RRPG dig - New RAF base dump

[Steve T]

Hi all

Almost a year ago now I managed to track down the location of an RAF base dump. I also managed to track the prospective landowner down, (the land was owned by a developer and was in the process of being sold on). I had almost given up hope of getting on the site as, despite having permission to dig it from the 'prospective' landowner, we had to wait until he legally possessed the land. Out of the blue, I get an email advising me that the deal has been signed and the group can dig the site as soon as we like!!! This was great news, especially given the RAF base in question is very well known. It was all rather exciting!!

Anyway, we had a bash at the dump at the weekend and discovered it was a mainly domestic dump, with the odd bit of military or aircraft items. The volume of bottles was very high, as was the amount of crockery. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the crockery was broken, but the odd complete bit was recovered, along with some nicely marked cutlery. So, a departure from our/my usual ordnance/military finds, this dig being all about the domestic stuff.

Onto the finds.

Before any cleaning......



And after........



Lots of NAAFI marked bits and bobs. I saved the best bits, including these two complete mugs.



Lots of this type of RAF marked crockery, although no complete bits.



And lots of this type of RAF crest marked crockery.

The jug in this photo was very exciting as I thought it was complete when it came out of the ground. Unfortunately it wasn't, but an unusual piece all the same. Very thin and 'fine' bone china.



An almost intact large cup. The only piece missing, (it had to be really due to sods law), was a small chunk where the crest should have been !!!



A couple of forks, (unmarked, although the one with the hole in is a NAAFI fork), a couple of RAF buckles and the ubiquitous 303 cartridges. It wouldn't be a base dump without good ol' 303s !



One of the few bottles I took home. A little medicine bottle with......



......a WD arrow etched into the glass, (thanks Jayh )



A very nice and intact earthenware jug.........



.........made by Lovatts



Frank Cooper Ltd marmalade pot, nearly intact.



Interesting little 'by appointment' stamp as well



And lastly, one of the few aircraft related bits found on the day.



Nicely stamped and high quality. AGS = Aircraft grade steel. I think it maybe from the Bolton Paul factory (BP) but am unsure as the 'M' is throwing me ! Any help appreciated.



Plenty more finds from the group members to come

Steve T

[mossie]

Hi Steve

Not 100% sure,But I thought AGS was Aircraft General Spares.

Nice pottery finds.

Mossie

[Steve T]

lol

Yeah, we both got it wrong. Aircraft General Standard

[Salzburg]

Decent collection of marked crockery. Isn't that Dave's 'Little Brown Jug'?

[Richard_J]

Decent collection of marked crockery. Isn't that Dave's 'Little Brown Jug'?

Didn't he swap it for a candlestick holder?!

Will post our finds up asap.

[hangarman]

AGS = Aircraft General Stores
Cheers
Gary

[Salzburg]

I was last off the site and they were still arguing about it to the end!

[Richard_J]

Steve, is that bolt left hand thread? the notches on the flats would normally denote this.

[Steve T]

Hangarman - You sure? The reference manual I've got says 'Standard'.

Richard_J - How the hell would I know? I'm a pharmacist, not a bleeding mechanic !

And by the way, I think that candlestick holder was also Lovatts and worth a bob or two Dave probably knew and just worked it so he got it. Sneaky bugger.

[hangarman]

Hi Steve, For 20 odd years to me it was Aircraft General Stores, BUT that doesn't mean it shouldn't have been Aircraft General Standards. Just did a quick search and the top of the list was AGS (Aircraft General Stores), however the next listing has it as Aircraft General Standards A.G.S. Parts For Aircraft, so I guess they are both right! the bolts etc are made to General Aircraft Standards and come from General Aircraft Stores.
Cheers
Gary