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New Stock Listing
This page lists any stock that has been added in the last 60 days, together with any  "Featured" items in stock.
Click any of the headings to see the current stock page for that category.
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New Stock - YesterdayBritish European Airways Gold Cap badge - Airline memorabilia is not really our forte, but we are always happy to try new areas of aviation collecting. On offer here is a genuine vintage British European Airways flight crew peaked cap badge. BA was formed with the merger of British Overseas Airways Corporation (B. O. A. C. established in 1939) with British European Airways (B. E. A. created in 1946),thus creating British Airways PLC in April 1974. This badge therefore predates this merger, so is at least 50 years old, if not older.
Like the BA cap just listed, another scarce item of airline memorabilia that originally would have been sewn to a Captain or First Officer's uniform visor cap. The metal gold finished badge features the 'BEA' airline logo set against a deep red background within a laurel wreath surround and surmounted by a 'Astral Crown'. The reverse is of convex shape and is lined as shown, with evidence of the original stitching, so it has almost certainly seen service. Measures 2 1/2" x 2.5" (6 cm x 6 cm)
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£20.00
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New Stock - YesterdayBritish Airways Captains or First Officers Cap - Airline memorabilia is not really our forte, but we are always happy to try new areas of aviation collecting. On offer here is a genuine vintage British Airways flight crew peaked cap. Whilst not dated, it features a first issue metal bullion cap badge, which we believe dates from the early years of British Airways. BA was formed with the merger of British Overseas Airways Corporation (B. O. A. C. established in 1939) with British European Airways (B. E. A. created in 1946),thus creating British Airways PLC in April 1974.
The cap remains in good issued condition with no moth and just exhibits signs of light service use. It has no makers or ID marks other than a hand written label beneath the leather hat band that reads 'CW' and '7.25' which appears to confirm the caps size, which corresponds to a continental size 58. The bullion badge remains in first class condition, whilst the leather chin strap shows minor age wear to one end. These early BA caps do not often turn up so grab this clean example whilst you can!
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£48.00
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New Stock - Yesterday.50 Calibre Trench Art Cigarette Lighter - Another very fine example of trench art that we are listing today and came in from the same collection as the other. This one is fashioned from a deactivated.50 Cal Browning ball round. During World War II the. 50 was primarily used in the M2 Browning machine gun (BMG), in both its "light barrel" aircraft mount version and the "heavy barrel" (HB) version on ground vehicles, for anti-aircraft purposes. An upgraded variant of the M2 Browning HB machine gun used during World War II and its derivative is still in use today.
The RAF however stuck with their faithful.303 calibre machine guns and when more firepower was required they went for the Hispano that was a larger calibre and offered more versatility than the.50 Cal. As a result the.50 BMG was used more or less exclusively by the USAAF, which is probably where this casing originates from, but where and when it was made is now lost in the mists of time.
This example is mounted on a very solid brass base (origins unknown) that also doubles as an ashtray if required. The.50 Cal cartridge is very firmly fixed to the base, so we have been unable to check any data that might be on the headstamp, but seems highly likely from the style and design this is a WWII period example. The lighter within the body is acessed by sliding off the bullet section that reveals the flint strike and wick lighting arrangement. We have not tried to replace the flint, wick or fuel but see no reason why it would not still work as intended. We will however leave any decision on that to the new owner so is offered for sale here as a very fine display item and as a memorial to the unknown hands who crafted this piece 80 odd years ago. Measures 6", inclusive of ashtray base (16 cm)
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£45.00
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New Stock - Yesterday20 MM Hispano-Suiza Trench Art Lighter - A very fine example of WWII trench art, crafted from an inert 20mm cannon shell. At the start of World War II, British fighters were equipped with Browning machine guns firing.303 ammunition, but it quickly became apparent that these rounds were too light to ensure serious damage to Luftwaffe aircraft. The introduction of armour further reduced the effectiveness of the rounds and something with more hitting power was urgently requirement. The British turned to the Spanish designed Hispano Suiza HS.404 autocannon that could fire a 20mm round and ball, and high explosive and armour piercing rounds were also available. The Hispano-Suiza subsequently equipped virtually every British fighter aircraft during WWII and after some early teething troubles it proved to be an extremely effective weapon and was used in the Spitfire, Hurricane, Typhoon, Tempest, Mosquito, Whirlwind, Beaufighter and others
Our example is threaded and attached to a handcrafted polished oak base. On removal we discovered, and as illustrated here, that it dates from 1942 and is also marked 20 MM and carries a manufacturers mark 'BBC'. There has been some debate as to whether this refers to the British 'Barking Brassware Company' or the American 'Bridgeport Brass Company' from Connecticut. The pundits largely agree it was the latter who produced this example and the company supplied millions of these rounds for both the USA and the UK under the "lend lease" agreement.
The lighter within the body of this example is acessed by sliding off the deactivated head, that reveals the flint strike and wick lighting arrangement. We have not tried to replace the flint, wick or fuel but see no reason why it would not still work as intended. We will however leave any decision on that to the new owner, so is offered for sale here as a very fine display item and as a memorial to the unknown fitter who crafted this piece 80 odd years ago. Measures fully assembled 8.25" (21 cm)
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£48.00
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New Stock - 8 days agoWWII Battle of Britain Spitfire Plaque by 'Metcraft' Production - A fine WWII survivor and souvenir of the Battle of Britain. These were produced by the Walsall Lithographic Co Ltd under a patented process called 'Metcraft '. When originally sold they carried a small paper calendar below the image. Examples we have seen of this design are almost always missing their calendar and we surmise, when the year in question concluded, the calendar was torn off but the very fine Spitfire plaque was retained as far to good to put in the waste bin! The plaque is made from a rectangular card-backed pressed brass foil, featuring a Mk I Spitfire in flight and part of Winston Churchill's famous speech to the House of Commons honouring 'The Few' "Never Have So Many Owed So Much To So Few", that was made on 20th of August 1940. Below the speech exert is a facsimile of Churchill's signature. The production of these calendars must have started in late 1940, to be retailed in 1941, but we are uncertain if they were offered just that year or if they continued into the later war years. The final images attached in the photograph section shows a similar plaque with the 1941 calendar still in place followed by the detail from April 1941. This is for reference purposes only and our is offered without calendar.
This example remains in very good original condition but with some age related patina, hardly surprising after 80 odd years! The card back again exhibits age patination and in the bottom right corner is a faded manufacturers label, where we can just make out the 'Metcraft' trade mark. We have researched this firm and Walsall Lithographic Co. Ltd. was founded in 1894 by John Aspinall, an enterprising and experienced printer, who wanted to branch out on his own and produce quality printing in his hometown of Walsall. He clearly ran a flourishing business and by the 1930s Walsall Lithographic Co. Ltd. had moved to much larger, purpose-built factory premises, that stretched from Midland Road to Wednesbury Road, Walsall, and became the biggest printers in the town. Our plaque is made utilising the Company's own patented process known as 'Metcraft', where small, intricately-designed, embossed plaques were produced on real brass foil and then sprayed with a patented, antique-bronze-effect lacquer. The success of this process is clearly illustrated with our plaque as it still looks as impressive today as it did when it was manufactured in the dark days of WWII. Sadly, the old story occurred and in the face of cheaper overseas competition the business folded in the early 2000s and all the machinery and equipment was auctioned off and old factory buildings were demolished in 2009.
