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 | Battle of Britain Pilot's Armband Bracelet - This unique piece carries the initials M R to the central link and between them is an image of the Polish Pilots wings or 'Polski Lotniczy Orzel Wojskowy'. On each of the adjoining links is an embossed Polish National Eagle. This item was purchased from a deceased ladies estate here in England and came with photographs and letters named to Mieczyslaw Rozwadowski although we were not successful in purchasing the relating items. Sadly the association has been lost but we speculate this was given by Rozwadowski as a present to the unnamed lady friend and she kept it as a keepsake until her death. Rozwadowski was born in Poland on 30th May 1915 and was serving in the Polish Air Force before WWII. In September 1939 he was in action with PAF 111 Squadron and on the 8th he shared in the destruction of a Hs126. When Poland fell, Rozwadowski escaped to join the Polish airmen congregating in Romania. He did not follow the route taken by many of his comrades to France and service in the Armee de l'Air, but made his way directly to England. He was commissioned into the RAF as a Pilot Officer on 24 January 1940 service number 76720. When his training was completed he was posted to 151 Squadron based at Martlesham Heath on Hurricanes. Sadly Rozwadowski failed to return from an Op over the Channel off Dover on 15th August flying Hurricane I V 7410. The Squadrons operational record book for that day reports: 'Today the Squadron had a busy day. At 14.45 hours the squadron took off from Rochford and ran into a formation of Me 109's a few miles West of Dover. P/O Debenham followed one Me 109 and it crashed in France, P/O Ellacombe and P/O Rozwadowski (Polish) both shot one down, P/O Ellacombe's in flames and the other into the sea'. Rozwadowski, then aged 25, was reported missing in action and is commemorated on the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt. He was awarded the The Cross of Valour gazetted 10th September 1941 and Bar (gazetted 31st October 1947).This was awarded in wartime to an individual who "has demonstrated deeds of valour and courage on the field of battle." This poignant reminder of one of the Polish 'Few' carries no makers marks but is finished in a silver metal with the initials and the plots wing picked out in gold. It is in good used condition with a little wear showing to the links with the clasp in good working order. It measures 8.25" long (21 cm). It is possible Pilot Officer Rozwadowski wore this himself as an ID bracelet but we believe it is more likely it was given as a gift to his unnamed lady friend back in the summer of 1940. Like we have said so many times before if only it could talk it would certainly have a story to tell. All Battle of Britain related memorabilia is now scarce and items relating to the Polish members of 'the Few' are even scarcer.
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| US N-2 All Purpose Goggles - Manufactured by Polaroid against Stock No.37-G-3050, these were issued as an 'all-purpose' goggle in WWII, and used by USAAF flight crews but also by ground forces including tank crews and Para troops. They feature many of the attributes of the B-8 pattern but rather more basic in construction. The frame is made from a beige sponge rubber fitted with an elastic back strap and were issued with a clear lens (as fitted) as well as two shades of green and a red tinted lens. The red lenses were for air gunners use as it enabled them to see tracer bullets far more clearly under daylight conditions, in a similar manner to the Variable Density Goggles which we are also listing today. This set is in excellent original condition with no perishing of the rubber or back strap. They come complete with a cloth pouch marked 'Polaroid All purpose Goggle Kit No 1021' and has various pouches to hold the spare lenses and a paper packet (that shows some damage) which was issued by Polaroid and marked 'Goggle M-1944' and shows how to change the various lenses in the kit. A very complete set in excellent original condition on offer at a modest price.
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| Royal Air Force Association Ensign - A good original flown example manufactured by Ernest W.Perrett under the registered trade mark 'Excelsior'. Our research indicates by 1927 their works was established on the site of an old chapel in Canning Town London and was replaced by the Beulah Gospel Hall where the Excelsior Works of Ernest Perrett Ltd, flag makers operated from. The premises was badly bomb-damaged in the Second World War. Subsequently the works were relocated to Holloway Road, London N7. The 'Comrades of Royal Air Force Association' was formed as a single organisation dedicated to the welfare of serving and ex-serving RAF personnel in 1933 and Lord Trenchhard was the first President. In 1943 the name was changed to simply 'The Royal Air Force Association' or 'RAFA '. Our ensign measures 70" x 36" (178 cm x 92 cm) and is in excellent display condition with minor staining and one small moth nip. Whilst the flag is printed, the RAFA logo is a separate panel sewn in, as is the Union flag in the corner. It comes complete with it's original hanging line, and wood toggle.
