Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
Manuals / Ephemera
(click on pictures to enlarge)
Set of WW2 US recognition postcards.
Unusual and really nice set of postcard sized (5" x 3") aircraft recognition cards, featuring a b/w photograph on the front and silhouettes on the back. 22 AAF, 12 USN, 9 British, 11 German and 1 Japanese plus a chase card with aircraft parts identified. 58 total. Many of the "enemy" aircraft depict captured aircraft in Allied markings, which is an interesting slant. Nice set in overall very good condition.
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$35 / £28 / €33
 Set of WW2 US recognition postcards. |  Set of WW2 US recognition postcards. |
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 Set of WW2 US recognition postcards. |  Set of WW2 US recognition postcards. |
 Set of WW2 US recognition postcards. |
Imperial Japanese officer's "hanko" signature seal stamping bone/stick.
In Japanese culture it is usual to have a personalized seal for adding one's signature or personal mark, carried by all officers in the Japanese military. This is a lovely example of a hanko carved from a piece of bone and contained in its own hand made sleeve made from a piece of military uniform wool. Seal is 2.25" (6cm) long; a notch in the shaft indicates the correct way up. One small hairline crack in surface of the bone shaft but a beautiful and unique item, possibly used for naming this soldier's kit and personal belongings.
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$65 / £50 / €60
 Imperial Japanese military "hanko" signature seal stamping bone/stick |  Imperial Japanese military "hanko" signature seal stamping bone/stick |
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 Imperial Japanese military "hanko" signature seal stamping bone/stick |  Imperial Japanese military "hanko" signature seal stamping bone/stick |
EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's highly-secret coded interceptor chart.
This is the only example of one of these I have ever come across: a coded sector chart specifically for LW nightfighters, comprising an aerial chart/map divided into grids with codenames, subdivided into 9 smaller squares with numbers. As we know, the LW used daily changing codes and clearly this shows the codes and how they would easily be rotated. To vector a pilot to the correct location would be very simple and impossible for the enemy to know - then it would be up to the pilot and observer - using the Lichtenstein radar - to home in on the enemy aircraft. The chart measures 65cm x 42cm printed on mimeograph type paper. Very few survived — it was paramount to destroy them in the event of being shot down or captured. No one I have talked to has ever seen one of these code charts before — but it is what it is and the period photos show an example in actual use. Codes translate as follows: Bussard (Buzzard) = Einzelflieger (single pilot); kurier (courier) = small group; gross kurier = large group; Fahnlein (flag) = very large group. So they could be vectored as follows: "Kurier Otto Paula 6" to indicate small enemy force east of Bonn. The only other piece of information he would need is the altitude. Even if the message was intercepted, the Allies would have no clue that the nightfighter was onto them. Note: photos of LW pilots studying a similar chart.
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$550 / £415 / €495
 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
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 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
 EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |  EXTREMELY RARE Luftwaffe nightfighter pilot's coded interceptor chart. |
AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter".
Prepared by Army Air Forces Operations Analysis Section in Collaboration with US Navy, this pocket-sized (7" x 4") booklet was published November 1, 1943 and contains 46 pages of well-diagrammed instructions, plus 10 fold-out sheets (20 pages) of specifics in fighting various German and Japanese fighters. An invaluable resource for Air Gunners in bomber aircraft illustrating "cones of fire" and all the techniques required to fend off enemy fighters. Light wear and creasing - great condition.
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$55 / £45 / €115
 AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |  AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |
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 AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |  AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |
 AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |  AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |
 AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |  AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |
 AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |  AAF booklet for air gunners "Get that Fighter" |
"As Briefed..." official unit history of the 384th Bombardment Group, original and very limited edition, 1946.
One of the rarest and most desirable of all the 8th Air Force unit histories. 208 pages including a superb 40-page photo section at the back. Very good condition with tight binding and no damage save for a little wear to the cover and bumping to the corners. the 384th BG was based at Grafton Underwood in Northamptonshire from May 1943 to June 1945 and flew 316 daylight combat missions in B-17s.
$295 / £235 / €270
 AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |  AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |
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 AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |  AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |
 AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |  AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |
 AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |  AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |
 AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |  AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |
 AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |  AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |
 AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |  AAF 384th Bombardment Group Unit History |
RARE Classified (Restricted) official US War Dept and Navy Dept Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943.
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Large format, hard cover manual, 10.5" x 6" and over half-an-inch thick with aircraft types from the US (Army and Navy), UK, Germany, Japan and Italy (tabs for USSR and Misc. have no aircraft). If you're going to have one Aircraft Recognition manual – this would be the one to have! Includes stern warning at the beginning of the sensitive nature of the information contained inside. Very good condition with a few nicks at the edge.
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$65 / £50 / €60
 RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |  RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |
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 RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |  RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |
 RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |  RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |
 RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |  RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |
 RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |  RARE Classified US War Dept and Navy Dept official Aircraft Recognition Manual dated June 1943 |
RARE complete set of five WWII factory manuals + General Service Notes for the USN Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer maritime bomber.
COMPLETE set of five official factory published hardback manuals for the often underrated Consolidated PB4Y-2 aircraft, together with the softcover General Service Notes.
