To reserve an item email: alligatormilitaria@gmail.com or text: +44 (0)7970 273034

Cold War era Civil Defence fire fighting stirrup pump

From the estate of NFS Fireman Allen who served in London throughout the Blitz.

Fitted with the quick hose release pull as shown in the photo left, simple but effective.

To deal with the outbreak of fires caused by incendiary bombs, a number of pieces of equipment were available to Civil Defence personnel and the general public, the unsung hero of the Blitz during WWII being the stirrup pump. It could be easily operated by both men and women to deal with small-scale fires, especially in rooms where curtains, rugs and furniture would quickly ignite and if left unchecked spread throughout the house. The stirrup pump was distributed on a large scale on a street by street basis and every Warden's Post throughout targeted cities.

The principle of operation was very simple, similar to the pumps used to inflate bicycle tyres. The vertical pipe was placed into a bucket of water, the operator placed his or her foot on the circular 'stirrup' and the vertical hand operated plunger was pumped up and down, the water jetting out of the discharge hose and directed at the fire.

A three-person stirrup pump team consisted of the following:

No 1 - carried and aimed the stirrup pump at the fire (and also carried a torch, an ARP axe and a whistle);

No 2 - operated the pump;

and No 3 - carried two water buckets, one for use as a reservoir for the pump and the second for transporting water to refill. A team could pump 1.5 gallons of water a minute. It took up to six gallons of water to extinguish a single 1 kg incendiary bomb.

NB. The stirrup pump played a major role in saving St. Paul’s Cathedral from certain destruction when fire broke out in the cathedral's library aisle. There was no mains water to fight it - the blaze was eventually heroically suppressed with stirrup pumps, buckets and sand. At least 29 indendiaries landed on the cathedral that night, all dealt with by the London Fire Brigade and a special team of firewatchers. The photograph has become a symbol of British resilience and courage, and became ‘instantly famous’, and turned the Cathedral into "a symbol of togetherness, survival and suffering".

The euphoria of Victory Year however, was short lived when in 1946, Churchill spoke of “the iron curtain descending across Europe".

The following year the term ‘Cold War’ entered the vocabulary and two years later the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb. Civil Defence suddenly became a necessity once again and the Civil Defence Corps sprang into being raising an army of volunteers to be trained in assisting Local Authorities as they had done during WWII.

This is a particularly nice example of the iconic stirrup pump, exactly as WWII issue. The vertical brass cylinder is stamped with a symbol comprising a horizontal oval with three vertical radiating lines above, and the numerals 5/52 below (assumed to be the date). In very good condition, the rubber hose remains supple and the pump action still has the original grease and works smoothly as it should.

£55.00 + £15.00 P&P UK

British WWII Zuckerman Civil Defence Steel Helmet - SFP (Street Fire Party)

Stamped under the rim: L (Large) together with the partially struck trademark of the PRESSED STEEL CO., Cowley and dated 4/41. The leather headband has the ink stamp: AMC (Austin Motor Co. Longbridge), (size) 7, 1941.

The Zuckerman helmet, officially designated the Civilian Protective Helmet, was designed specifically for use by the general public / civil defence organisations during World War II. It was researched and designed by Solly Zuckerman, Derman Christopherson and Hugh Cairns. Their aim was to provide a helmet that could safeguard the wearer from the impact of falling / flying masonry and provide good protection for the head and the neck areas - hence the high dome and wide brim. It went into circulation in December 1940 and was made until 1942, the majority dated 1941.

The helmets were made from pressed mild steel or manganese steel (known for its impact resistance) in two sizes and usually stamped either M (Medium) or L (Large) on the inside of the brim. Many have two single holes opposite each other on the brim which indicates the steel has low ballistic properties and should not be used for frontline duties. The helmet was available in white, black, grey and olive green. A helmet liner made of leather and webbing was attached to the helmet with string, lace or leather thong that was threaded through 16 pre-drilled slightly angled holes around the helmet to hold it in place. Small loops were incorporated on the helmet for attaching a chinstrap, but no official strap was issued though many used the Mk II helmet chinstrap. Consequently, helmets can be found with numerous chin strap variations including simply a piece of string.

Condition of this helmet is good with just one minor ding in the crown. The hand painted SFP remains strong with little wear and looks great on display. The exterior colour is evenly darkened / patinated with traces of white paint and minor areas of surface corrosion. The interior is bright with negligible paint loss and minor staining. The white liner webbing is a bit grubby, the leather headband is supple but shows signs of age and distress. The most noticeable and interesting feature is the fact that the leatherwork has been quite crudely re-attached all round the backing headband with large stitches. It's difficult to guess why and when the modification was made, but probably not in recent times. The cord that holds the liner to the steel shell has been replaced with a shoelace (often encountered) and has been tied externally at the back (sometimes encountered) even though internal fastening (more difficult) was recommended at the time. It is also noted that the leather headband has the ink stamp for size 7, this size is normally fitted to the Medium shell. No chin strap as issued.

