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Click here to subscribeA very rare original WWII Second World War steel Brodie helmet from the ' Upper Thames Patrol ' group. Helmet in cream and black, with red and white insignia painted to front. The helmet dated, but illegible (1941 believed). The helmet named to an 'H Williams ' - scratched to rim. Complete with liner and chin strap. Along with a ' Standrod's Map Of The River Thames ' folding paper map, from the period. Rare.
An incredibly rare original WWII Second World War 1944 Airborne Paratroopers' steel helmet. As worn by 7013455 Private William Henry Smith of the 1st Airborne Royal Irish Rifles who was killed in action soon after D-Day on 20th June 1944. The helmet being a complete example with inner liner, hessian padding and canvas chin strap. Some paint loss to top, and remnants of original insignia remain to top. Supplied with a photograph of Smith, and a note which explains '(This was).. recently found at a house clearance at Williams' parents' home in Northern Ireland at No. 53 Shankill Road, which was being demolished. It is thought his helmet was brought back from France by a fellow Royal Irish Rifles colleague after his death as a memento for his bereaved parents Mary and William Smith'. Ex-museum display. A rare and poignant piece of WWII memorabilia.
A collection of assorted WWII Second World War related militaria and other items, to include; a rare Winston Churchill ' Handicrafts Marquetry Design ' panel template, several photographs of Polish soldiers, an ' Old Comrades Association ' membership booklet, a ' Service ' pocket watch, Winston Churchill ' As I Knew Him ' book, various badges and buttons etc.
An interesting collection of original WWII Second World War and related SAS Special Air Service and Commando related badges & patches. Includes x3 original SAS ' Who Dares Wins ' cloth patches, a rare Sacred Greek SAS patch, a Free French Forces cloth patch and other items. Interesting collection.
A rare original WWII Second World War c1941 British Army issue Commando / Special Forces folding machete. Large single edged blade, which folds down into the ebonised grips. Complete with its rare steel blade cover. No makers marks present. As issued for Jungle warfare ( Burma campaign / Chindits ). A rare piece of WWII weaponry. Measures approx; 39cm long total length.
A rare 19th century local interest Bristol related ' Clifton Rocks Railway ' opening day passenger token. The small token / medal showing the Clifton Rocks Railway to the front, with notation, and to the rear the text ' Issued To The Passengers On The Opening Day, March 11th 1893 '. Rare local interest medallion. Measures approx; 3.5cm wide
An incredible original WWII Second World War RAF Royal Air Force ensign flag from RAF Tangmere (famous for its role in the Battle Of Britain). The ensign being of usual form with Union Flag to corner and RAF Roundel to centre. The seam stamped with Air Ministry markings, dated 1940 and noted as being ' RAF Tangmere '. A rare flag, and an interesting piece of WWII aviation history. Measures approx; 61x126cm
RMS Titanic - an original commemorative stamp cover autographed by RMS Titanic Disaster survivors Millvina Dean (Youngest Survivor) and her Brother, Bertram Dean. Both signed neatly in blue and black in respectively. A rare pair of autographs / signatures. Total size approx; 11x16cm. The Deans' parents decided to leave the United Kingdom and emigrate to the United States; they were planning to move to Wichita, Kansas, where her father had relatives, and his cousin owned a tobacco shop that he was going to co-own. They were not supposed to be aboard the new White Star Line ship RMS Titanic, but due to a coal strike, they were transferred onto it and boarded it as third-class passengers at Southampton, England. Millvina Dean was barely two months old when she boarded the ship along with her parents and brother. Her father felt its collision with the iceberg on the night of 14 April 1912, and after investigating, returned to his cabin, telling his wife to dress the children and go up on deck. Millvina, her mother, and her brother were placed in Lifeboat 10 and were among the first third-class passengers to escape.Her father did not survive, and his body, if recovered, was never identified.
A rare collection of x3 WWII Second World War believed French Resistance tin flags - believed to be for bicycles or vehicles. The flags being that of the American, French and French Resistance forces. All double sided, with original hooks present. Believed to have been used as a form of propaganda shortly before the D-Day invasions, or possibly as a form of recognition on requisitioned bicycles. Rare and unusual pieces of history. Each measures approx; 9cm long.
An exceptionally rare and unique section of WWI First World War German aeroplane canvas - taken from a downed Fokker EIII. The small section of canvas features remnants of a hand-painted 'playing card' design, to the rear is written in hand ' 1917 German Fokker EIII '. The canvas has suffered some burn damage, and some holes are present, and is in a fragile state. A rare piece of WWI aviation canvas. Measures approx; 48cm x 27cm.
