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 | Wooden Model of Major Glenn Miller U.S.A.A.F. - Major Glenn Miller was an evocative American big band musician, arranger, composer and bandleader of the swing era. He was born in 1904 at Clarinda, Iowa and he enjoyed great success back home and as well as his music he became a movie star. In 1942, at the peak of his civilian career, Miller decided to join the war effort.
Then aged 38, Miller was too old to be drafted and first volunteered for the Navy but was told that they did not need him. He then persuaded the United States Army to accept him so he could, in his own words, "be placed in charge of a modernized Army band". He became a huge success and did much to help the moral of service personnel posted overseas that he entertained but all this ended on the night of December 15, 1944. Miller was to fly from the United Kingdom to Paris on a UC-64 Norseman, USAAF serial 44-70285, which departed from RAF Twinwood Farm in Clapham, on the outskirts of Bedford. The aircraft never arrived at destination and was thought to be lost over the English Channel. No trace of any of the occupants have ever been found.
Our model is an imposing 14" tall (36 cm) and came from a defunct aviation museum display. It is made from wood, is hand painted and is marked to the base 'Major Glenn Miller U.S.A.A.F' and is signed to the rear 'Jones'. We have no idea of the origins of this piece but it looks to be a one off model hand worked rather than a commercially produced kit and is certainly not a new piece. He does show some age related wear and tear but is generally in good display condition and really deserves to be back on public display in an appropriate museum. This is certainly not the sort of article that turns up on E Bay and could well be a unique piece. A one off opportunity to own an iconic image of the best known band leader of WWII.
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| RAF Type H 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 March 1985 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 November 1985 and subsequently declared 'Serviceable' by 16 Maintenance Unit Stafford when last checked on 6th December 1997! 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 32 years old this example is effectively as good as they come, both inside and out! 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.
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| RAF Type H 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 March 1985 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 November 1985 and subsequently declared 'Serviceable' by 16 Maintenance Unit Stafford when last checked on 6th December 1997! 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 32 years old this example is effectively as good as they come, both inside and out! 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.
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| German WWII Bakelite Flare Cartridge Case with Contents - the lid carries the original label reading 'Sternsignalpatronen' with a red star indicating the cartridges were star code red and a rating number of 117. The label is dated September 1941 with further wording 'dag Untersucht' indicating the examination date ; this has not been filled in. The screw top reveals 5 red flare cartridges which are all deactivated/inert. The cartridge cases are stamped 'Rauchspurpatrone rot' meaning smoke streamer red. The calibre of the aluminium cartridges is 26.5 mm and would have been used in conjunction with the leuchpistole. Some of the cartridge stamping is now faded but we can decipher various manufacturing dates including 1940, 1941and 1944. Some also carry expiry dates that are 4 years later. An identical case is illustrated in Mick Prodger's Flying Equipment excellent reference book on page 82 although these cases were used by all branches of the the German Wehrmacht in WWII. The inside of the cases carries various manufacturers marks. An excellent display example and scarce to find with contents and entirely safe to own in a collection within the UK.Case measures 4. 75" high by 4" diameter. (11.5 cm x 10.5 cm)
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| AAF B-15 Flying Jacket - The B-15 jacket was first introduced in late 1944 to replace the B-10 and remained in service until replaced by the B-15A.The arrival of the jet age in military aviation prompted the need for a new, more modern flight jacket. The B-15 was the lightweight USAF replacement for the previously bulky, leather flight jackets of the WWII era and was the precursor to the MA-1. The B-15 was the first of the USAF synthetic flight jackets. They were an instant success with aviators, as they were far less bulk and considerably more comfortable in the cramped cockpits of the emerging jet fighters. The design of the B-15 introduced many new features including, a pen pocket on the arm, diagonal slash pockets, and with the derivative B-15A a place to clip the oxygen mask when not in use.
This jacket came from a serious UK collector and although we have no way of authenticating the provenance we were told it was purchased from the family of a US Liberator crew member but that is as much as we have got. The fabric shell is in generally good issued condition with just the odd minor snag and light stains. An 8th AF cloth patch is sewn to the left shoulder whilst their in no evidence of a name tag ever being fitted. The classic dark brown mouton collar is in great shape and no sign of moth damage and the fur lined collar strap is still in place. The lining is the classic Alpaca-wool mix and again is in great condition with just minor wear in the shoulder area. The cuffs and waistband appears original to the jacket. The waist knit has some very minor moth nips whilst the cuffs show normal wear and signs of period stitch repairs. The original Conmar brand zip is fitted and runs freely. All the slash pocket snaps are in place and working and is fitted with two interior pockets. No size is marked but we would estimate this jacket is about a 40" chest (102 cm) but like all B-15's is cut short in the waist.