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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 January 1983 and has never been issued. When purchased it came complete in its original packaging with attached documentation that confirmed it was declared 'Serviceable' by 16 Maintenance Unit Stafford when last checked in December 1997! This example is marked 'Small' and is fitted with an Amplivox 13100 microphone and mint communication cord and male 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 mint and boxed and is in factory fresh condition 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 genuine 'mint and boxed' examples whilst our very limited stocks remain.
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| Luftwaffe Bubble Octant Manufacturer by C.Plath - These instruments were carried by Luftwaffe bombers for astronomical navigation purposes, and were operated by measuring the height of a star. An artificial horizon is provided by a bubble, similar to a spirit level, and multiple readings good be taken to compensate for the speed of the aircraft in flight. The data plate is marked Libellen-Oktant mit Mittlungseinrichtung Bauart: Gerat-Nr. 127-134 B-2 Werk-Nr. 68117 Anforderz. FI 23750 Hersteller and the maker is C.Plath. The instrument comes in its issue metal box with the hinged and folding lid set with a white metal plate printed with instructions. Interestingly on the outside if the case lid is a period paper label which reads : German Instrument from Bomber Crashed at Eaton Socton (sic) Cambridgeshire October 1940. I went on line and found details as below so that seems to confirm the crash site and date as correct and apparently many local people helped themselves to souvenirs. 'Do215B (0060) L2+KS was on a photo-reconnaissance sortie to Coventry when it was shot-down on Thursday 24th October 1940. The aircraft came down in a shallow dive 'behind the Crown Inn at Eaton Socon.' The crew baled-out at very low and only one of them, Gefreiter M Dorr, survived. We have had these instruments before but always in a folding wooden case whilst this example is metal. It shows a little corrosion on base. You can see feint writing on side Look like 3/ Aufklaerungs Gruppe and below OB.d. l. although not entirely clear. On other side OC25 and could be 0060, so looks like from this information relates to the same aircraft. The instrument is in much better than relic condition and whilst it does have some spare parts fitted in the box it is not a complete example but still is a great display item and a super piece of WWII aviation history.
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| USAAF Goggles, Variable Density with Visor Attachment - This set are in mint unissued condition and come complete with the original tin marked American Optical Company stock No.74-G-79-40. The flip shield mount is dated and below stamped US. The variable density red lenses operate using the central knob and rotating this anti clockwise darkens the lenses thus giving differing degrees of density from clear through a range of pinks/reds and enabled the wearer to track targets in the vicinity of and across the face of the sun. The goggles were also fitted with a red plastic 'flip-down' visor which is marked 'Filters by Polaroid Corp and used for reducing glare in bright sunlight. This pattern of goggles were intended primarily for use by air gunners. The Rubber frame is is in perfect condition as is the elastic back strap. The inside of the metal case lid has an instruction sheet pasted in and the set is completed with the addition of two spare plastic flip shields in issue envelopes. It would be hard to find a crisper example of these highly engineered WWII specialist gunners goggles.
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| USAAF B-6 Winter Flying Helmet - Standardised on 15 September 1941 these helmets saw widespread use and this example is in fine issued condition. The brown finished shearling leather is soft and has a nice vintage patina and seams all good with no damage or other problems. It is fitted with correct hooks in for use with A-9 and A-10 oxygen masks as well as the later snaps for use with the A-10R or A-10A masks. It comes fully wired with R-14 receivers fitted with correct Y loom and PL-54 jack plug. Inside is shearling lined and fitted with nice USAAF label that indicates a 1942 contract date. This pattern was replaced in 1943 by the AN-H-16. No size shown but we estimate medium+ plus and perfect on display head as shown. Drawstrings still in place and perfect shearling covered chin strap and buckles. I think hard to find nicer issued example. Further detailed pictures available on request.