Flight Manual. 92 Pages, dated 1945
Airplane General and Armament. 212 (Airplane gneral) + 42 (Armament) pages. dated 1944
Power Plant. 206 pages. dated 1944
Hydraulics. 198 pages. dated 1945
Electricity. 148 pages. dated 1944
General Service Notes. (softcover) 326 pages. dated 1945
The Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer was a US Navy maritime bomber/ reconnaissance aircraft, sometimes referred to as the US Navy version of the B-24. Overall condition of this amazing set is very good, with a little wear and bumping to the outsides, the gold leaf titling has tarnished with age but the bindings are solid. Softcover shows some wear, rubbing to outside.
$250 / £195 / €230 email for more details
 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
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 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
 PB4Y-2 Manuals |
Pocket Reference Guide to Army, Navy and Marine Corps insignia dated March, 1943.
Supplement to the March, 1943 Reader's Digest and reproduced by Newsweek Magazine, this 12-page guide, printed in full-colour throughout, offers a great selection of rank and trade badges as well as some unit patches, medals and other insignia. 4.25" x 6.25" in excellent condition.
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$20 / £16 / €19
 Pocket Reference Guide to Army, Navy and Marine Corps insignia dated March, 1943 |  Pocket Reference Guide to Army, Navy and Marine Corps insignia dated March, 1943 |
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 Pocket Reference Guide to Army, Navy and Marine Corps insignia dated March, 1943 |  Pocket Reference Guide to Army, Navy and Marine Corps insignia dated March, 1943 |
 Pocket Reference Guide to Army, Navy and Marine Corps insignia dated March, 1943 |  Pocket Reference Guide to Army, Navy and Marine Corps insignia dated March, 1943 |
24 Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers.
A nice selection of cartoons by noted artist Bill Mauldin, all clipped from wartime newspapers. 24 in total (plus 4 additional cartoons by other artists). Mauldin was well known for his GI characters Wille and Joe in his series Up Front, and later Sweatin' it Out. His work first appeared in 45th Division News in 1940 and by 1943 it was in syndication and seen by all GIs in Stars and Stripes. Most of these appear to have been clipped from the Dallas Morning News. Wonderful keepsakes for decorating a footlocker or displaying with a uniform ensemble.
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$20 / £16 / €19
 Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers |  Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers |
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 Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers |  Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers |
 Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers |  Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers |
Cartoons by Bill Mauldin clipped from wartime newspapers |
A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's death.
Two different complete editions of the Dallas Morning News announcing the death of President Roosevelt, plus one additional front cover of the same edition, together with four different covers of the Dallas Morning News with various headlines regarding the war; a complete copy of Stars and Stripes (ETO, March 1945) and numerous newspaper clippings featuring various war stories and events. Most are in good condition with some slight foxing, minor tears but make a great display and interesting reading!). THe newspapers carrying news of the President's death are of particular historic interest.
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$40 / £32 / €38
 A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |  A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |
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 A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |  A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |
 A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |  A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |
 A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |  aA selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt' |
 A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |  A selection of wartime newspapers and clippings - Dallas Morning News- including news of Roosevelt's |
RCAF 436 squadron unit history and named silver tankard.
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436 "Chinthe" Squadron, RCAF (named after the Buddhist Lion), flew Dakota transport aircraft in India and Burma from 1944 to 1945. This is their original unit history: 166 well-illustrated pages about the crews who flew the aircraft and the people of Burma they got to know. The half-pint tankard is silver plated on brass (EPNS) with a traditional glass bottom. It is engraved on one side "RCAF, India Burma 436 Chinthe Sqdrn" and on the other side "J.S. Loveridge" and "Jack". Jack Loveridge is listed among the squadron personnel in the back of the book. The tankard is heavily tarnished and much of the silver has worn off – clearly many a pint has passed through it! Lovely set and a rare unit history.
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$200 / £160 / €185
 RCAF 436 squadron unit history and named silver tankard |  RCAF 436 squadron unit history and named silver tankard |
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 RCAF 436 squadron unit history and named silver tankard |  RCAF 436 squadron unit history and named silver tankard |
 RCAF 436 squadron unit history and named silver tankard |  DSCN8981 |
 IMG_0190 |  DSCN8982 |
 DSCN8988 |  DSCN8989 |
 DSCN8984 |  DSCN8987 |
 DSCN8986 |  DSCN8985 |
 DSCN8983 |
RARE original copy of official RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Mosquito bomber dated 1944.
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If you love history and things that "talk", this is for you! Superb, well-used copy of RAF Pilots Notes for the Mosquito Mks VIII, IX and XVI which has been through the wars - literally. Dated Mach 1944, it has some dog-eared pages, rust stains and appears to have been folded, but for all that it is complete and perfectly readable/displayable with all its fold-outpages and all information clear and legible. It is inked on the front "A.T.D.LL Gosport and Weston" (two leading RAF airfields). Perfect for a hangar/workshop display. If only it could talk!