A rare original vintage French enamel Railway warning sign - ' Ne Traversez Pas Sans Regarder Dans Les Deux Directions Un Train Peut En Cacher Un Autre ' (do not cross without looking in both directions one train can hide another). Red and black text, with a central depiction of a steam train. Mounting holes top and bottom. 38x27cm,.
A rare and original large WWII Second World War related ship's flag from HMCS Hepatica - a Royal Canadian Flower Class Corvette ship that saw service in the Battle Of The Atlantic. The flag being of linen construction with ' Hepatica ' notation to down the centre, and union flag to corner. 20ft long. A rare flag. HMCS Hepatica was a Flower-class corvette that served primarily with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. She saw service in the Battle of the Atlantic as an ocean escort. Originally commissioned into the Royal Navy, she was loaned to Canada in 1941. Hepatica arrived in June 1941 on loan from the Royal Navy. She was assigned to the Newfoundland Escort Force where she worked with four escort groups over the next eleven months, her longest stint were with groups 23N, from July to September 1941 escorting convoys from St. John's to Iceland and N12, from December 1941 until February 1942, where starting in January, she began escorting convoys from St. John's to Derry. In June 1942, Hepatica transferred to the Tanker Escort Force for one trip, after the U-boat menace was extended to the North American coastline. In late July, she was reassigned to the Gulf Escort Force, escorting convoys between Quebec and Sydney. Later, in October, she was sent to escort the convoys between Quebec and Labrador. Hepatica joined the Western Local Escort Force (WLEF) in December 1942 and would remain with this force for the better part of the war. In June 1943, she was assigned to escort group W-5 and then in April 1944, W-4. She remained with this escort group for the remainder of her service time with WLEF. In May 1945 she escorted HX 358 back to the United Kingdom, and was assigned to Western Approaches Command for the remainder of the war.
An interesting collection of WWII Second World War Home Guard and Civil Defence related photographs and ephemera. All appearing to relate to the Jones family (several members) of Cardigan / Caernarvon. Comprising; Several large photographs showing ' Cardigan Home Guard Sector Quarters 1940-44 ' (4) - with all those present named, along with x3 similar un-mounted photographs, a rare photograph of ' Air Raid Precautions School - Eastwood Park, Falfield, Gloucestershire, Course No.68 ', x2 Home Guard ' Proficiency Examination ' cards, and a Home Guard letter addressed to one Thomas Eifion Jones. Interesting collection.
A collection of WWII Second World War related RAF Royal Air Force related ephemera and items. Includes; a photograph signed by Wing Commander Robert Stanford-Tuck (framed), along with a similar signed postcard, a rare group photograph of ' 21 Squadron ' - hand annotated to reverse with names of those present, a photograph of an RAF airman along with his smoking pipe, and a selection of period aircraft printed notes - including Forced Landings, Cross Country Flying and other such notes. Interesting assorted collection. All presumed related.
A rare and original WWII Second World War British Army issued Battle Flag of Crete ( Greece ). The flag with makers marks to seam for Piggott Bros & Co Ltd of London, and dated 1939 with broad arrow. The flag of white and blue, and retaining original toggle. Rare original flag. Measures approx; 40cm x 90cm.
A rare and unique 1925 presentation hallmarked silver cigar box ' To B.K.C - From The British Officers Of The Camel Corps - October 1925 '. The dedication being to that of Brian Kennedy-Cooke, Colonial Administrator and later Brigadier of the British Army in WWII. The silver hallmarked cigar / cigarette box hallmarked for William Hutton & Sons, Birmingham, 1925. The lid has been engraved with the facsimile autographs of all the serving officers at the time, including: Arthur Chater, RG Douglas, H.T. Hewitt, and others - many of which went on to have distinguished military careers. A rare and unique piece of military history. Consigned from family. Measures approx; H5cm x W21cm x D12cm.The Camel Corps was a division of the Sudan Defence Force. The Sudan Defence Force (SDF) was a locally recruited British-led force formed in 1925 to assist the police in the event of civil unrest, and to maintain the borders of British administered Sudan. During the Second World War, it also served beyond the Sudan in the East African Campaign and in the Western Desert Campaign.Note - a medal from the same family follows in Lot 451
A rare original WWII Second World War American ' Special Forces ' Jedburgh cloth uniform patch as worn by OSS (Office of Strategic Services) operators in the European Theatre of Operations. Black ground, with white wings and central ' SF ' red and white emblem. Appears in good used condition. Rare patch.
