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 | Curtiss Jenny JN4A Builders plate - an incredibly rare original example marked 'The Curtiss Aeroplane co Buffalo, N.Y. U.S.A'. The aircraft number is detailed as 5605 and the model is JN4A so we imagine it would be possible to check the airframe this plate came from. Our research indicates the Jenny first flew in 1915 and whilst 6, 813 were built in total only 471 JN4A variants were produced. Interestingly on the back of the plaque someone has scratched August 15th 1917 and we speculate this might have been the date the aircraft came out of service and the plate removed from the airframe. If any visitors can add any relating history we would be happy to add to our description. The plaque was purchased privately here in England and as the Jenny served with the Royal Flying Corps with both 24 and 25 Squadrons, as well as with the RNAS, so perhaps 5605 was one of these aircraft? The plaque is chromed with the company details set in enamel. We have certainly never seen another for sale so grab this piece of aviation history whilst you can! Small but beautifully formed at 2.2" diameter (5.5 cm)
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| German VI flying bomb FZG-76 'Everacting' fuse model 80A - the V-1 (or doodlebug as it was more often known) was the worlds first guided missile and the first was launched on London on 13 June 1944. Our fuse is the model 80A and was fitted in the rear fuse pocket. The arming pin hidden beneath the screw cap would be pulled before launch. This enables a pin from the clockwork mechanism to be pulled out thus setting the clock in motion and at the same time removes the safety cap under the head of the striker. The mechanism can be set to run from 4 and up to 132 minutes. On completing of the pre set time a pin engages and the firing pin moves against the cap. The flash from the cap then detonates the bomb and this mechanical fuse guarantees the bomb will detonate irrespective of angle of landing or if the rest of the fusing system failed. Our fuse is correctly marked on the ring pull retainer 80A and much of the original field grey paint is in place with a little rust on the screw cap. In view of the fusing system detailed above very few of these survive today and even fewer in the condition as here. Measures 3" high x 2.25" diameter. (8 cm x6 cm)
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| RAF Form 700 Aircraft Log Book Inspection Bag - a critical piece of kit without which RAF aircraft simply did not fly! The Form 700 bag effectively contained the individual aircrafts log book and carried a full record of any problems or issues the airframe might have suffered. These were were reported to the ground crew using the Form 700 and the four page flight engineers log was handed in for review and signature after return from a trip. Our bag seems to be made from the same material as the hugely desirable navigators bag. It shows normal service grub to the outside and with details stencilled on the front as show. When this came in we had not history with it but after a bit of detective work we speculated KJ 880 could have been the A/C registration. We have been able to establish KJ880 was designated to to an RAF Dakota 1V and a little of her WWII and post war history is summarised below : C-47B-5-DK, 43-48564 D26Aug44 - KJ880 RAF Montreal 110ct44 - 147 Sq - 1333 (TS)CU 18Nov46 - Med ME 08Jul48 - Iraq Comm Flt 22Jul48 - 22MU/UK 28Sep50 - G-AMSF BKS Aerocharter Ltd "Whitten Brown" R21Apr52 - BKS Air Tpt Ltd ROlJan54 - Op as XF646 for troop contracts during 1954 - Crewsair Ltd Jan59 - Don Everall (Avn) Ltd R26Mar59 - Alares Developments Ltd Jun60 - Cr 05Mar62 Elmdon Apt, Birmingham. Sadly the bag is now empty but an interesting an unusual artefact the like of which we have not had here before.
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| RAF Issue Aircrew Stop Watch 6B/221 - this example dates from 1940 when it was issued as a 6B/117 the standard RAF code for a General Purpose stop watch. The instrument then clearly went back to the stores in 1941 and was over stamped with stores reference code 6B/221 with a new reference number and re issue date of 1941. The code 6B/221 indicates it was for use as a substitute watch and not when I high degree of accuracy was required, as by a Navigator. According to Ziggy Weslolowski in his excellent book on Military Timepieces this could have been used by a Lancaster pilot as a back up mounted on his panel should other instruments pack up on an Op. This example does run for some seconds but the hands then sticks and this is how it was when it came in. We would imagine not a massive job to get it serviced/cleaned but we are now offering for sale in A/F condition as an interesting example showing the evolution of wartime stop watches. It carries a large and crisp Kings Crown engraving to the rear of the case.
