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 | The battle of Britain This 50th-anniversary commemorative volume published in 1990, includes first-hand experiences of those engaged in the greatest air battle in history. The book, which is lavishly illustrated documents all aspects of the 1940 Battle of Britain. This on line feedback describes this book better than I can: 'Without doubt this is the best introductory text on the Battle of Britain. It gives a very good narrative of the Battle and even the preliminary Phoney War and Battle of France. Major aircraft of the Battle and their armament are also included with technical descriptions, and cutaway illustrations. The book also covers tactics (especially those of the RAF from group down to squadron level, and how Sector Controllers marshalled the Battle), the RAF's use of RDF (radar), a diary of the Battle, a roll of RAF aircrew involved, and all of this is supplemented with a vast amount of very good period photographs. Overall a marvellous book which should be the first port of call for any reader wishing to learn about this most pivotal of air battles. Very highly recommended'. In addition to all this many of 208 pages illustrate in significant detail the flight clothing and equipment used by both the RAF and Luftwaffe back in the summer of 1940. So all in all an excellent volume for both the historian or aviation collector to add to the library. The dust cover has minor marks but all in all and excellent example.
Pages: 208
Cover: Hard
Author: Richard Townshend Bickers
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| The Men of The Battle of Britain Men of the Battle of Britain was first published in 1989. This is a second edition published in 1999 to commemorate the 60th anniversary. It acknowledged worldwide as the standard work of reference giving career details of the Allied airmen who qualified for the "immediate" award of the 1939-1945 Star with Battle of Britain Clasp. The book records the service details of the airmen who took part in the Battle of Britain in considerable detail including their RAF service numbers. Where known, postings and their dates are included, as well as promotions, decorations and successes claimed flying against the enemy. There is also much personal detail, often including dates and places of birth, civilian occupations, dates of death and place of burial or, for those with no known grave, place of commemoration. There are many wartime head-and-shoulders photographs. Inevitably the high achievers who survived tend to have the longest entries, but those who were killed very quickly, sometimes even on their first sortie, are given equal status. The author KENNETH G. WYNN was born in London and was at school there during the Battle of Britain. He later served in the RAF, before moving to New Zealand, where he has lived for many years. He has written books on New Zealand holders of the Battle of Britain Clasp, the Charge of the Light Brigade and U-boats. This is a book I have had in my own library for many years and would commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the men behind the most important air battle in history. Amazon currently have just 4 copies of this hard to find edition second hand at prices from £120-£200. We have just this one example here and at a significant saving! Our example is second hand but looks to be in virtually as new condition even down to the dust cover.
Pages: 585
Cover: Hard
Author: Kenneth G.Wynn
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| Aircraft Rating- Certificate of Test Rubber Stamp - An original rubber stamp which we imagine would have been used to stamp a log book to certify the person named had passed the appropriate test of his ability to act as pilot in command (P1) or co-pilot of the designated type of aircraft detailed. Spaces detailed for a signature, date and the Civil Aviation Authority Authorisation number. The final wording confirms 'This certificate is valid for 13 months from the date of the test shown above'.The stamp appears to have a decent age to it although we are unsure how old it is. Would add an air of authenticity to an aviation desk or display! We don't have an ink pad here but the rubber looks to be in good condition. Stamp measures 4"x 2.25" (10 cm x 6 cm)
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| USAAF B-1 Shearling Flight Trousers - An original set with label fitted indicating 'Property of Air Force U.S.Army' and manufactured by Perry Sportswear Inc of Newburgh, N.Y. with specification number 94-3085 and A.C.Order nos 4212686 P. The size is marked as Large and the hanging chain is still in place. They are actually in good original condition and the leather is soft and pliable and the shearling lining is sound. They have never had leg pockets fitted. We believe however this set were probably degraded at the end of the war when they came out of service and a knife cut put into into the top right thigh and the braces removed to stop them being re used used ; just one brace strap and buckle remains. We have cemented up the very clean knife cut and they are fine for display and would be ideal on a mannequin. The Conmar zips fitted to the fly and ankles are all original and whilst a little stiff are all functioning correctly. Whilst these are certainly not a mint example we have seen a lot worse and in a scarce large size.