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$100 / £80 / €92
 RAF Pilots Notes for Mosquito Bomber |
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 RAF Pilots Notes for Mosquito Bomber |
 RAF Pilots Notes for Mosquito Bomber |
 RAF Pilots Notes for Mosquito Bomber |
 RAF Pilots Notes for Mosquito Bomber |
 DSCN8686 |
 DSCN8687 |
 DSCN8684 |
 DSCN8688 |
RAF Aircraft Recognition Poster with silhouettes of Allied, German and Italian aircraft.
Very interesting two-sided poster with 65 silhouettes of allied, Geman and Italian aircraft featured. Measures 22" x 16.5" (43cm x 58cm) but has been folded up so it could be carried in a pocket. It shows all main types used in the early years of the war in Europe and carries the instruction "To be kept in your AB64" which is the RAF airman's service book. Obviously shows wear and a few tears at the creases from being folded but in very good shape and quite a scarce item.
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$75 / £60 / €68
 RAF Aircraft Recognition Poster with silhouettes of Allied, German and Italian aircraft |
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 RAF Aircraft Recognition Poster with silhouettes of Allied, German and Italian aircraft |
 RAF Aircraft Recognition Poster with silhouettes of Allied, German and Italian aircraft |
 RAF Aircraft Recognition Poster with silhouettes of Allied, German and Italian aircraft |
 RAF Aircraft Recognition Poster with silhouettes of Allied, German and Italian aircraft |
RAF silhouette comparison poster Thunderbolt / Focke Wulf 190.
One of three similar posters offered. Scarce and unusual RAF silhouette comparison poster showing the difference, in outline, between the RAF Republic Thunderbolt fighter and the Luftwaffe Focke Wulf 190. 13" x 8" (33cm x 20cm). Has been folded into quaretrs with some pinholes in the corners, but overall very good condition. This would have been pinned up in ops rooms and crew ready rooms so fighter pilots and air gunners could readily identify the types. Great accessory for a crew room display.
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$45 / £35 / €40
 RAF Aircraft Recognition Poster: P-47 Thunderbolt vs Fw 190 |
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Original wartime RAF Wellington Pilot's Notes in amazing condition.
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One of the cleanest and best copies of original wartime Pilot's Notes I have seen. Complete January 1944 dated (second edition) of Pilot's Notes for the Wellington bomber. Covers are clean, not faded (the blue ones are almost always faded!) no foxing on the pages - has obviously been well stored. Complete with its fold-out cockpit photos/diagrams. It is named inside so could be researched. Minor stain to edge of front cover but otherwise in excellent condit.​
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$120 / £95 / €110
 RAF Pilots Notes for Wellington bomber dated 1944 |  RAF Pilots Notes for Wellington bomber dated 1944 |
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 RAF Pilots Notes for Wellington bomber dated 1944 |  RAF Pilots Notes for Wellington bomber dated 1944 |
 DSCN8453 |  DSCN8457 |
 RAF Pilots Notes for Wellington bomber dated 1944 |
Rare unit history of the 14th Combat Bombardment Wing, US 8th Air Force.
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Unit histories don't come any rarer than this - the history of the entire Bombing Wing, comprising the 44th BG, 392nd BG and 491st BG, stationed at Shipdham, Wendling and North Pickenham. Great photos throughout of their B-24 aircraft, nose art, personnel, etc. In excellent condition, except someone has carefully cut out a small rectangle, about 1.5" x 0.5" from the frontisppiece. No idea why - it doesn't affect the text in anyway.
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$155 / £115 / €135
 AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |  AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |
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 AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |  AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |
 AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |  AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |
 AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |  AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |
 AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |  AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |
 AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |  AAF Unit History 14th Combat Bombardment Wing 8th AF |
Early wartime RAF aircraft recognition poster for Vickers Wellington Mk II bomber.
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Very early wartime recognition poster which clearly saw a fair amount of use in ops rooms and standby lounges or huts! 3-views with additional profiles highlighted in red to draw attention to key identifying features. Top edge shows some cracking and minor loss, poster is creased, has minor stains and a small piece missing on the left hand side. Typed label pasted over the top caption gives further details. All the information is intact and this actually displays well. What makes this poster even more interesting is it depicts the Wellington Mk II, which used Rolls Royce Merlin engines – quite a scarce variant which saw use mostly in North Africa. The more familiar Wellngtons used radial engines.
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$85 / £70 / €80
 RAF Wellington bomber recognition poster |  RAF Wellington bomber recognition poster |
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 RAF Wellington bomber recognition poster |  RAF Wellington bomber recognition poster |
RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger by Wilkinson Sword in fitted case.
A superb dagger made by Wilkinson Sword in 1970 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Silver plated with etched blade, wooden hilt and scabbard with silver plated chape, mounted in a sky blue felt-lined wooden case with a silver plated plaque and medallions of Churchill and the RAF crest. Excellent condition with minor wear to box and light age patina. A collectible in its own right, being over 50 years old, as well as a superb reminder of "The Few".
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$150 / £120 / €140
 RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |  RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |
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 RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |  RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |
 RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |  RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |
 RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |  RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |
 RAF Battle of Britain Commemorative dagger in presentation case |
RARE RAF Pilot's Notes for the De Havilland Hornet fighter.
