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WORLD WAR II: A small selection of First Day Covers (1970-1999), signed, comprising Sir Frank Whittle (1907-1996, English Royal Air Force Officer, inventor of the jet engine), Airey Neave (1916-1979, first British officer successfully to escape from the German prisoner-of-war camp Oflag IV-C at Colditz Castle), W.E. 'Wally' Hammond and Don 'Tubby' Lister (escapees from Lamsdorf prison after being transferred from Colditz), Richard Todd (1919-2009, Irish-born British Soldier and Film Actor), all signed in pen ink to clear areas of the cover. Together with A.L.S., Wally Hammond, one page, 4to, Henley-on-Thames, 11th November 1972, to George. A brief letter describing the escape made by himself and Tubby Lister from Lamsdorf prison in 1942. Also including, First Day Cover entitled Midnight Run, depicting a Lancaster bomber from 617 Squadron releasing its bomb, signed by John Thaw (1942-2002, British Actor), to a clear area of the cover. VG, 6

DAMBUSTERS THE: A small selection of First Day Covers, signed, by various members of 617 Squadron, all of whom participated in the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943, comprising George 'Johnnie' Johnson (1921- , Bomb Aimer of Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T), Ken Brown (1920-2002, Pilot of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F), Les Munro (1919-2015, Pilot of Lancaster ED921/G AJ-W) and Harold Martin (1918-1988, Australian Air Marshal of the RAF, Pilot of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P). Together with Harry Humphries (1915-2008 Adjutant of 617 Squadron) signed First Day Cover, also, a colour reproduction 6 x 4 colour photograph of Guy Gibson and his crew. VG, 6

WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. Three T.Ls.S., Barnes Wallis (2), B.N. Wallis, each with a holograph salutation, one page, 4to, to John Rabbets, on the printed stationery of the British Aircraft Corporation Limited. Including 19th May 1970, Wallis thanks his correspondent for the letter and 'At a later date I shall be pleased to discuss with you the project which you have outlined at the end of your letter.' And from 22nd December 1970, Wallis thanks his correspondent for his Christmas Card. Finally, from 30th March 1974, Wallis thanks his correspondent for a letter regarding the proposed exhibition, continuing 'There are no specimens of my work extant, and, although drawings undoubtedly could be prepared, the fact that I am leaving the British Aircraft Corporation at the end of May, in order to start work on a new project would render it exceedingly difficult for me to gather together all the necessary material.' Concluding 'I think, therefore, that it would be better if you would give up the idea, as I should certainly find that it would take a good deal of time and effort on my part just when I am laying the foundations of new work.' Together with five letters of reply from the British Aircraft Corporation Limited to Mr. Rabbets regarding requests for exhibition material regarding Wallis, including drawings of the Giant Radio Telescope, Heyday and Type 012 Swallow (no longer present). Also including various letters, newspapers, and reproduction photographs and drawings, relating to Wallis, the 'Bouncing Bomb' and Type 012 Swallow. With two scrapbooks of photocopied cuttings, most items dating from the early 1970's. Generally VG to EX, 43

WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist, inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, during World War II. Signed RAF Commemorative cover featuring a colour image of a R-100 airship and with an inset portrait of Wallis, postmarked 15th June 1976 on the 40th Anniversary of the first flight of the Wellington. Signed by Wallis in bold blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area of the cover. Together with a First Day Cover commemorating 617 Squadron and issued in the 90th year of Barnes Wallis' life, individually signed by Arthur T. Harris (1892-1984, British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Bomber Command during World War II), David Shannon (1922-1993, Australian Bomber Pilot of World War II, participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, May 1943) and Leonard Cheshire VC (1917-1992, British RAF Group Captain of World War II, Commander of 617 Squadron 1943-44). All have signed in blue inks to clear areas of the cover. Postmarked 8th October 1977. VG, 2

A World War II Luftwaffe incendiary bomb tail and other shrapnel etc.

A collection of German photographs including military warships and bomb damage

French blue wool tailcoat with red stand up collar. Shoulder board straps and one artillery button each. No shoulder boards. White lining. Tails with red inside lining. Single breasted with nine brass artillery flaming bomb button. Red sleeves with white tape each with three flaming bomb buttons. Tails having eight flaming bomb buttons and four yellow flaming bomb patches. Coat in very good condition with large black stain on inside of tails and several moth holes.

Comprised of: 1) A French officer’s gold bullion epaulettes with bullion trim, fringe, flaming bomb buttons, black felt undersides with attachments marked V. LE Francois and F.M. & Cie. Dark spots on bullion, one missing a button, the other missing the fringe in fair condition. 2) French officer’s gold bullion epaulettes have trim, fringe and eagle with crown buttons, blue underside with attachments marked BIDAL & PIAT – PARIS. Bullion with stains and one fringe missing in good condition.

A pair of mid- to late-19th century French artillery officer's epaulettes, each with gold lace strap with embroidered shield within crescent and gold bullion fringe of 3/16 inch diameter. Buttons ends mounted with extremely convext, gilt buttons bearing device of crossed cannon surmounted by a flaming bomb. Brown woolen lining on underside, with silvered attachment hooks bearing a knights-helm touchmark. In original cardboard and wood box with lid. Small damage to inside of box. Otherwise, very good to excellent condition.

Circa 1840's. Dark blue superfine wool British artillery double breasted frock coat with stand up collar with bullion flaming bomb, red piping on collar and sleeves. Twenty two large brass buttons with crown over three cannons. Collar has damage and holes in material. Collar has significant moth damage around embroidered flaming bomb devices. Bomb on right side of collar is incomplete. Coat otherwise in good condition.