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| RAF Faygate Presentation Cigarette Case - Featuring finely engraved RAF King's Crown wings to lid and a dedication below "To F/Lt J Edwards from Officers, NCO's, Airman & Airwomen of Salvage Section 49 MU RAF Faygate 1945". Faygate, situation in West Sussex, was where crashed German aircraft were recovered to for evaluation with some being restored to flying condition. Subsequently, they were reprocessed for scrap wth many continuing to serve with the RAF! We presume this box was presented to Fl/Lt Edwards perhaps on leaving RAF Faygate in 1945. The silver is hallmarked London and dates to 1944. Some minor knocks but in generally in very nice original condition with a teak fitted interior. Measures 7" x 3.5" (18 cm x 9 cm)
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| RFC Period Trench Art Bookshelf - A very attractive example made from the tips of an early laminated propeller. Sadly we have no provenance with it but looking at the shape and construction of the salvaged timber we would date to WWI Royal Flying Corps period. The bookshelf has simple clean cut lines and is in excellent condition and would make a unique and practical Christmas present for the aviation enthusiast in your life! It measures 13" long and stands 8" high (33 cm x 20 cm)
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| RAF K Type Dinghy Mast, Sail and Storage case - the original K life raft was introduced in January 1942 as a single man boat which was simply paddle powered or more likely simply drifted with the current. One year later a mast and sail were added to the kit to enable the dingy to be sailed down wind and so increase the chance of rescue. The telescopic alloy mast, sail and rigging lines would all have been stored in the dingy pack, a fine example of which we are also listing today. The mast, stores reference 27C/2054, is made from seven light alloy metal tubes which telescope to a minimum length of 15" (38 cm) and when extended, the 66" (69m) for storage. The head of the mast is fitted with a flange to which three stabilising shrouds are connected. The lower end is plugged and fits into the recess provided for it on the thwart. This example is complete and in exceptional condition with no issues. The red cotton sail Stores reference 27C/2085 is equally good with just a couple minor stains and is in the form of an isosceles triangle. The instructions for use are always to hand being printed on the back of the sail! All rigging lines and sheets are in place and all in apparently unused condition. To complete the set we also have the very scarce issue storage bag Stores reference 27C/2056. Made from red cotton, this was used to store the mast, guy lines and sail within the seat pack types A, Mk II and III & 111* The case is fully stamped with basic instructions and stores reference number. This is a very complete and scarce set in fine condition and would display perfectly with an appropriate seat pack or could provide the finishing touch if you are lucky enough to own an appropriate RAF K life raft.
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| RAF Gosport tubes Stores Reference Nos 6F/154 - a good original set with interesting provenance. The Bakelite earpieces are both marked with the RAF stores reference number, Kings Crown and AM property mark. The swivel connections work fine and the cloth covered metal tubes arein generally good shape with one minor abrasion mark. The aluminium plug on the opposite end is again in good condition with signs of normal service wear. Unusually this pair is fitted with a rubber tubes near each earpiece, perhaps added to avoid abrasion from the flying helmet. This set came from the estate of a famous French pilot, M. Victor Mérentier, originally from Marseille. He helped establish between 1927-1929 the first aero postal routes around the world and in particular from France to Africa, then over Atlantic to the USA together with his colleagues Mermoz, Saint-Exupéry and Guillaumet, all legends in their home country. We are unclear if he served in WWII perhaps with the Free French as that might explain why he was in possession of Air Ministry property!
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| WWII British Military Issue Handcuffs by R.C.S. - this set are very well built in the backstrap Derby style. Whilst not our specialist area we understand this pattern were designed to restrain the strongest and hardest men in wartime. The handcuffs are marked on the barrel with 20 and below R.C.S 1941, indicating they were made by Ruben, Craddock & Sons for wartime use in 1941. They are also marked with a broad arrow property mark and 86 thus confirming their military provenance. The single key is marked 260 on both sides. The locking mechanism works perfectly despite being being 72 years old and the metal shows a wonderful vintage patina. This set would make a welcome addition to a specialist or general military collection. I have a near identical example in my own collection which are 1943 dated and Air Ministry marked so it is quite possible these also served with the RAF but we can't say for sure which of the services they were issued to. Measure 9.5" (24 cm)
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| RAF Propeller tip relic - We purchased this item privately and the story handed down within the family was that it was recovered from a WWII crash site in Yorkshire and came from a propeller fitted to an Airspeed Oxford. Whilst we can not authenticate this provenance we do have a complete Oxford propeller just in and the shape and dimensions certainly seem to conform to support this story. The tip, which is in very good condition seeing what it has been through, is made from laminated hardwood and is then covered in a doped fabric and is finished in original RAF colour of black with a yellow tip and with the benefit of a polished brass leading edge. The tip measures 16" long (41 cm) and 6 1/2" across at the base (16 cm) so a perfect display size in an appropriate collection and certainly easier to post than the full sized version!
