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Aviation Collectables & Aviation Clothing - Stock Archive - Page 6
These are some of the SOLD items that have been listed on our website
There are a maximum of 20 items on each page - our most recent sale is listed first - this is now quite a large reference record.
If you have a specific interest, use our keyword search to search the entire stock database.
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 | RAF Police Arm Band - A near mint example in excellent original condition. RAF Police arm bands were first authorised in service in 1944. Two types were produced, one in wool with a two pronged buckle and the other, a printed version with brass poppers. More recent examples had Newey snap fasteners, while current examples have velcro fastenings and also carry rank insignia. This example would be hard to improve upon. Measures 18" (46 cm)
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| RCAF/RAF Flying Helmet Sponge Rubber Inserts - On offer are a matched pair of original WWII RCAF marked flying helmet receiver inserts. These were used on both RAF and RCAF B type flying helmets as well as with both the early and later patterns of the FAA C-type helmets. Originals hardly ever turn up these days and many that do are brittle and perished are of no use in serving their intended purpose. These are an absolutely pristine set and both fully stamped inside RCAF, stores reference number 22C/16 as well as the RCAF property mark of a broad arrow within a part circle. Both pads also carry a 'DU' stamp and we speculate this could refer to the manufacturer, perhaps DuPont? One is also stamped 'HD'. RAF issue examples carry a different stores reference code 22C/67 but are essentially identical so these would display equally well on both types of helmet. The final pictures attached show similar foams in place on an RAF B helmet (picture taken from our sold archive) and as can be seen these give the finishing touch and the characteristic look of these iconic Battle of Britain period helmets. We only have the one set available and when they are gone they are gone.
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| Royal Flying Corps Swagger Stick - Another Royal Flying Corps item we are listing today, in this instance a rather nice RFC Officers swagger stick. It carries a brass cap which is engraved 'RFC'. The opposite end carries a brass ferrule and both are nicely polished. The stick is a little unusual as the few we have seen here are made from bamboo cane whilst this one is of ebonised wood which to my eyes is more classy. The stick has a very slight bend but this does not detract and with a lovely period patina it would sit happily in any RFC collection. Whilst we acquired here in the south west of England its associated history has sadly been lost down the years but as we so often say it almost certainly would have a story to tell. Measures 24.5" (62 cm)
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| RAF Mk VIII Flying Goggles - A very clean example of this classic design introduced into service in 1943 and remained on the inventory until the 1970's. The leather face pad is in excellent condition with the inside showing evidence of normal service wear. The brass frame and central adjuster are well above average, with only minor paint rub. Clear lenses are fitted and are without the normal fogging problems. Original back strap with correct adjusters and still good elasticity. Decent Mk VIII's are now getting hard to find and prices are rising all the time. This set displays well with the FAA helmet which we have also just listed.
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| Mk IVB Flying Goggles - On offer are a really crisp pair of RAF Mk IVB flying goggles stores reference 22c/167. The frame is in very good condition with no distortion and virtually all the original paint in place. The set are fitted with very good clear lenses but no provision for the anti-glare flip shield. The nosepiece leather show some age wear as does the back strap ;the spring sections are exceptional. The leather strap carries embossed 'AM, Crown, Ref. No. 22C/167 Goggles Mk IV B'.
On the reverse side everything is in order but the rubber face pads are as ever hardened and a little distorted but on display this does not notice. Despite being the most 'common' of the Mk IV series goggles these are now getting hard to find and these are better than the norm. The pattern saw service in the Battle of Britain and would display perfectly with an RAF B helmet that it was designed specifically to be used in conjunction with.
Please note the B helmet and D mask illustrated here are only shown for dispalay purposes and it is just the Mk IVB goggles that are on sale.
