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 | RCAF Ensign - A similar example to the RAF version we have just listed but this one features the Canadian Maple Leaf within the roundel. This is also in a good flown condition with a few minor moth nips and the odd small stain. It comes complete with a coir rope and carries a stamp which appears to read 1.48 which could be the manufacturing date. Certainly being manufactured from laid on panels, it is certainly not a modern screen printed example. Measures 53" x 24" (135 cm x 65 cm), so an excellent size for display.
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| USAAF A11 Flying Helmet - A complete and fully wired example of one of the classic US Army Air Force flying helmets of WWII. Everything is as it should be including a clear AAF deckal to the left brow and a similar stamp to the inside lining. Receivers are pattern ANB-H-1. The original manufacturer's woven label is attached confirming size medium, a 1944 contract date and made by Consolidated Slipper Corp. It is fully wired with loom and jack plug marked PL.-354. This helmet has just been returned from a photo shoot and was worn by actor Martin Kemp to tie in with his recent TV appearance in'Dangerous Adventures for Boys!
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| RAF Mk VIII Flying Goggles - Perhaps the most common of RAF WWII goggles, first issued in October 1943 and subsequently became a design classic remaining on the inventory until the 1970's. This set is in good issued condition with most of the RAF blue paint intact on the brass frames. The leather section is also sound but the interior shows normal service wear. Clear lenses are fitted which do not exhibit the fogging often seen. The original back strap has all the correct adjustments although it has lost much of its elasticity over the years. This set would make a good display example at an entry level price.
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| RAF Spectacles Anti Glare Mk 14 - We purchased these directly from the officer to whom they were issued and as they were a spare pair, have never been used in anger. They come complete with the RAF hard case and embossed to the lid is the writing "Spectacles Mk 14 22C/2432 medium" with the government broad arrow property mark. These are extremely high quality glasses and while for sale as a collectable, would also be eminently usable for flying, driving or posing as Top Gun!
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| RAF Silk Escape Map - from the "Far East Theater" to assist downed airmen to navigate through enemy territory.
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| USAAF B-3 Flying Jacket - An original example with woven label confirming a 1943 contract date and size 40" regular. While this jacket does not have a maker's name on the label, the front pocket shows evidence of a label having been fitted which was a unique feature of Rough Wear produced jackets. This example has clearly had a hard working life and the back panel has numerous repair patches fitted but from the front the jacket displays very well with a good vintage patina. The zip has been professionally replaced with a correct specification Talon. Some repairs to collar but correct straps and buckles fitted. Some thinning to fur lining.
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| RAF Canvas Training Helmet - Manufactured in tan twill cloth with blanket lining. The rear of the helmet is fitted with elastic to ensure a close fitting, helped by an adjustable head band. No provision for Gosport tubes or receivers, the helmet features roll back ear covers similar to those used on RFC helmets. This example is in very good issued condition inside and out. The lining is stamped with Q, W.D. and a broad arrow, together with the number 221. Whilst no size is marked, it appears to correspond to an RAF size 3. An extremely scarce and often overlooked flying helmet which should form an integral part of any RAF collection.
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| USAAF A-10A Oxygen Mask - An excellent example manufactured by Acushmet with serial no. 3134A and in a medium size. Also stamped Property Air Force US Army. The rubber is in excellent condition and the mask if complete with the original oxygent tube. The harness is in place and has all the correct hooks and snaps and displays extremely well with the A-11 flight helmet we have also recently listed.
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| RAF Wing Commander's Pennant - A scarce large example in excellent flown condition. The cotton does not have any of the normal moth nips, the stitching is firm and the colours are vibrant. The edge of the pennant carries feint original stamping including the broad arrow property mark and manufacture's details showing it was made by Plant & Co. Ltd. Richmond Factory. It is possibly dated 1943 but this is not entirely clear. Measures 36" (92 cm) long.
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| Officer's Mess RAF Cranwell Menu Holder - One of the famous bases in the RAF, Cranwell was established in 1916 as a RNAS training establishment for aircraft, kite balloons and airships but became an RAF base in 1918 and remains the center for training, both air and ground crew, up to the present day. One of the most recent graduates was HRH Prince William. The menu holder is heavily made from Elkington plate and is stamped to the base "29057" as well as various other manufacturing marks. The circular menu holder is surrounded by laurel leaves and is engraved "Officers' Mess RAF Cranwell". The item is hard to date but no doubt it could tell many stories of Cranwell mess dinners in days gone by. An ideal Christmas gift for the aviation collector in your life? Height 2" (5 cm)
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| 1941 Pattern Flying Boots - excellent pair, Ref. 22C/749 in Size 6 (39). Original Lightning zips, near unmarked suede and rubber galosh. Original "Itshide" soles, ankle straps fitted, ex RAF career Lancaster Pilot.
