Description
|
The Hampden served in the early stages of the Second World War, bearing the brunt of the early bombing war over Europe, taking part in the first night raid on Berlin and the first 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne. When it became obsolete, after a period of mainly operating at night, it was retired from RAF Bomber Command service in late 1942. By 1943, the rest of the trio were being superseded by the larger four-engined heavy bombers such as the Avro Lancaster. P1344’s last flight took place during the night of September 4, 1942. She was part of a flight of 32 Hampdens which flew from RAF Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands, heading to northern Russia to provide protection for the Arctic Convoys supplying the Allied war effort on the Eastern Front. 9 Hampdens were shot down (including P1344), and sadly, 3 of the 5 crewman died when this specific aircraft was shot down my Me109s. The wreckage remained on the Kola Peninsula, until 1989 when a salvage team recovered the wreck (this is when the instrument panel was removed). It was then sold to a UK buyer in 1991, and was eventually acquired by the RAF Museum in 1992.
Made of aluminum and steel, this instrument panel is 100% ORIGINAL, NOT A REPRODUCTION! AS mentioned this is the original panel belonging to Handley Page Hampden TB Mk.1 P1344, which has been under restoration for the past 15 years. The panel that is currently installed in the aircraft is a reproduction that is NOT correct in style. I believe another panel was made for display purposes, but that one is also a reproduction. Note that only THREE Hampdens remain in the world, and none of them feature their original instrument panel. I did offer this to the RAF Museum (to re-unite with the aircraft), but receive no reply. As such, I am offering it here. This specific panel (though broken on the left side) retains most of the original paint and finish! The blind panel is missing, but those are quite standard to most bombers, so an original replacement should be easy to find. Some obvious marks, wear, and damage as it came from a wreck, but still EASILY identifiable. Should be easy to mount some original instruments to make complete display! I have indicated it’s location in the last photo. A VERY RARE addition to any collection, display, or restoration project! Please email me if you need additional photos or information.
——————- PAYMENT —————– Payment should be made within 7 business days at the end of the auction unless buyer contacts me for other arrangements. I accept all forms of payment. My goal is to ship within 7 days from auction end. However, depending on circumstances, it may take up to an additional 1 week from receipt of confirmed payment. If you need it shipped sooner, please let me know and I will do our best to accommodate. ——————- TERMS OF SALE —————– Most of my items are vintage, and as such are AS-IS, so you must therefore expect a degree of wear due to age and/or usage. I will describe each auction to the best of my knowledge and take as many photos necessary to ensure you are pleased upon receiving your item. All sales are final, so please make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction before you purchase. ——————- ABOUT ME —————– Although my passion is the Me109, I do offer many other German Aircraft (Fw190, Me262, etc.), as well as USAF and Japanese items. Occasionally I do offer many non-vintage items such as prints and art relating to the time period. As a private collector myself, I am constantly on the lookout for historical memorabilia, authentic photographs, artwork or anything unique relating to military aircraft. ——————- COPYRIGHT —————– All pictures and descriptions used in my auctions under COPYRIGHT and I forbid the use of these photos and information in any manner such as paper or electronic (internet) publications or otherwise. Use is solely based on my authorization only. |
Powered by SixBit’s eCommerce Solution