This jacket has clearly only had light use in service and is strong enough for further wear today but would also display very well in an appropriate collection. Like all current stock more detailed pictures are here and available on request.
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| HS-18 Headset Receivers - A good set of the standard AAF receivers, often seen used in conjunction with the 50 Mission Crusher cap and dating from WWII. The receivers are marked R-14 Made by Murdock MFG Co, for Signal Corps US Army. They also carry and ink stamp SC 380. The aluminium framed headband is embossed HB-7. The tan leather headband is also in good shape as are the rubber ear covers that are marked MC-162-A. The only issue with this set is the communication cord and jack plug has been cut off so this set could provide a source of donor parts to upgrade your own set or alternatively would provide an entry level set that still displays well despite the missing communication cord.
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| U.S. AN-H-16 Winter Flying Helmet - The AN-H-16 is described by Jon A. Maguire in his excellent 'Gear Up' as 'one of the more difficult WWII flying helmets to locate today' and that was written back in 1995! It is scarce simply because it was not produced or issued on a wide scale. The US Navy had its own version (despite the AN designation of this helmet) the AN6543 which is much more common. This example appears to have had minimal service use and is in close to perfect display condition. The leather shell is very soft with all its original finish in place with the seams tight and is set off nicely with a large AAF logo stamp to the front brow. The helmet is fully wired with ANB-H-1 receivers by Roanwell fitted and attached to a classic Y loom and finished with a PL-354 jack plug. The leather chin strap retains a shearling rubbing strip and the silk laces are still in place. The snaps for an oxygen mask are correctly spaced for an A-14 with the left side fitted with two single straps, one high and one low, and the right side positioned for the clip. The only issue with this helmet is both the snaps for the Y loom rear straps are a little tender, a fault common with shearling lined helmets. To ensure these are secure we have cemented the end of each strap in place so they are no longer operative yet on display this restoration is virtually undetectable. Inside the helmet is close to mint. The shearling is again stamped with the AAF logo and the woven label confirms this is a desirable Large size and the helmet was manufacturer by Bradley Goodrich Inc to an order nos. (33-038)44-3755 which we assume to be a 1944 contract. In conclusion a hard to find fully wired helmet in excellent display condition in a large size that would sit happily in a specialist helmet collection. Many thanks to Mick Prodger for his assistance in preparing this description.
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| RAF Group Captain Pennant - A good flown example made from stitched cotton panels. In generally very good condition and only issue being the central red segment has become thin in a couple of places. In addition it has a couple of minor moth nips but despite this the pennant is in sound display condition and measuring 19"x 19"x 12.5" (47 cm x47 cm x 32 cm) it is an ideal size for an RAF (or flag) collection. It comes complete with the original bound and looped rope for attachment to an appropriate flag mast. Identification marks have been washed out but the pennant is named to 'Harding' who we assume to be the Group Captain to whom it was originally issued. Sadly any specific provenance has been lost down the years.
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| RAF Wing Commanders Pennant - A good flown example with separate panel construction, in a large size measuring 40" x 40" x 25" (102 cm x 102 cm x 64 cm). The colours are still bright and the cotton is all in excellent condition with no issues to report. The original coir rope is in place but on one edge it has been cut flush to the pennant. The various makings are now somewhat indistinct but it clearly embossed with the crows foot property mark, X 22, a stores reference number 4B 1114 and the manufacturers name who we believe to be Porter Brothers, Liverpool. This company are one of the oldest names in flag manufacture here in the UK, established in 1905 by Herbert Porter to supply flags to the thriving port of Liverpool. Prior to WWII they even had a contract with Hitler's Germany for party flags but the contract was unsurprisingly cancelled prior to a state of war being declared in 1939! In their time Porter Brothers have made flags for Captain Scott's 1912 Polar expedition, for the D Day landings and both Churchill and Princess Diana's funerals. A scarce senior officers pennant in an impressive size. For a more modest pennant (in both size and price! check out the Group Captain's example we have also listed today.
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| French Airaile Type 11 Armée de L'Air Flying Helmet - In 1935 France commanded the largest military forces in the world although her flying helmets and goggles were somewhat out dated and based on WWI designs. Despite this the 'Airaile 11' remained the standard issue pattern for the French Air Force during the 1930 and into WWII. A modified version of the same helmet was also issued to French Army paratroopers.