A rare believed original WWI and WWII Second World War interest German SA Veterans Association / Staff car pennant flag. Featuring a German helmet and Iron Cross emblem, amid a black on white ground triangular flag. Measures approx; 27cm long. Buyer discresion advised - originality is unknown.
A rare and interesting collection of WWII items relating to a Lady Agnes MacDougall - a Wren during the Second World War. The collection comprising; a boxed group of WWII medals addressed to her - the medals including a 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star and War Medal (along with a set of miniatures with an additional miniature Defence Medal), a pair of 1944 dated War Department stamped deck gunner gloves (in white), and a ship's ensign with notation for HMS Wanderer. A rare and interesting collection. Flag approx; 87x178cm. It is believed that Lady Agnes MacDougall was either married to, or was courting an officer who served aboard HMS Wanderer during the time. HMS Wanderer (D74/I74) was an Admiralty modified W class destroyer built for the Royal Navy. She was the seventh RN ship to carry the name Wanderer. She was ordered in January 1918 to be built at the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Govan in Glasgow, being launched in May 1919. She served through World War II where she was jointly credited with five kills on German U-boats, more than any other ship of her class. In December 1941 the community of Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire officially adopted her. In 1943 she was one of twenty one V&W class destroyers to be converted as Long Range Escorts. She was decommissioned after the war and sold for scrap in 1946.
A rare original WWII Second World War SAS Officer's peaked uniform ' crusher ' cap. The cap with makers marks to inside, retaining original leather strap and brass buttons with an original ' SAS ' ' Who Dares Wins ' patch to front. The cap initialled ' JEM ' to underside of inner band. Rare.
An unusual original WWII Second World War vehicle pennant flag (possibly that of a tank). White ground, with central red cross. Hand-inscribed to the end with ' 8th Army - Italy ' and a hand drawn St George Shield to centre. Some wear. Measures approx; 62cm long. Rare and interesting piece of military history.
An original WWII Second World War RAF Royal Air Force issued Goggles tin, by repute owned and used by Ace Pilot and later Test Pilot Neville Duke. The tin containing the goggles' strap and original instructions. Supplied along with a rare set of ' Neville Duke's Test Pilot Card Game ' and a signed photograph by Duke. Interesting collection. Neville Frederick Duke, DSO, OBE, DFC & Two Bars, AFC, FRAeS (11 January 1922 – 7 April 2007) was a British test pilot and fighter ace of the Second World War. He was the most successful Western Allied ace in the Mediterranean Theatre, and was credited with the destruction of 27 enemy aircraft. After the war, Duke was acknowledged as one of the world's foremost test pilots. In 1953, he became holder of the world air speed record when he flew a Hawker Hunter at 727.63 mph (1,171.01 km/h) over Littlehampton.
A rare original WWI First World War British Army recruitment poster ' If You Cannot Join The Army - Try & Get A Recruit '. Printed by HC, and published by The Parliamentary Recruiting Committee. Poster No.32, c1915. Some folding and light fading, otherwise good condition for age. Measures approx 75x51cm. Rare.
A rare WWI First World War British Army Tank Corps issued ' Splatter ' or ' Splinter ' mask. Relic condition. Stamped to inside with the War Department broad arrow, and dated 1916 with makers marks for Bury's of Sheffield. Steel construction, with slits to eye guards and chainmail pins still present. Rare.
An incredible rare original WWII Second World War Burma Campaign / Chindit section of a captured Japanese flag. The flag being a large section, contains the entire red centre, and is filled with Japanese writing. The flag is accompanied by a letter which reads 'My father Jack Farrow fought in Burma in the 2nd World War fighting the Japanese. He was serving under Lord Mountbatten. My father and his unit captured a hill occupied by the Japanese who were hiding up trees and hiding down holes ready to attack. But luckily my father and his unit got to the top and took the flag...Because my father got the flag first he shaved it by taking a 1/4 off for his friend. According to what he was told, and told me, the writings on the flag are names of Brothels - but that I'm not sure'. The names inscribed upon the flag are more likely the friends and neighbours of a young Japanese soldier sent off to war - a 'good luck' type offering. The flag section measures approx; 78cm x 73cm, with some discolouration and staining from age. An interesting piece of WWII history.
A rare pair of original WWII Second World War RAF Royal Air Force Pilot's / Crew member's pair of folding sunglasses. The glasses of simple form, with leather side shields and tinted glass lenses. The arms of flexible form. Generally appearing in excellent used condition. Within their original all-metal tin. Rare pair of RAF glasses.