This example of their wartime production has however survived and is ready and waiting for a new custodian and could be the ideal gift for the aviation collector in your life. This is the only example we have had in 20 plus years of trading so very much a one off opportunity. Measures 12" x8" (30 cm x23 cm)
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£145.00
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New Stock - 16 days agoRoyal Observer Corps Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. The Royal Observer Corps (ROC) was a civil defence organisation intended for the visual detection, identification, tracking and reporting of aircraft over Great Britain. It operated in the United Kingdom between 29 October 1925 and 31 December 1995, after which the Corps' civilian volunteers were stood down. The ROC headquarters was at the historic RAF Bentley Priory
The Observer Corps was awarded the title 'Royal' by King George VI as thanks for services during the Battle of Britain. The badge of the Royal Observer Corps depicts a beacon lighter of Elizabethan times; these beacon lighters were recruited from the local population and were organised and paid by the County Sheriff, to care for and light the warning beacons in the event of approaching danger. He is surrounded by a laurel wreath, surmounted with a crown, and bearing the motto 'Forewarned is Forearmed'.
Post war, with the advent of the Cold War, the ROC continued in its primary role of aircraft recognition and reporting, and in 1955 was allocated the additional task of detecting and reporting nuclear explosions and associated fall-out. By 1965, thanks to advances in radar technology, most roles and responsibilities relating to aircraft had been withdrawn and the ROC assumed the role of field force for the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation, a role which the ROC continued until the early 1990s. With the cessation of the Cold War, the vast majority of the civilian spare-time volunteers were stood down on 30 September 1991, with the remainder ceasing operation in 1995. The closure of HQROC on 31 March 1996 marked the final disbandment of the ROC after over 70 years of service.
The oak shield measures 7" x5.75" (17.5 cm x15 cm) and the reverse carries a recessed plastic wall hanger stamped 'Made in Great Britain'. The plaque remains in bright original display condition.
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£20.00
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New Stock - 16 days agoRAF 131 'County of Kent' Squadron Plaque - Another fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. 131 'County of Kent' Squadron Royal Flying Corps was formed on 1 March 1918 and became a unit of the Royal Air Force, but it disbanded the same year, without becoming operational. It reformed in 1941 at RAF Ouston as a fighter unit equipped with Spitfires and then provided air defence for convoys from RAF Atcham and Llanbedr in Wales. It moved to India in October 1944. The squadron re-assembled at Amarda Road on 5 February 1945 but its Spitfires were re-allocated to the Royal Indian Air Force and the squadron was disbanded on 10 June 1945 in Kula Lumpa Malaysia.
The plaque features the squadron crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown. To the centre of the badge featuring a prancing horse against a red star. The squadron was equipped by a fund co-ordinated by the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men are symbolised by the White Horse whilst the estoile represents operations in the sky. Below is the Latin motto "Invicta" that translates to "Unconquered". The badge was approved by King George VI in May 1942. The crest is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a brass wall hanger and embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. The shield measures 7" x 5.75" (17.5 cm x 15 cm)). The plaque shows some age-related wear but remains in good original display condition.
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£25.00
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New Stock - 16 days agoRAF 33 Squadron Plaque - Another excellent plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 33 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps was formed from part of No. 12 Squadron at Filton on 12 January 1916. For the remainder of WWI, the squadron was employed for Home Defence duties in Lincolnshire, guarding against German airship raids against northern England, being equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2s. Disbanded post war the squadron was reformed at RAF Netheravon in 1929 serving in Egypt and Palestine, and participated in the Second Italo-Abyssinian War. It became the first squadron to receive the new Hawker Hart, and in 1938 it operated the Gladiator, and subsequently the Hurricane, Spitfire and Tempest stationed mainly in the Middle East and in Greece, including the Battle of Crete. In 1944 the squadron returned to the UK and supported Operation Overlord. Post war service included action the Gulf War of 1991, the Kosovo War in the late 1990s, relief operations during the flooding in Mozambique in 2000 and NATO operations in Bosnia in the early 2000s
The plaque features the squadron crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown. To the centre of the badge featuring a deer that symbolises the Hawker Hart Aircraft which the Squadron once flew in the 1930's ; the badge was granted in May 1936. Below is the motto "loyalty" that reflects squadron personnel, and their actions, both on the ground and in the air. The crest is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a plastic wall hanger and embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. It also carries an original sticker with the manufacturers details A. R. Fabb Bros Ltd. Military Badge Makers of Maidenhead Berkshire, who were also manufacturers to the film and television industry. The shield measures 7" x5.75" (17.5 cm x15 cm)). The plaque shows minor age-related wear but remains in very good original display condition.
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£25.00
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New Stock - 16 days agoRAF 30 Squadron Plaque - Another fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. The squadron was first formed as a unit of the Royal Flying Corps in 1915, serving through the rest of the First World War in Egypt and Mesopotamia, carrying out reconnaissance, bombing and air-to-air combat duties. Between the wars the squadron remained in the Middle east, equipped with the Westland Wapati from 1929. In 1939 the squadron moved back to Egypt and operated the Blenheim in both bomber and fighter roles, and was subsequently posted to Ceylon and Burma. Later in the war the squadron was re equipped with the Hurricane that in turn were replaced by Thunderbolts in May 1944, but were disbanded post war but reformed in 1947. They operated the Hercules out of Lyneham but with the 'Herc' now retired they are currntly equipped with the Airbus A400M Atlas.
The plaque features the squadron crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown. To the centre of the badge is a date palm tree, signifying the squadron's long service in the Middle East and the badge was approved by King George VI in May 1938. Below is the French motto "Ventre A Terre" that translates to "All out". The crest It is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a recessed plastic wall hanger embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. It also carries an original sticker with the manufacturers details A. R. Fabb Bros Ltd. Military Badge Makers of Maidenhead Berkshire, who were also manufacturers to the film and television industries. The shield measures 7" x5.75" (17.5 cm x15 cm). The plaque shows some age-related wear but remains in good original display condition
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£25.00
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New Stock - 16 days agoRAF Changi Station Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. Royal Air Force Station Changi was originally home to British Army artillery and combat engineer units based in Singapore between the mid-1930s up until mid-February 1942 when Singapore fell under Japanese occupation after the British surrender that year. The camp was repurposed and together with the nearby Changi Prison, was used for housing Allied prisoners-of-war, who were then forced to help build an airfield for use by the Japanese military. This Japanese-built airfield facility became a Royal Air Force base after the Japanese surrender in 1945 and was renamed as RAF Changi in 1946 by the returning British military authorities. The RAF operated the station until the withdrawal of British forces from Singapore, and was renamed as Changi Air Base 9th December 1971.