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| Luftwaffe Leuchtpistole Heeres Model 1928 Flare Pistol - This pattern was adopted to replace the M1894 of WWI vintage and was carried by Luftwaffe single seat fighter pilots and many bomber crews throughout WWII. These were often carried in the special pocket incorporated within the Luftwaffe Channel Trousers Early models were made from steel but subsequently of aluminium alloy, introduced prior to the start of WWII. This is such an example and is clearly maker coded 'ac' indicating the manufacturer was Walther with the date code below for 1941. The blued finish has largely worn away from this example but is otherwise in excellent shape. The body is stamped 6890B together with various other makings including two clear Walther Waffenamt stamps with 359 below. Excellent Bakelite grips, lanyard ring and metalwork. The firing mechanism cocks and 'fires' firmly and the breach both opens and locks perfectly. This flare pistol comes with a deactivation certificate and can be legally owned in the UK without the need of a fire arms certificate. The RAF version seems very crude in comparison to this finely designed and engineered German model. A similar example is shown on page 54 of Mick Prodger's Luftwaffe V RAF Flying Equipment reference book. Measures 9.5" (24 cm)
Please note due to shipping restrictions on deactivated weapons this item is only available to customers based in the U. K.
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| Rate of Climb Mk 3(P)* Instrument - An excellent post WWII RAF example dating from 1961 and the Mk 3 variant was fitted in a variety of aircraft of the period including the great Avro Vulcan, Canberra, Meteor and Hunter. The dial is in excellent condition and confirms manufactured by Kelvin Hughes and is further marked KRA 0205. The reverse of the instrument has an MOD data plate repeating all the spec details as well as a serial nos GP 587/61 thus confirming the date of manufacture. The dial is graduated with a scale of 0-4 indicating rate of climb (or decent) of 1000 feet per minute. This item is for sale as a collectable only. The diameter of the instrument measured across the dial is 3.25" (8.5 cm)
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| RAF Altimeter Mk X VIIA - These were designed as cabin altimeters for the navigators use, calibrated according to the I. C. A. N. Law and recording a height of up to 35,000 feet. Whilst this example is not dated we believe it to be of post war manufacture but this pattern was used on a variety of aircraft including the Lancaster, again for the navigators use. The instrument features a lubber line visible through an aperture in the face of the dial. The dial is also marked with stores reference number 6A/1538 whilst the back of the case is Broad Arrow property marked. A very crisp instrument but like all our stock on offer for sale as a collectable only. Dial diameter is 3.25" (8.5 cm)
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| Vintage Lator 17 Jewel Chronograph Watch - Whilst I don't profess to be an expert in vintage watches I have always had an interest in them and more so for those of military style or origin. I am currently thinning out my own collection and have decided to let this classic Lator go to a new home. I purchased it at auction back in 2003 and other than having the chronograph function repaired it has not been touched since and has never been worn whilst in my ownership.
The overall condition reflects the lack of use and believe our picture tells the full story. The steel body, bezel and crystal are all in remarkably good shape, as is the stunning black dial. All the chrono functions work correctly with the top button starting the sweep second hand with the right hand subsidiary dual recording the elapsed time from 0 to 45 minutes. The bottom button stops the sweep second hand and elapsed time, whilst a further press zeros the second hand and the cumulative minute counter back to zero. The left hand subsidiary dial records seconds and continues to run independently of the chrono function. The central control is for standard manual winding.
I have personally never removed the screw watch back but when purchased I had a colleague who specialised in clocks and watches check it out. He advised the movement fitted is a very high quality Landeron 248 example. A little research via on line chat rooms indicated the following and I quote, with thanks to blogger Michael Stockton :- 'I've featured a couple Landeron pieces before and it's clear that this is the redheaded stepchild of vintage chronograph movements. Well, it shouldn't be, unless durable, easily repaired and accurate movements are ripe for disdain. You will get a legitimate vintage chronograph that boasts a movement so fool proof that it made chronographs available to the masses. Think of a Landeron 248 much like you would a Ford Model T and you're on the right track'. Certainly a great endorsement from one who knows!
The one oddity on this watch is the back plate is Broad Arrow marked and below 6B/551 and 2296/67. This would appear to indicate the watch had RAF associations but my limited research has failed to confirm this. I have again found online a chat room advising of a Lator chronograph carrying similar makings to ours with debate, concerning its origins, but again no final decision was reached. So in view of this (and unlike some E bay sellers we could name! we are offering as 'A military style chronograph' probably dating from the 1960's that sits well both on the wrist or in a specialist collection. Whilst it appears to be in good working order it has not been serviced in at least 15 years but we will leave that decision to the new owner. It is fitted with an appropriate mint and unused grey nylon NATO strap by CWC and as with all our stock please ask if you require further detailed photographs.