£35.00 + £6.80 P&P UK

British WWII General Civilian Respirator with tailored / private purchase fabric carrier

Civilians were legally required to have their gas masks within reach at all times, and there was an extensive campaign designed to get this message across. Unfortunately the General Civilian Respirator (GCR) was issued in a thin cardboard box which offered little resistance to general wear and tear, and of course had a totally utilitarian look which was generally not liked by women. This gave rise to a variety of storage solutions, including handbags that were specially created with a compartment for the mask.

This fabric cover with shoulder strap and press stud fastener would have added a more cheerful look to what was in essence a drab / ugly piece of equipment to have to carry around. We believe it has been stored in a loft and consequently the fabric is grubby - the brightness of the original design revealed when opened. The edges of the strap have not been hemmed and are slightly frayed in places. Inside the opening flap are handwritten numerals 1180. The cardboard box is completely plain with interlocking twin opening flaps and a large handwritten blue numeral 7 on the base together with a word in pencil which may possibly be 'Mum'. The name of the person who owned this was given to us by a family member which we would be happy to pass on to the purchaser. The sides of the cardboard box have 'caved in', but the cardboard remains bright with no tears. The respirator is the standard GCR with the following markings: L. & B.R. Co. (Leyland & Birmingham Rubber) FEB 1938 LOT 219C 11/1/38. The rubber has stiffened with age and has deteriorated into a hole in the right cheek area. The filter cannister has surface corrosion. When displayed in the box of course, none of the issues are particularly obvious. NB. There is much information online about British gas masks in use throughout WWII - the subject matter is quite complex.

In our view, this is all about the cloth carrier. We would hesitate to say 'rare' but we have never before encountered this pattern which even in its grubby state remains eye catching.

H:12 x W:14 x L:19cm £38.00 + £4.90 P&P UK

NB. This gas mask is sold for display purposes only and no attempt should be made to wear it. The elements within the filter degrade over time and may be hazardous if inhaled.

Vintage Boots iodine pencil with polished steel screw-top cannister

A glass bottle / vial with black plastic screw cap which has an internal moulded 'pimple' which seals the bottle nozzle when screwed tight. Wording on the label reads: Decolourised iodine pencil - unscrew the cap and use the pencil to paint with iodine. Sold by Boots at all branches. Boots Pure Drug Co. Ltd. NB. Iodine would have been used as an antiseptic to treat the edges of wounds, cuts and abrasions, fungal skin diseases etc.

The cannister has minute, almost microscopic surface abrasions / pitting and a small dab of paint residue. The glass bottle is empty and in good order, the label complete and remaining firmly attached.

O/A length: 7.2cm

£15.00 + £2.40 P&P UK

Isdale & McCallum, Paisley - vintage Lysol A1 antiseptic soap

For toilet and bath - for childrens' tender skins

Soap making flourished in Paisley in the 19th century with the most successful company being Isdale & McCallum - their famous brands being Thistle & A1 soaps. Ralph Isdale and John McCallum started the business in 1869 and by 1881 the company was flourishing. Like so many success stories of those times the wealthy owners sought to better the lives of their community and amongst other things supported the West of Scotland’s Women’s Suffrage. The company has a fascinating history, more of which can be found online.

This is an interesting example of a basic necessity, possibly circa 1930s/40s. The box is stained although remains sturdy. The bar of soap has a number of surface 'blisters' but has never been used and remains quite solid. The strong antiseptic smell will no doubt conjure up memories for those who grew up in the 50s when carbolic soap was still being used ‘vigorously’ and held in high esteem by the adults in the household.

£12.00 + £3.70 P&P UK

Manchester City Police commemorative tankard

Inscription: Manchester City Police PC S. Griffiths 1925 - 1954.

With service throughout the war years and no doubt having first hand experience of the heavy bombing during the Manchester (Christmas) Blitz, after which Nazi propaganda claimed that the entire city had been burned to the ground.

Polished hammered pewter in good vintage condition with no dents. Slight staining to handle and interior with faint scratches on base which is stamped: Craftsman Pewter Sheffield Made in England.

