WW2 German Luftwaffe Drehsteuerschalter – RADIATOR FLAP CONTROL – Me109 – RARE!

You are bidding on a VERY RARE example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe Cooler Flap Control Assembly, Gerät-Nr. 19-1437 A-3, as ONLY used in the Messerschmitt Me109 Fighter Aircraft! This original cockpit-operated control formed part of the aircraft’s engine cooling system and allowed the pilot to regulate the position of the radiator cooling flaps. This was ONLY used on the Messerschmitt Me109 F-K Fighter Aircraft!

The Me109 G employed two main coolant radiators located beneath the wings, with adjustable radiator flaps controlling the volume of cooling air passing through them. Under normal operating conditions the flaps were regulated automatically by a thermostat using pressure from the aircraft’s hydraulic system. The pilot was also provided with a manual override through the Drehsteuerschalter, allowing the radiator flaps to be commanded OPEN, CLOSED, held at their existing position, or returned to AUTOMATIC operation. This manual control was particularly important in the event of thermostat failure or whenever direct control of engine coolant temperature was required. The Drehsteuerschalter therefore formed an important part of the Me109’s engine-cooling and hydraulic control system rather than the separate engine-oil cooler system.

Made of aluminum and steel, this original Cooler Flap Switch (Drehsteuerschalter) is in EXCELLENT lightly used condition! The control remains mechanically 100% FUNCTIONAL, with the operating lever actuating smoothly and correctly as it should. The aluminum body retains approximately 95% of its original anodized wartime finish, showing only some minor scratches, marks, and normal age-related wear from service and storage. The steel control arm exhibits some light surface rust and oxidation, which is entirely consistent with age and could be easily cleaned if desired. There are NO cracks, breaks, or serious corrosion…and the assembly remains complete and structurally sound. The original identification plate remains present and clearly marked with Gerät-Nr. 19-1437 A-1. Everything present is 100% ORIGINAL wartime manufacture. I have shown its location in the last images. A VERY NICE surviving example of the Me109 radiator-flap manual control, ideal for an advanced cockpit restoration, airframe project, museum display, or Luftwaffe aircraft collection!