Page 344 - 88-BOOK1

LOT 412
Classic World War I Era Full Length Leather Flight Coat -
A good long leather coat was a necessity for airmen operating in their open cockpit aircraft during World War I. Joined with goggles, leather flight helmet, leather boots, and riding style
breeches, the long leather coat become a symbol of a new breed of warrior: the fighter pilot. This is a piece of history to the legacy of the early age of flight, and no aviation collection can be considered complete without a World War I era full length flight coat. On this example the left side of the chest has the side entry map packet. The map pocket was rarely omitted from this type of flight gear. The lower left section of the coat has a large and deep pocket which is another commonly found feature on these coats. A matching original leather belt is included. Unfortunately the coat lacks a maker’s label. The inside of the coat is hand marked in ink with the name “C.H. Tripp.” C.H. Tripp has yet to be identified. One possibility is 2nd Lt. Claude Henry Tripp who is among known Royal Flying Corps personnel listed in a database compiled by the online site www.AirHistory.org.uk (http://www. airhistory.org.uk/rfc/people_indexT.html). Tripp was born on June 19, 1894 and during World War I served with the No. 48 Squadron. The No. 48 Squadron was formed in 1916, posted in France in March 1917, and was the first fighter squadron to be equipped with the Bristol F.2 Fighter. CONDITION: Very good with authentic use and wear and even with what appears to be some oil stains. (Those pesky Liberty engines!) The stitching is tight overall. A very attractive example of an iconic World War I era full length leather flight coat that will display nicely. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 413
Identified World War I Painted U.S. 638th Aero Squadron Leather Flight Helmet - This is a fantastic example
of a painted World War I U.S.
standard summer issue leather flight helmet identified to a pilot of the 638th Aero Squadron: Lt. Howard F. Rough. The 638th
was an American pursuit
squadron that operated over
the skies of the Western
Front during World War
I and was assigned to
escort reconnaissance and
bombardment squadrons
over enemy territory. This
was a late war squadron
that was never fully
organized before the signing
of the 1918 Armistice.
The squadron returned
to the United States in July
1919 and was demobilized and
never reactivated. The Smithsonian’s
National Air and Space Museum identifies
Lt. Rough as a member of the 638th Aero
Squadron (see airandspace.si.edu/webimages/
collections/full/Transcription%20-%20002.pdf ).
He went on to become an U.S. aviation government
official who served 25 years with the Civil Aviation
Authority and its predecessor organizations before
his death in 1969. His wife Helen was an
aviation pioneer in her own right as
she was one of the first women
fliers awarded a transport pilot’s
license, set national and world
speed and altitude records,
and performed stunt flying
and racing throughout
the country. This is the
standard summer issue
flight helmet with bill
made by the famed sports
gear supplier A.G. Spalding.
Spalding was the foremost
supplier of American flight
gear, including flight helmets,
leather jackets, and flight suits
well into the 1930s. The Spalding label is
present on the interior. The exterior of the
flight helmet is wonderfully painted with a
roundel on top and the yellow “V” and black cat
insignia of the 638th Aero Squadron on the front
and back. Also on the front is the handwritten marking
in ink “LT. H.F. ROUGH/A.S. MA./U.S.A.” The chin strap and
goggle retention straps are present as well as the snaps. Includes
a pair of goggles.
CONDITION: The flight helmet is fine with supple leather, some typical wear and overall tight stitching. The emblems retain most of the vivid paint. Ear pads have been added during its time of use. The goggles are very good with typical loss of retention in the elastic band and most
of the fur padding remaining. This is a great piece of WWI aviation memorabilia that is a must have for even the most advanced private or public collection.
Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
342