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| A pair of original WWII Blitz bookends made from Historic Portland Stone - The London Stonecraft Company were permitted to make souvenirs for sale to the general public to raise funds on behalf of HRH The Duke of Gloucester's Red Cross and St. John Fund. The objects they produced included bookends, inkwells, letter racks, ashtrays and serviette rings and they utilised stones recovered from historic bombed London buildings including the House of Commons after being bombed by the Luftwaffe in the London Blitz in 1940 and 1941. They also used historic stone from other damaged London buildings particularly from the East End that was very badly hit. Whilst we don't know for sure where this stone originated, we believe it likely to be taken from The Houses of Parliament, a fact possible endorsed by the Bulldog motif which is often associated with our then Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The bookends measure 6" high x 4 1/2" wide and x 2" deep (15 cm x 12 cm x 5 cm) and have lead plaques applied to the front and as well as the 'British Bulldog' they are also cast with 'London 1941.' It appears they may have originally had a felt base but is now missing. They have the odd chip and other marks which could be original battle damage as these were not made from pristine quarried stone. Due to their weight they are very functional and perfect for a small military or historical book shelf but do check delivery costs with us before order, particularly if you are based outside of the UK. Please also check out the Stonecraft ashtray which came from the same collection which we are also listing today.
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| RAF C type Late pattern Flying Helmet - This is a fine example of an early post war helmet. Leather is very soft and retains all its original finish and the snaps are all functioning with most of the paint in place. This is a second pattern internally wired C helmet. These first entered service with the RAF (and allies) in 1944 and was the standard issue helmet for aircrew for the rest of the war and continued post war until the first hard hat helmet was introduced in early 1950's. The receivers are marked with AM (Air Ministry) and a Kings Crown and below 10A/13466. The rubber receiver carriers, often a weak point on these helmets, are very crisp and no degradation at all. The wiring loom is fitted the additional small retaining straps either side of the exit point on the rear of the helmet. A standard bell plug marked 10H/10991 is fitted and like all our stock whilst for sale as a collectable item only we have had the avionics tested and we are told these are all in good working order. The elastic chin strap has a small area of fraying but still retains elasticity. Inside the leather lining is excellent with just minor service wear. Even the inspectors AID approval mark is still visible. The size stamping on this helmet is not clear but believe we can just make out the code 879 stamped in the shell making it a fitting size 3, the second largest size issued. These helmets in this size and condition are getting increasingly hard to find now and this one is well above the average.
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| RAF Very Pistol - These were issued with one-man and multi- place dinghies to enable downed RAF aircrew to attract the attention of passing aircraft or ships. They were also carried by fighter pilots tucked into their flying boots so to hand if required in an emergency. The barrel is numbered 48616 and the pistol cocks and 'fires' with a very positive action. The the grips are in good condition, as is the retracting lanyard loop. This flare gun was in 'live' condition when purchased so we have had it deactivated so can be legally owned in the UK without a fire arms certificate. We also had the detached breach locking spring repaired. These are now getting increasingly hard to find and will make an excellent addition to an RAF collection. An identical example is illustrated in Mick Prodgers excellent reference book 'Luftwaffe V RAF Flying Equipment of the Air War 1939-45' on pages 68 & 69. Measures 8" (20 cm)
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| RAF Irvin Flying Suit Thermally Insulated Trousers - Designed to be worn in conjunction with the insulated RAF flying jacket and much favoured by bomber aircrew in WWII. These flight trousers were made from the same thick pile fleece at the jacket and due to their weight came with attached braces which are often now missing. The button fly and full length original Dot zips (which were so designed to enable the trousers to be removed quickly in the event of a wound) are in perfect condition. The luxurious thick fur lining is in amazing condition although as no label is attached we do not know either the size or date of manufacture but they appear to be large and perfect for a Bomber Command display. The trousers are in much better than average condition with just a couple of minute moth nibbles in the seat area but on display are virtually undetectable.