The plaque features the RAF Changi crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown. To the centre of the badge is a Starfish, that refers to the sea, which is on three sides of RAF Station Changi. The five arms represent the five functions that are located at this site, being HQFEAF, Flying Squadrons, the Hospital, the Signals Centre and the RAF Regiment. Below is the Malay motto "Kami Melindongi Semua" that translates to "We Shelter Many". The crest is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a recessed brass wall hanger and embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. The shield measures 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm). Other than minor age related wear it remains in fine original display condition and a excellent souvenir of a time when the RAF had a presence in the Far East.
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£32.00
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New Stock - 16 days agoRAF Finningley Station Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. Royal Air Force Finningley was a Royal Flying Corps and subsequently a Royal Air Force station, based at Brancroft Farm, South Yorkshire in 1916. It was the base of 33 Squadron flying BE.2C that were used to intercept Zeppelin bombers approaching Yorkshire cities from the East Coast. Post war the station was home to Heyford bombers whilst In WWII Finningley the played a vital part in finishing crews via its Operational Training Unit (OTU) for the bombing role. Aircraft operated included Hampdens, Ansons, Manchester's and Wellingtons. The station remined operational post war flying the Mosquito and the Meteor but in 1955 Finningley became home to the 'V' Bombers, the Avro Vulcans, Handley Page Victors and Vickers Valliants. Finningley also maintained its nuclear weapon storage facility for many years. In 1994 the Ministry of Defence announced the imminent closure of RAF Finningley as part of the Front Line First defence cuts. and the station finally closed in 1996. Finningley is also remembered as the home of XH558, the first Vulcan B.2 to enter service in 1960, returning its spiritual home half a century later. Today this historic airframe is grounded at Doncaster Sheffield Airport but its future seems uncertain.
The plaque features Finningley crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown. The crest is hand painted and features a Yorkshire Rose on top of a sprig of oak. The rose represents Yorkshire and the oak Nottinghamshire, as the base straddled the border between the two counties at its southern end. Below is the Latin motto 'Usque Ad Coelum Fines' that translates 'Extending As Far As The Sky'. The crest was authorised by King George VI in September 1948. It is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a recessed brass wall hanger and embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. The shield measures 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) We believe this plaque dates from the Cold War period. Other than minor age related wear it remains in fine original display condition and a fine reminder of Finningley's illustrious history.
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£32.00
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New Stock - 16 days agoRAF Gaydon Tation Plaque - Another fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. Royal Air Force Station Gaydon opened in 1942 and the airfield was used extensively during the Second World War and was immediately occupied by No. 12 Operational Training Unit (OTU) as a satellite of RAF Chipping Warden operating Vickers Wellingtons and Avro Ansons, training pilots from a number of Allied nations, but mainly Canadian, Czech and New Zealanders. The OTU took newly qualified crew members and taught them how to fly on operations. The airfield was also used by No. 22 OTU from July who conducted bombing and air sea rescue operations helping to aid the allied war effort. A small unit the No. 312 Ferry Training Unit RAF (FTU) was deployed at Gaydon training pilots to be employed in ferrying aircraft overseas.
Post war it was the first RAF station to receive the Vickers Valiant when No. 138 Squadron RAF re-formed here in 1955. In 1978 the airfield was bought by British Leyland and with the subsequent development of vehicle test facilities, the site became home to what was then known as BL Technology.
The plaque features Gaydon crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown and below a hand painted ram and the Latin motto 'Virimus Vigaemus' that translates to 'Let us flourish through strength'. The crest was authorised by Queen Elizabeth 11 in October 1956. It is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a recessed brass wall hanger and it is also embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. The shield measures 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) We believe this plaque dates from the Cold War period. A hard to find squadron plaque so grab the opportunity to add to the collection whilst you can!
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£32.00
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New Stock - 24 days agoRAF 220 Squadron Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 220 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was founded in 1918 but was finally disbanded in 1963 after four separate periods of service, in both the First and Second World Wars, as a maritime patrol unit, and finally as part of Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent.
The squadron predated the formation of the RAF and was founded as a unit of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), although it did not receive its '220' designation until September 1918 but was then disbanded in 1919. In the build-up to WWII 220 was reformed in 1936 and was designated a general reconnaissance squadron, on maritime patrol duties, flying Avro Anson multi-role aircraft, operating from RAF Thornaby in Yorkshire, as part of No. 18 Group. In November 1939, it converted to Lockheed Hudson, a maritime patrol aircraft and began a new role, flying anti-shipping operations. February 1942 saw the introduction of the Boeing Fortress, and flying from Northern Ireland and then, in March 1943, moved to RAF Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. In October 1943 the squadron transferred to RAF Lagens, in the Azores, as a unit of No. 247 Group. In December 1944, it was re-equipped with Consolidators Liberators flying anti-submarine patrols over the North Atlantic. The squadron was was disbanded again in 1946.
This period plaque is in traditional form with a metal hand painted badge featuring a large Kings Crown with the squadron crest and the motto below "ΚΑΘΟΡΩΜΕΝ ΑΙΣΤΟΙ", a Greek legend meaning "We Observe Unseen". The badge was approved by King George VI in August 1940. This example measures 7" x 6" (17.5 cm x 15 cm).Other than minor age related wear, is in remarkably good original conditionand retins a wall hanging recess to the back of the shield.
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£32.00
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New Stock - 24 days agoRAF 23 Squadron Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 23 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps was formed at Fort Grange, Gosport on 1 September 1915 and moved to France in March 1916 flying FE2b two-seat pusher fighters and helped to establish air superiority in the build-up to the Battle of the Somme. Subsequently they received the Spad S. VII single-seat fighters in February 1917, and then the Sopwith Dolphins that were operated until the squadron was disbanded on 31st December 1919 by which time it had 19 aces amongst its ranks. The squadron was re-formed on 1st July 1925 at RAF Henlow. Douglas Bader was a member of 23 Squadron when he crashed in a Bristol Bulldog in December 1931, whilst carrying out low level aerobatics, losing his legs in the process and he subsequently wrote in his logbook 'Bad Show'. At the outbreak of the squadron was equipped with Blenheim's and became a night-fighter squadron and 23 Squadron fought in the Battle of Britain and undertook shipping protection and intruder operations.
It was the latter role that the squadron became the forerunner in developing the tactics and ability to take the battle into the enemy's own territory. In March 1941, the squadron replaced its Blenheim's with the Douglas Havoc, which were supplemented by the Boston III. In July 1942, the squadron re-equipped with the more capable de Havilland Mosquito. In December 1942 the squadron transferred to the Mediterranean, flying from RAF Luqa on Malta, then moving to Sardinia in December 1943, which allowed targets in Southern France to be attacked. In June 1944, the squadron returned to England, operating from RAF Little Snoring in Norfolk as part of 100 Group. The squadron disbanded again in September 1945.
This period plaque is in traditional form with a resin badge featuring a large Kings Crown with the squadron crest, that features an eagle preying on a falcon, and below the Latin Sqn Motto "Sempur Aggressus" which translates to "Always on the attack". The crest is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a recess hanger marked 'Beaulah's Hangstand Prov. Pat'. Other than minor age-related wear, it is in remarkably good original condition. A fine plaque to a Battle of Britain Squadron and with the added interest of the Bader connection. It measures 6.75" x 5.75" (17.5 cm x 15 cm).With the festive season approaching would be an excellent stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life.