A rare original WWII Second World War Royal Air Force Police (RAFP) stell brodie helmet. The helmet with makers marks for Rubery Owen & Co Ltd of Leeds, and dated 1939. Standard helmet, with red and black banding present and ' RAFP ' to front. Along with an original RAFP armband. Rare set of items.
A rare original WWII Second World War Third Reich Nazi German Army Luftwaffe issue mess set, comprising knife, fork and a bowl. The knife and fork by Wellner and stamped with eagle and swastika motif to handle. The bowl stamped to base ' Berlin 1939 ' with impressed eagle motif. Bowl measures approx; 18cm diameter.
A rare and charming WWII Second World War German POW Prisoner Of War made wooden child's toy in the form of a ' Miller '. The toy being made from assorted scraps of boxwood. When the handle is wound, the Miller makes his way to the top of the windmill and back down again. A clever and well made toy. By repute originally made at the POW camp at Hatfield Heath, Hertfordshire. Measures approx; 20cm tall.
A very rare original WWII Second World War Third Reich German Infantry M35 pattern helmet in Normandy Camouflage. The helmet being a good complete example, with original inner liner and chin strap present. The rim impressed ' DN155 ' and ' Q62 ' to rear ( Quist ). The chin strap with makers stamp for Voegels, Koln, 1940. Named by soldier to interior - Hein 3. Komp. A rare and generally excellent original D-Day used German infantry helmet.
A rare and poignant WWII Second World War Spitfire cockpit clock relic, recovered from downed Spitfire X4559 piloted by Flying Officer GH Bennie of 41 Squadron, Essex. The cockpit clock comprises of face and eight day movement mechanism only, with the dial stamped for Smith & Sons - Mk II - 6A/579 - L9/ 38. AF (as expected). Housed within a period cardboard box. Rare and unique piece of WWII RAF history. Bennie was shot down by German BF-109 fighters on October 1st 1940 during the Battle Of Britain over Horsham in Sussex. He bailed out of the stricken Spitfire but was badly injured. The Spitfire crashed below, and this clock was presumed to have been salvaged shortly after by souvenir hunters. With some printed history supplied.
An exceptionally rare WWII Second World War MI9 issued ' Escape & Evade ' clandestine hidden pipe ' dagger '. The dagger secreted within the mouthpiece of a traditional smoking pipe, which can be drawn by removing the mouthpiece. The small rounded blade mounted with a bullet casing to base. A very rare item. Measures approx; 15cm long in total. Blade length approx; 6cm. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare ex-museum display WWII Second World War era MI9 issued lump of ' detonator coal '. Being a standard large lump of coal, with a hole drilled partially through the centre, in which a detonator would be housed. As used during sabotage missions during the conflict by Allied troops in Europe. A rare item. Measures approx; 23cm long. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare WWII Second World War MI9 issued ' Special ' matchbox with concealed compass and map. The matchbox being a ' General Gordon ' matchbox, with a false bottom which opens to house a miniature compass and folded section of map showing part of Europe. Rare and unusual item. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
An original WWII Second World War MI9 issued hidden ' Swinger ' type compass, within a gramophone needle. The swinger compass (to be used in water) fits discreetly into a channel to the rear of the Swiss-made gramophone needle. Supplied within its original lined case. Rare item. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare original WWII Second World War MI9 issued 'special ' compass. The compass being an unmarked British made compass of miniature form, and was found secreted behind a false bottom within the box of matches. The matches being of Italian origin ' Saffa-n No.7 '. Retains some original matches. Rare item. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare believed original WWII Second World War MI9 issued ' escape and evade ' string vest. Later-issue type, with wide cotton shoulder supports. Very coarsely 'knitted' heavy string vest. These vests were issued to some aircrews as an escape aid. If needed the vest could be unravelled and plaited to form a strong rope to aid escape, and several together could form a rather long rope. No makers marks present. Rare item. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare original WWII Second World War MI9 issued ' hidden ' compass ring. Comprising of an early 20th century silver 975 white metal finger ring, the top with a secret opening compartment which reveals a miniature secreted compass. The compass of basic form, in brass with arrow to centre. Rare. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare original WWII Second World War interest c1940 RCA Victor made ' Model BP-10 Personal ' radio. Famously made and issued to French resistance fighters in occupied France in order to listen to BBC broadcasts. It's small size and broad coverage made it the perfect radio for such tasks. In 1943 150 units were delivered to France during a clandestine landing (operation Orion). A rare and interesting piece of WWII memorabilia. Working condition unknown. Measures approx; 22cm long.