Comprised of: 1) A pair of Second Republic era, French officer’s silver bullion epaulettes with fringe, each retaining its "attachment" button (with corresponding hook on the underside) at the strap end, the silvered, convex buttons bearing a rooster surrounded by the words "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE". the undersides with original black woolen lining, now faded dark brownish and with very slight moth graze. Some fringing is fraged, lace lightly tarnished and a few spots of white on strap. Fair to good. 2) Pair of French officer’s gold bullion epaulettes, mid- to late-19th century, with gold lace straps ending in gold bullion crescents with an embroidered shield within, and 3/8" diameter gold bullion fringe below; the other ends of straps finished with convex, gilt buttons with flaming bomb device encirled by rope border, with corresponding brass hooks below. Underside lined with black woolen fabric. One fringe fraying on one epaulette, while on the other, two fringe are pulled away at the crescent, but still attached to the "box construction" support underneath. Otherwise good to very good condition.

Comprised of: 1) French Enlistedman's Uniform. White, single breasted, wool tail coat with yellow stand-up collar and cuffs, with nine button front, yellow cloth turnbacks and yellow serge body lining. Eight large white metal buttons on breast marked on face, Fleurs-de-lis within a hunting horn surrounded by the words, "GARDE NATIONALE" within a rope border. Two small buttons on the underside of each cuff of same form, and one on each hip. Very nice example of a late restoration, French Infantry uniform, circa 1828-1832. Some mothing and soiling but overall very good condition. 2) White wool coatee with blue edged stand-up collar. Blue cuffs with Naval buttons, eight brass Naval buttons on front. White lining with two Marseille stamps. Stains, black spots, and damage to lining. 3) White coatee with blue felt collar and cuffs. Six brass flaming bomb buttons, two being replaced, French costume tag with no lining, series of number stamps on left sleeve. 4) White and blue wool coatee, blue collar, cuffs and shoulder boards straps, blue wool plastron with two rows of gold spiral buttons, tag in French reading "Lancers Second Empire 1870 - 1871". Tag now missing. Scattered moth holes and repairs. 5) White wool coatee with red stand-up collar, red velvet on collar is 90% gone, no buttons, white quilted lining, very dirty, stains, black spots. 2, 3, 4, 5 are all French 19th Century theatrical uniforms most bearing French costumer stamps or labels.

The Model 1917 was the largest produced standard WWI shoulder arm of the US forces. They were produced by Remington, Eddystone and Winchester. Winchester; being the most desirable. This is a typical World War II rebuild using some mixed manufactured parts. The stock is a replacement and does not have the "W" on the end. The barrel is a matching Winchester dated 4/18. Has a Winchester marked front barrel band bayonet lug. The bolt release is an Eddystone. Rear sight base is a Remington and the rear sight is a Winchester. Bolt is stamped with ordinance bomb, stamped "W" for Winchester on bottom and NS for nickel steel. No makers stamp on safety, the walnut stock has the proof "P" in circle on wrist. The left side of stock is stamped with the rebuild stamp O.G.B.L. Buttplate is stamped with Springfield eagle, metal still retains the WWI dark blue military finish of which 80% remains. Stock is excellent to near mint. Barrel still retains most of the original blue and barrel bands are a mix of blue-brown patina. Action is fine, strong clean rifled bore, it has an ME reading of 1.5. Extremely clean WWII rebuild with the majority of the parts being Winchester including all main components. The trigger guard and floor plate are about 70% of blue mixing with patina. Serial Number-265506; Manufacturer-Winchester; Model-1917; Caliber-.30-06; Barrel Length-26"; FFL Status-Curio & Relic;

This frame was manufactured in 1909. The barrel is Springfield armory 3-42 ordinance bomb. It has been turned into a target rifle by removing and filing down the military sight. A globe front sight has been installed as well as an Lyman receiver sight. The rear of the hand guard has been customized, the stock is original WWII pistol grip type C, but there is an inspector stamp BAWL which stands for Banicia arsenal post war WWII rework. A rollover cheek piece has been added to the top of the rear stock, serial number matching the frame has been electro-pencil on bolt. Muzzle has been re crowned. This was attempt by someone to create a period national match rifle. may have been a military armorer or private individual. Metal retains most of it's dark grey green parkerized military finish. Trigger shoe has been added, action is perfect, has an ME reading of 2 with a clean strong rifled bore. Should make a nice match gun. Serial Number-278040; Manufacturer-Springfield; Model-1903; Caliber-.30-06; Barrel Length-24"; FFL Status-Curio & Relic;