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£32.00
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New Stock - 25 days agoRAF 192 Special Duties Squadron Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 192 Squadron was formed at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire on 5th September 1917 as a night training squadron with the RFC operating the Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2. The squadron moved to Newmarket, Suffolk in 1918 but was disbanded in December of that year. It was reformed 4th January 1943 at RAF Gransden Lodge was re-numbered 192 (Special Duties) Squadron and was part of 100 Group. It operated specially modified Vickers Wellingtons and De Havilland Mosquitos and were tasked with the development, testing and operational use of electronic warfare. They flew operations recording German radio transmissions and blocking Radar using 'Window'. They even had German speaking airmen able to put out false transmissions and during bomber raids their aircraft would provide countermeasures against German radars. The squadron disbanded at the end of the Second World War on 22nd August 1945 but went on to form the basis of the Central Signals Establishment and the Radio Warfare Establishment. Post war the squadron reformed at RAF Watton on 15th July 1951, as part of that same Central Signals Establishment for Operational Signals Research. The squadron continued with its traditional Electronic Signals Intelligence role, operating the Boeing Washington and English Electric Canberra and the Comet. The squadron finally disbanded on 21st August 1958.
This period plaque is in traditional form, with a metal hand painted badge featuring a large Kings Crown with the squadron crest below that features and owls head behind a lightning bolt and the motto below "Dare to Discover". The badge symbolises the unit's functions of investigating enemy radio transmissions. The shield is made from oak, with the basge bolted to it and to the reverse is stamped the makers details T. M. Lewin & Sons Ltd, 103, Jermyn St, London, SW 1. Suprisngl;y this firm is still in business, operating as a men's taylor from the very same address! Lewin was established in 1898 when Thomas Mayes Lewin in partnership with Geoffrey James Lewin, opened the first T. M. Lewin store in Panton Street, London. Shortly afterwards the partnership moved and T. M. Lewin established themselves in Jermyn Street, the home of English shirt making, in 1903, where they have operated from ever since. The Imperial War museum has a Lewin RAF plaque in its collection. This example measures 9" x 6.5" (23 cm x 17 cm).Other than minor age related wear, it is in remarkably good original condition. A very fine and hard to find plaque to a Special Duties Squadron and almost certainly of WWII vintage ; with the festive season approaching would be an excellent stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life.
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£42.00
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New Stock - 25th October 202421 Squadron RAF Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 21 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was formed at Netheravon on 23 July 1915, equipped with the Royal Aircraft Factory R. E.7. Commanded by General Trenchard, the commander of the Royal Flying Corps in France, who described No. 21 as "the best artillery squadron in France". The Squadron was disbanded after the war but reformed in 1935 whilst at the outbreak of the Second World War, the squadron was operating the Blenheim IV and in May 1940 served during the 'challenging' Battle of France. They were subsequently equipped with the Ventura, but this proved unsuitable in its combat role, but was in turn superseded by the DH Mosquito in 1943. The squadron is remembered for the notable attack on Gestapo headquarters at Aarhus in Denmark on 31st October 1944 and in Operation Carthage, against Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen on 21st March 1945. Post war 21 operated the Canberra but was finally disbanded in the defence cuts of 1976.
Our crest is a fine period example, is surmounted by a gilt Kings Crown, with the badge itself appearing to be hand painted and protected behind a Perspex panel, with the Latin motto below, reading "Viribus Vincimus" meaning "By strength we conquer". The crest features a golden hand, erased at the wrist, holding a dumb-bell. The dumbbell was used as a badge by the squadron in 1917 and symbolises strength. It is attached to an oak hardwood shield that incorporates a recessed brass wall hanger to the back. It measures an impressive 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) and other than minor age-related wear and is in remarkably good original condition. A lovely example and a reminder of a hugely important squadron, that served with distinction in both world wars and beyond.
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£42.00
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New Stock - 25th October 2024The Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment RAF Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. This unit was formed at Upavon in December 1914 to test prototype & production aircraft. It was re-designated Aeroplane Experimental Station at Martlesham Heath on 16th October 1917, before becoming the Aeroplane Experimental Establishment on 16th March 1920. It was renamed again on 24th March 1924 'Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment'. Famously they tested Spitfire prototype K5054 and in a report dated September 1936 entitled 'Handling trials of the Spitfire K-5054' summarised its flying qualities as : "The aeroplane is simple and easy to fly and has no vices. All controls are entirely satisfactory for this type and no modification to them is required, except that the elevator control might be improved by reducing the gear ratio between the control column and elevator. The controls are well harmonised and appear to give an excellent compromise between manoeuvrability and steadiness for shooting. Take-off and landing are straight for ward and easy". They were not wrong!
The unit transferred to Boscombe Down on 9th December 1939, when it was designated 'Aircraft & Armament Evaluation Establishment' (A&AEE). During WWII two squadrons were stationed with the A&AEE, tasked with testing aircraft and armaments and they also hosted the Empire Test Pilots School. One of the most illustrious aviators to serve with the A&AEE was 'Winkle Brown' and after a number of operational assignments, Lieutenant Brown was assigned to the Naval Test Squadron at the Establishment, in December 1943. Today 81 years later his legacy continues following privatisation, so now is part of the Qinetiq company and issues reports on testing of armaments, performance and acceptance trials for all new service aircraft and testing of 'rogue' handling aircraft.
Our crest is a fine example, that must date from before December 1939, is surmounted by a gilt Kings Crown, with the badge itself appearing to be hand painted and protected behind a Perspex panel, with the Latin motto below, reading "Probe Probare" meaning "To test properly". The crest features an Airman's Leather Glove grasping a metal Gauntlet. With an arrow, pointing skywards, behind. The glove and gauntlet symbolise the friendship between the flying and armament elements of the RAF whilst the arrow represents true flight.
It is attached to an oak hardwood shield that incorporates a recessed brass wall hanger to the back. It measures an impressive 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) and other than minor age related wear and slight fading to the Perspex, is in remarkably good original condition. A very scarce period plaque to an often-ignored backroom unit.
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£42.00
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New Stock - 25th October 2024No 1 School of Technical Training RAF Plaque - Another fine period plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 1 School of Technical Training was the Royal Air Force aircraft engineering school, established by Lord Trenchard in 1919 at RAF Halton, where it operated from until 1993. The objective was to train young men in the mechanical trades for aircraft maintenance, the graduates of which were the best trained technicians in the RAF (if not the world) and would usually progress to Senior NCO ranks. Many graduates of the school went on to achieve great things in their service careers, with ninety-one ex-apprentices achieving Air Rank. In 1993 the school was transferred to the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering, Cosford, where it remains today.
