831

DESTROYED GERMAN AIRCRAFT RELICS ARE SOLD TO FINANCE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:240.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 700.00 USD
DESTROYED GERMAN AIRCRAFT RELICS ARE SOLD TO FINANCE
DESTROYED GERMAN AIRCRAFT RELICS ARE SOLD TO FINANCE SPITFIRES
A pair of excellent war-time relics, sections of German aircraft destroyed over England, locally sold to raise money to purchase Spitfires for the R.A.F. Included are two pieces of aircraft wreckage, the first a 13" x 13" piece of two aluminum sections riveted together, stamped at center: "SOLD FOR THE SPITFIRE FUND LUTON 1940 MESSERSCHMITT WING". The second relic is a 3" x 3 3/4" cross-shaped piece of aluminum, similarly stamped: "MADE FROM MESSERSCHMITT 109 SPITFIRE FUND LUTON". Some of the original silver-gray paint remains on both pieces. In 1940, "Spitfire Funds" became popular as individual citizens, towns, factories and companies contributed to finance the manufacture of that aircraft. Those who raised very significant amounts would find their names or a caption painted on the fuselage of a "donated" Spitfire. In the end, it is believed that about 1,500 presentation Spitfires were so financed. Provenance: Private Collection of the Former Assistant Secretary of the Battle of Britain Association; The War Museum.