The bolt number is one number off (280282), magazine and buttplate are 280283. Has polygonal frame stamped "Remington Armory" and dated 1917, adjustable rear military sight, post front sight, beautiful walnut stock with armory stamp on right side, walnut forend, metal cleaning rod and two barrel bands. this gun is in near mint condition. Buttplate retains approximately 65% of the original factory high polish blue finish. Frame retains approximately 85-90% original high polish factory blue with some wear on the edge flats. Bolt is polished metal stamped with the Remington "R" in circle. Both barrel bands also have the Remington "R" in a circle. Barrel retains 98% original blue with some thinness and age freckling at muzzle. Barrel bands are blue-brown patina. Original magazine retains approximately 95% of the high polish blue finish on both side and bottom. Stock screw even retains the majority of its original blue, as does rear sight. Perfect action and strong, clean, shiny bore. Remington produced this 1891 rifle for the Imperial Russian Government with a 32" barrel in caliber 7.62x54mmR caliber and were manufactured between 1916 and 1918. Many of these rifles were never shipped as the Russian government defaulted on the contract. This rifle bears neither the Finnish, FN stamp, nor any U.S. Ordnance bomb stamps. Complete details on this rifle can be found on page 261 in "The Standard Catalog of Remington Firearms" by Shideler. One would be hard-pressed to find a nicer example of one of the finest quality made Mosin Nagant rifles ever manufactured and should not be confused with the tens of thousands of expatriated Russian Mosin Nagant rifles as these are in a military class by themselves. Serial Number-280283; Manufacturer-Remington Armory; Model-1917; Caliber-.30-06; Barrel Length-32 - 1/2"; FFL Status-Curio & Relic;

Includes a maroon fex with long black, silk tassel; a grey Austrian feldmutze or forage cap. Roundel device with brass crossed sabers below on front. Silver and gold, metallic edelweiss flower insignia on left side. Grey leather sweatband and grey cotton lining; a French artillery forage cap, late 19th or early 20th century, blue cloth body with red piping and edging, red tassel in front with applied flaming bomb device. Fully lined in black leather; a Russian grey sheepskin cap with red cloth top and metallic gold trim in form of cross, white metal, fish-scale and chinstraps. Front device mounted on cap features a rampant lion below a red star on a white/green/red ground with wreath surround. Leather sweatband and grey synthetic lining.

Polished straight tapered double edged diamond section with deep single fuller on each side. Marked at top on right side "U.S." and small stamp below. Other side stamped "L.F. / (large flaming bomb Ordnance proof) / & C. / 1918". Top of blade fitted with large brown leather washer. Parkerized standard Patton-style guard with three embossed lines. Grip with parkerized and checkered thumbprint panel on top and two piece black hard rubber grips. Complete with original canvas scabbard with green painted steel mounts. Excellent condition; blade is nearly perfect with all of its original polish, showing no use, only a few light marks at tip from scabbard. Hilt retains about 95-98% parkerized finish with a few scuffs on front of guard from storage. Grip and pommel are excellent with a few light marks. Grip screws have almost all of original finish. Scabbard excellent with some scattered staining and dark area directly below top mount. Mounts very good with some discoloration and small areas of paint loss. Blade Length-35"; Overall Length-43 - 1/2";

Includes a French 20th century artillery black felt bicorn. Black lace and gold trim with French button. Single button on top with two gold bullion circular crossed cannon at each end. White full lining with sweatband; an English leather reproduction Revolutionary War British infantry cap from an officer of the 71st Foot. Edged with silver lace. Black cockade with regimental badge and red plume on left side. Front plate with embroidered "crown/71/flaming bomb" with Scottish thistle mounted upon it. Large circular button with black rosette and red feather. Black sweatband; a reproduction pickelhaube. Plain helmet with lining and tie string. Missing parts; a pickelhaube with spike, brass edged rear flap, cockade, brass chinstraps. Lining and front device missing. Visor may be a replacement; and a reproduction Russian Napoleonic shako. German hat maker's mark inside. Probably made for Nazi propaganda film of the 1930's. Has visor, double eagle on front plate with bullion double eagle. Lining with no ties and chinstrap.

Includes a British reproduction Mitre Hat, French/Indian War period. Embroidered "crown/GR/running horse" on yellow cloth ground in front. Regimental No. 49 on back. Red, white and yellow with white trim. Back of red cloth with white lace trim, yellow band at bottom. White linen lining; a large reproduction black shako with red and white cockade and yellow trim. One button, two star retainers with scale chinstrap. Black visor and lining with tie string; a reproduction M1832 US Infantry cap. Black felt body with recessed leather crown, black leather visor and chin straps. On front of cap is a brass eagle over a white metal stringed bugle. Black leather liner; a original late Victorian busby, yellow trim with red bag, leather sweatband. Its red bag is a modern replacement. Sweatband shows use; a reproduction French Napoleonic Hussar's busby of black bear skin. Chain chinstrap, red bag with yellow tassel. Lining with tie string. French maker's tag. Mint reproduction; a reproduction French Grenadier's Cap, mid-18th century style. Embossed brass front plate bearing a flaming bomb. Leather sweat band with cotton liner.

Prussian crown and bullion star, black eagle, gold bullion trim. Semter Telis with brass flaming bomb. Blue on back side with brass flaming bomb. Original linen lining with Prussian eagle stamp and XXXDI k165.

Early 20th century. Brass dome with visor on front and rear. Applied embossed and pierced flaming bomb insignia with castle and banner, reading "SAPEURS/POMPIERS/DE NEUVY" in a banner. Sheet brass plume ferrule mounted on right side. Leather liner and strap. Excellent condition, brass retains a mellow patina, some minor dents and one bend on front visor. Black leather interior and strap are excellent, showing minor wear.