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| 'D' Type Flying Gauntlets - RAF, Ref. 22C/771. Nice AM cloth labels with AID stamps. Excellent leather. These gloves have been mismatched at some stage, as one size difference between left and right, but they appear to have been worn as a pair.
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| Luftwaffe Splitterschutzbrille Flying Goggles - This pair are extremely high quality replicas, although they were sold to the previous owner as the real thing. We believe these to be manufactured in Eastern Europe and represent the third type developed by Nitsche & Gunther and feature a three piece hinged frame and a silken elastic back strap. These goggles were designed with curved lenses to deflect small splinters of shrapnel, while providing excellent optical qualities. With originals now changing hands for £400-£600, these represent excellent value either for display in a collection or for the re-enactor.
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| Italian/Luftwaffe Flight Jacket - This is an interesting one! When purchased we were advised that this jacket had belonged to a Luftwaffe crew member in WWII. In general terms the design is similar to the blue grey summer jacket but intriguingly it features a dark sheepskin lining which has been made up so it buttons into the jacket. This can be completely removed together with the fur collar attachment and could therefore be used in both summer and winter conditions. The jacket has no nomenclature of any description and it has almost certainly be made up as a private purchase item, perhaps to the original owner's specification. The main zip which has a double puller arrangement is made by Zipp and while in working order, the runner feed is a little tender. The sleeve zips are also by Zipp but to a different design and are in working order. In photographing the jacket, we have detected a stitch imprint which appears to indicate where a Luftwaffe breast eagle has been removed. The jacket is a good size. We have just been contacted by Mick Prodger who has helped ID our jacket: 'It's a beautiful jacket - and a rare item. But it isn't private purchase and it isn't German. It's Italian! The quality of Italian air force stuff was staggering - like Armani was in the flying jacket business! The Luftwaffe eagle may have been added post war, although it wouldn't surprise me at all if some Luftwaffe pilots wore the jacket during the war - after all they were allies until 1943 and the Brits/Americans wore each other's gear. Zipp was an international company and you will find Canadian, Australian, US and many European items (as well as German) with Zipp brand zips. However the little teardrop puller is very characteristic of Italian design. Nice too that it still has it's button in fur liner'. Thanks for that Mick and we are all wiser now!
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| RCAF B Type Flying Helmet - A very well presented example as issued to RCAF air crew in the early part of WWII. The leather is soft and supple with no repairs or other damage. The snaps and buckles are in place and working. The receiver housings have been fitted with one carrying a Canadian made lightning zip and the other a dot. Both look original to the helmet. Interestingly, snaps have been added to the front of the helmet - a feature not normally seen on RCAF B types, as the appropriate oxygen mask carried an integral harness. These were actually fitted to this helmet to attach a leather face mask which could well be theater made to protect crew members in open positions. The mask that came with the helmet is included in the sale. Inside the lining shows normal service wear but is in generally excellent condition. No stamps or labels are fitted and the helmet is a good size, probably equating to an RAF size 3. We have had a few of these over the years but this is probably the best example of date.
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| RCAF Issue 'B' Type Flying Helmet - WWII, with zip receiver housings. This helmet was used by an RAF Spitfire pilot on photographic reconnaissance missions. In good issued condition. Medium size.
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| RAF C type Flying Helmet - This is a second pattern internally wired helmet, introduced into service in 1944. It is fully wired with excellent receivers housings, loom and jack plug fitted. All snaps and buckles are in place. The leather outer shell is generally sound but exhibits some flaking to the surface and the oxygen snaps are a little tender. The helmet is stamped with the broad arrow property mark and stores ref. no. 22C/880, making it the largest size 4. Inside the leather lining is in excellent issued condition and the helmet has had several owners, the last appearing to be James. This helmet, despite its faults, stll makes a good and complete example for display purposes only and has been priced accordingly.
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| Trench Art Model of deHavilland Mosquito - This example, unlike the original "wooden wonder" is fashioned from aircraft alloy on a turned allow base. The model reflects the classic lines of this famous fighter bomber which was much loved by its pilots and served with distinction in WWII. Wing span 8.5" (22 cm)
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| Flying Helmet - Luftwaffe, WWII, Model LKpW 101, winter weight, rabbit fur lining, full electrics including throat mike.
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| RAF Aerial Kite - Model M-347-A. Complete with yellow painted issue tin with very clear instructions and illustration of a downed airman in his dinghy. These kites were used by both RAF and USAAF airmen and by attaching the Gibson Girl aerial wire, they were then able to transmit an emergency signal to summon air sea rescue services. These kites often saw post war service in the hands of small boys (myself included! and few have survived in this condition. Other than the string being missing, it is more or less perfect. We have seen a similar item sell recently on eBay for an excess of £200. Ours is available at a very modest £95! Pictures of the kite assembled available on request.
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