Pricing on this model remains a mystery. Currently one is for sale on the net at £1,495.00 and another at £635.00 The last one we saw actually sold made £310.00 on E bay in March 2018 and believe this is closer to the mark so we are pricing ours in the same ballpark and is for sale as seen.- Whilst I don't profess to be an expert in vintage watches I have always had an interest in them and more so for those of military style or origin. I am currently thinning out my own collection and have decided to let this classic Lator go to a new home. I purchased it at auction back in 2003 and other than having the chronograph function repaired it has not been touched since and has never been worn whilst in my ownership.
The overall condition reflects the lack of use and believe our picture tells the full story. The steel body, bezel and crystal are all in remarkably good shape, as is the stunning black dial. All the chrono functions work correctly with the top button starting the sweep second hand with the right hand subsidiary dual recording the elapsed time from 0 to 45 minutes. The bottom button stops the sweep second hand and elapsed time, whilst a further press zeros the second hand and the cumulative minute counter back to zero. The left hand subsidiary dial records seconds and continues to run independently of the chrono function. The central control is for standard manual winding.
I have personally never removed the screw watch back but when purchased I had a colleague who specialised in clocks and watches check it out. He advised the movement fitted is a very high quality Landeron 248 example. A little research via on line chat rooms indicated the following and I quote, with thanks to blogger Michael Stockton :- 'I've featured a couple Landeron pieces before and it's clear that this is the redheaded stepchild of vintage chronograph movements. Well, it shouldn't be, unless durable, easily repaired and accurate movements are ripe for disdain. You will get a legitimate vintage chronograph that boasts a movement so fool proof that it made chronographs available to the masses. Think of a Landeron 248 much like you would a Ford Model T and you're on the right track'. Certainly a great endorsement from one who knows!
The one oddity on this watch is the back plate is Broad Arrow marked and below 6B/551 and 2296/67. This would appear to indicate the watch had RAF associations but my limited research has failed to confirm this. I have again found online a chat room advising of a Lator chronograph carrying similar makings to ours with debate, concerning its origins, but again no final decision was reached. So in view of this (and unlike some E bay sellers we could name) we are offering as 'a military style chronograph' probably dating from the 1960's that sits well both on the wrist or in a specialist collection. Whilst it appears to be in good working order it has not been serviced in at least 15 years but we will leave that decision to the new owner. It is fitted with an appropriate mint and unused grey nylon NATO strap by CWC and as with all our stock please ask if you require further detailed photographs.
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| Fleet Air Arm 1st Pattern N type Flying Helmet - This pattern is often incorrectly called FAA D type but they actually have their own designation which is 'N' Type flying helmet. The chin strap protector is stamped 22C but as advised by Mick Prodger this helmet did not carry a stores reference suffix number but was referenced as 'NIV', meaning "Not In Vocabulary. "This fine example is a very early externally wired 1st pattern with contra goggle straps and provision for use with the D, as well as later E, E* and G masks. An oxygen mask clip has been added so it appears to have been used in conjunction with one of these later masks.
We have had a very few of these over the years and this is well and truly the best example to date. Firstly it is a desirable size 4 (7 1/2 – 7 3/4). Intended for use in tropical/desert climates in the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa it incorporates a neck flap, exactly as the RAF pattern D helmet, to protect the wearer from the sun, a real issue in the open cockpit of a Fairy Swordfish. The outer fabric and the flap is very lightly soiled, commensurate with service use. The oxygen mask and goggle snaps are very good and retain virtually all of their original coatings. The helmet is fitted with the characteristic zipped leather receiver housings that give these helmets their distinctive look ; both are very good condition with no damage or scuffing and have excellent brass zips still fitted with elongated leather pull tabs associated with FAA helmets. The earpieces have their original receiver carriers in place and are fitted with a very good pair of set of original foam rubber cushions, one being RCAF marked. Below one earpiece is an ink 'AM' stamp with Kings Crown. The chin strap Bennett buckle clip is exceptional with the full leather cover remaining in place with no damage; the chin strap is missing chrome end but otherwise no issues at all.