The Model 63 was introduced in 1977. It is referred to as the .22/32 Kit gun stainless. It is a double action, six shot built on the square butt J target frame with three screws. They were manufactured until 1898. Has recessed chambers, smooth trigger, checkered hammer, target adjustable rear sight, red ramp front sight and ivory grips with Smith & Wesson logo. This revolver features nearly full coverage, scroll engraving with gold inlay bomb cat on left panel and squirrel on right. The revolver was signed by the engraver G. Cargnel. The revolver has been fired and there is cylinder burn, but remains in near new condition inside and out. Serial Number-ALB4707; Manufacturer-S&W; Model-63; Caliber-.22 LR; Barrel Length-4"; FFL Status-Modern;

This carbine was manufactured by Saginaw and chambered for the .30 carbine cartridge. Barrel is stamped "Buffalo Arms 8-1943" with Ordinance bomb. No bayonet lug. Stock has a "P" as pistol grip but no visible cartouche at left side. Right side of stock has "SG" in a box with an Ordinance wheel on right side. Has two magazines. Metal retains most of the original parkerized finish. Comes with the original sling and oiler. Fine action. Strong clean bore. ME reading 1.0. Correct mix of Irwin-Pederson and S.G. parts. One of the nicer original examples. The Saginaw S.G. carbines are amongst the most desirable examples of this model. Approximately 293,592 were manufactured. It has the proper mix of S.G. and Irwin-Pederson stamped parts, which is a result of Irwin-Pederson not meeting the government quotas and the order was transferred to Saginaw. 30,000 barrels stamped "Buffalo" were shipped to S.G. in 1943. Other stamps include "RSG" in the sling well. Lowest production M1 carbine. Serial Number-1830334; Manufacturer-Saginaw; Model-M1 Carbine; Caliber-.30 Carbine; Barrel Length-18; FFL Status-Curio & Relic;

This fine helmet of a Curassier of the Guard is of the Model of 1825, as modified in 1830 during the Monarchy of July. This modification included the removal of the royal arms from the front of the crest below the hackle, which was replaced with a head of Medusa, while the hackle color was changed from black to red. It has a bright steel skull, trimmed with a gilded, stamped brass front/side band bearing a flaming bomb device in front within a laurel wreath and surmounted by a fleur de lys. A separate crest, also of gilded, stamped brass, is mounted with a red horsehair hackle in a tulip socket at the front, with a black horsehair crest behind running from front to back. A brass plume socket is attached to the left side, from which is mounted a red feather plume (replacement). The interlocking chain-chinstrap features all original gilded brass pieces, but the backing leather is replaced. The cap lining, consisting of a red morroco leather band and linen bag, are also relatively recent replacements. Otherwise, in very good condition, with approximately 90% of the original gilding remaining to the brass fittings.

Top of barrel has the "P.W." inspector stamp with Ordnance bomb. Left side of frame is stamped "U.S.". Left side of stock has the "W.B." inspector stamp in square, along with Ordnance wheel. Features include single bead front sight, military parkerized finish, corncob serrated walnut forend, and pistol grip (no cap) fluted stock with Winchester black composite buttplate. The late WWII production U.S. riot gun were not equipped with sling swivels. This shotgun falls directly into the range of U.S. shotguns. (930,000-950,000 per Canfield) Barrel and receiver are a mix of patina with the original military matte parkerized finish. Stocks are excellent with no cracks, just the usual small abrasions. Mirror bore and perfect action. Overall a fine condition example of a popular World War II pump action shotgun. According to Bruce Canfield in his book, "Combat Shotguns," production totals were significantly less (for riot guns) than for the trench guns, fewer genuine examples are around, very scarce U.S. Martially marked firearm. Serial Number-932470; Manufacturer-Winchester; Model-97; Barrel Length-20"; FFL Status-Curio & Relic; Gauge-12; Chamber-2-3/4"; Choke-Cylinder;

Pair of mid-19th century French, company-grade officers epaulettes (2) of silver lace and bullion fringe crescent, with fine silver bullion fringe. One epaulette retains small flat silvered button bearing device of flaming bomb encircled with the phrase: "LIBERTE ORDRE PUBLIC". Epaulettes of "box-style" construction, with pressboard stiffeners below, reinforced with sheet metal and with wire shoulder attachment hooks attached; silk or cotton lining missing, exposing the tow wadding of the crescents. Good and presentable upper portions, but fair undersides for conditions noted. Housed in original pressboad and wood box, the lid bearing "Capitaine" in pencil, probably indicating the pair as being a pattern style for that rank.

Liberty Tudric pewter bomb vase, in the manner of Archibald Knox, pat. no. 0226, 19cm.

An inert German incendiary bomb

ENOLA GAY: Signed 8 x 10 photograph by three crew members of 393d Bomb Squadron who took part in the Hiroshima atomic bomb flight, comprising Paul W. Tibbets (1915-2007, American Brigadier General, pilot of the Enola Gay), George W. Marquardt (1919-2003, Aircraft Commander, Pilot of Necessary Evil) and Charles W. Sweeney, aircraft commander (1919-2004, Aircraft Commander, Co-Pilot of The Great Artiste). The historic image depicting the devastation in Hiroshima following the dropping of the Little Boy atomic bomb by the B-29 bomber Enola Gay on 6th August 1945 during the final stages of World War II. Signed by each in blue and black inks to clear areas at the head of the image, Tibbets adding 'Pilot Enola Gay' in his hand beneath his signature, Marquardt adding '#91 Necessary Evil' in his hand beneath his signature and Sweeney adding 'The Great Artiste' in his hand beneath his signature. EX

EDWIN VON WITZLEBEN1881 - 1944) German general whose forces broke the Maginot Line forcing the surrender of three French divisions. A major plotter in the July 20, 1944 bomb attempt on Hitler's life, von Witzleben was to take over supreme command of the whole Wehrmacht as the highest ranking German soldier. Following his arrest, von Witzleben was among the first to be tried and in an attempt to humiliate him, he was made to appear before the court wearing trousers that were several sizes too big. T.L.S. on his personal letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], May 12, 1941 to a publisher. In part: "...Through the friendly connection of Dean Schieber I received the magazine, 'The New Show' from your publishing house. Please accept my thanks for your interest in the care of our troops..." Fine.