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The De Havilland Hornet was the direct descendant of the famed "Wooden wonder" Mosquito, and though it was designed in WWII and first flew in July 1944, it not enter service until 1946. It had a successful service life with the RAF and Fleet Air Arm (as the Sea Hornet). RAF Pilot's Notes are rare and highly sought after. This manual is early post-war, dated December 1947 and includes the usual array of information and diagrams, including photos of the cockpit layout and controls. Overall very good condition with some wear to cover. A very rare AP notes/booklet.
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$95 / £80 / €92
 RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Hornet |
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 RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Hornet |
 RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Hornet |
 RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Hornet |
 RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Hornet |
 RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Hornet |
 RAF Pilots Notes for the De Havilland Hornet |
RAF Pocket Book (AP1081) - 1937.
Indispensable guide book to the RAF. This book was designed to answer any possible question the new recruit or cadet, or long serving member could think of, from everything to do with aircraft and aerodynamics to weather, to erecting a tent and digging a trench, burial, food, medical, legal — you name it, it's in here. Not a rare item but this particular example, dated 1939, is in excellent condition and includes the includes the addendum of Appendix V with up-to-date data charts on the newest aircraft.
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$50 / £40 / €45
 RAF Pocket Book 1937 with inserts |
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 RAF Pocket Book 1937 with inserts |
 RAF Pocket Book 1937 with inserts |
 RAF Pocket Book 1937 with inserts |
 RAF Pocket Book 1937 with inserts |
 RAF Pocket Book 1937 with inserts |
8 x US Army Training manuals from the 1930s.
Not a complete set, but from an estate as issued to one man, an instructor of the 33rd Division in Chicago — so perhaps all the ones he needed to do his job. Eight US Army training manuals, with published dates ranging from 1930 to 1939. Lots of useful information and a great compliment to any US Army display.
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$35 / £28 / €32
 8 x US Army Training manuals from the 1930s |  8 x US Army Training manuals from the 1930s |
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 8 x US Army Training manuals from the 1930s |  8 x US Army Training manuals from the 1930s |
AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944.
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Rare and hard to find AAF Training Command publication featuring over 150 aerial photographs of various locations throughout the US and all over the world. Intended for pilots, navigators and bombardiers to familiarize themselves with different types of terrain, camouflage techniques etc. in preparation for combat operations. This is the second edition, printed July 1944, prepared by the training offers at Randolph Field, Texas. 8.5" x 11" soft cover, excellent condition.
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$85 / £70 / €80
 AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |  AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |
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 DSCN6519 |  AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |
 AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |  AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |
 AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |  AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |
 AAF Aerial Photo Supplement, July 1944 |
South African newspaper December 1942, complete, mailed home to London.
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Fascinating incidental display item—and great reading—with a wealth of history! A 4-page newspaper from the township of Queenstown, South Africa, dated December 19, 1942, sent home to his mother in London by an airman serving in the RAF. He has highlighted the story of four of his colleagues killed in a plane crash at the local RAF station. Other stories include news on the war from Burma, Cairo and other hotbeds of fighting. As usual the adverts are also very interesting. As was the custom, the newspaper was folded up, addressed and stamped, then dropped in the mail. Incredible condition for all it's been through.
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$50 / £40 / €48
 South African newspaper December 1942, mailed home to London |  South African newspaper December 1942, mailed home to London |
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 South African newspaper December 1942, mailed home to London |  South African newspaper December 1942, mailed home to London |
 South African newspaper December 1942, mailed home to London |  South African newspaper December 1942, mailed home to London |
 South African newspaper December 1942, mailed home to London |
RCAF Air Gunner's notebook/course notes from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario.
Personal course notes from the Armaments School, Mont. View, Ontario with incredible detail on every kind of weapon taught, from revolvers and rifles to Browning .303 and .5 inch aircraft guns, Hispano etc. Dates from mid-WWII (references on sketches to 1943). All handwritten but very neat and legible, approximately .75 inch thick with copious detailed hand drawn coloured-pencil illustrations of components, cutaways, etc. One of a kind item absolutely full of useful information.
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$85 / £65 / €75
 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
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 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
 RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |  RCAF Air Gunner's notebook from Armament School at Mont. View Ontario |
The Navy magazine annual review of Naval Aviation, 1954.
Superb publication dated September 1954, over 50 pages dedicated to Naval Aviation: the latest news, newest aircraft, great articles with many photos and of course wonderful ads of the time. There's even a Fleet Air Arm quiz! Photos show Navy pilots still wearing Type C helmets and Mk VIII goggles. Great condition. Lots of useful information.
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$25 / £20 / €22
 The Navy magazine annual review of Naval Aviation, 1954 |  The Navy magazine annual review of Naval Aviation, 1954 |
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 The Navy magazine annual review of Naval Aviation, 1954 |  The Navy magazine annual review of Naval Aviation, 1954 |
 The Navy magazine annual review of Naval Aviation, 1954 |
3 x Japanese military collector magazines.
