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LOT 1333
Rare Unopened U.S. Navy Atlantic Escape and Evasion “Barter Kit” - Designed for and issued to American pilots possibly as early as World War II, but more likely during the Cold War era, for use in the event they were downed behind enemy lines, or otherwise found themselves in hostile territory. On average the kits contained approximately .90 Troy ounces of fine gold in the form of coins and rings, and were issued sealed. Due to the value of the individual kits, each kit was serial numbered and had to be signed out and signed back in with all contents accounted for if the kit was opened in the course of duty. This particular kit is the Atlantic variation (kits were made for both the European and Pacific theaters), which would traditionally contain a British 1 Pound gold Sovereign, two British gold half Sovereigns, a 10 Franc coin, a 20 Franc coin, and three golden rings. The case itself is hard rubber and marked “IF FOUND RETURN TO/COMNAVAIRLANT (CNAL 34)/NORFOLK, VIRGINIA” on both sides and the individual serial number “1286” is hand marked on one side. The writer’s belief that these are Cold War artifacts is due to “NAV” not being added to the “COMNAVAIRLANT” title until the 1950’s, prior to then it was simply referred to as “COMAIRLANT”, or Commander, Air Force Atlantic. Includes what appears to be a bidding form from the original Department of Defense auction when the piece was purchased in 1980, and what appear to be x-ray images of this set showing the serial number on the inside and all of the contents present.
CONDITION: Very fine, the case appears to retain the original seal between the two halves with a few scattered minor dings and scratches. A rare and interesting piece of U.S. military equipment that is not
found in many such collections!
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 1334
World War II U.S. Army 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment A-2 Flight Jacket - This World War II A-2 flight
jacket was manufactured by Rough Wear Clothing co., is a size 38, has a Talon zipper, and was worn by a member
of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Unfortunately, the name tag has been removed. The left chest carries a
parachutist badge on the leather (faint) and a wonderful embroidered 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment patch
known as the “Wildcat Patch” or simply the “Cat Patch.” The “Cat Patch” was designed by the Walt Disney Studios
shortly after Pearl Harbor. The 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment was formed in February 1942 and was the first
U.S. airborne regiment to fight in the Pacific Theater. The unit suffered its first major casualties during the combat
jump on the island of Noemfoor in August 1944 but was able to suppress Japanese resistance. For heroic actions
taken during this battle, paratrooper Sergeant Ray Eubanks was awarded the Model of Honor. In December 1944,
the 503rd participated in the amphibious landings on Mindoro Island in the Central Philippines. The taking of
Mindoro Island allowed for the construction of USAAF airfields that supported the landings in Luzon. The 503rd
is perhaps best known for its actions in the retaking of Corregidor, nicknamed the Rock, in early 1945. In the
months after Pearl Harbor, Corregidor, a small island at the mouth of Manila Bay, was the last Allied stronghold
in the Philippines to fall to the Japanese. In October 1944, America and her allies returned, starting with the
recapture of Leyte. Operation TOPSIDE was the U.S. airborne assault on Corregidor that began on the morning of
February 16, 1945. The airdrops included two battalions of the 503rd. By early March Corregidor was officially in
control by the Americans. For successfully liberating Corregidor, the unit received a Presidential Unit Citation and
its nickname “the Rock Regiment.” The regiment landed on Negros island and spent the rest of the war mopping
up Japanese resistance on the island.
CONDITION: Good for a well-worn jacket that likely saw action in the Pacific. The cuffs and waist band are replacements. The solid patch retains strong, vivid colors. A World War II A-2 flight jacket worn by a member of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, a unit that played a significant role in the retaking of Corregidor.
Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
World War II Era Controllable Pitch Propeller - This controllable pitch propeller features a metal hub with wooden blades in a composite shell. The whole of the assembly has been painted flat black with the blade tips having been painted yellow. The propeller measures 96 1/2 inches. While the exterior is devoid of markings, it is likely this propeller would have come from a North American Aviation T-6 Texan. Measures 95 inches. The Texan was most famously used during World War II as a training aircraft for the United States, Britain, and Canada. Following World War II, the T-6 was bought by countries around the world and pressed into service filling fighter and fighter bomber roles. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 97% black and yellow paint with a few chips on the edge of the blades and wear at the tips. This would make a perfect addition to any United States military aviation collection!
LOT 1335
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,800 281