U.S. ARMY 27TH ORDNANCE COMPANY GUIDONSingle-sided unit guidon, 29" x 19 1/2", woven from red wool, bearing the sewn-on insignia of the 27th Ordnance Company: the numeral "27", the "flaming bomb" insignia of ordnance units, and the company designation "C". The hoist is folded over and sewn for reinforcement, with two leather tabs sewn in at each end. The 27th Ordnance Company was deployed to the Southwest Pacific Theater during World War II, and later saw service as part of one of the Army's first air-mobile divisions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Fine.

A BLAST-DAMAGED CLOCK FROM HIROSHIMAAn astounding relic recovered from near "ground zero" at Hiroshima, a mantle clock which vividly shows the ferocity of the heat and blast generated by the 15 kiloton atomic bomb "Little Boy", which largely destroyed the Japanese city on August 6, 1945. The once-ornamental brass and steel clock stands 5" tall and is 7 3/4" wide at the base. There are a number of frightful signs of the ordeal which this relic witnessed: the 1/8" thich steel base is warped almost 1/2" from level, and the entire case of the clock is twisted, causing the rear of the casing to partially open. The glass cover of the clock has melted upon the hands and face, freezing the hands in place, though not surprisingly not at the actual hour of the blast. There is a coating of what appears to be fused sand or earth on the metal surfaces, but what is even more striking are the two small gears from within the clock which are now fused to the trim surrounding the clock. From a long-time consignor in Japan who has previously given us a very small number of choice relics from Hioroshima and Nagasaki. This example is the best Hiroshima relic we have handled!

HIROSHIMA BLAST-FUSED COINSScarce relics recovered from the immediate blast zome at Hiroshima, two small groups of coins which were literally welded together from heat by the blast, and a piece of melted terracotta which show the intense heat generated by the 15 kiloton atomic bomb "Little Boy" dropped from the Enola Gay on Aug. 6, 1945. Frightening.

JAPANESE FLAG SIGNED BY ATOMIC BOMB FLIGHT CREWMENAn items rarely seen signed by any Enola Gay or Bocks Car crewmen, a World War II silk Japanese flag, approx. 33" x 29", bearing the following signatures: PAUL TIBBETS who adds "Pilot 6 AUG 1945"; Capt. CHARLES D. ALBURY who adds: "Co-Pilot 'The Great Artiste' Hiroshima Aug. 6, 1945 'Bocks Car" Nagasaki Aug. 9, 1945" and further adding a sketch of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, labeled by him: "'Fat man; Nagasaki Aug. 9, 1945"; THEODORE "DUTCH" VAN KIRK who adds: "Navigator - Enola Gay 6 Aug. 1945"; and "MORRIS R. JEPSON" who adds: "Weapons Test Officer Enol;a Gay 'Mission'". Additionally, the latter three signors have all added the phrase: "Victory Over Japan Aug. 1945" at the red center of the flag, and their signatures are very early, far-predating their "mass-signing" days, Flag bears some stains and aging.

JOHN J. PERSHING(1860 - 1948) American general "Black Jack" Pershing commanded troops sent to capture Pancho Villa, and later was Commander in Chief of all American forces in Europe in World War I. S.P. 6" x 8 1/4" b/w, a probable war-date Signal Corps photo showing him full-length in uniform, signed at bottom. Faded a bit. Sold with a 7 1/2" x 5 1/2" photo of a bomb-shattered church and village. Both photos are very good, in identical period frames.

ENGRAVED FRENCH WORLD WAR "ADRIAN" PARADE HELMETWorld War I-era M15 "Adrian" helmet, with a metal comb affixed to the crown with four pins, and with the insignia of the French infantry - a flaming bomb with the initials "RF"(Republique Francaise) - at the front. The helmet features an intact six-finger brown leather liner, mounted within the shell. Unusually, the exterior of the shell is highly polished, and engraved on the front and rear rims and on the crown with laurel branches. The rear bill is also engraved "1914-1918", and the helmet was likely used in the many victory parades held across France at the conclusion of the war. The chin strap is missing, and the liner is partially detached, else very good. The Adrian is widely considered to be the first steel combat helmet in regular service in the modern era.

FRENCH M15 "ADRIAN" HELMETWorld War I-era M15 "Adrian" helmet, with a metal comb affixed to the crown with four pins, and with the insignia of the French infantry - a flaming bomb with the initials "RF"(Republique Francaise) - at the front. The helmet features an intact six-finger brown leather liner, mounted within the shell on bands of corrugated metal, and secured on the center by an adjustable cord. The brown leather chinstrap is intact and secured over the brim. The helmet is painted dark blue throughout. The interior leather is dried out, and the helmet bears expected minor oxidation and age wear throughout, else very good. The Adrian is widely considered to be the first steel combat helmet in regular service in the modern era.

FRENCH M15 "ADRIAN" HELMET WITH COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUEWorld War I-era M15 "Adrian" helmet, with a metal comb affixed to the crown with four pins, and with the insignia of the French artillery service - a flaming bomb with the initials "RF" (Republique Francaise) in front of two crossed cannons - at the front. The helmet features an intact six-finger brown leather liner, mounted within the shell on bands of corrugated metal, unattached at the center, and a brown leather chinstrap. The bill of the helmet bears an attractive metal plaque with laurel branches in relief, and bearing the legend "Soldat de La Grande Guerre 1914-1918" ("Soldier of the Great War"). The helmet is painted dark blue throughout. The interior leather is dried out, and the helmet bears expected minor oxidation and age wear throughout, else very good. The Adrian is widely considered to be the first steel combat helmet in regular service in the modern era.