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For years Japanese printing companies led the world with quality publications featuring vintage and modern military equipment, from hardware to uniforms and clothing. Among the best were COMBAT and Koku-Fan. Offered here are 3 magazines from 2005 ad 2007, packed with colour and b/w images (including one issue of Combat which featured some of my own Luftwaffe collection!). Now collectible in their own right. All three together.
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$45 / £35 / €40
 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
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 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
 3 x Japanese military collector magazines |  3 x Japanese military collector magazines |
RAF Flight Sergeant's
Kriegsgefangenpost
POW letter home.
Letter written in pencil by a Flight Sergeant POW Robert Beard, to his parentss and sister in Wales. Letter is dated February 27, 1944 but didn't evidently arrive until May 5th. He talks about POW camp life, receiving parcels and helping out other prisoners. Beard flew with 61 squadron RAF (Lancasters) and was shot down in 29 July, 1942, so he was a POW for a long time. He says he feels better off now than when when he first arrived, but still says he will want some good meals when he gets home! Interesting slice of POW camp life. Very readable and very good condition.
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$75 / £55 / €65
 RAF Flt. Sgt. POW letter home |  RAF Flt. Sgt. POW letter home |
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 RAF Flt. Sgt. POW letter home |  RAF Flt. Sgt. POW letter home |
 RAF Flt. Sgt. POW letter home |
Wehrmacht song book.
In complete contrast to the lighthearted songs featured in the US Army song book (above), this German version is all about singing for the Fatherland! Also published in 1941, it is in very good condition, 4.5" x 6" (110mm x 158mm) with 80-pages of patriotic songs, printed in typical Gothic script, with both words and music. As with the US Army booklet, a great item to display as an accessory.
$45 / £33 / €38
 Wehrmacht song book |  Wehrmacht song book |
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 Wehrmacht song book |  Wehrmacht song book |
 Wehrmacht song book |
WWII Hallmark greeting card to new service member.
Wonderful early Hallmark greeting card wishing a new recruit good luck in the US Army. Printed on low quality but very heavy, fibrous recycled paper in brown, black, red and blue ink, and comb bound, this 16-page booklet measures 5" x 6" (12.5cm x 15cm). Signed on the back otherwise in excellent condition. I wonder how many of these could have survived!
$35 / £25 / €30
 WWII Hallmark greeting card to new service member |  WWII Hallmark greeting card to new service member |
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 WWII Hallmark greeting card to new service member |  WWII Hallmark greeting card to new service member |
 WWII Hallmark greeting card to new service member |
LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article.
Superb wartime copy of the popular American magazine in excellent condition, no tears or damage, only slight creasing and bent corners. 134-pages, large format (26cm x 35cm) with typically great photographs throughout including a fabulous feature article on the Flying Tigers / AVG in Burma with many photographs of pilots, all ID'd. There is a another great article on submarine training. Shirley Temple on the front cover. Great old advertisements throughout - colour and black and white. Magazines add a great finishing touch to any display.
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$35 / £26 / €30
 LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |  LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |
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 LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |  LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |
 LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |  LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |
 LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |  LIFE magazine, dated March 1942 with Flying Tigers article |
WWII commemorative matchbooks - unused condition.
These are the large format match books: 3" x 2.25" and all completely full of matches as originally produced. Slight wear externally, but superb condition.
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Waco Army Air Feld, TX
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Hammer Field, Fresno, CA
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Wendover Field, UT
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Kelly Field, TX
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Price each: $20 / £15 / €18
 WWII commemorative matchbooks - unused condition |  WWII commemorative matchbooks - unused condition |
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 WWII commemorative matchbooks - unused condition |
WWII commemorative matchbooks - no matches.
These are the large format match books: 3" x 2.25" as above, but all matches removed or used. Slight wear externally, but overall very good condition.
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San Marcos Army Air Feld, TX
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Hammer Field, Fresno, CA
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23rd AAF Glider Training,
Hamilton, TX
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SeaBees
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Price each: $15 / £11 / €13
 WWII commemorative matchbooks - no matches. |  WWII commemorative matchbooks - no matches. |
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 WWII commemorative matchbooks - no matches. |
WWII US military small matchbooks.
These are the smaller format match books: 2" x 1.5" in near perfect condition with all matches still present.
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USNAS Eagle Mountain, TX
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US Army
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USAAF
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Price each: $20 / £15 / €18
 US Army match books unused, all matches present. |  US Army match books unused, all matches present. |
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 US Army match books unused, all matches present. |
WWII RAF Flight Engineer's training manual on carburettors.
Foolscap size sheaf of papers, about 1/3 of an inch thick, on aircraft carburettors pertaining to the duties of a RAF Flight Engineer and or mechanic. Everything you ever wanted to know about carburettors. named on front sheet to "Whitehead".
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$30 / £20 / €25
 RAF Flight Engineer's training manual on carburettors. |  RAF Flight Engineer's training manual on carburettors. |
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 RAF Flight Engineer's training manual on carburettors. |
WWII RAF Standard Notes from RAF School of Firefighting.