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| Air Ministry Hasler Revolution, Circumference and Cutting Speed Indicator - These instruments were produced by the Hasler Telegraph Works and first marketed in April 1915. This example is Air Ministry (AM) marked with King's Crown and would have been used in RFC and RAF workshops to check the rotation speed of lathes and engines up to 10, 000 rpm. The instrument is Swiss made and comes in a velvet lined fitted case. The patent mark on the backplate indicates a date of 1914. When new the retail price was a massive £6.00! A wonderful instrument dating to the very early days of aviation. Sold as a collectable. Case diameter 2.75" (7 cm)
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| Air Ministry Stereoscope Viewer Type D - In original canvas issue pouch (part popper missing). The viewer would have been used by an RAF Intellegence Officer for analysing aerial photographs from photo reconnaissance ops (PR) or after bombing raids in WWII. The instrument is in a good issued condition and is marked on the frame type D and W10/V.C7447 and with a Broad Arrow property mark. A small but important piece of RAF kit. Case measures 7" x 3.5" (17 cm x 9 cm).
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| RAF Hand Bearing Compass Type 06A - A very clean example stores ref. 6A/1248 and complete with its original transit box. Both the instrument and box are date marked 1944. The compass card moves freely although the compass oil has a small air bubble in it. The sighting prism is perfect and whilst for sale as a collectable, the instrument appears to be in good working order. These compasses were used in flight for taking bearings when the fixed type of observer's compass could not be used. Overall length 9" (21 cm)
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| Luftwaffe Model 306 Fliegerschutzbrille by O.W.Wagner & Co - flying goggles model 306 which are often referred to as by the generic term Leitz. This set are in average plus issued condition. The rubber face cushions show some age wear but are generally good for display purposes. The central nose bridge is good and is fitted with two small adjust screws. It is maker marked to the reverse O.W.The black painted alloy frames are good and are fitted with above average glass lenses. The original back strap is still elastic and in very good shape. The original issue card box and spare lenses are now absent. These goggles are now getting hard to find in any condition; these are realistically priced to reflect their overall condition
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| German Air Force Flight Waist Coat - Fitted with zipped equipment pockets on left and right waist band and with a central Riri zip fastener. There is a metal clip attachment to the left breast and a further zipper fitted around the neck where we believe other items may have been attached in service. The jacket has a lacing tensioning system to the rear and while we aren't entirely sure of use, believe it may form part of an anti-G suit. The identification label has been washed clean so no clues to the specification or manufacturer.
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| RAF Observers Parachute pack - whilst this example has had its label removed the stores reference number is 15A/141. The two point detachable chest pack was stored separately in the aircraft and designed to be clipped to the Observers harness by the engagement of a pair of steel loops mounted on the reverse with a pair of hooded snap-hooks located on the chest. This example is manufactured the usual sandy coloured cotton canvas which shows average service wear. It is complete with all the webbing grab handles and is fitted with the D-ring ripcord handle stamped IAC (Irvin Air Chute); the rip cord handle housing shows some stitch repairs. The pack is fitted with a full set on elastic bungees which show some stretching but overall it is in very good used condition with light soiling and minor wear to the grab handles. No canopy fitted but the pack is stuffed with a polypropylene block so has the correct shape for display or re-enactment purposes. These are now getting extremely difficult to find and particularly so with all the 'plumbing'.Please check out the complementary Observers harness which we have also just listed.
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| RAF Observers parachute harness Stores Refrence 15A/137 - manufactured by G & T.L. & stamped with serial number 92369. Designed for use with clip-on chest-type parachute packs. This is a genuine RAF/British manufactured example rather than more commonly found Canadian version. Cream/white webbing with a central black fleck;both shoulder straps are stamped AM with a Kings Crown property mark. The harness features the fully rounded QR box as fitted to wartime British harnesses as opposed to the D shaped QRB found on RCAF and post war issue examples. The pack attachment clips are again in perfect condition and fully functioning. Fitted with an original back pad which is again in good condition but some minor staining;it does not seem to have ever carried a label. The harness is well above average condition and the QRB functions perfectly. Mick Prodger's excellent 'Luftwaffe V RAF Flight Equipment' features a near identical example by the same maker illustrated on page 18. A very fine original example of what is becoming increasingly hard to find. Please see the complementary observer parachute pack we have also just listed.