Inside is equally crisp. The neck flap has soiling where you would expect and just minor grub on the satin lining which on these helmets is nearly always badly stained or damaged or both. The ear doughnuts are also satin covered and just one minor nick to one. The felt brow lining that is prone to wear or moth damage is close to mint. The helmet is not named and sadly the history has been lost down the years but it most certainly would have a story to tell. These first pattern FAA N helmets are often missing from many collections and are actually significantly harder to source than the RAF B type. Grab the opportunity to add this one to the collection whilst you have the chance!
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| Pilots Navigation Kit Briefcase - An original case clearly stamped to front 'Pilots Navigation Kit Air Force United States Army. It also carries a fine AAF decal below and below that a line of writing has been deliberately obliterated. The could have ben the original owners name but perhaps more likely it was the US Army property mark which was removed when the case was used post war for civilian purposes. The briefcase, which is now empty, has clearly seen some quite heavy use with wear to both the brown grain leather and also to the olive drab fabric sides. The original 'Conmar USA' zip is fitted and whilst this still runs care needs to be taken in view of the wear to he olive drab fabric. The leather handles are both in place and in sound condition.
Inside is a fitted interior with files for storing navigation charts, other papers, a pencil slot and a name card mount. Evidence exists where various stickers have at some stage been applied to the interior. Sadly any history associated with this item has been lost down the years. A similar example is illustrated on page 162 & 163 of Jon Maguire's excellent 'Gear Up' reference book. In view of the age related wear on this item it needs to be handled with care but would still provide an excellent backdrop to an appropriate USAAF display. Case measures 17" x 12" (43 cm x 30 cm).
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| RAF Officer Visor cap - An unusual example as it carries a woven makers label to the inner quilted crown lining indicating 'Made to Order, English Tailoring, Bernard Cailor, Alexandria'. So seems almost certain this was made in for an RAF Officer serving in Egypt in WWII. It is named on leather headband but the writing is now indistinct due to service wear and the passing years. The cap is in pretty good shape but has a few small moth nips but hardly noticeable on display. It features a good crisp Kings Crown cap badge but with a little Verdigris on the brass eagle; the leather chin strap is in perfect condition. No size is marked but measured around the inside of the hat band is 21.25" or 53.3 cm. Whilst not mint a good probably late wartime example sensibly priced.
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| A Genuine Post War RAF Ensign ( and a few words of warning! - Many in the RAF collecting fraternity may also have noticed the plethora of "Battle of Britain RAF 1940 dated airfield flags" that are cropping up on a weekly basis for sale on that well known online auction site. I and many of our dealer/collector colleagues hate to see the public being apparently convinced to part with their hard earned funds on modern fakes masquerading as the real deal. So a few timely words of warning.
The extremely limited number of genuine wartime RAF ensigns we have had here over the years very rarely have decipherable stampings and even less have clear dates as these have generally faded through use in the elements or washed out over the years. The ones that do retain decipherable stampings tend to be Broad Arrow property marked not A. M. and we have never yet seen a wartime flag with the town of origin, as were this to happen this would have simply been a calling card for Hermann Göring's crews. The fakes currently seem to favour Sheffield or Oxford as the fictitious places of origin for some unknown reason. Other tell tail signs are wartime ensigns were made with overlaid pieces of cotton fabric stitched together not simply screen printed. They carried coir rope with brass Inglefield clips to attach to the flag mast not white nylon. Generally these fakes look too fresh although the latest batch are being roughed up and dirtied to make them look more authentic. We also see other ensigns being offered including the ultimate rarity "WWI RAF 5 feet long RFC royal flying corps airfield linen flag dated 1918". In a lifetime of collecting I have yet to handle a genuine RFC ensign. Please note the sellers are cleverly not saying these items were made back then they are just 'dated 1940' which may be a slight of hand but might just protect them from litigation. Today as we write this listing several examples are on offer with a '1940' example already having attracted 30 bids and currently at £225.00 Can we politely suggest if you have bid or are even slightly tempted by such a listing to first get in touch with the seller and ask him to categorically guarantee in writing the item is a genuine RAF/RFC period ensign and not a modern copy. Never has "Caveat emptor" or "Let the buyer beware" been more applicable. If it looks too good to be true it probably is…….