An incredible WWII Second World War MI9 issued chess set. The set being a standard chess group, complete with cardboard folding board. One piece containing a secreted ' spinner ' type compass (to be used in water). Along with a related Red Cross parcel postcard to a Commander W. A. Wood of Stalag XB 31, Germany, which shows as received on 17/10/41. As purchased by the vendor's grandfather shortly after the war. A rare, if not unique piece of WWII history. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare ex-museum taxidermy display of a WWII Second World War MI9 issued special message carrying Homing / Carrier Pigeon. The pigeon well mounted on a naturalistic base, with wings raised as if taking off. An original pigeon foot-strap can be found to its foot, along with a message capsule. Fantastic display piece. Measures approx; 19cm tall. During World War II, the United Kingdom used about 250,000 homing pigeons for many purposes, including communicating with those behind enemy lines such as Belgium spy Jozef Raskin. The UK maintained the Air Ministry Pigeon Section during World War II and for a while thereafter. A Pigeon Policy Committee made decisions about the uses of pigeons in military contexts. The head of the section, Lea Rayner, reported in 1945 that pigeons could be trained to deliver small explosives or bioweapons to precise targets. The ideas were not taken up by the committee, and in 1948 the UK military stated that pigeons were of no further use. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
An original WWII Second World War MI9 issued ' special message key '. The key taking the form of a large antique example (13cm long), and contains a 'special' removable bolt to the end of the key which gives access to a hollow chamber. As used by allied agents working in France to leave secret messages. Rare item. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare original WWII Second World War MI9 related likely RAF issue ' escape and evade ' wrist compass. The compass being a Japanese made ' Doxa ' compass, with original leather strap present. A locking pin releases the compass needle. Compasses of this nature were usually issued to allied airmen who would require them should they need to bail out of their aircraft over enemy territory. Rare item. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
An original WWII Second World War MI9 issued champagne cork with hidden compass. The cork of standard form with a cut special compartment which houses a miniature brass escape compass. As issued by the SOE during WWII for foreign agents in occupied territories / POW camps. Rare. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
An incredible original WWII Second World War MI9 issued 1945 dated British bakelite shaving brush, fitted with a hidden ' escape & evade ' compass. The brush being a ' Leng Sterilised ' brush. The end can be pulled out to reveal a miniature secreted compass. Rare item. Measures approx; 8cm long. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare ex-museum taxidermy display of a WWII Second World War MI9 special message carrying Homing / Carrier Pigeon. The pigeon well mounted on a naturalistic wooden base. A foot-strap can be found to its foot, along with a secret message capsule. Fantastic display piece. Measures approx; 37cm tall. During World War II, the United Kingdom used about 250,000 homing pigeons for many purposes, including communicating with those behind enemy lines such as Belgium spy Jozef Raskin. The UK maintained the Air Ministry Pigeon Section during World War II and for a while thereafter. A Pigeon Policy Committee made decisions about the uses of pigeons in military contexts. The head of the section, Lea Rayner, reported in 1945 that pigeons could be trained to deliver small explosives or bioweapons to precise targets. The ideas were not taken up by the committee, and in 1948 the UK military stated that pigeons were of no further use. From the collection of the late Arthur Muggeridge - Arthur T. Muggeridge, born 18th December 1919 - it’s thought he spent most of WW2 in the Royal Artillery and was at Dunkirk in 1940 during the evacuations and was minorly injured by Luftwaffe bombing whilst on one of the navy ships. He later took part in a special raid called Operation Claymore 4th March 1941 in Norway where he was injured once again in the leg by shrapnel. Later again, he was injured a third time when a field artillery gun misfired causing deafness which is believed to have resulted in him being discharged from the military. In his later life he collected mainly military items and particularly spy / clandestine objects. Whilst visiting Devon in the 1960's he became acquainted with Charles Frazer Smith who had worked for MI6 & MI9 in the war, and designed spy items for the SOE and others. Arthur died aged 91 after a short illness on 27th Feb 2010. His amassed collection is now being offered for sale by his family.
A rare WWII Second World War MI9 issued ' escape and evade ' related Femme Fatale ' Dagger Hairbrush '. The brush appearing to be an original c1930's / 40's ladies hand-held hairbrush with pink enamel style decoration to top. The handle pulls out to reveal a double-edged dagger. Interesting item. Measures approx; 26cm long.
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