Description
Hans-Joachim Marseille 13 December 1919 – 30 September 1942) was a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot and flying ace during World War II. He is noted for his aerial battles during the North African Campaign and his Bohemian lifestyle. One of the most successful fighter pilots, he was nicknamed the “Star of Africa”. Marseille claimed all but seven of his 158 victories against the British Commonwealth’s Desert Air Force over North Africa, flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter for his entire combat career. No other pilot claimed as many Western Allied aircraft as Marseille.
Me109 E7 W. Nr. 3579 is the only surviving aircraft that took part in the Battle of Britain. The historical importance of this particular aircraft is elevated even further as it was flown by the Luftwaffe fighter pilot and flying ace Hans Joachim Marseille. Shot down by Spitfires in 1940 ‘3579’ belly landed near Calais but was soon repaired and back in action.
Another encounter in 1942 resulted in the aircraft force landing near the Finland / Russia border. The aircraft was abandoned by its pilot and lay undiscovered in frozen swampland for 50 years before being recovered and restored to flying condition in 1992. It’s believed that the aircraft had not been disturbed since the force landing and the officers cap was found tucked alongside the seat and personal effects were still inside.
After recovery, it was purchased by Charleston Aviation for a full rebuild to flying condition.
Made of steel, this is an EXCELLENT relic item with MAJOR historical significance! Though there are some slight corrosion, it still retains the original shape! I acquired this about 15 years ago directly from Airframe Assemblies, which restored the wings for this aircraft. This part was removed from the aircraft and a new one made/installed in its place. It still retains the Airframe Assemblies hand-written tag, indicating, “LEFT WING OUTBOARD REAR RAD ATTACH“. A VERY RARE item, it would make a FANTASTIC addition to any collection or display!
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