LESLIE GROVES(1896 - 1970) American general who, with Robert Oppenheimer, headed the Manhattan Project in the development of the first atomic bomb. Signature adding rank on a 3" x 5" card. Fine.

SIGNED PHOTO FROM THE FIRST B-29 MISSION OVER TOKYOOn Nov. 1, 1944 a reconnaissance flight over Tokyo was flown by "Tokyo Rose", a Superfortress B-29 bomber piloted by Capt. Ralph D. Steakley, who took over 700 photographs of the selected bomb sites in 35 minutes. On November 24, 111 B-29s, led by Gen. Emmett “Rosie” O’Donnell in "Dauntless Dotty", attacked the Nakajima Engine Works in the first b-29 mission to tokyo. Offered here is a historic declassified aerial photograph captioned: "1ST B-29 MISSION OVER TOKYO" signed by every crew member of the first B-29 over Tokyo, "Tokyo Rose". The 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" image (slightly trimmed) is signed on the face by the aircraft's eleven crewmen, with the plane's name, flight particulars, crew names, and signed June 25, 1945 declassification notice all hand-printed on the verso. Additionally, included is an original 5" x 4" photo of the aircraft and crew on the ground following an awards ceremony immediately after landing (photo has a clipped corner). Two pieces.

PAUL TIBBETS(d. 2008) American bomber pilot of the Enola Gay which delivered the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945. Lot of two items, includes a facsimile of the orders sent to Gen. Carl Spaatz ordering the mission to drop the first atomic bomb, signed at left by Tibbets, along with a 5" x 4" glossy I.S.P. of Tibbets waving from the cockpit of the Enola Gay shortly before his famous flight. Fine.

(ATOMIC BOMB)Postal cover honoring two atomic tests at Bikini Atoll and "Atoms for Peace", signed on the face by EDWARD TELLER, (1908-2003) American physicist, the "father" of the hydrogen bomb.PAUL W. TIBBETS, and JIMMY DOOLITTLE.

ATOMIC BOMBINGS OF JAPANLot of six items signed by B-59 crewmen engaged in the atomic bombing raids on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Includes: signed book "Flight of the Enola Gay" by Paul Tibbets (Reynoldsburg, Oh: Buckeye Aviation), 1989, inscribed and signed on front flyleaf to a fellow pilot; THEODORE J. VAN KIRK personal check, signed, 1972; CHARLES SWEENEY and FRED OLIVI signed 8" x 10" photo of Olivi in the cockpit of Bocks Car; FRED OLIVI signed 8" x 10" composite photo of Bocks Car, bomb and explosion; TOM FEREBEE signed 8" x 10" showing him with aiming device beside Enola Gay; and JACAOB BESER, signed 1988 check. Fine.

BOCKS CAR - ATOMIC BOMBING OF NAGASAKIScarce S.P. 8" x 10" b/w showing the Nagasaki atomic bomb-carrying B-29 "Bocks Car". Signed by Commander CHARLES SWEENEY, Pilot CHARLES C.D. ALBURY, Co-Pilot FRED J. OLIVI, Flight Engineer JOHN KUHAREK, and Asst. Flight Engineer RAY GALLAGHER. Fine.

MORRIS JEPPSON(1922 - 2010) American Air Corps officer, weaponeer on the Enola Gay, responsible for arming the Hiroshima atomic bomb during the flight to Japan. Partly-typed L.S., 1p. 4to, Aug. 29, 2009, to Robert Stein, a copy of a letter sent by Jeppson to United States Senators and Representatives, calling for them to force president Barack Obama to resign, to which Jeppson has added, in his own hand, a note to Stein, thanking him for sending a list of questions and a donation, in part: "...Many of your questions require much consideration and deserve attention that I am unable to give right now..." With original transmittal envelope, fine.

AMERICAN MILITARY NOTABLESCHARLES W. LINDBERG (1920-2007) Marine corporal, the first flag raiser at Iwo Jima. S.P., 8 ½" x 11", b/w, a photo of the first flag raising atop Mount Suribachi. Signed at top right in black ink with date and time of the flag raising added beneath, WITH: ENOLA GAY CREW MEMBERS I.S.P., 8 ½" x 11", b/w, a view of the "Little Boy" atomic bomb with explanatory text, signed by MORRIS JEPPSON (1922-2010) assistant weaponeer of the Enola Gay, and THEODORE VAN KIRK (1921-2014) the navigator of the aircraft. Both sign in blue ink and add their position on the plane, above their small portraits at bottom; WITH: MARK CLARK (1896-1984) Senior Army officer who saw service during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. T.L.S., 1p. 4to. Charleston, Dec. 30, 1967, gives a cordial greeting and thanks to the correspondent for enclosing a photo of the Queen Mary in a previous letter. Signed at conclusion in blue ink. Includes newspaper clippings and original transmittal envelope with Clark's return address. Folds, else fine.

ERWIN ROMMEL(1891 - 1944) German field marshall whose Afrika Corps threw back repeated British and American assaults in North Africa, later he defended Normandy and ultimately was forced to commit suicide due to his implication in the Hitler bomb plot. War-date typed D.S. as commander of Panzergruppe Afrika, 2pp. 4to., [n.p.], an award of the War Merit Cross with Swords to a man in his command. Fine.