Small book of standard course notes fro the RAF School of Fire-Fighting, measuring 6.75" x 8" (17cm x 20cm) and about half an inch thick (over 200 pages). Bound with string and marked "Restricted" and "Must Not Be Reproduced". Includes list of all fire-fighting equipment on hand for the RAF. Considering how much pilots and aircrews depended on Fire-fighters for their survival after returning from operations, this is a great piece to have in any RAF collection. Well used, the cover quite dog-eared but completed and with no damage.
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$55 / £40 / €45
 RAF Standard Notes from RAF School of Firefighting |  RAF Standard Notes from RAF School of Firefighting |
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1930s / WWII Union Flag printed on cotton.
The distinctive "square" pattern dates this is as a very early vintage flag (note squared off ends on the diagonal red cross). Excellent condition with no damage, it was made as a flat hanging flag and then hand sewn along one edge to be flown from a flagpole. 34" x 46" (66cm x 116cm). Probably more patriotic than military, but a very nice example with lovely age toning to the cotton, but no fading to the colours.
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$175 / £128 / €150
 1930s / WWII Union Flag printed on cotton |  1930s / WWII Union Flag printed on cotton |
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 1930s / WWII Union Flag printed on cotton |  1930s / WWII Union Flag printed on cotton |
Battle of Britain 30th Anniversary First day Cover.
Officially flown in a Hawker Hurricane and duly noted, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Battle, the stamp features Alcock and Brown (first to fly the Atlantic). Excellent condition. A nice collectible.
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$25 / £19 / €21
 Battle of Britain 30th Anniversary First day Cover. |  Battle of Britain 30th Anniversary First day Cover. |
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 Battle of Britain 30th Anniversary First day Cover. |
Original instruction sheet for AAF HS-33 / HS-38 radio headset.
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4-page, single sheet instructions for correct installation of the headset (whether in a helmet or worn as a headband) in the aircraft. Some slight staining and unfortunately a little insect damage, but it is still readable and useful information.
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$15 / £12 / €13
 Instruction sheet for HS-33 / HS-38 radio headset. |  Instruction sheet for HS-33 / HS-38 radio headset. |
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 Instruction sheet for HS-33 / HS-38 radio headset. |
Original instruction sheet for installation of USN H-87/U helmet radio headset.
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Single sheet, one-sided instruction sheet for replacing the old style (ANB-H-1) receivers in the green nylon flying helmet used by US Navy pilots in the Korean War era / 1950s. Excellent condition.
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$20 / £15 / €17 email to secure this item
 Instruction sheet for USN H-87/U helmet radio headset |  Instruction sheet for USN H-87/U helmet radio headset |
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RAF Pilot's Notes for Spitfire Mk IIA and IIB (reprint)
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Facsimile / reprint of The official Pilots Notes for the Spitfire IIA and IIB - which saw combat action during the Battle of Britain. Loose bound sheets as per the original, secured with a cord and plastic ends 9original would have had metal). An exact copy, great for the information it contains. Every Spitfire pilot would have been given one of these while he was learning to fly the type.
$20 / £16 / €18 email to secure this item
 RAF Spitfire Mk II Pilots Notes-rep |
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 RAF Spitfire Mk II Pilots Notes-rep |
 RAF Spitfire Mk II Pilots Notes-rep |
 RAF Spitfire Mk II Pilots Notes-rep |
 RAF Spitfire Mk II Pilots Notes-5620 |
RAF Pilot's Notes for Hurricane IIA, IIB, IIC, IID and IV (reprint)
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Facsimile / reprint of The official Pilots Notes for the Hawker Hurricane IIA, B, C, D and IV. The early versions saw combat action during the Battle of Britain. Loose bound sheets as per the original, secured with a cord and plastic ends 9original would have had metal). An exact copy, great for the information it contains. Every Hurricane pilot would have been given one of these while he was learning to fly the type.
$20/ £16 / €18 email to secure this item
 RAF Pilot's Notes Hurricane II + IV |
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 RAF Pilot's Notes Hurricane II + IV |
 RAF Pilot's Notes Hurricane II + IV |
 RAF Pilot's Notes Hurricane II + IV |
RAF Pilot's Notes for Spitfire Mk 18 (early reprint)
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An old facsimile / reprint of The official Pilots Notes for the Spitfire 18 - one of the more obscure and lesser known marks of this remarkable fighter aircraft. This most likely dates to the 1960s because it is printed on coated paper as originals were, and the blue card cover is well faded. The information on this rare type is valuable in of itself. Slight surface tear to front cover, nothing serious.
$25 / £20 / €23 email to secure this item
 Pilots Notes Spitfire 18 (reprint) |  Pilots Notes Spitfire 18 (reprint) |
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 Pilots Notes Spitfire 18 (reprint553 |  Pilots Notes Spitfire 18 (reprint) |
 Pilots Notes Spitfire 18 (reprint) |
Corgi Gloster Meteor + V-1 Doodelbug.
Corgi Classic aircraft series, a limited edition release: Pristine condition Corgi 72-scale Gloster Meteor F3 jet fighter in wartime colours of 616 Squadron, together with the Fiesler F103 "Doodlebug" flying bomb. Die Cast metal with wonderful detail. Mounted on original stands but please note there is NO BOX. Excellent condition and perfect for display.