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| 104 Bomber Squadron Cigarette Case - 104 Squadron was an Operational Training Unit Group at the start of WWII. The squadron reformed at Driffield as an operational squadron on 1 April 1941, serving as a night bomber squadron. In October 1941 fifteen aircraft were flown to Malta, from where they attacked targets in Libya, Sicily and Italy and then moved on to to Egypt. The Squadron spent the rest of the war in the Mediterranean, first operating in the Western Desert and at the end of 1943 moving to southern Italy based at Foggia, flying its last Wellington Op on 27 February 1945, then converting to the Liberator VI which was operated until October 1945. The Squadron then moved back to Egypt and was reequipped with Lancasters. Our cigarette case, which carries the Squadron crest with motto 'Strike Hard' set into the lid, as well as the initials HR, who we assume to be the wartime owner. On the reverse is a Liberator bomber carrying the code 'P'. We believe therefore this case originated in Italy some time between February and October 1945. We do not recognise the wood (perhaps olive?) but suspect it is an Italian hardwood and custom made as a souvenir by the locals for the chaps on the Squadron at Foggia Airfield. The outer case shows some age wear but overall it is in good display condition and inside is a fitted interior. Sadly the history of 'H.R.' has been lost but a super souvenir relating to 104 Squadron who served with distinction throughout WWII. The Squadron was finally disbanded in April 1947. Measures 6"x 3.75" (15 cm x 9 cm)
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| Japanese Army Air Force Winter Flying Helmet - A good issued example of a pattern which is normally associated with bomber aircrew. The helmet is fished in dark brown leather with the Army 'star' motif stitched to the brow, which is complete and in good condition. The leather is generally good but is a little hard with minor cracks in places to the finish. Pressed hardened leather ear cups are fitted and on the inside both are fully stamped with the two kanji (Chinese characters) indicating a 'honshou' stamp which is official approval stamp that certify the helmet is the product of the army factory. The other character confirms the helmet was manufactured in the period 'Shouwa 15', which translates to the year 1940, so this is a pre Pearl Harbour example. The two press studs to fastened goggle straps are in place and working as is an adjustable leather strap at the rear of the helmet. The metal rings show normal age wear. Below the chin strap rings is the Chinese character 'CHU' which translated means the helmet is medium size. Inside the helmet carries a synthetic fur lining which shows some age wear. Whilst this helmet is not mint and it has clearly seen service but is still a very decent untouched display example of an increasingly rare WWII pattern. Many thanks to my good friend Mr Yasu Kikuchi for invaluable help in identifying accurately this item!
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| RAF Trench Art Tray 1943 - We often purchase items of trench art but this little tray is several cuts above most of the examples we see. The tray is made from a heavy lump of brass and beautifully engraved to the centre is a perfect RAF pilots brevet. This is finely worked and unusually the wings and Kings Crown are picked out in silver, whilst the laurel leaves are in bronze. The edge fluting is also in silver as is the wording 'Egypt' and the date 1943. Judging by the quality of the work we believe it to have been made using WWII battlefield scrap by an Egyptian craftsman and sold commercially at the local Souk as a souvenir for an RAF serviceman to take home as a gift for friends and family. We think it fair to describe it as 'small but beautifully formed' and would grace either an RAF or trench art collection. Measures 4.25" diameter (10.5 cm). If trench art is your thing we recommend you check out the fine Royal Tank Regiment example which was purchased from the same source which we are also listing today.
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| RAF Plaque - A rather attractive example featuring the badge of the Royal Air Force of an eagle superimposed on a circlet which is surmounted by a Kings Crown. This badge was based on a design created by Gieves Ltd of Savile Row and it was first used in August 1918 with the original featuring a garter and buckle. The present plain circlet dates from 26 January 1923 when the badge was registered at the College of Arms. The RAF motto 'Per Ardua Ad Astra', translated to mean 'Through Adversity To The Stars' is shown around the edge with an impressive eagle in relief which is virtually flying off the shield! The crest shows minor age wear but is still in excellent display condition and the oak mount has a wall hanging loop to the back. Measurement wingtip to wingtip is 7.5" (18.5 cm) and top to bottom measures 9" (23 cm).
