Description:

BRITISH KITE AND BALLOON ARTILLERY SPOTTER'S HEADPHONE SET
Cased set of wireless field telephone accessories from a British Kite and Balloon Squadron, includes: receiver with hinged protective flap over mouthpiece, with braided cord and electrical connection; pair of ear pieces which it seems would allow two others to listen to transmissions as well, with cord; and green painted wood carrying case, 8.5 x 7.5 x 6 in., with leather carrying strap. The hinged lid of the case bears a label on the underside with instruction on 'WIRELESS ARTILLERY AND SIGNALLING'. A maker's metal plate on the lid reads 'B.L.M.E.' with the serial number and date 1918. A paper label on one side of the box reads: '16 / Kite and Balloon Squadron 6. Coy.' Closing latch broken, paint on box chipped, some light oxidation to the headsets, else very good. It is entirely possible that this set was carried aloft to call in artillery strikes on enemy positions observed from above. There were 20 such British companies. The work was dangerous as the balloons had to be close to the front to get a good view of the enemy. This put the crews in considerable danger not just from enemy aircraft but also from artillery.

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June 15, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000