Those who successfully completed their course at Halton were affectionately know as 'Trenchard Brats' and more than a hundred ex Halton 'Boys' served as pilots in the Battle of Britain, with many more as airframe & engine fitters and armourers. An often-overlooked fact is the first VC awarded in WWII went to an ex Halton graduate. Thomas Gray joined the 20th Entry of aircraft apprentices at RAF Halton in 1929 and trained as an engine fitter, but on leaving Halton in August 1932, Tom volunteered for flying duties as an air gunner, On the 12th of May 1940, a bridge over the Albert Canal in Belgium was being used by the invading army and was bristling with anti-aircraft and machine guns. The RAF was ordered to demolish this vital bridge, and five Fairey Battle bombers of 12 Squadron were despatched to attack it, led by 21 year old Flying Officer Donald Garland as pilot and the navigation of 25 year-old Sergeant Tom Gray. As they approached the Veldwezelt bridge, they were attacked by enemy fighters and soon met a wall of anti-aircraft fire, they pressed home the attack and the bridge was hit; much of the success being due to the coolness of the pilot of the leading aircraft, 21-year-old Flying Officer Donald Garland, flying a Fairy Battle, assisted by Navigator 25-year-old Sergeant Tom Gray. As they approached the Veldwezelt bridge, they were attacked by enemy fighters and soon met a wall of anti-aircraft fire, yet they pressed home the attack and the bridge was hit; much of the success of the operation was due to the coolness of the pilot of the leading aircraft Flying Officer Garland. Sadly, Garland's aircraft and three others did not return; they died either crashing in the village of Lanaken or subsequently in the hospital in Maastricht, Netherlands. Flying Officer Donald Garland and Sergeant Thomas Gray were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery. Grays fine portrait, as well as his memorial window in Halton Church are detailed in the photo section opf this listing.
Our crest is a fine example, surmounted by a gilt Kings Crown, with the badge itself appearing to be hand painted and protected behind a slightly yellowed Perspex panel, displaying to the centre a beech tree, which is featured as Halton was overlooked by a Beech wood. Below the tree is the Latin motto reading "Crescentes Discimus" which translates to "Growing we learn". The crest was authorised by King George VI in June 1939. The badge is attached to an oak hardwood shield that incorporates a recessed brass wall hanger to the back, that also details a signature that seems to read L. R. Hay. The shield measures an impressive 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) and other than minor age related wear is in remarkably good original condition. A very fine plaque to a very famous but often overlooked Training Establishment -that also saw one Frank Whittle as a graduate! Not often found, this period plaque would make a fine addition to an aviation or RAF related collection.
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£42.00
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New Stock - 24th October 202445 Squadron RAF Plaque - Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. The Squadron, known as 'The Flying Camels' was formed during World War I at Gosport on 1st March 1916, when the unit was equipped with Sopwith 1.5 Strutters, which it was to fly in the Scout role. Deployed to France in October of that year, by the end of the Great War some thirty flying aces had served with the squadron's ranks. In the interwar years the squadron reformed at Helwan, Egypt. Assigned Vickers Vernon bomber-transports, the unit provided troop transportation and ground support and mail services throughout the Middle East, notably in support of anti-rebel operations in Iraq and Palestine. During this period the unit adopted the nickname "The Flying Camels" with the badge featuring a winged camel, approved by King Edward VIII in October 1936. The badge and nickname derive from the Sopwith used by tthem in World War 1 and its long service in the Middle East. The squadron motto is 'Per ardua surgo' translated as 'Through difficulties I arise'.
At the start of World War II, 45 Squadron converted to Bristol Blenheims. From mid 1940 it took part in the North African Campaign and then served with distinction throughout the Middle East and is among the few RAF units to see W combat against German, Italian, Vichy French and Japanese forces. When combined with WWI actions, the squadron was awarded no less than 14 Battle Honours, whilst post war 45 supported the Malaysian Emergency. The unit was both disbanded then reformed in 1992 and today the new No. 45(R) Squadron serves at RAF Cranwell, operating the Embraer Phenom T1s (see final pic).
Our crest is a fine example, surmounted by a gilt Kings Crown, with the badge itself appearing to be hand painted and protected behind a Perspex panel, with the squadron motto below. The badge is attached to an oak hardwood shield that incorporates a recessed brass wall hanger to the back. It measures an impressive 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm) and other than minor age related wear is in remarkably good original condition. A very fine period plaque to a very famous squadron. With the festive season approaching would be an excellent stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life.
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£42.00
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New Stock - 23rd October 2024Royal Flying Corps Presentation Wall Plaque - We have purchased a small collection of mainly RAF wall plaques, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. Our first listing is from this collection and it features the monogram 'RFC' surmounted by a King's Crown and surrounded by a laurel wreath, the tips of which joined by the crown and silvered RFC wings either side, in the form of an RFC pilots brevet. This is set against a painted shield, featuring the colours of the RFC flag of light and dark blue and with a thin red line in the centre. This in turn is screwed to an oakmpunt and below the title 'Royal Flying Corps'.
The RFC was established 13th April 1912 as the air arm of the British Army before and during the First World War until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force. This plaque has the applied wording to the top reading 'There's none so fair, as can compare, with the boys of the RFC' and below 'Presented by F. T. Barnes'. Sadly, we have no additional information on Barnes or the club where this shield was displayed or for that matter its age. Despite the loss of its associated provenance it is a quality plaque and would display happily as part of an RFC or aviation related collection. Measures 9.25" x 7.5" (23 cm x 19 cm). The reverse side carries an inset brass hanger for wall mounting. In very good original condition with minor age related marks and with the festive season approaching would make an ideal stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life
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£42.00
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New Stock - 16th October 2024Bristol Beaufighter Mk II Trench Art Model - The Bristol Type 156 Beaufighter (often called the Beau) first flew in July 1939 and was fitted with twin Hercules radial engines but due to lack of engine availability was subsequently developed to take Rolls Royce Merlin XX engines and became the Beaufighter Mk IIF. This Mk first flew operationally in late 1940, mainly with night fighter units based in home defence squadrons, although a few served with the Fleet Air Arm. A total of about 450 Merlin-powered Beaufighter Mk IIs was built, but in the spring of 1941, it became apparent that the Hercules engine shortage was resolved and it was feasible to switch the Beaufighter back to its original powerplant. All subsequent variants of this fighter were to be powered exclusively by the Hercules radial engine.
In total 5,298 Beaufighters were made, so the Merlin engine variant accounted for just over 8% of the total production, so was a very rare beast. Our very fine period trench art model is one of the scarce Mk II Merlin powered variants and as such a rare an unusual example. It is very nicely worked and is cast from a yellow brass, that almost gives the appearance of bronze. The model is complemented by a turned pitch pine stand that has been waxed and polished. We have been fortunate to offer for sale a good number of such models over the years but we would rate this example as one of the best. Often referred to a 'Whispering Death' grab this opportunity whilst you can and with the festive season nearly upon us again, this would be a brilliant and unique gift for the aviation enthusiast in your life and certainly not something you will ever find on Amazon. com! Wingspan measures 6" (15.5 cm) and the model including the stand is 5 1/2" high (14 cm)
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£85.00
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New Stock - 10th October 2024Royal Flying Corps Brass Ashtray - A new item that came in with a small RFC collection. On offer is a very fine cast brass ashtray, that features two RFC brevets cast in relief on the seratted rim. We are unsure if this is a commercially made example, but judging by the quite crude casting marks shown on the reverse, we feel it is more likely to have been made on the Squadron. It certainly has no makers or other marks to help with its identification. In a lifetime of collecting this is the first example of this pattern we have seen and whatever its origins it is a heavy item for its size, weighing in at a hefty 520 Gms but measureing just 6.5" long x 4.75" wide (16.5 cm x 12 cm). With the festive season fast approaching this could be a unique stocking filler for the RFC or aviation collector in your life?
