Description
You are bidding on a VERY RARE 100% original WW2 British Royal Air Force Aircraft Roundel and Camouflaged Skin! This is one of TWO upper wing skin sections I have currently listed, and was recovered from a downed Supermarine Spitfire (probably a Mk.V.), however I do not have any further history.
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. It was the only British fighter produced continuously throughout the war.
It was a short-range, high-performance interceptor aircraft designed by R. J. Mitchell, chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works, which operated as a subsidiary of Vickers-Armstrong from 1928. Mitchell modified the Spitfire’s distinctive elliptical wing (designed by Beverley Shenstone) with innovative sunken rivets to have the thinnest possible cross-section, achieving a potential top speed greater than that of several contemporary fighter aircraft, including the Hawker Hurricane.
Spitfire units had a lower attrition rate and a higher victory-to-loss ratio than Hurricanes, most likely due to the Spitfire’s higher performance. During the battle, Spitfires generally engaged Luftwaffe fighters—mainly Messerschmitt Bf 109E–series aircraft, which were a close match for them. After the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire superseded the Hurricane as the principal aircraft of RAF Fighter Command, and it was used in the European, Mediterranean, Pacific, and South-East Asian theatres. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire operated in several roles, including interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber, and trainer, and it continued to do so until the 1950s. The Seafire was an aircraft carrier–based adaptation of the Spitfire, used in the Fleet Air Arm from 1942 until the mid-1950s.
Made of lightweight aluminum, this upper wing skin section is in EXCEEDINGLY RARE example! 95% of the ORIGINAL camouflage paint remains, along with a VERY PROMINENT British Roundel! It actually depicts TWO roundel types, those being an early Type A Roundel ((pre-1942), that was then OVER-PAINTED by a later Type C Roundel (circa 1945). Camouflage paint consists of Dark Green and Ocean Grey. Measuring a LARGE 31″ x 45″ in size, there are some slight wear, tears, and marks, due to the age…as well as a prominent shrapnel hole! Dating between 1941 and 1945, it is 100% identifiable as coming from a Supermarine Spitfire due to the shape; size; design; size of roundel; and camouflage coloring. Note that the SECOND aluminum panel section to make this complete is available in my other listings. Exact location is shown in the last image. A SUPERB piece of history, it would make a FANTASTIC addition to any collection or display!
*** NOTE ***
You are ONLY bidding on the first aluminum skin section shown in the images, and indicated in RED. You are NOT bidding on the complete set, as the other item is being sold in another listing.
You are ONLY bidding on the first aluminum skin section shown in the images, and indicated in RED. You are NOT bidding on the complete set, as the other item is being sold in another listing.