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| RAF King's Crown Match Box Cover - Manufactured from metal, the cover carries RAF wings logo to the front and an edited version of Winston Churchill's "Never in the field of human conflict..." speech to the reverse with a 1940 date. Inside is an empty Bryant and May match box showing some age wear. These covers were first issued in 1941. In excellent original condition and would complement the RAF cigarette case we have also listed today, item 6119. Measures 2.25" x 1.5" (6 cm x 4 cm)
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| RAF C Type Flying Helmet 2nd Pattern - Classic example of the internally wired helmet which entered service in 1944. This helmet was displayed in an aviation museum for many years and is of museum quality. The leather shell is exceptional with no damage or flaking. The stores ref. no. 22C/880 is clearly embossed in the leather confirming this is a size 4, making it the largest size offered. This is a fully wired helmet with receivers, loom and a bell plug fitted. We have no idea if the avionics are working, so like all items on offer for sale as a collectable. Inside the lining shows signs of service use and for an issued helmet, this example would be hard to improve upon, particularly in this desirable large size.
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| RNZAF 3 Squadron Flying Jacket - This example's nomenclature indicates Jacket Flyers CWU-45/P and is manufactured by Isratex Inc. It is also marked large (42"-44"). While the original owner's name has been obliterated, he was a Flt. Lieutenant serving with No. 3 Squadron RNZAF confirmed by the shoulder titles and an extremely nice original badge with the legend Kimihia Ka Patu. The jacket has a heavy Scovill zip in good working order. The outer nylon shell and knits are also in good shape just showing minor service wear. The flap pockets have velcro fastenings and the left sleeve carries a further pocket, pen holder, etc. This is an extremely comfortable and original flight jacket in a good size and not often encountered here in the UK.
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| Fairey 111D Propeller Hub Trenchart - Made in the form of a planter with a plaque to the front confirming the provenance and dated 1929. The Fairey 111D was the standard training aircraft of the RAF and FAA from 1920 to 1927 and was used in flying off trials from HMS Argos, the first flush deck aircraft carrier. In 1924 two WWI pilots achieved a distance record in a 111D circumnavigating Australia, 13, 570 kilometres in a 44 day marathon! The propeller hub is hollowed out and is reminiscent of a Grecian urn and would make a unique planter for an Aspidistra! Height 15" (38 cm).
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| RAF WWII Panel Clock Mk IIB - This example carries a serial number to the dial and is dated 1944. The dial is also marked 8 days. The case is made from moulded Bakelite and it is wound and the hands set from the adjuster located at the 5 o'clock position. The reverse of the case carries an embossed King's Crown and AM. Whilst the clock will run, it stops after some time so would benefit from a clean or service in order to restore to full working order. On offer therefore in A/F condition with a price to reflect this.
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| Fleet Air Arm C type Flying Helmet - This pattern differs from the RAF version in having zip receiver cups fitted and as a result is often mis-identified as an RAF B type. This example is in average + issued condition with the leather shell showing some age wear. It is fully wired and interestingly the receivers fitted are USN/USAAF model ANB-H-1, manufactured by Western Electric and we speculate the helmet may have found its way to a US airman in WWII. The receiver cups also have Gosport tube attachments fitted. The wiring loom shows some fraying. The inside is good issued condition. No size markings but we believe this helmet corresponds to a decent RAF size 3. Not mint but a very decent disply example on offer at a realistic price.
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| RAF Bino Prism U-Boat Spotting Mk IV Binoculars - A very clean set marked with stores ref. 6E/383, featuring 5 x 40 cemented prisms and were the very first wartime binoculars to use coated lenses. This design is fixed focus and intended for aerial spotting and maritime reconnaissance. The same pattern was also used by Fleet Air Arm crews. The serial number on these is 5084 which seem to date them to a WWII manufacture. The rubber face guard was designed to help the user maintain night vision. The Mk IV's were made by Ross for the RAF and first entered service in 1941. The optics are still crisp and this set benefits from being complete with it transit case. The neck strap is not original.
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| Aircraft Recognition First published in 1941, this is a revised edition of 1943. Interestingly on the opening page a note states "Leave this book at a post office when you have finished it, so men and women of the services may enjoy it too! No mention is made of enemy agents who clearly would have gleaned much from the 192 pages which are packed full of illustrations and line drawings. The volume covers both allied and axis aircraft types current in the mid years of WWII. Minor age wear.
Pages: 192
Cover: Soft
Author: R. A. Saville-Sneath
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| USAAF Polaroid Variable Density Goggles - This set are in mint unissued condition and come complete with the original tin marked American Optical Company Contract N.X.S.S. 27918. The front of the goggles are embossed AO (for American Optical) and Polaroid. The variable density red lenses operate using the central knob. This pattern of flight goggles was designed for use by Air Gunners to aid spotting tracer in different light conditions. Rubber is in perfect condition as is the elastic back strap. It would be hard to find a crisper example.
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