This helmet was manufactured by E. Gueneau & Cie of Paris and interestingly the manufacturers paper label in the crown carries a late wartime date of 1/45, with the size marked at '58'. We speculate this is a pre war manufactured helmet re issued for use in the final stages of WWII. Certainly the basic design was also used post war in a modified form designated 'type Airele 15'. Our helmet is clearly pre war/wartime specification, confirmed by two metal clips mounted on the outer shell, above the receiver/Gosport tube cups, designed to take the French oxygen mask 'Ulmer 12'.
The helmet itself is made from am internal cork shell covered in chromed leather and has soft padded leather flaps to house Gosport tubes or radio receivers. Lacing within the crown of the helmet and to the rear facilitates size adjustment and press stud goggle straps are fitted at the rear of the helmet. The outer shell has a minor crease marks on top but otherwise the leather is in superb condition inside and out with no issues to report. The ear cup flaps when opened show roughly cut ear hole enlargements ;our French consultant advises this was a common period modification made by pilots or flight mechanics to upgrade the radio clarity coming from the receivers and proves the helmet has been issued and has seen service, which is also confirmed by the internal paper label which carries a handwritten 'H 18' as well as the initials to the crown R.H. who we assume to be an original owner.
A less pristine example has recently sold at auction for EU 688 (c. £588) Ours is rather more competitively priced and as close to a text book example of an increasingly rare flying helmet we do not anticipate will be with us for long!
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| RAF Aircraft Engineering Tradesmans' Record of Training and Experience The cover is stamped RAF form 6859 and Revised March 1979. The personal details have been completed and is named to a G.A. Hendy who enlisted in July 1976. The page also carries a weak ink stamp that says 'Ships Library' and we believe 'HMS Daedalus' which was formed in 1917 as an RNAS base and subsequently home to both the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm. We have no idea how Hendy's career went but the complete book is a blank so we can only speculate his chosen trade did not progress as expected! In view of this the book could be reused for a variety of uses 36 years after it was first issued. Modestly priced!
Pages: 58
Cover: Hard
Author: Not Stated
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| RFC/RNAS Trench Art dated 1918-19 - a fine example of Trench art fashioned from the top section of an engine cylinder. On it is worked a fine Albatross and above 'Engine Repair Shops' and below 'France 1918-19' so would date it to the transition period when the RAF and RNAS amalgamated into the RAF. Cast into the underside is L.D.C.F.L although we have been unable to ID the engine it came from so if anyone can help please drop us a line and we will add to our description. Measures 4.5" diameter and 1" high (11 cm x 2.25 cm)
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| DH Mosquito Aircraft Parts - Another small selection of crash recovered aircraft parts from the collection we have just bought, this time from a De Havilland Mosquito. Like the other relics we are listing we don't have the specific details of the airframe they were recovered from but have been told they relate to a late WWII 'Mossie' circa 1944-45. The largest and most impressive item to the rear centre of our picture is described as a section of elevator torque tube. Whilst for sale as a relic item it appears to be in near perfect condition and could well be utilised in you have a static build in process. It is profusely stamped with the Mosquito part number J9891 1SS8 and DH 1165 as well as HHM with 53 below enclosed in a circle.
In addition we have various other Mosquito parts including a control rod from the rudder operating system stamped J98139, again in very good conserved condition. The other assorted parts have been described by the previous owner as ' an engine component mounting bracket, a coolant flexible joint sleeve, a damaged piece of rubber brake pipe tubing and a skin section'. This however carries stamping A 93928 -1 rather than the Mosquito '98' code and we speculate this may have been recovered from another aircraft but is included with this package.
We also have some larger Mosquito crash relics we will shortly be listing, obtained from the same collection.
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| Aircraft Port and Starboard Access Panels - This pair are a complete mystery as we have no information as you're their origins or the airframe they came from. Their source was from the now defunct Torbay Aviation Museum and we speculate they may have been separated from the aircraft when the museum contents were auctioned by Sotheby's back in 1988.
The panels as shown are a mirror image of each other and we speculate they were port and starboard fuselage or wing access panels. The only clue we currently have is in cleaning them before photography today we noticed and manufacturers code G5 in a flattened circle which we believe represents the Gloster company. This is followed by 401 which is repeated with an ink stamp on the inside of one panel, which we are advised is a factory inspectors stamp. In addition one panel is stamped Y46888 8 whilst the other is marked Y46889 8 which we assume to be the part number. So if any armchair or other experts can add anything to our knowledge on these we would be glad to hear from you and will update our listing accordingly.
