english

An emblematic instrument

Surprising though it may seem, here's a piece that was assembled on a reconnaissance aircraft that flew many air forces : Republic RF-84F.

This is the gun sight Republic N-9, whose origin dates back to World War II. Initially, this instrument was the trademark of many airplanes of that era (P-51B, first P-51D, P-47, P-38F and P-38 J, P-63 et A-26).

At the end of the conflict, this type of collimator was refurbished and partially modified to fit the first jets such as F-86 and RF-84F. The body of the instrument was mainly preserved but the sighting head was changed. Thus, on this second version of N-9 there are neither the bumper nor the ball of the original version.

The reconditioning of parts is also attested by two distinct contradictory references listed on the gun sight:
- Firstly, the serial number molded on the body of the instrument (44G12337) that indicates the year of manufacture: 1944;
- Secondly, the date molded on the head sighting: January 1959

The piece is in good condition, except for some missing parts of the reflector (visible in photos). This is undoubtedly a rare item, an icon of fighter planes of the Second World War or the first jets !

__________

Republic N-9 gun sight (circa 1959)
Price : Euros 500 (Currency assistant)

Sometimes one asks oneself whether an object is for decoration, a collection, or even both…but this time there is no need for hesitation!  This is a fragment from a side panel from the cabin of a Jaguar on which a rather good “Sylvester the cat” (from Looney Tunes) is painted – in a “nose art” style, something that has been around for a while.The irregular cut and randomness of the piece* as well as the layout and the graphic inscriptions make it a very decorative piece. Note that it has not been spoilt since on the cabin side one can still see the original colour as well as a number of orders.It is not too great a size and its lightness (it has a honeycomb structure) means that it could be shown off on a wall…which the women will love!

* It is not at all a piece as a result of a crash

__________

Fragment from a Jaguar with nose art
Price : Sold

This week we are able to go back in time with this dashboard watch from 1914/1918. It is in fact a pocket watch that pilots at that time used to attach to the dashboard, but which could also be attached to their flying suit at either the wrist or thigh using straps. This attachment method was made possible by a leather case and four eyelets.


One can sometimes find this type of watch in various states of repair and more often that not in a pitiful condition. It is also exceptional to find a complete watch, i.e. with its leather casing. In this case not only does the watch have its casing, but it is also in a very good condition and the leather, which is lined with felt, remains very supple.


One of the (extremely) former owners, who was very concerned with trying to conceal its origins, thought it would be better to hide the inscriptions which read “Allion à Versailles” (Allion from Versailles) and “Propriété de l'Aviation Militaire” (Military aviation property) under a bit of black paint. This has been carefully cleaned and one can once more read these inscriptions although they are less visible than one would like. This detail however does not alter the fact that this is an historic object, particularly considering that the watch has been serviced and functions perfectly !

________

Allion dashboard watch WWI  (circa 1915)
Clock diameter 6.5 cm (2"9/16) - Leather case diameter 10 cm (3"15/16)
Price : Sold

Here is an imposing object, as much by its volume as by its weight and we couldn’t really say it if is a collector’s item or a decorative object. This ejection seat is a Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB dated the 3rd November 1967 and which was used to equip the English Electric Lightning.

This type of object does not generally come up for sale in this way since they are very much sought after. As a result they tend to change hands between collectors, particularly when they are whole as in this case. Nevertheless it has to be said that for obvious safety reasons and for its decommissioning, the seat is no longer equipped with its explosive charge and which means also that the cannon is not present at the back of the seat. This doesn’t detract from this object since it still has its parachutes, the complete harness system, the ejection handles, the yellow survival pack (which is empty), a cushion, other small accessories and above all its original identification tag. Of course having being in an airplane that has flown, it has a wonderful patina that comes from use.

For those of us who are avid fans of military aviation, what can be more tempting that an ejection seat? So whether it is to be used to complete the cabin of a flight simulator, or to add to a collection, this object can only bring happiness to the buyer!

__________

Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB ejection seat  (circa 1963)
Price :  Sold

French trade mark Aéra is well known for its instruments, quite prized by old parts collectors. But Aéra had made some clocks as well, and here is a specimen.

This one cannot be dated with certainty but it is dated before 1930 for sure. Several clues come with this idea :

- Its big size – the dial’s size is less than 9 centimeters in diameter and the fixing external crown about 12 centimeters for a bit less than 2 centimeters height !

- The winder’s position – quite characteristic of clocks made in the 20’

- The fact that an equivalent exemplary equipped the Nieuport-Delage NiD-450 hydroplane which was initially made for the Schneider Cup in 1929, but not exactly the same due to the addition of another dial perhaps an elapsed time chronograph.

The watch is in a very good condition considering its age. It’s still working and keeps the time perfectly with about a 60 hours power reserve.

It is a very rare piece which is very different and special compared to other instruments of the same category !

