Comprehensive WW2 British Home Front A.R.P. Collection From A House Clearance. Comprehensive WW2 British Home Front A.R.P. Collection From A House Clearance.

A Comprehensive WW2 British Home Front A.R.P. Collection From A House Clearance. HO 669 - HO 669

This is an impressive collection of WW2 British Home Front items from a house clearance in Macclesfield, Cheshire. The ARP (Air Raid Precautions) was a reaction to the fear, shared throughout Europe in the 1930s, of the mass bombing of civilians from the air. In the 1930s, government estimates calculated that 600,000 people would be killed and 1.2 million injured in air raids during a future war. This collection consists of the following:- A Stirrup pump used for putting out local fires. It is made from copper, brass, wood and steel. The 'stirrup is made from steel and still has traces of the original black paint. It has a filter in the pickup end which was placed in a fire bucket, you placed your foot over the 'stirrup' and pumped the large wooden handle. It still operates as it should but needs a new washer inside the pump. The next item is a very nice example of the ARP helmet. It has a black stippled finish with "ARP" in white painted on the front. It has a folded seamed edge and is complete with the original black plastic liner and elasticated chin strap. The chin strap has snapped. The inside of the liner has a black ink stamp (see the insert photograph) with the War Department 'Broad Arrow' and "083" and "VI 55". This is a very nice example. The third item is an ARP wood and steel warning rattle used to warn of air raids and unexploded bombs. It is in perfect working condition and is very loud. Next is a Home Office Air Raid Precaution department Shell Dressing in a khaki outer cover. It has been opened but is complete. It is dated 1938 and was manufactured by T.J. Smith & Nephew, Ltd, Hull. The next item is an ARP whistle by J. Hudson & Co Barr Street, Hockley, Birmingham. It works as it should. It is in very good condition and is stamped on the front with "A.R.P.". Next is a hallmarked sterling silver Kings Crown ARP lapel badge which has "A.R.P." on the front below the Kings Crown. This is hallmarked on the reverse to London 1936-37 Edward VII. Lastly, there is a bicycle/hand lamp with a blackout shield attached to the front. There is no battery or bulb. The lamp is in perfect condition and has a push and turn on off switch which operates as it should. It has a sprung bracket on the back and a handle to carry it. This is an impressive collection of ARP items and a good start for anyone wishing to start collecting Home Front Items, or for re-enactors. The price includes UK delivery. HO 669
£295.00