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| RAF Panchromatic Film Container - Stores ref. no. 14B/2496 and clearly marked AM with King's Crown and Day High Speed. While we have not broken the seal, it appears the 24 feet of film is still contained within but we can no longer guarantee it is still suitable for its original purpose! Clearly dated 21.4.45, this is the first example we have had and would display nicely with other wartime RAF photographic equipment. Measures 7" (18 cm)
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| RAF Supermarine Spitfire Photograph Album - very impressive album containing 22 black and white mounted photographs of various marks of the Supermarine Spitfire. The album also contained one further un mounted photograph (shown here on the cover) contained in a plastic folder. On the reverse is ink stamped 'VICKERS ARMSTRONG LTD, SUPERMARINE WORKS, for reprints quote negative no. F299A'. Many of the mounted photographs also contain a number to the front face so we assume these may all be official Vickers Armstrong press and publicity images. Various marks are covered including a fine shot of the prototype K 5054 in flight. Another emotive (and seasonal) shot shows a Spit parked up at dispersal against a snowy airfield with another taxing in. Another image shows Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXC, UZ-Z of No. 306 (Polish) Squadron taken on a press day at Northolt on 16 November 1942. The aircraft is equipped with 30 gallon slipper tank, which by that time was becoming a common attribute of Spitfire operations over the continent. BS456 was usually flown by Jozef Zulikowski's and interestingly close examination of the photo reveals a round dot over the individual letter "Z";his was no coincidence, but conformed with Polish spelling of Zulikowski's name which in Polish script the Z has a dot over it. It is known from other photographs from that day that the same letter was repeated in black on the aircraft's lower nose under the spinner. Another photograph we have identified features Spitfire PR Mk XI, EN654, actually being flown by Jeffrey Quill, Vickers-Supermarine's Chief Test Pilot. This aircraft later operated with No. 16 Squadron RAF, and in June 1945 was specially modified as a mail carrier for service with the Fighter Command Communications. We will leave further research to the new owner but a wonderful album for anyone with an interest in the Supermarine Spitfire. The album carries one photograph to a page, each measuring 5.5" x 3.5" (14 cm x 9 cm) The final 6 pages are blank. The album has a blue leatherette cover with matching blue tassels and carries a brass RAF crest to the front cover. All in excellent condition. The album closed measures 13" x 8.5" (32 cm x 22 cm)
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| RAF Aircrew Emergency Whistle - WWII, clearly stamped with King's Crown, AM, 23/230 and on reverse 293/14/L1795. Minor wear to chrome, but overall nice original condition and good working order!
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| RAF Ditching Whistle - This vital tool was issued to all aircrew in WWII and often attached to the battle dress collar or to the Mae West life jacket to be used for attracting attention in a crash situation. Crisply marked with AM, King' Crown and 23/230. On the reverse is marked 93/14/L1795. Chrome in good overall condition and full working order!
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| RAF Aircrew Ditching Whistle - Manufactured by J Hudson & Co., Birmingham. Less commonly found than the snail pattern, these whistles were used by wartime aircrew as an essential rescue aid, particularly after ditching at sea. Period photos show these hanging from the 1941 pattern Mae West life jackets or the collar of battledress aircrew blouses. Condition of this example is close to mint with no wear to the chromed brass body. Crisp Air Ministry King's Crown and A.M. markings with reference numbers 293/W/102. This is an early war example which was subsequently replaced by a white plastic economy version which is was hoped would prevent the whistle freezing to the lips in extreme cold. Measures 3.5" (8 cm)
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| Supermarine Spitfire Tail Wheel - Unlike many wheels offered for sale and listed as 'ex Spitfire' this one really is! It was discovered in south west England and the hub was somewhat corroded when purchased having apparently lain out in the open for many years. The technical team here at the Oldnautibits HQ have spent some time working on it and after some gentle cleaning and polishing it is now in very decent display condition. The design appeared to match the classic Spitfire wheel but we were pleased to discover, once the years of crud were removed, the all important drawing number AH 2184 embossed on both sides of the rim. It also has various other marks including Serial Nos F/72254 and near centre on the inner hub AHO 726. The tyre and inner tube are still fitted ; the tube even retains the original brass dust cover. The tyre is marked 3x4 and ZA5 as well as 'Eclectically Conducting'. Both tyre and hub show service and age wear but still in excellent display condition although it will never be airworthy again! Diameter is 10" (25 cm) so a very good display size compared with the Mosquito tail wheel we sold a while back! Sadly any provenance has been lost down the years but this remains an emotive item and guaranteed to be from a Spitfire -arguably the most famous aircraft in history. Rather more sensibly priced than the example that recently sold on e bay for in excess of £200 and £400!
