Battle of Britain war memorabilia of the pilot 'who saved Buckingham Palace'

Memorabilia of a pilot who saved Buckingham Palace from German attack in the Battle of Britain has sold

James "Ginger" Lacey's reputation as a Battle of Britain war hero endures long after he shot down a German bomber - while the latter was attacking Buckingham Palace.

Lacey's flying gear sold for £1,600 in a Nottingham, UK, auction on Saturday (March 3).

Pieces included a leather flying helmet, oxygen mask and goggles. According to local newspaper reports "financial circumstances" were behind seller Chris Lodder's decision to part with the items.

Chris Lodder was Squadron Leader Lacey's flying pupil. After Lodder's death in 1989, aged 72, Lodder was gifted the flying gear by his Squadron Leader's wife.

James "Ginger" Lacey's flying gear, as auctioned in the UK

The lucky buyer of James "Ginger" Lacey's flying gear certainly got themselves a bargain. And he isn't the first flying ace to have drawn collectors' bids at auction.

Another legendary fighter pilot, Baron Von Richthofen aka "the Red Baron", considered the ace-of-aces during the First World War, is another recurring star in the collectibles markets.

You can acquire a 'small piece' of Baron Von Richthofen's legacy for even less than the buyer in Saturday's auction acquired Lacey's flying equipment.

We have authentic strands of hair for the head of Baron Von Richthofen for sale priced at £49.95 - a unique bargain that shouldn't be missed.

Recent and related articles

  Ottoman gold-inlaid kard dagger will be a high point of vast spring militaria auction | 3 March 2012

  American Distinguished Flying Cross from WWII could soar past $7,000 next week | 26 February 2012

  Silver flintlock pistols of King George III's Aide-de-Camp auction in UK | 24 February 2012

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