Try as I might on Grace's Guide I have been unable to find out the full name of the company behind the manufacture of WW2 gas rattles. The name "B & E Ltd" plus ARP and a date appear on numerous rattles. Dates start in 1939 and go through to 1942. If you know, please drop me a line.
UPDATE: A potential candidate as the maker of these rattles is Bluestone & Elvin at the Beeanese Works, Blackhorse Lane, London E17. They were furniture makers and so that ties in to the rattle. They later released a series of furniture called Beeanese. I can find nothing on Grace's Guide about them. UPDATE #2: I found a very similar gas rattle made in 1938 with a much more detailed maker's mark (see photo). It reads "GRVI (Crown) 1938 BUSS & ELSTON LTD. N. C. RD. LONDON NW. 10". The road is the North Circular in Brent. I would say it's too much of a coincidence to have two companies with B & E initials both making gas rattles. My $0.02 is that the maker of B & E Ltd-marked rattles is Buss & Elston.
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Splinter goggles were made to protect the eyes from flying debris during an air raid. The below are in excellent condition and show clearly the way the surface was painted and how the foam padding was used. An elastic head band held the goggles in place. The goggles pivoted in the centre to allow a level of adjustment for different head sizes. The below pair of splinter goggles are currently available at Click Antiques & Vintage. The description of this photo is:
"Another way of dealing with fire bombs. At the base of this London lamp post an asbestos snuffer together with a face guard and gloves of the same material take the place of the more usual sandbags. The snuffer is dropped over the bomb; the face guard and gloves protect the Fire Watcher." The date is probably after the Fire Watchers Order came into effect in September 1940. The CD and crown breast badge introduced for wear with the battledress and tunics was made by several different manufacturers. A pattern copy would be sent to each to copy. This gives rise to variations in both shape and backing material. The below of examples of several.
Blacked Our Britain have posted some marvellous photos of original WW2 uniforms, starting at the left:
1. ARP Pattern 47 wrapover overall for use by control centre staff. 2. ARP Pattern 43 coat with lancer front overall worn by ambulance drivers and attendants. 3. ARP Pattern 42 female warden's coat. |
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