H:19.5 x Dia:9cm £12.00 + £4.70 P&P UK

WWII Women's Land Army milking stool souvenir - 1942 and badge

Originally belonging to the mother of a colleague, this milking stool is a memento of her time spent at Auchincruive Agricultural College whilst training for her role in the Women's Land Army. "Good luck to you on your milky way 1942" has been engraved with a sharp pencil around the circumference of the seat and "Mind my coo" in the centre. Her friends have also written their names on in the same way. There is some minor loss of finish / wear to the bottom of the legs but overall very nice condition.

The WLA pin badge is in used condition with loss of finish to raised surfaces but no damage. HWM maker’s initials on reverse. This came with the stool but is unassociated.

Auchincruive is a former country house and estate on the north bank of the River Ayre which was bequeathed to the Secretary of State for Scotland in 1927 for use as an Agricultural College.

Dia:21 x H:23.5cm £50.00 + £6.70 P&P UK

WWII era ARP First Aid case - City of Nottingham

Contents include:
Ogden's St. Julien tobacco tin containing a small pair of scissors, tweezers (marked DIXEY), Ever-Ready folding razor blade holder with inches 'ruler', 2 x safety pins and the front of a Pilot Match box.
The "Crown" needle case (King George V and Queen Mary) - 1 needle present.
Alum stick.
Tincture of Iodine.
Small tin containing 4 safety pins.
Day's waterproof dubbin tin containing an Aromatic Ammonia capsule.
B.P.C. bandages 2ins x 4yds - 2 off.
B.P.C. packet of absorbent cotton wool.
B.P.C. packet of absorbent lint.
B.P.C. large plain wound dressing.
Compressed triangular bandage.

Well made wooden box with safety locking hooks (latch marked 'press' must be held down before the hook will swivel), leather handle and brass hinges. The sides are finger jointed, the base is fixed with brass screws. There are a number of redundant small holes underneath which have been filled - so probably a good example of ‘repurposing’. A large faded cross is just visible on the outer lid.

A fold-out advisory leaflet on the nature, properties and effects of war gasses issued by W. R. Burrows, City of Nottingham A.R.P. Dept. is fixed to the inside of the lid. A brown 'velvet' cloth liner in the bottom which was originally glued, has mostly come away. Totally as found, still with the unmistakable ‘hospital’ aroma.

NB. Because of the foresight of Chief Constable Athelstan Popkess, Nottingham was the first city in Britain to develop a comprehensive ARP network.

Box: L:28 x W:16.5 x D:5.4cm   £60.00 + £6.70 P&P UK

ARP - A Practical Guide for Householder and Air-Raid Warden

By S. Evelyn Thomas - 5th Edition. Softback - 88 pages including advertisements

Essential reading for British Home Front collectors, this definitive publication covers every conceivable aspect of civil defence during WWII. Well illustrated with diagrams, black and white photographs and four pages of colour illustrations, which formed the basis of Wills's ARP cigarette cards series.

A well used book, named on the front cover. Outer covers are grubby with some distress to the spine, the pages are well-thumbed with some corners turned over. Hint of a central fold mark on each page. No rips or tears.

H:21.5 x W:14cm £16.00 + £2.70 P&P UK

WWII Practical Cookery

Phyllis Davidson and Margaret Hindley Published by Blackie & Son Limited in 1939 according to War Economy Standards Hardback - 64 pages no dust jacket

Inside front cover carries a handwritten memento for ‘Mum’ from ‘Dadda and The Bhoys’ (Bhoys maybe a reference to Celtic F.C.) to commemorate their Silver Wedding Day on 26th March 1943 in the hope that his wife’s cooking will improve during the next twenty-five years. A wedding photo (groom in uniform) has been glued onto the opposite page. Contains a wealth of information on almost every aspect of home cooking. from bread making, cakes, meat, vegetables, sauces and puddings - and even macaroni cheese! The book is a collector’s item and the personalisation gives it added appeal. A fascinating insight into British social history.

Slight foxing to pages and one small stain on page 63 - otherwise very good used condition.

H:16.5 x W:11.5cm £14.00 + £2.70 P&P UK

The Home Guard Training Manual

Third edition printed July 1941. Soft cover.

Essential for Home Guard members, with over 170 pages containing 14 sections of advice and instruction on wide ranging topics such as Fieldcraft, Obstruction and Demolition, the use of Rifles and Automatic Weapons including the Lewis Gun, Anti-Tank / Anti-Aircraft Warfare and Discipline and Drill. Containing mainly text pages, there are a few illustrations which include rifle shooting, how to throw hand grenades and aircraft recognition silhouettes, plus of course the ubiquitous advertisement for Kiwi boot polish. An interesting insight into the preparations made in expectation of the Nazi invasion. Used condition, some corners turned over, and some slight creasing.

H:13.5 x W:11cm £15.00 + £2.70 P&P UK