"STARS AND STRIPES" REPORTS ON THE ATOMIC BOMBIssue of "The Stars and Stripes", 4pp. folio, Aug. 8, 1945, featuring the banner headline "Mighty Atom Stuns the World". Accompanying this title is a story announcing a new ultimatum delivered to Japan following the use of the atomic bomb "Little Boy" against Hiroshima on the sixth, just two days previously, and a report on the "Trinity" atomic test, conducted in New Mexico on July 16. Illustrating these stories is a photograph of the Hanford Site in Washington State, which produced the plutonium used in the "Trinity" bomb and in the "Fat Man" device dropped on Nagasaki. Many other articles in this issue discuss the new weapon, collecting the responses of notable figures, including one of its creators, Robert Oppenheimer, and comparing the successful attacks to the failure of Germany's atomic weapons initiatives. The newspaper is toned throughout, with some chipping to the edges, else very good. Also present are two period souvenir images depicting the aftermath of the Hiroshima explosion, one of which depicts "ground zero", with the famous "atomic dome" of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall visible at center. A note present with these photos indicates that they were purchased at the Hiroshima railroad station in 1951. Both very good.

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DAMAGE CONTROL OFFICER'S SWORD, SWORD BELT, HAT, AND EPAULETTESA spectacular set of articles belonging to Lt. Commander Herschel Albert Smith, Chief Damage Control Officer of the famed aircraft carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE. Presented here is Smith's ceremonial U.S. Navy dress sword, 30" blade, 35 1/2" overall, with the pommel, hilt, and handguard all of brass, decorated with a perforated pattern of oak branches with the initials "U S N". The quillion and D-shaped handguard are in the form of a traditional Navy "dolphin", and the top of the pommel bear a right facing eagle surrounded by thirteen stars, indicating that the sword was manufactured after 1941. The grip is white ray skin, secured with braided brass wire, and the original brass wire4 portapee is attached at the pommel. The brass shows slight verdigris in the crevices, but otherwise shows a very fine light patina. The blade is polished mirror-bright, and bears the name "Herschel A. Smith" engraved in a 3" plaque above the six-pointed star proof mark. No other maker's marks are present. The blade is engraved along two-thirds of its length with various floral motifs, anchors, a mast with sails, and the initials "U S N". The sword is housed in a 30 1/4" steel scabbard covered with black leather, with brass hanging loops and a brass chape featuring another "dolphin". The throat of the scabbard is engraved with Smith's initials "H A S". The brass fitting bear a fine patina, again with light verdigris. Present with the sword are Smith's sword belt, cocked hat, and epaulettes, all housed within a black metal case, bearing the initials "H A S" and "U.S.N." on the lid, along with a circular metal plaque, identifying the supplier as the "Wm. H. Horstmann Company, Philadelphia". The sword belt, 40 1/2" long, is black leather, decorated with navy blue and gold fabric, and featuring two fabric hanging straps with brass clasps. The buckle is of brightly-polished fire-gilt brass, and depicts an eagle and anchor within an oak wreath. Smith has scratched his name "H.A. SMITH" into the reverse of the buckle. The leather is slightly worn from use, else fine. The hat, approx. 17" x 7" x 5", is an officer's full dress bicorne, likely of black sable, with embroidered black silk edges and a black silk cockade secured by gold ribbon and a U.S. Navy seal button on the right-hand side. The front and rear bear decorations of gold-wire filigree, and the interior bears a black silk lining, with another "W. Horstmann Company" label at center. The hat bears some contact wear at the edges of the brim and the crown, with one small tear at the rear right-hand side, else very good. The epaulettes each measure approx. 7" x 5", and are constructed of finely-braided gold wire filigree mounted atop black leather and satin pads. Each epaulette bears an oak cluster, a fouled anchor, and a brass button with a U.S.Navy seal. On both epaulettes, the leather is splitting slightly along its seams, but the braided filigree remains very bright and vibrant, with no missing "fingers", insignia, or other elements. Also present within the case are two first-day covers, one celebrating the commissioning of the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, franked aboard the ship at Norfolk on May 12, 1938, and the second celebrating the ship's posting to Pearl Harbor, franked aboard the ship at that port on November 7, 1939, as well as a souvenir card celebrating the ships 1942 Presidential Unit Citation, featuring a photograph of the ship and a facsimile of a hand-written message from the captain, S.P. Ginder, to the crew. A Wm. Horstmann-branded brush is also present within the case. As Chief Damage Control Officer, Lt. Comdr. HERSCHEL ALBERT SMITH (USNA Class of 1922) twice saved the Enterprise during two of her most bloody battles of the Pacific War. During the Battle of the Eastern Solomons on August 22, 1942, Japanese bombs blew holes in the side of the ship both above and below the waterline. Smith organized a damage control crew to stuff mattresses into the holes and reinforce the "plug" with wooden timbers. Later during the battle a Japanese bomb penetrated the stern deck and lodged in the steering mechanism, jamming the rudder and forcing the ship to steam in circles instead of heading up into the wind to receive returning fighters nearly out of fuel. Despite the searing heat, he managed to restore rudder control just in time to land the incoming fighter squadron. The ship was damaged again in the Battle of Santa Cruz in October, 1942, and again set out for Nouméa, New Caledonia before another Japanese attack in the Solomons. Included with the lot is a copy of "The Big E", by Edward P. Stafford (New York: Random House), 1962, 499pp. 4to., containing a very specific account of the Battle of the Eastern Solomons and Smith's actions to save his ship. Aside from the minor condition issues mentioned above, these relics are in pristine condition, and are of museum quality and importance.