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| Luftwaffe LKpW101 Winter flying Helmet - A classic of the standard pattern which was introduced into service in 1938 and then served throughout WWII. The brown leather leather shell is in excellent condition and still supple with a lambs wool interior lining which shows some service grub, commensurate with use. The goggle straps are good and the metal buckles and oxygen mask clips show none of the normal tarnishing or rust and are therefore likely to be the early nickel plated examples. The avionics are complete and the helmet is fitted with the early round Mi4C throat microphones coded bxo, an indication this helmet is from early production. This seems to be confirmed by the label that states the makers name Siemens rather than just a manufacturing code used on later production helmets. The helmet is fitted with a long communication cord and four-pole break coupling. A super helmet and and as a final bonus the helmet label is marked 59 making it a scarce large size which would correspond in RAF sizing to a generous size 4. This one certainly ticks all the boxes and whilst not mint and boxed it is a classic example that has most certainly seen some action. It won't be with us long!
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| RNAS Pilots Note and Radio Beacon Flight Board - this example would appear to have been made up in the workshops rather than being an issue item but it exudes charm. The item is made from varnished marine ply and on the from is a sheet of clear Perspex held in place by bulldog clips to allow a note pad or page from a chart to be inserted. The reverse carries a circular diagram to the top with what we believe to be radio beacon codes. Below this is a list of 13 Royal Naval Air Stations with details of their listening channels, identity and 'safe sector' Further information is shown concerning heights as well as a Naval C.G.A Whiskey' legend (Ground Control Approach) And a final reference to 'Fixer Service –Victor' but the meaning of this is lost on me. We suspect no huge age but a nice example of more recent RNAS flight equipment. Measures 11" x 5.5" (28 cm x 14 cm)
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| RAF WWII Floating Dinghy Knife - An excellent example issued as part of the larger multi place H, Q and J type survival dinghies used on multi crew aircraft. Curved stainless steel blade with rounded 'safety' end to avoid inadvertently puncturing the inflation tubes of the dinghy.. The buoyant cork handle and lanyard ensured the knife wouldn't be lost overboard. The blade is in near perfect condition and is marked with stores reference number 27C/2023. The original lanyard is attached and shows some age staining. The knife is complete with leather scabbard and canvas backer, which carries stores reference number 27C/2024. These essential items of emergency equipment are becoming increasingly hard to find
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| RAF Mess Plate - almost certainly dating from WWII and judging by the crude build quality we are assuming it served in the Other Ranks Mess! The rim carries the RAF logo and above a King Crown. On the reverse the makers marks indicate Bristol Established 1683. Some age crazing but generally good issued condition. This plate comes with a sprung wall hanger, if required. Measures 9.5" (24 cm)
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| Leitz Pattern Goggles - We recently bought this set with a small collection of Luftwaffe flight headgear. They are technically general purpose goggles intended for motorized troops but whilst this was their designated use they are seen in period photos being worn by Luftwaffe aircrew and a near identical pair is listed in Anders Skotte's reference book 'Luftwaffe Flight Headgear' where he describes as 'flight goggles'. In appearance they are often confused with Model 306 but when placed alongside they are noticeably smaller in terms of frame and lens size. The rubber cushions are 100% sound and no perishing and the stitching is perfect. The olive green alloy frames have almost all the original olive paint on them. The single screw central nose bar adjuster is marked M.W. and on opposite side is stamped 42 dating them to 1942. The clear glass lenses fitted are exceptional and no fogging or damage. The original grey elastic back strap is fitted with correct adjusters but has lost some elasticity over the years but is fine for display purposes. Below each frame is a slide ventilation adjuster bar and really the only fault is on the right frame the adjuster end has broken off but does not notice or detract from a display point of view. The rubber face pads are stamped 18 and R on one and 28 on the other. All Luftwaffe flight goggles are getting very hard to find now so these represent an excellent alternative at an entry level price.
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| Luftwaffe Armbandkompass Model AK-39 - This example is the first pattern and is complete with original wrist strap. The bezel rotates and has the correct size air bubble in the oil. It is fully stamped on the reverse with manufacturer's detail and Luftwaffe FL Nos. 23235. These compasses were issued to German air crew to aid escape if forced down in enemy territory. This example has been used post war by a Royal Navy helicopter pilot! Now sold as a collector's item, but we are assured it still works as intended.
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