Royal Flying Corps air drop message streamer

[Jerry B]

There was another site that mentions it, with one being sold on ebay, but that I don't appear to have.

[Allegra]

Well I contacted Hendon and they have replied saying that it is indeed difficult to date - there were no differences between RAF and RFC streamers as far as they were aware. They were reticent to give an answer as to it's authenticity - which I can certainly appreciate.

The Seller has not responded to my enquiry for extra photos as yet.

At this time, I think it prudent to wait and see and keep on the lookout for other examples.

Thank you again Jerry and 4th.

Cheers
Tim

[Jerry B]

How much was it being sold for, if I may ask?

[Allegra]

From memory, it is GBP65.

[skypilot]

The very first RFC item that I ever owned was one of these message streamers. It was given to me by an elderly lady in the 1990's - she was over 100yrs old. Her husband had been a pilot with 100 Sqn during WW1, Major Christopher Bean, flying Fe2b's and later, HP 0/400's.

When she gave it to me, she stated it had been dropped over the church on their wedding day during 1918. I was a little sceptical at first about the tale until I looked inside the pouch and found two letter-headed notes on RFC & RAF notepaper wishing the happy couple all the best on their special day. Therefore, I am 100% certain it is of WW1 vintage and used by the RFC & RAF. How long after WW1 was it still used? Who knows!

I doubt it is repro as it is too obscure to bother with and I would expect to see slight variations in colour and stitching in the same was as any other uniform items - it is unlikely that they were only made at one factory from one bolt of cloth! I have seen several other examples since I obtained mine and they are all of a similar style. I see no reason to doubt the autheticity of the one shown.

[TOBRUK]

Another example that may be of interest.
It is one of two found in AFC pilot Albert Packers trunk. Albert was in No. 4 Squadron.
Both have the same stamp as seen in photo.
Neither have ever been used.
Albert imported a Junkers to South Australia in 1929 and I have often wondered if they were to be used in that aircraft, or were left over from WW1

[Allegra]

Very nice Tobruk!

Thanks for sharing.

[TOBRUK]

Thank you Allegra, any ideas on the stamp?

[3wings]

Gentlemen

My research brought me here having recently returned from S Africa with 3 airdrop message streamers.
Two are faded and show some use but are still in remarkable condition.
One is almost pristine - given its age of course.
All three are red/yellow/blue, single popper and relate favourably to item# FLA 5449 at the IWM in Duxford.
No weights or messages - sadly.
I also found what I have been led to believe is the gyroscopic guidance system for a Mark XII aerial torpedo - the sort of thing deployed from, inter alia, the Fairey Swordfish during WWII.
Unusually, perhaps, it has cut-aways showing the internal workings, so may possibly have been used as a training device ?
Have little idea of value, or indeed where I should begin to market them, but am more than happy to send along images etc if there is any interest out there ?

[3wings]

.....forgot to mention that I also picked up a WWII silk escape map of Scandinavia and The Baltic in mint/unused condition.
Have been reluctant to open it out in case it disintegrates but probably worrying unnecessarily as its probably made of sterner things !