black painted brass arms with a rotating 'head' fitted with a Perspex rule attached. The other end of the arm features a clamp system, to lock onto a metal strip fitted to the Navigators plotting table. These were used in a variety of RAF 'heavies' in WWII including the Avro Lancaster and the Handley Page Halifax. This arm is substantially larger and of superior quality to those found on the earlier chart boards, that were useful in the limited space available in light bombers. The Perspex rule measures 12" x 4" (30 cm x 10 cm) and is engraved with a direction of flight arrow. The instrument is complete and remains in excellent issued condition, but with signs of light service use to the paintwork. The central rotating head is nicely marked with a King's Crown Air Ministry property mark and stores reference code 6B/241 (6B being the deignation for Aircraft Navigation Equipment, Accessories and Spares) and the serial number confirms a 1942 production date. Our final photograph attached details a similar arm, mounted and ready for Ops in the Navigator's 'office' in a Lancaster bomber. The RAF chart shown is for illustrative purposes and is not included in the sale but we do have similar available so please get in touch for details.
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