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£48.00
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New Stock - 6 days agoWWII British and Enemy Warplanes Identification Wheel - An original wartime example, published by George Philip & Son Limited, of 32, Fleet Street, London E. C.4 and intended we believe for civilian use. The instrument is made from cardboard and is in the form of a circular identification chart, comprising three pieces of coloured card joined together with a metal eyelet in the centre. One side is marked 'British Warplanes' whilst the reverse is in identical format and details Axis machines, in this instance German and Italian. On the outer ring are drawings of all the allied and enemy machines then currently in service, each showing the aircrafts wingspan and fuselage length. By rotating the red ring the operator can align the arrow to a specific aircraft and you can then read off from various cutouts the planes name, role, horsepower and number of engines and crew. Separate cutouts give further data like rate of climb, service ceiling, armament, maximum speed and range at cruising speed.
Interestingly on the enemy warplanes side it mentions 'A new Messsereshmitt-109F-is now in service'. The Bf 109F-2 did not enter operational service until March 1941 with JG 2. So, whilst these discs were not dated, it clear must be from post March '41. However, in chatting with Mick Prodger on this he makes the very valid observation ' my feeling is with civilian/commercially sold aircraft recognition books, tools and devices, is that they were all released much later in the war. Any current information was 'restricted' and only made available to the public once tide began to turn in the Allies favour. Even then, the information given out was usually "old news" which was obsolete and therefore harmless. As a result it is difficult to date these 'home front' items but my best guess is these things were more likely released no earlier than 1944'.
Seeing it is probably 80 years old this example remains in remarkable condition, with minimal signs of light use and all functions work as intended. In our attached images on the British side I have highlighted the Handley Page Hampden, affectionally know as 'The Flying Suitcase' by her crews, which my late Father operated with 144 Squadron, before he became a Kriegie " guest" of the Luftwaffe in August 1941 - but that is another story! It measures 7.5" diameter (19 cm) and with the festive season approaching this would be a unique, yet modestly priced, stocking filler for the aviation collector in your life. Thanks to the ever helpful Mick Prodger for his useful additional input on our research on this item.
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£45.00
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New Stock - 10th October 2024RAF Pilots Knee Board Note Pad - A remarkably basic but essential piece of kit issued mainly to single seat pilots. These kneeboards note pads were developed in the early days of aviation and used during WWI for use by the Royal Flying Corps and continued in RAF service up until the present day, where the note pad becomes an integral part of the fast jet aircrew flying suit. This example, whilst not dated is of the WWII pattern. The front of the board has a note pad marked RAFForm 433; interestingly it is stamped 2/52 so despite its wartime origins it appears this example was still in use with the RAF in the 1950s. The pad is clamped in position by a wood strip held in place by a pair of butterfly nuts, as shown in our attached pictures.
The reverse of the board, which is made from varnished plywood, carries two permanently mounted leather straps, large enough for leg attachement. These are secured by a pair of quick release 'Bennett's buckles', of the same pattern used on RAF 'B' and early 'C' flying helmets. Although not marked the Air Ministry nomenclature for this item is Stores Ref No 6F/171, with the prefix code 6F covering'Personal Equipment Aircraft'. These are becoming increasinly hard to find and this one, other than a minor chip to the edge of the board is in totally original issued condition Board measures 10" x 6" (26 cm x 15 cm)
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£45.00
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New Stock - 10th October 2024RAF Type 48 Magnetic Oxygen Mask Microphone - A standard WWII example of the type fitted to the E, E* and G pattern oxygen masks. It carries an embossed stores reference code 10A/12570 to the face plate, whilst the microphone switch is marked 'On' and 'Off'. The instrument is wired up with a wartime specification flecked short cord and a two pin female connector to plug into an internally wired RAF C, D or E pattern flying helmet. A near identical example is shown on page 46 top left of Mick Prodger's excellent Luftwaffe V RAF Flight clothing book. We discovered a small quantity of these in a forgotten warehouse and these appear to never have been issued. Other than minor age rubbing of paint on the front plate they are in near perfect condition and the rubber parts are not perished, as is often the case. Interestingly the box in which this example was discovered has written outside 'checked 30/6/44' and below a further check date of 22/11/44. Like all our kit this is for sale as a collectable but we would not be surprised if this is not still in good working order -despite the passing of 80 years! The final picture shows and identical example fitted to a wartime G mask but this listing is for the microphone only.
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£30.00
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New Stock - 8 days agoRoyal Navy Gun Tompion from HMS Windsor - HMS Windsor, pennant number F12 was of the V/ W class destroyer of 1,100 tons, launched in 1918. She was based at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands, from where she served for the rest of World War and was present at the surrender of the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet in November 1918. Her pennant number was changed between the wars to D 42 and she served with distinction throughout WWII, winning Battle Honours for the Atlantic 1939–1940, Dunkirk 1940, Arctic Convoys 1942, English Channel 1942–1943, North Sea 1942–1945 and Operation Overlord and the invasion of Normandy in 1944. During Operation Dynamo, the evacuation from Dunkirk, Windsor came under repeated attack but still made an amazing 6 trips and in total safely evacuated 3,991 of the stranded troops. She was then back off the coast of France for the invasion or Normandy in 1944 on convoy escort duties. Following the Japanese surrender she was decommissioned and broken up in Charlestown, Fife, Scotland, in June 1949 after 27 years of outstanding, and predominantly wartime, service.
Windsor was a 'W' Class Destroyer and following the Warship Week National Savings campaign in March 1942 she was adopted by the Urban District of Windsor, Berkshire who raised an impressive £300,000. We assume the ships badge features the famous Royal residence of Windsor Castle. The earlier 'V' Class proved to be a sturdy, reliable workhorse with sufficient stability to carry a heavier gun armament which led to the modified 'W' class on which the 4" guns were replaced with 4.7" to produce what were the fastest and most heavily armed destroyers in the world at that time. Our tompion measures 4.5" diameter (12 cm) so would have been fitted to a 4.7" gun. It is mounted on a more recent oak display shield and is cast from a substantial piece of solid brass, depicting a Kings Crown in relief. This design forms the top section of HMS Windsor's ships badge that features a silver castle, surmounted by the same Royal Crown, set against a red field, as shown for illustrative purposes only in our picture section. The official design was submitted and approved in November 1919 and likewise the ships motto "Stat fortuna domus" which translates to "May the fortune of the House stand". Below the tompion is an engraved plaque with the ships name, whilst on the reverse is a label indicating 'Gun tompion from the forward gun turret of HMS Windsor (acquired) on the ships visit to Bristol in 1936'. How this piece of Royal Naval (and His Majesty's) property came to part company with the ship 88 years ago is lost in the mists of time, but we surmise this 'loss of inventory' might be defined in retail terms as 'shrinkage'?