Oh yes we nearly forgot. Whilst this listing is mainly to 'flag' (pun intended! the dangers of this fraudulent activity we are also prepared to sell this Guaranteed GENUINE 1991 dated RAF issue station ensign. It was not made in Oxford or Sheffield but by quality manufactures Zephyr Flags & Banners of Thrapston (established in 1969) in Northants. It carries the RAF stores reference code 6345-99-125-1140 and a Broad Arrow property mark. It is a large size at 8' x 4' (244 cm x 122 cm). It is made to the correct post WWII specification with a printed roundel and union flag against an air force blue cotton background. It has a nylon line attached and is fitted with brass Inglefield clips. We would love to say it was used at Biggin Hill or Debden but sadly we can't. It appears to be in virtually unflown condition. "You pays your money and takes your choice" but if this listing saves any collector wasting money on fakery and fraud we have achieved a minor victory today!
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| Luftwaffe LKp S101 Summer Flying Helmet - This model was introduced in 1938, and replaced the 1936 specification LKpS100 and whilst made to the same basic pattern it featured improved Siemens communications and better sound insulation. Instead of aluminium earphones housings of the earlier helmets this features hard rubber cups covered with dark brown leather which had a more streamlined appearance and with an external recess at the top which helped secure the goggle straps in place. The avionics were also enhanced by the installation of a Perspex membranes inside and padded with fleece lined cushions around the earphone speaker. The housing for the throat microphones on the LKp S101 was also improved with two straps containing the microphone linked by an inverted "T" at the nape of the helmet. This also served as the junction between the helmet's internal wiring and the long cord and plug-in connector. The throat straps were adjustable by means of two buckles, and once correctly adjusted could be joined together or removed at the front by means of a snap fastening.
On offer is a good issued example of the type and whilst it displays evidence of quite hard service life it is complete and despite minor issues displays very well. The 'salt and pepper' cotton weave fabric shell shows signs of in service use, particulary on the outside brow and a very tiny tear to the front right section but this does not detract on isplay. The leather parts are good although the left chin strap buckle has been damaged at some stage and has been neatly sewn back on. The helmet has provision for use with a a 3 point oxygen mask with an adjustable brow strap fitted; the metal parts show slight age wear. The goggle straps are all fine and functional and fitted with Prym snaps; the characteristic double chin straps are both excellent.
Inside the helmet the earphones Perspex covers remain in place, and embossed Ln 26602 and are in excellent condition. It is fully wired and carries a 1 metre long wiring lead with a 4 pin plug fitted marked BLKvFL 27968 and unusually one side has been painted green to ensure it is quickly connected to the female coupling on a 'right first time' basis. The helmet is fitted with the early pattern round Mi4a & FL26779-1 magnetic throat microphones. The lining is made from olive satin with lambswool around the receivers, for added comfort. The lining shows evidence of very light service wear and remains in exceptional condition. Sewn in are two woven set of labels; identical examples are shown in Mick Prodger's 'Luftwaffe V RAF' reference book page 25 centre top and described as 'labels from an early helmet'. The top label is named to Siemens and marked below Baumuster LKp S 101 and Ln. Nr 26617 ; below is a clear red BAL inspectors stamp. A secondary manufacturers oblong label is also attached reading STRIEGEL & WAGNER KOM.GES. LICHTENFELS/BAYER.OSTMARK Grosse : 55, indicating a small size. This is almost certainly a pre war manufactured example that could well have served through the Battle of Britain although its history has been lost down the years. This pattern is becoming increasingly hard to find and is priced to reflect its overall condition. Despite the issues mentioned it would provide a very decent example of the type in any Luftwaffe or flying helmet collection.