$45 / £33 / €38 email to secure this item
 Corgi Meteor + Doodlebug |  DSCN5020 |
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 DSCN5023 |  DSCN5024 |
 DSCN5021 |  DSCN5018 |
2 x RAF wartime medical journals.
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Dated Aug-Sept 1943 and Aug-Sept 1945, these two magazines contain fascinating articles and photographs of the latest studies and developments in plastic surgery for burned aircrews,
prosthetic eyes, effects of anaesthesia, oxygen use, jungle diseases and much more. The science behind the miracle workers who put airmen back together. 22-pages and 26-pages plus cover respectively. Used with a few nicks but complete and very readable. Rarely seen publications.
Price is for both.
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$35 / £27 / €32
 RAF wartime medical journals |  RAF wartime medical journals |
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 RAF wartime medical journals |  RAF wartime medical journals |
 RAF wartime medical journals |  RAF wartime medical journals |
 RAF wartime medical journals |  RAF wartime medical journals |
Practical Flying: Complete Course of Flying Instructions by Flight Commander W.G. McMinnies, Royal Navy.
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First US edition, published by George H. Doran Company in New York, 1918 - incredible book on essentially "teaching yourself to fly" based on the experiences of The RFC and RNAS in the Great War. Copiously illustrated throughout including a long panoramic pull out chart. The original flying manual with a lot of useful and historic information. Rare edition in very good condition, solid binding 248-pages.
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$65 / £50 / €58 email to secure this item
 Practical Flying Instruction 1918 |
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 Practical Flying Instruction 1918 |
 Practical Flying Instruction 1918563 |
 Practical Flying Instruction 1918 |
Aeroplanes and Aero Engines by "Avion."
The perfect companion to the above book on Practical Flying Instruction. Aeroplanes and Aero Engines: An introduction to the study of flight in simple language for the man in the street by "Avion" published by C. Arthr Pearson Ltd, London, 1918. First edition, second impression, October 1918. 158-pages illustrated throughout. A wonderful book for its time, when so little was known or understood about flying. Very good condition, some foxing, discolouration, but solid binding. Very readable.
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$20 / £15 / €18 email to secure this item
 Aeroplanes and Aero Engines |
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 Aeroplanes and Aero Engines |
 Aeroplanes and Aero Engines |
Rare 1942 RAF dropped propaganda leaflet "Le Courier de L'Air" no. 2
Though The RAF dropped these by the thousand in the early days of the war, very few propaganda leaflets survive, and this original from 1942 is absolutely superb. A 4-page bulletin dropped on France tells the French people that General Wavell is in charge and that the American army will soon be arriving in Europe! The back cover is devoted to assurance that the Russian winter will take care of the German army! It also publishes the frequencies at which French patriots can tune in and listen to BBC broadcasts on the radio! Excellent condition, no damage and minor soiling to front. At great risk, the RAF often flew missions where they dropped leaflets instead of bombs, or else dropped them on civilian targets on their way to or from a bombing mission. A rare piece of history.
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$80 / £60 / €68
 RAF dropped propaganda leaflet |
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 RAF dropped propaganda leaflet |
 RAF dropped propaganda leaflet |
1936 dated Chinese 100 yuan banknote, signed by an Allied Officer. A very short "short Snorter"
Extremely short "short snorter" comprising just one banknote, signed and gifted by an Allied officer who evidently served in China during WWII. Hard to read the message but it appears to be signed and dated 1942. It would be worth studying the signature and researching it further. Chinese banknotes of this era are quite scarce.
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$55 / £45 / €50 email to secure this item
 WWII Chinese banknote signed |
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 WWII Chinese banknote signed |
Japan "occupation" money (banknotes).
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Nine banknotes altogether: 2 x 100, 1 x 50, 2 x 5, and 4 x 10. Issued by the Japanese Government and marked "Issued pursuant to military proclamation." Unusual souvenir and great for display as part of a Hiroshima or Nagasaki post-atomic collection.
Price for all pieces.
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$55 / £45 / €50 email to secure this item
 Japanese Occupation Money |
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 Japanese Occupation Money |
 Japanese Occupation Money |
 Japanese Occupation Money |
 Japanese Occupation Money |
Three issues of the most interesting WWII AAF publication you've probably NEVER seen!
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IMPACT was published monthly by the Assistant Chief of Air Staff in Washington, DC for distribution to AAF Squadron intelligence officers to share as they saw fit. The majority of photographs and information contained were confidential and restricted. Though presented in magazine format, similar to LIFE, the articles are fascinating to read, and the photographs are stunning. Each is 8.5" x 11" in size and page count varies from 50 to 72, including some fold outs to show panoramic target photos. Contents include mostly photos of combat, target photos, photo recon photos of damage and aftermath images from bot the ETO, CBI and Pacific. Articles on specific aircraft and one fantastic section on the prototype P-80 jet. Show some wear, and holes have been punched for storing in a binder. Extremely rare!
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Price for all 3.