Whatever the story this is a rare survivor from an outstanding vessel and is the first item we have been able to acquire from HMS Windsor in the quarter of a century we have been trading and it remains in excellent original condition. Small but beautifully formed, it is definitely a one off that we are most unlikely ever to be able to repeat. It could make the ideal Christmas present for the naval collector in your life.
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£175.00
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New Stock - 14 days agoGreek Navy 'Hunt Class'Destroyer 'Miaoulis' Badge - Another unusual Naval badge that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. 'Miaoulis' (in Greek: Μιαούλης) was a Type III Hunt-class destroyer that was built in 1942 for the British Royal Navy and was to be designated 'HMS Modbury' but was never commissioned. Prior to her completion, she was transferred to the Royal Hellenic Navy and commissioned on 25 November 1942 as 'Miaoulis' in order to relieve heavy losses of ships sustained by the Royal Hellenic Navy during the German invasion of 1941. 'Miaoulis', with pennant number L91, served in the Mediterranean Theatre throughout the Second World War. On 10 October 1943, during the Dodecanese Campaign, she saved the crew of the British destroyer HMS Panther and later served during the Greek Civil War. She was finally returned to the Royal Navy in 1959 and broken up for scrap in 1960.
This small unmounted badge is carved from wood with a scrolled rope border, picked put in gold with a blue insert to the shield that is superimposed with a silver cross, in the same design and colours of the Greek Navy jack or ensign. This is surmounted by an 'M', we assume representing the ships name 'Miaoulis'. We believe the vessel was named after Andreas Vokos, who was better known by his nickname "Miaoulis" (Greek: Ανδρέας Βώκος Μιαούλης 1765 – 24 June 1835), who was a Greek revolutionary, admiral, and politician who commanded Greek naval forces during the Greek War of Independence. A small and modest badge but one with a most unusual history. We can only assume it was removed from the ship[p when she was broken up for scrap here in the UK in 1960. Measures 6.5" x6.25" (17 cm x 16 cm) Good general condition, with some age-related wear.
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£10.00
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New Stock - 15 days ago826 Naval Air Squadron Hand Carved Badge - Another exceptionally fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. No. 826 Squadron was formed in March 1940 at RNAS Ford in Sussex as a torpedo bomber squadron, first equipped with Fairey Albacore biplanes. After initial training it was placed under the operational control of RAF Coastal Command, flying its first Op, a daylight bombing raid against a road junction at Nieuwpoort, Belgium on 31 May 1940. The squadron continued to fly a mixture of convoy escort operations, daylight attacks against German land and sea targets and nighttime patrols against German E-boats. When the Albacore was grounded on 3 July 1940, owing to the unreliability of the aircraft's Bristol Taurus engines, the Squadron was temporarily re-equipped with the older Fairey Swordfish. 826 saw considerable Mediterranean service during WWII and won Battle Honours for Dunkirk 1940, English Channel 1940–44, Atlantic 1940, Matapan 1941, Crete 1941, Mediterranean 1941–43. The squadron was disbanded in 1944, but resurfaced again post war and won further Battle Honours for Falklands 1982 and Kuwait in 1991. The squadrons last incarnation was operating Sea King Helicopters but after the squadron's aircraft had been reallocated to 810 and 819 Naval Air Squadrons, 826 was finally disbanded in July 1993.
This badge (we have avoided calling it a 'Crest' on the basis Naval chums advise "Waves have crests, whilst Ships have badges"!) is a unique finely hand carved example that depicts the squadron badge comprising a Naval Crown of standard form, with the squadron nos 826 below, followed by a seahorse grasping a downward pointing trident. Then in scroll form is carved the squadron's Latin motto 'Latet Anguis In Aqua' that translates to "A Snake Lies Concealed in the Water", a reference to the 826 role as a Torpedo-Spotter Squadron. Whilst the history of the piece has been lost, it is clearly a unique one off hand carved badge, the likes of which we will never see again. It is made from a single piece of polished hardwood, with a warm mellow patina and with the badge carved in relief. We believe this would date from WWII and remains in very fine original condition. We suspect it will not be with us long and with the festive season nearly upon us this would be the ideal present for the Naval or aviation collector in your life that you are not going to find repeated on 'Not on the High Street'! Measures 10.5"x 8" (27 cm x 20 cm)
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£85.00
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New Stock - 17th October 2024HMS Southampton Candlesticks - We have often bought and sold items of treen, made from wood salvaged from Royal Navy ships, but few match this attractive matched pair of candlesticks. They look to have been carved from pitch pine, with fitted brass sconces, but what lifts them to a new level is the hand carving to the base of each which confirms 'HMS Southampton Portion of mast, JUTLAND 31st May 1916'. The story does not end there, as they were originally presented to Engineer-Captain W. H. Mitchell R. N. (1878-1960), who served on Southampton in WWI and were subsequently inherited by his Grandson, who also advised his Grandfather went on to become a Rear Admiral.
Provenance is only of value if it can be proven and in this case a report found in the Times newspaper of 11th November 1926 confirms 'Engineer-Captain W. H. Michell has been selected for the position of Chief Engineer of the Dock Yard at Hong-Kong. Hitherto he has been First Assistant to the Manager at Chatham. In the War Engineer-Captain Mitchell was chief engineer of the cruiser Southampton'. The year of Eng-Captain W. H. Michell's transfer from Chatham to Hong Kong was 1926, and at the time HMS Southampton was at Chatham being made ready for scrapping at Pembroke Dock. It is safe to assume the candlesticks were made by Chatham Staff as a leaving gift to Eng-Captain Michell on his transfer from Chatham to Hong Kong and as a reminder of his service on Southampton in the First War.
HMS Southampton was built by John Brown & Company at their Clydebank shipyard and launched on 16 May 1912. She was assigned to the 1st Battle Squadron and she became flagship of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron in July 1913. She had an extremely active wartime career, participating in the Battle of Heligoland Bight, and later in the Battle of Dogger Bank in early 1915. In May 1916, Southampton fought in the Battle of Jutland as flagship of 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron and was first to spot the German battle fleet when Commodore "Barge" Goodenough sent a signal back to his commander, Vice Admiral Sir David Beatty. She subsequently torpedoed and sunk the German light cruiser SMS Frauenlob. In 1917, she was transferred to the 8th Light Cruiser Squadron with whom she remained and suvived the war. In 1926 Southampton was sold for scrapping on 13th July 1926.
The candlesticks measure 7.5" high and 4" diameter at the base (18.5 cm x 10 cm). With the festive season fast approaching these historic, decorative and useful candlesticks would be the perfect present for the marine or Royal Navy collector in your life. A one-off opportunity that will never be repeated!
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£145.00
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New Stock - YesterdayHenry Browne & Son Hand Bearing Compass - Henry Browne and Son Ltd was founded in the nineteenth century and were based at Station Works, Wakering Road, Barking, Essex. They were respected British instrument makers, who made fine quality compasses, ships clocks, barometers, inclinometers, sextants and chandlery items for over 140 years; 'Sestrel' was the company Trademark. Henry Browne Ltd was sold to John Lilley & Gillie Ltd and SIRS Navigation, both UK companies, around 1975 when the marine instrument industry was being consolidated.