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| Air Ministry Issue Oldham Head Torch - This is the second example of an RAF issue head torch we are listing today. This one comes complete with its original issue storage case which is named on the hinge to the original owner W.T.Dafle but judging by the condition it appears to be virtually unused. Oldham & Son Ltd. Denton Manchester were established in 1865 and by 1887 began to manufacture machinery and equipment for coal mining, which included battery-powered miners' lamps. It appears this Air Ministry head lamp may have evolved from Oldham's earlier work on mining lamps. The metal battery box is marked with the company name and further embossed 'Battery Container Ref 5A/1968' with a Kings Crown and A.M. Unlike the other example this one is also marked CW.The box has a belt clip and hanging hook to the rear and is switched. This is connected to the head lamp via a cable. The wire has minor wear to one section of insulation caused by long storage in the box. The transit case carries an elasticated strap to enable the lamp to be attached to the head (or helmet) to leave both hands free for more important work. The strap is stamped Ref 5A/1969 and again AM and a Kings Crown. Other than minor rust to metal clips it is close to mint and probably never used. The lamp fitting on this example is to a different pattern to the other and is finished in chrome. These units would have been issued on RAF stations in WWII and would have been used by a variety of aircraftsmen including mechanics, armourers or anyone working at night who needed to keep his (or her) hands free. We have assumed these units were for ground crew use only although it seems possible they may have also been used by aircrew. We have never seen a boxed example of this lamp before and is an interesting variant on the other example listed today we have no idea if it still functions so like all the kit on offer is offered for sale for display purposes only
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| RAF Chart Board Lamp - Another fine Air Ministry lamp we are listing today. This again appears to be in mint unissued condition. These lamps come with an integral bulldog clip to enable them to be fixed in the navigators position to light the navigational maps. It is fitted with a dimmer switch (stamped 5C/726) which in turn has the original cable and plug attached (marked with Kings Crown and ref 5C/959) to connect to the aircrafts 24 volt electrical system. The lamp itself is profusely marked including a crisp Kings Crown and 'Chart Board Lamp'. The angle of the lamp shade is fully adjustable to ensue the light is directed where it is required rather than where it was not! This pattern was used on a variety of RAF bombers including the Lancaster, Halifax, Wellington and others. These are becoming increasingly difficult to find now and they don't often turn up in mint condition like this fine example. We have nothing to test it on here although with the correct power supply we suspect it would work as intended but like all our kit for sale here as a collectors item. It even comes with a spare bulb!
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| Air Ministry Issue Oldham Head Torch - Oldham & Son Ltd. Denton Manchester were established in 1865 and by 1887 began to manufacture machinery and equipment for coal mining, which included battery-powered miners' lamps. It appears this Air Ministry head lamp may have evolved from Oldham's earlier work on mining lamps. The metal battery box is marked with the company name and further embossed 'Battery Container Ref 5A/1968' with a Kings Crown and A.M. The box has a belt clip and hanging hook to the rear and is switched. This is connected to the head lamp via a cable and the lamp carries an elasticated strap (now somewhat stretched) to enable it to be attached to the head (or helmet) to leave both hands free for more important work. The strap is stamped Ref 5A/1969 and again AM and a Kings Crown. These units would have been issued on RAF stations in WWII and would have been used by a variety of aircraftsmen including mechanics, armourers or anyone working at night who needed to keep his (or her) hands free. We have assumed these units were for ground crew use only although it seems possible they may have also been used by aircrew. In remarkably good issued condition although we have no idea if it still functions so like all the kit on offer is offered for sale for display purposes only
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