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| 'Eaglet' Flying helmet by D.Buegeleisen - Strauss & Buegeleisen was founded in 1910 by Elias Buegeleisen of New York, and manufactured aviators goggles under the 'Resistal' name. Brothers Joseph and David Buegeleisen joined the company, with Joseph heading up sales in the Detroit area and David was the West Coast representative. Both brothers subsequently left the business with David Buegeleisen producing helmets under the 'Eaglet' brand, based in San Francisco.. These were marketed to the aviation and motorcycle markets. This example is in fine original condition with the four segment shell made from glove soft brown leather to a cut similar to that used by the USN in the 1930's. The rear carries two goggle snaps both clearly marked 'The Eaglet Helmet' with the snaps supplied by United Carr. The chin strap is in good shape as is the large chromed buckle. Inside the lining is a little grubby but with no damage, commensurate with a a helmet that has seen service and is now over 80 years old. The ear section of the lining carries extra padding for additional comfort. No size is marked but we estimate this to be medium/large and would equate to an RAF size 3+. Mick Prodger illustrates an 'Eaglet' helmet on page 187 of his excellent 'Vintage Flying Helmets' as well as an unnamed example of similar design used by a Braniff airline Pilot in the 1930's. This fine helmet would sit happily in a flying helmet collection although we see no reason why it could not be used for vintage flying or by the classic car fraternity. More detailed photographs available on request.
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| Douglas C-54/DC-4 Crash Relic Trim Wheel - We believe we now have a positive identification as a result of input received from our good friends Boris and Chris from Switzerland. They have provided photographic evidence of similar wheel being used on the flight deck of a Douglas C-54/DC-4 so looks pretty conclusive so many thanks to them!
The wheel itself is bound with rope for better grip and the reverse has a cog to drive a chain. We have various clues to assist with a positive ID. One of the bolts is marked 'Aero Supply' which we believe to be of US origin. The wheel is stamped 510820 3 to the centre whilst on the reverse plate is scratched DOI 2417K and below WIS01. In addition it has a stamp within a circle which appears to read 'ATFI' and below 'H5' although this is not entirely clear. The diameter of the wheel is 8.5" (22 cm) and the mounting bracket (that shows signs of crash damage) is 12" (31 cm) top to bottom. Most of the original blue/grey paintwork remains in good condition.
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| Limited Edition Print signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Read V.C - We have been fortunate to purchase four limited edition prints which we are listing today, all published by 'Legends' (UK) in 1989. Each is signed in pencil by the artist J.G.Keek and the subject, in this case Flight Lieutenant Bill Read V.C. William Reid was born on 21 December 1921 and died 28 November 2001 was a Scottish recipient of the award. Reid was a 21-year-old acting Flight Lieutenant serving in 61 Squadron when he took part in the raid on Düsseldorf which led to the award of his VC. On the night of 3 November 1943, on the way to Düsseldorf, the windscreen of Flight Lieutenant Reid's Lancaster serial LM360 was shattered by fire from a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and the gun turrets and cockpit badly damaged. Saying nothing of his multiple injuries, he continued on his operation and soon afterwards the bomber was attacked again by an FW 190. His navigator was killed and the wireless operator fatally wounded. He was wounded again, as was the flight engineer, while the Lancaster received more serious damage with the starboard part of the tail plane being shot off. He decided to press on to the target, rather than turn back. Reid subsequently claimed that his main reason for carrying on was that turning back would have involved flying through or across the following bomber stream, with a real danger of mid-air collision. He reached the target, released the bombs, and only then set course for home. On the way back to Syerston, he saw the searchlights of RAF Shipdham, a USAAF-operated base in Norfolk. Despite being wounded and suffering from loss of blood, Reid succeeded in landing his plane - though the undercarriage collapsed and the aircraft slid along the runway. The wireless operator subsequently died in Shipdham's medical centre. Reid was awarded the VC on 14 December 1943. A part of his citation reads: "Wounded in two attacks, without oxygen, suffering severely from cold, his navigator dead, his wireless operator fatally wounded, his aircraft crippled and defenceless, Flight Lieutenant Reid showed superb courage and leadership in penetrating a further 200 miles into enemy territory to attack one of the most strongly defended targets in Germany, every additional mile increasing the hazards of the long and perilous journey home. His tenacity and devotion to duty were beyond praise". When the Victoria Cross awarded to Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid was put up for sale in 2009 it sold for £348, 000 setting a new world record for the highest price paid for a Victoria Cross awarded to a Briton-or I should say a Scot! Our print is signed by the artist and Bill Read and is numbered 38 of a limited edition of 1000. This print (and the others we have purchased) came sealed in acetate and we have left them as such to protect them. So the actual image quality is better than that shown in our listing. In addition to the pencil image of Reid the print also carries the 61 Squadron crest top right with the motto below 'Per Puram Tonates.' This print is a large size at 24" x 16" (60 cm x 40 cm) and would benefit from being framed and glazed. The print is not faded and the original Bill Read pencil signature is strong. The edge of the mount has a couple of tiny marks on it but these in no way detract from a fine print that clearly can never be repeated so grab it whilst you can!