Aéra Paris aircraft clock (circa 1925) - Price : Sold
How to order - Currency assistant - Contact

Fragment from a Jaguar

Sometimes one asks oneself whether an object is for decoration, a collection, or even both…but this time there is no need for hesitation!  This is a fragment from a side panel from the cabin of a Jaguar on which a rather good “Sylvester the cat” (from Looney Tunes) is painted – in a “nose art” style, something that has been around for a while.The irregular cut and randomness of the piece* as well as the layout and the graphic inscriptions make it a very decorative piece. Note that it has not been spoilt since on the cabin side one can still see the original colour as well as a number of orders.It is not too great a size and its lightness (it has a honeycomb structure) means that it could be shown off on a wall…which the women will love!

* It is not at all a piece as a result of a crash

__________

Fragment from a Jaguar with nose art
Price : Sold

This week we are able to go back in time with this dashboard watch from 1914/1918. It is in fact a pocket watch that pilots at that time used to attach to the dashboard, but which could also be attached to their flying suit at either the wrist or thigh using straps. This attachment method was made possible by a leather case and four eyelets.


One can sometimes find this type of watch in various states of repair and more often that not in a pitiful condition. It is also exceptional to find a complete watch, i.e. with its leather casing. In this case not only does the watch have its casing, but it is also in a very good condition and the leather, which is lined with felt, remains very supple.


One of the (extremely) former owners, who was very concerned with trying to conceal its origins, thought it would be better to hide the inscriptions which read “Allion à Versailles” (Allion from Versailles) and “Propriété de l'Aviation Militaire” (Military aviation property) under a bit of black paint. This has been carefully cleaned and one can once more read these inscriptions although they are less visible than one would like. This detail however does not alter the fact that this is an historic object, particularly considering that the watch has been serviced and functions perfectly !

________

Allion dashboard watch WWI  (circa 1915)
Clock diameter 6.5 cm (2"9/16) - Leather case diameter 10 cm (3"15/16)
Price : Sold

Here is an imposing object, as much by its volume as by its weight and we couldn’t really say it if is a collector’s item or a decorative object. This ejection seat is a Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB dated the 3rd November 1967 and which was used to equip the English Electric Lightning.

This type of object does not generally come up for sale in this way since they are very much sought after. As a result they tend to change hands between collectors, particularly when they are whole as in this case. Nevertheless it has to be said that for obvious safety reasons and for its decommissioning, the seat is no longer equipped with its explosive charge and which means also that the cannon is not present at the back of the seat. This doesn’t detract from this object since it still has its parachutes, the complete harness system, the ejection handles, the yellow survival pack (which is empty), a cushion, other small accessories and above all its original identification tag. Of course having being in an airplane that has flown, it has a wonderful patina that comes from use.

For those of us who are avid fans of military aviation, what can be more tempting that an ejection seat? So whether it is to be used to complete the cabin of a flight simulator, or to add to a collection, this object can only bring happiness to the buyer!

__________

Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB ejection seat  (circa 1963)
Price :  Sold

French trade mark Aéra is well known for its instruments, quite prized by old parts collectors. But Aéra had made some clocks as well, and here is a specimen.

This one cannot be dated with certainty but it is dated before 1930 for sure. Several clues come with this idea :

- Its big size – the dial’s size is less than 9 centimeters in diameter and the fixing external crown about 12 centimeters for a bit less than 2 centimeters height !

- The winder’s position – quite characteristic of clocks made in the 20’

- The fact that an equivalent exemplary equipped the Nieuport-Delage NiD-450 hydroplane which was initially made for the Schneider Cup in 1929, but not exactly the same due to the addition of another dial perhaps an elapsed time chronograph.

The watch is in a very good condition considering its age. It’s still working and keeps the time perfectly with about a 60 hours power reserve.

It is a very rare piece which is very different and special compared to other instruments of the same category !

Aéra Paris aircraft clock (circa 1925) - Price : Sold
How to order - Currency assistant - Contact

Allion dashboard watch (circa 1915)

This week we are able to go back in time with this dashboard watch from 1914/1918. It is in fact a pocket watch that pilots at that time used to attach to the dashboard, but which could also be attached to their flying suit at either the wrist or thigh using straps. This attachment method was made possible by a leather case and four eyelets.


One can sometimes find this type of watch in various states of repair and more often that not in a pitiful condition. It is also exceptional to find a complete watch, i.e. with its leather casing. In this case not only does the watch have its casing, but it is also in a very good condition and the leather, which is lined with felt, remains very supple.


One of the (extremely) former owners, who was very concerned with trying to conceal its origins, thought it would be better to hide the inscriptions which read “Allion à Versailles” (Allion from Versailles) and “Propriété de l'Aviation Militaire” (Military aviation property) under a bit of black paint. This has been carefully cleaned and one can once more read these inscriptions although they are less visible than one would like. This detail however does not alter the fact that this is an historic object, particularly considering that the watch has been serviced and functions perfectly !

