Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is an authentic World War II-era survival manual issued to United States Army Air Forces flight crews. Designed to fit into a flight suit pocket or emergency kit, it contains vital instructions and illustrations on how to stay alive in the world's most hostile environments after a crash landing.
Story
Published during the height of WWII, this pocket guide was a literal lifesaver for downed aviators across global theaters. It taught pilots how to turn parachutes into fishnets and identify toxic flora like the deadly Manzanillo. Holding this is holding a direct piece of a young airman's survival gear.
Maker / Origin
The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) was the military aviation arm of the US during WWII. To support crews flying unprecedented global distances, they commissioned specialized survival experts, botanists, and illustrators to compile highly practical, condensed knowledge into rugged pocket guides.
Condition & Value
The manual is in very good vintage condition. The orange cover shows minor edge wear and light corner creasing, but the color remains bright. The interior pages are clean, intact, and free of major staining or water damage, which is common for field-carried items. Excellent preservation overall.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.