LUFTWAFFE BOMBER PILOT FLIGHT CLASP IN GOLDExcellent Luftwaffe Bomber Clasp in Gold with full burnished highlights, an early tombak piece by Juncker. The blackened bomb device at center is nearly untouched, as is the rest of this fine award.

DOOLITTLE RAIDERSLot of two good signed items, includes: a commemorative postal cover honoring World War I aces Nungesser and Coli, signed by JAMES H. DOOLITTLE as well as 12 men who also flew on the same mission to bomb Tokyo; also an 8" x 10" photo of Doolittle and mission crews, signed by three. Two pieces.

Dinky Toys Boxed Military Group, 3 window boxed examples, to include No.604 Land Rover Bomb Disposal Unit (M-BVG), No.687 Convoy Army Truck (NMM-BVG), and No.683 Chieftain Tank (NMM-BVG)

Four Royal Air Force Badges, consisting of embroidered Mountain Rescue arm badge, embroidered RAF Bomb Disposal, embroidered Rescue Volunteer and embroidered Official Duties. Various conditions. (4 items)

Selection of Cloth Formation Signs of Royal Engineers Interest, including printed 26 Engineer group, embroidered Bomb Disposal units, printed Airfield construction units, embroidered and printed 29th Engineer group, printed Engineer Base Group Singapore, embroidered Emergency Field Works, embroidered 2nd Port Task Force, printed and embroidered 1st Port Task Force, printed Army Emergency Reserve Movement Control, embroidered Tyne Electrical Engineers, printed Transport Training Centre, printed and embroidered 22nd Engineer group, embroidered 116th Engineer regiment, plus others. Various conditions. Some duplicates. (59 items)

Four boxed Corgi, "The Aviation archive" Military series, consisting of: Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Memphis Belle ( 1st issue) ref No: 48204; Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress- " Yankee Doodle" 414th Sqn.,97th Bomb Group, 8th AF, USAAF Grafton Underwood, Sept.1942 ( limited edition) ref No: AA31103; Boeing 299 Fortress IIA, RAF Coastel Command ( 1st issue) ref No: 48203; Short S.25 Sunderland III Royal Australian Air Force ( 1st issue) ref No: 48803.

U2 - HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB - Long deleted original EU 2004 pressing. Contains printed inner and booklet. Both the record and the sleeve are in Ex+ condition.

HARDCORE/PUNK/GARAGE SEVENS - Brilliant collection of 36 x 7" releases taking us from distorted mayhem from Texas to Hard Rock from Australia! Impeccable condition throughout, the majority of the records are Ex+/'as new' condition. Artists/titles include The What - The Devil's Game (SMITE 1001 - possibly the only exception condition wise in the lot - this rare cut is G+ with surface marks and a few scratches), Beastie Boys - Polly Wog Stew EP (the band's 1st release - original pressing MOTR 21), Quicksand - Omission (rare white vinyl with insert), Clutch - Pitchfork, A Frames - Neutron Bomb, Hammerhead, The Locust, The Willowz, The Ponys, Chromatics, The Surf Trio, Purple Merkins, The Dirtys, The Jim Carroll Band, The Bronx and The Wongs.

"WORLD" PUNK/GARAGE - Another indispensable collection of 7" wax here with another 38 sides to choose from! We will this time be visiting Japan with the scarce No Wave release "Pistol" from Friction (PAS-204), then across to Australia with The Dirty Lovers second and final release 'Teenage Love Bomb' (shortly after two of the band members were killed tragically in a car accident), then the fellow Aussie Clint Small's release 'Crack In The Wall' (ANDA-2). There will also include a 6 releases from Canadian punks Forbidden Dimension, the limited edition 2003 release 'Get It On' from Turbonegro, French madness from The Gorgons and releases from the likes of Rake, Budget Girls, The Coyote Men, New Race and Cellophane Suckers. Condition is Ex to Ex+/'as new' throughout.

ROCK/POP - Fab collection of around 90 x LPs with collectable LPs. Artists/titles include The Pete York Percussion Band (TXS 109 original clean copy), Rory Gallagher - Tattoo (2383 230), Wall Of Voodoo - Call Of The West, Fleetwood Mac (902514), Bruce Springsteen (69170), Leonard Cohen, Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, Groundhogs - Thank Christ For The Bomb, The Who - Tommy and Black Widow - S/T. Condition is generally VG to Ex.

CLASSIC BRITISH ROCK - These eight records span some of British rock's most iconic names, and apart from the two reissued Wishbone Ash albums "Pilgrimage" (MCL 1762, Ex+/Ex+) and "Argus" (MCL 1787, Ex+/Ex+) are all original UK pressings. The other six records are: the Groundhogs' "Thank Christ for the Bomb" (LBS 83295, Ex/Ex, textured sleeve, blue label) and "Split" (LBG 83401, Ex+/Ex+); Van Morrison's "Veedon Fleece" (K 56068, Ex+/Ex); Ten Years After's "Undead" (DML 1023, Ex/Ex); Led Zeppelin's "Presence" (SSK 59402, Ex+/Ex+, embossed sleeve); and, The Who's "By Numbers" (2490 129, Ex+/VG+, numbered copy). This really is a fine lot with some absolute gems that gives a platform to some of the most memorable albums of the time.