$120 / £93 /€108 email to secure this item
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  AAF IMPACT Magazine |
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 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  AAF IMPACT Magazine |
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  AAF IMPACT Magazine |
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  DSCNAAF IMPACT Magazine |
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  AAF IMPACT Magazine |
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  AAF IMPACT Magazine |
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  AAF IMPACT Magazine |
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |  AAF IMPACT Magazine |
 AAF IMPACT Magazine |
Battle of Britain. First edition of the official booklet published by H.M. Stationery Office shortly after the Battle was over.
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This booklet was published many times throughout, and after, the war - but in its very first version it was rather dry and austere, lacking any of the illustrations or diagrams found later editions. 32-pages sharing a modest yet vivid account of the Battle of Britain with the British people for the first time. Itself a piece of history. I own several editions but this first edition is perhaps the most significant, published in April 1941, at a time when things were not looking too good for the British people and they needed to be reminded of the glorious victory that had taken pace just a few months earlier. Excellent condition.
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$20 / £15 / €18 email to secure this item
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 Battle of Britain booklet |
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 Battle of Britain booklet |
 Battle of Britain booklet |
 Battle of Britain booklet |
US Army / Navy V-Mail letter, blank, unused.
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Blank, unused V-Mail letter. Great item for any AAF display. Slightly creased but no tears and complete with all instructions (instructions take up half the space!).
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£15 / $20 / €18 email to secure this item
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 Blank, unused V-Mail letter |  Blank, unused V-Mail letter |
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 Blank, unused V-Mail letter |  Blank, unused V-Mail letter |
Luftwaffe Messerschmidt Bf 109 G-8 aircraft handbook.
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The companion to the above: a very old reprint of the original "Pilot's Notes" for the Me Bf 109 G-8 which was fitted with a 20mm canon firing though the nose cone of the propellor. A separate insert sheet includes a diagram of the gun, the MG151/20B. Though just 12 pages (plus the 2-sided insert) it has comprehensive information on the aircraft. First issued in November1943 and reprinted June 1944, though I believe this reprint was probably made in the 1960s.
£15 / $20 / €18 email for more details
 LW Messerschmidt Bf109G pilot notes |
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 LW Messerschmidt Bf109G pilot notes |
 LW Messerschmidt Bf109G pilot notes |
 LW Messerschmidt Bf109G pilot notes |
RARE and important official report of the Committee of Alleged German Outrages, 1915.
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Published in 1915 (the war had only been going for a year) this 60-page booklet documents a series of atrocities committed by German troops against civilians as well as enemy soldiers, town by town. This is a series of first-hand eyewitness accounts of what amounts to serious accusations of war crimes and, though written in a most dignified manner (as the British do best) it doesn't pull any punches. Of note is the fact that the committee was appointed on 15th December 1914, less than four months after the war began, suggesting that the British Government was aware of these outrages very early on. A very good read and well worth a place on the shelf of anyone interested in the early history of the Great War.
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$80 / £58 / €68 email for more details
 WWI "Alleged German Outrages" |
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 WWI "Alleged German Outrages" |
 WWI "Alleged German Outrages" |
 WWI "Alleged German Outrages" |
 WWI "Alleged German Outrages" |
South African Air Force magazine from Queenstown SA, "The Signal" x 3 issues.
Interesting and well produced magazine from Queenstown SAAF base. 3 copies dated December 1942, February and August 1943 with station news, sports, humour, photographs, cartoons and a lot of great sarcasm! Also wonderful period advertising. First two are 48-pages plus cover, last one is 40 pages. Very good condition, some slight wear to covers. Great read for insight into SAAF life at the time.
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£35 / $45 / €40 for all 3
 SAAF Queenstown "The Signal" |  SAAF Queenstown "The Signal" |
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 SAAF Queenstown "The Signal" |  SAAF Queenstown "The Signal" |
Daily Express War Map showing all fronts.
Printed and published 1942.
An interesting very large format full colour map showing the state of affairs in WWII in 1942. Presented with the Daily Express (proclaiming itself to be "The World
s Greatest Newspaper"). Has been folded but retains nice bright colours and very good condition, with a few crosses and slightly grubby outside from storage but no damage.
£25 / $35 / €29 email for more details
 Daily Express War Map |
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 Daily Express War Map |
 Daily Express War Map |
 Daily Express War Map |
 Daily Express War Map |
1944 Directory of AAF Stations and Activities
Useful and extensive book which lists every AAF Station AND its activities as of April 1944 - tgis includes all bases in the US and overseas. Very valuable research information. I believe this is a more recent reprint but there is nothing that says so. However it is priced accordingly.
£28 / $35 / €30 email for more details
 WWII Directory of AAF bases |
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 WWII Directory of AAF bases |
 WWII Directory of AAF bases |
 WWII Directory of AAF bases |
 WWII Directory of AAF bases |
US army first issue Kevlar ballistic helmet instruction manual.
24-page instruction booklet as issued with the first pattern ballistic helmet - the one that replaced the M-1 in the 1980s.
$15 / £12 / €13 email to secure this item
 US Kevlar helmet instruction book |
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 US Kevlar helmet instruction book |
 US Kevlar helmet instruction book |
 US Kevlar helmet instruction book |