Each panel has a silver base with white overpainting with both originally having a vertical stripe down each. Inside is finished in drab olive and riveted reinforcing struts and rubbing blocks fitted. Each measures 30" x 14" and tapering down to 9.5" (77 cm x 36 cm tapering down to 24 cm.) We know Torbay owned Meteor T7 (WF877) and perhaps these panels came from her but we stand to be corrected!
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| Oxygen Regulator Type A-9A - We believe this instrument to be a cockpit mounted oxygen regulator for use with the A-8B oxygen mask. It was purchased from a source in Australia and we were told they were fitted used in the P-40 Warhawk fighter of Flying Tigers fame as well as on the the B –17 Flying Fortress and the B-24. It appears In excellent issued condition condition and the data plate on reverse confirming it was made by Bendix of New Jersey against serial nos AC-41 109491. The dial of the instrument is 2 1/2" diameter (6 cm) and is dual metered indicating both "FLOW" and system "CYLINDER PRESSURES" with two independent needles.
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| DH Mosquito Merlin Engine Inner Exhaust Shroud - Another sizeable and identifiable relic item from the iconic 'Wooden Wonder'. This was described by the previous owner as an inner exhaust shroud but like the other relic parts from the collection we have no information on the air frame it was recovered from. The 'Mossie' was powered by either a Merlin Mk 23 or Mk 25 engines and this part would have had the exhaust stubs projecting through it with the shroud abutting the engine nacelle. It is in good relic condition with signs of crash damage and some corrosion but it has been nicely conserved to display standard and is finished in silver paint. It measures 42" in length and the aperture is 7 1/2" wide (107 cm x 19 cm).
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| Spitfire ML417 Underside Panel - This item is from a small collection of aircraft relics we have just got in and are currently listing and includes airframe parts from a Hurricane, Mosquito, Airacobra, and Beaufighter. Sadly most do not have the details of the actual airframes or crash site they were recovered from but this piece is an exception.
It is labelled with a ticket indicating the panel was removed from the underside of a Mk IX Spitfire ML 417 and a quick search online indicates it was delivered to 443 squadron of the RCAF in spring of 1944 and is credited with destroying two BF109s', an FW190 damaged and a further 109 probably destroyed. She survived the war and in 1949 was rebuilt as a MK Tr9 and served with the Indian Air force. In 1972 she returned to the UK and was converted back to a Mk IX at Duxford, returning to the sky in 1984 and seems likely this damaged panel was removed at this time. She was last reported being operated by 'Planes of Fame' in the US.
The panel measures 15.75" x 12 1/2" (40 cm x 32 cm) and is finished in matt grey and clear indication of stress damage which would seem to be the reason for its removal and replacement. We are unable to ascertain where this panel was mounted on the air frame but we have no reason to doubt the story supplied with the piece. A good display size for a collection and a genuine Spitfire panel at an entry level price!
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| WAAF Other Ranks V Neck Pullover - This garment came in with a selection of other WAAF uniform items and we have therefore assumed seeing it is finished in RAF blue this is another WAAF issue item. The inside collar is marked with 5090018 which we assume to be the original owners service number. Sewn into the hem is a makers label marked H & E Ltd and branded 'Puritex' regd;it is also broad arrow property mark. The date is mis-stamped but seems to have originated in the 1950's. This garment is very small and is marked size 1. The wool has the odd snag and hole so all in all not in the best condition but it could be darned and could still make a good display item. It is priced accordingly!
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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
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| USAAF Gunners Belt type A-3 - .Made by Irving Air Chute Company and comes complete in its original issue box which is fully stamped up and the box shows a manufacturing date of March 6 1943 but is further dated dated 2-1-44 which is also stamped on the belt fabric. Inside other than minor rust to meal parts the belt is in near mint condition and even carries an inspection label saying 'serviceable when checked 25 April 1944'! These belts were fixed to the aircraft, normally in waist gunners position, to prevent air gunners being blown out of aircraft. The belt is made from cotton webbing reinforced with nylon thread and the metal parts are nonmagnetic heat treated steel. The belt was designed to be used by the gunner in a standing position and forms a loop running through the parachute harness and around a mounting point attached to the floor of the aircraft in front of the gunner. The British part number for this item is 106F/5. Extended the belt measures 66" (168 cm).
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