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| Battle of Britain Ground Crew Support Set - Manufactured by 'Leddo' to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain back in 1990 against model No. BB1003. This was a brand of die cast toys, founded in 1982 by Matchbox co-founder Jack Odell and Burt Russell and they produced diecast vehicles in Enfield, England from 1983 to 1999. The name was created by the founder by a reversal of his Odell's surname, a mnemonic device from when he served in WWII in the African desert and he used it then to avoid forgetting his wireless call sign! The company, like so many, could not however compete against low cost producers in the Far East and 'Lledo' went bankrupt in 1999 and Jack Odell died 2007. The demise of his 'Lledo' range saw the end of die cast manufacturing here in the UK or for that matter in Europe.
The three models in this set carry the 'Days Gone' range sub branding which was launched in 1983. The models are a Refuelling Bowser, a Balloon Barrage Tender and a Mobile Airfield Workshop Tender, that enabled the ground crew to bring the repair facilities to the fighters they were charged with maintaining. They are made in a scale that varied according to the model but they are in the range of 1:50 / 1:64 but are generally classified as about 1:60. Finished in RAF blue they are all finely detailed and remain in excellent condition despite being 20 years old. What makes this set stand out from the crowd is that as well as the internal display box it also comes with the original external card posting box that has a label with the address 250, Southampton, S09 7YG and a postage paid stamp. Whist these sets still turn up quite frequently this is the only example we have seen with the full packaging included. The boxes show evidence of minor age wear but generally reflect the models themselves, that appear never to have been played with.
Modestly prices but clearly never to be repeated so grab this set whilst you can!
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| A pair of RAF Photographic Printing Blocks - We believe these date from WWII, deduced by the uniforms worn but also both appear to be dated 1943 on the reverse. One block features a photographic image etched on a copper plate showing an RAF man relaxing off duty with pipe in hand, who is wearing Khaki Drill shorts, long socks and an RAF Battledress blouse. No rank or other badges are shown so it is impossible to identify who, where or exactly when. The other block, which is of identical dimensions 4.25"x3.00" (11 cm x 7.5 cm) and the etching features an RAF sergeant standing in his No 1 Other Ranks uniform without cap and with hands in pockets. Sadly the paper label to the reverse is in poor condition but also appears to be dated 1943 as mentioned already and also an indistinct name which we have been unable to decipher. Printing blocks like these were used alongside similar blocks containing typescript and were mounted in a printing press to commercially produce images and text for publications and it seems likely both images may have been printed in the same unknown wartime article. The copper etchings are nailed to a mahogany hardwood block and these represent a modestly priced and unusual pair for an RAF or printing collection that illustrates a technology that is now just for the history books.
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| Luftwaffe Aluminium Milk or Water Jug - This pitcher, which we assume would have been for milk or water, is made from aluminium with a metal handle. It is stamped HRE 40 which is the German WWII manufacturing code for the factory Heinrich Ritter Esslingen and indicates a year of manufacture 1940. The base carries a fine Luftwaffe eagle and FL.UV indicating 'Flieger Unterkunft Verwaltung', translated meaning 'Flight Barracks Administration.' Interestingly below the eagle is a very clear date 1939 so would appear this jug was made at the turn of the year 1939/40 based on the manufacturing code stamp date. This is the perfect item for a living history group or for a general Luftwaffe collector. In view of its size it makes a real statement and as a bonus would have certainly served through the battle of Britain period. Measures 15" high x 9" diameter at base (38 cm high x 22 cm diameter at base.)
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