WW2 ESCAPE & EVASION COMPASSES & MAPS

[Charlie303]

Thanks Gil. I've checked all my (Grandfather's) RAF buttons, no luck! I guess my uncle who was WW2 aircrew (navigator) might have been issued with one, I wonder what became of his flying kit? I'll keep looking. Cheers.

[Gil Boyd]

Charlie,
Always worth buying RAF buttons up at car boot sales, you never know your luck, they were issued to aircrew so they are definitely out there waiting to be found, as many relatives wouldn't even kow what they had!

[Charlie303]

Gil,

Started looking today! Popped into my local antique/flea market. There were some RAF buttons, various prices £2-£5, not very practical to buy them all!



Is there anything particular to look out for?

A bit of internet research indicates that they were made by the following makers; B’Ham Buttons Ltd (Birmingham Buttons Ltd), FIRMIN and J. R. Gaunt. Any others?

The RAF 'Escape' buttons pictured on the web usually seem to have solder where the loop goes into the back of the button, but this surely would have been a bit of a giveaway for Jerries searching for them?

Do they weigh appreciably more? Do they rattle?

Thanks,

Charlie

PS - the one on eBay went for a staggering £628! I don't think I'll be going down that route.

[Gil Boyd]

Charlie,
It is a case of making it look as if you are looking for RAF /Admilralty buttons in good nick. I can assure you they are out there, as Ebayers are finding them. Whatever you do, when you get one keep hold of it.......tightly, they are going up.
The only way to ID them thoroughly is the threaded lid ie the button and see if there is any movement.