About Us

Rare Aviation Books is a specialty bookshop located in Sydney Australia, with a large stock of books, manuscripts, magazines, ephemera and realia relating to the history of flight. We are the only rare and antiquarian booksellers in the world with an exclusive focus on aviation. 

Location

Our shopfront is located in the heart of Sydney at 8 Argyle Place in the historical Rocks district. We are within walking distance of Circular Quay and Wynyard train stations, and the 311 bus route comes directly to our door. Located nearby are the Rocks Market and the acclaimed restaurant precinct of Barangaroo, adjacent to the newly designed Headland Park. More than ten pubs with gastronomic fare are close by. 

We are open by appointment, please call ahead to make a time.

Collection and stock

The shopfront contains over five hundred books and other items, showcasing our extensive holdings of rare and early aviation material. A generous selection of First and Second World War books are available, and we have finely bound volumes for gift purposes. Our stock reflects a wide range of needs and interests, from modestly priced books for reading and enjoyment, through to serious collector's items.

Despite the specialised nature of the business, our stock encompasses a diverge range of materials, from children's books and adventure stories through to technical manuals and engineering resources.

Given the international scope of aviation history, we are proud to stock books in a wide range of languages including French, German, and Italian. Our bookstore manager is a native French speaker and can actively assist with the acquisition of rare French language books and manuscripts. 

We have several thousand volumes stored offsite in Sydney, and are happy to arrange for inspection of these books prior to purchase.

Purchasing and new stock

We are always interested in purchasing good quality books and related material relating to the history of flight, whether it be single volumes or entire collections. Please contact us directly if you have books for sale. 

Our in-store and online inventory is regularly updated with fresh acquisitions, and we are happy to seek out rare books on your behalf.

Commitment to customers

Our staff are committed to your satisfaction, and are available to discuss all aspects of collection development. 

We are members of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers, which is a subsidiary member of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. Accordingly, we take considerable effort in describing the condition and collation of the books we sell. Much of the stock is in exceptional condition. Should you be dissatisfied with your purchase, we will refund the full cost (including shipping) upon return of the books.

Technical items

The business is owned and directed by Professor Marshall Silver, a geotechnical engineer with a longstanding interest in aviation history and literature. As such, we are able to help customers with technical research on early flight, engine repair and structural restoration projects.

Banking Information

Direct deposit or wire transfer to our bank account can be made as follows. Please list the Invoice Number on the remittance instructions:

Bank name: ANZ - The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited

Bank address: 242 Pit Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Swift code: ANZBAU3M

BSB: 012013

Account name: Rare Aviation Books

Account No.: 194821762

Currency : AUD