________

Allion dashboard watch WWI  (circa 1915)
Clock diameter 6.5 cm (2"9/16) - Leather case diameter 10 cm (3"15/16)
Price : Sold

Here is an imposing object, as much by its volume as by its weight and we couldn’t really say it if is a collector’s item or a decorative object. This ejection seat is a Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB dated the 3rd November 1967 and which was used to equip the English Electric Lightning.

This type of object does not generally come up for sale in this way since they are very much sought after. As a result they tend to change hands between collectors, particularly when they are whole as in this case. Nevertheless it has to be said that for obvious safety reasons and for its decommissioning, the seat is no longer equipped with its explosive charge and which means also that the cannon is not present at the back of the seat. This doesn’t detract from this object since it still has its parachutes, the complete harness system, the ejection handles, the yellow survival pack (which is empty), a cushion, other small accessories and above all its original identification tag. Of course having being in an airplane that has flown, it has a wonderful patina that comes from use.

For those of us who are avid fans of military aviation, what can be more tempting that an ejection seat? So whether it is to be used to complete the cabin of a flight simulator, or to add to a collection, this object can only bring happiness to the buyer!

__________

Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB ejection seat  (circa 1963)
Price :  Sold

French trade mark Aéra is well known for its instruments, quite prized by old parts collectors. But Aéra had made some clocks as well, and here is a specimen.

This one cannot be dated with certainty but it is dated before 1930 for sure. Several clues come with this idea :

- Its big size – the dial’s size is less than 9 centimeters in diameter and the fixing external crown about 12 centimeters for a bit less than 2 centimeters height !

- The winder’s position – quite characteristic of clocks made in the 20’

- The fact that an equivalent exemplary equipped the Nieuport-Delage NiD-450 hydroplane which was initially made for the Schneider Cup in 1929, but not exactly the same due to the addition of another dial perhaps an elapsed time chronograph.

The watch is in a very good condition considering its age. It’s still working and keeps the time perfectly with about a 60 hours power reserve.

It is a very rare piece which is very different and special compared to other instruments of the same category !

Aéra Paris aircraft clock (circa 1925) - Price : Sold
How to order - Currency assistant - Contact

Martin Baker MK2 ejection seat

Here is an imposing object, as much by its volume as by its weight and we couldn’t really say it if is a collector’s item or a decorative object. This ejection seat is a Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB dated the 3rd November 1967 and which was used to equip the English Electric Lightning.

This type of object does not generally come up for sale in this way since they are very much sought after. As a result they tend to change hands between collectors, particularly when they are whole as in this case. Nevertheless it has to be said that for obvious safety reasons and for its decommissioning, the seat is no longer equipped with its explosive charge and which means also that the cannon is not present at the back of the seat. This doesn’t detract from this object since it still has its parachutes, the complete harness system, the ejection handles, the yellow survival pack (which is empty), a cushion, other small accessories and above all its original identification tag. Of course having being in an airplane that has flown, it has a wonderful patina that comes from use.

For those of us who are avid fans of military aviation, what can be more tempting that an ejection seat? So whether it is to be used to complete the cabin of a flight simulator, or to add to a collection, this object can only bring happiness to the buyer!

__________

Martin Baker MK2 Type 4BSB ejection seat  (circa 1963)
Price :  Sold

French trade mark Aéra is well known for its instruments, quite prized by old parts collectors. But Aéra had made some clocks as well, and here is a specimen.

This one cannot be dated with certainty but it is dated before 1930 for sure. Several clues come with this idea :

- Its big size – the dial’s size is less than 9 centimeters in diameter and the fixing external crown about 12 centimeters for a bit less than 2 centimeters height !

- The winder’s position – quite characteristic of clocks made in the 20’

- The fact that an equivalent exemplary equipped the Nieuport-Delage NiD-450 hydroplane which was initially made for the Schneider Cup in 1929, but not exactly the same due to the addition of another dial perhaps an elapsed time chronograph.

The watch is in a very good condition considering its age. It’s still working and keeps the time perfectly with about a 60 hours power reserve.

It is a very rare piece which is very different and special compared to other instruments of the same category !

Aéra Paris aircraft clock (circa 1925) - Price : Sold
How to order - Currency assistant - Contact

Aéra aircraft clock

French trade mark Aéra is well known for its instruments, quite prized by old parts collectors. But Aéra had made some clocks as well, and here is a specimen.

This one cannot be dated with certainty but it is dated before 1930 for sure. Several clues come with this idea :

- Its big size – the dial’s size is less than 9 centimeters in diameter and the fixing external crown about 12 centimeters for a bit less than 2 centimeters height !

- The winder’s position – quite characteristic of clocks made in the 20’

- The fact that an equivalent exemplary equipped the Nieuport-Delage NiD-450 hydroplane which was initially made for the Schneider Cup in 1929, but not exactly the same due to the addition of another dial perhaps an elapsed time chronograph.

The watch is in a very good condition considering its age. It’s still working and keeps the time perfectly with about a 60 hours power reserve.

It is a very rare piece which is very different and special compared to other instruments of the same category !

Aéra Paris aircraft clock (circa 1925) - Price : Sold
How to order - Currency assistant - Contact