Identical compasses were supplied to the Royal Navy against NATO number 6605-99-527-5338 and being finished in battleship grey we speculate ours may have once served with the Royal Navy. The optical glass prism allows the user to take a sight on a distant object whilst simultaneously reading off the bearing, taken from the image of the compass card in the prism. The compass bowl is mounted on a solid teak handle with attached card holder (the card is now missing) to make notations. Unlike many of this pattern that we have seen, the compass oil remains and with no air bubbles and the compass card swings freely. Whilst we offer for sale as a collector's item we would say, subject to checks, it is good enough to go back to sea and used as intended. Alternative it would make a fine display item in a nautical or instrument collection. It would be hard to find a crisper example and offered at a fraction of the current maufacturing cost
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£68.00
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New Stock - 21st October 2024Presentation Silver Desk Calendar to illustrious Commander of Submarine L5 - A very fine example that carries an engraving to the top stating "Presented to Lieutenant Commander C. B. Allen by The Officers, Engineers & Crew of H M Submarine 5 on The Occasion of his Marriage Hong Kong 4-11-27". The piece is made from silver and carries clear manufacturing assay marks confirming it was made by Birmingham silversmiths Wilmot Manufacturing Company of Camden Street, Birmingham. This company was established in June 1912 whilst this piece is date stamped 'A' confirming it was made in 1925. A period photograph is fitted to a recess at the front, that shows both the submarine L5 and her crew.
Online research indicates Commander Conway Benning Allen D. S. O (1896-1980) attended RN College Osborne from 1909 and joined the Royal Navy in 1918. He had an illustrious Naval career, serving in two World Wars, initially in Cruiser HMS Hampshire and then Warspite through the Battle of Jutland. He was then posted to Dolphin, followed in September 1917 by an appointment to depot ship HMS Vulcan, to instruct on submarines. He then served in HMS H42 and then as First Officer to HMS K12. Allen was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1926 and was appointed Captain of HMS H34, then as Captain of HMS L5 from 1/9/1926 - 27/8/1929.
HMS L5 was built by Swan Hunter and launched on 1 September 1917and was initially based at Falmouth, Cornwall in 1918. L5 was assigned to the 4th Submarine Flotilla in 1919 and sailed to Hong Kong, arriving on 14 April 1920. She served on the China Station and was clearly serving in Hong Kong in 1927, when Lt Commander Allen was married on 4th November of that year. On 20 October 1927 off Hong Kong, L5 rescued the crew of the merchant ship SS Irene from a pirate attack after firing her deck gun. HMS L5 was sold in 1931 and broken up in Charlestown, Fife.
Allen's next appointment was as Captain of HMS Rover, a Rainbow-class submarine, whilst in 1930 he took command of surface ship HMS Rochester, a Shoreham-class sloop between January 1941 and October 1942. During Commander Allen's tenure HMS Rochester sunk by deth chages German U-Boat U204 on 19/10/1941 near Tangier. Then German U-Boat U82 was sunk north of the Azores on on 6/2/1942, again by depth charges dropped from HMS Rochester. Commander Allen was awarded the DSO, Gazetted 5th January 1943 'for gallantry for attacks on enemy submarines ', for the actions summarised above. Allen survived the War and retired from the Navy 1945, with the rank of Commander. He resided in Helson, Cornwall and died in British Columbia in July 1980. Naval careers do not come more illustrious than this and we imagine this presentation calendar would have sat on Commander Allen's desk. Whilst the calendar date does still operate it is somewhat stiff and we have treated this with respect as it nears its 100's year. We would suggest the new owner treats this as an historical artefact rather than for its original intended purpose and as a reminder of the owners illustrious career that seemed to largely revolved around submarines -both above and below the surface!
The final picture shows the medal grouping awarded to Commander Allen comprising the Distinguished Service Order dated 1943, 1914/15 Star, WWI War Medal and Victory Medals, 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Defence Medal and WWII War Medal. These are illustrated for interest only and are not included in the sale as sadly not in our ownership!
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£240.00
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New Stock - 11th October 2024HMS Champion Temperature gauge - Purchased from a defunct West county Naval museum this small item of treen is made from teak recovered from HMS Champion, when she was broken up by Metal Industries of Rosyth, Scotland in 1933. HMS Champion was a C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy that saw service during World War I. She was part of the Calliope group of the C class and Champion was commissioned into service in the Royal Navy on 20 December 1915. She was assigned to the Grand Fleet, serving as the leader of the 13th Destroyer Flotilla through to early 1919. She fought in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, during which she was also the flagship of the senior commander of the fleet's destroyers. She served on post war but was decommissioned in December 1933 and placed under dockyard control and finally sold for scrapping the following year.
This souvenir from the ship was almost certainly made by Lister Woodcrafts and we have seen a number of items made from HMS Champion salvage from garden benches to letter openers. This angular thermometer is quite unusual and the first of this type we have had in. The instrument is made by Rototherm and has a Fahrenheit scale from -20F to +140. The thermometer is working, although we cannot g'tee its accuracy although it is currently reading a toasy 68F in our office! The item measures 4.75" x 4.25" (12 cm x 11 cm) and the gauge diameter is 2 1/2" diameter (6.5 cm)
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£28.00
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New Stock - 11th October 2024Royal Navy Wooden Gun Tompion - A genuine ex Royal Navy tompion that carries in relief a Naval Crown (Latin: corona navalis) which features a gold crown surmounted with small replicas of the prows of ships. The design originated as a Roman military award, given to the first man who boarded an enemy ship during a naval engagement. In heraldry a naval crown is mounted atop the shields of coats of arms of the naval vessels and other units belonging to some navies. Tompions in the Royal Navy are made from either wood, metal, canvas, rubber, or plastic and designed to cover and prevent water or debris entering the gun barrel. Many Naval tampions have been developed into works of art but this is a more modest example, probably made up onboard the ship. It measures 4" diameter so would have been fitted to a 4" gun (10.5 cm).Made from hardwood and hand painted, it shows some signs of service use, but it remains in good original condition. A small but decorative piece of genuine Navy memorabilia and the ideal stocking filler for the upcoming festive season.
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£10.00
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New Stock - 11th October 2024Royal Marine Officers Swagger Stick - A very good WWII period example in excellent overall condition. Similar to a riding crop, they were usually carried by military personnel as a symbol of authority, much as a schoolmaster might carry his cane-see final picture attached that will bring back negative memories to many! The Royal Marine Commandos were and are essentially the sea soldiers of the Royal Navy and their motto 'Per Mare, Per Terram' means 'By Sea, By Land', a Latin phrase that symbolises the Marines dual role as an 'elite amphibious fighting force', operating both on board ships and ashore. This example features a good clean Royal Marine crest and motto to the handle that features a Kings crown;this is not hallmarked so we have assumed it is not silver. On the opposite end the ferrule and heel tip is also in equally good condition, as is the hardwood shaft, although this does exhibit a slight bend as is often the case. Sadly, we have no history with it, but it represents a good clean example that probably saw service in WWII. Measures 27" (69 cm)
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£60.00
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