This is a well-preserved internal engine component from a Daimler-Benz DB601 aircraft engine, used in the famous Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 fighter. The part, which features a cog at one end, is completely intact, with only minor damage from the crash impact. It has since rusted solid, but remains in very solid condition.
The component has been thoroughly cleaned, revealing traces of original coloration across its surface, though there is some light surface rust and pitting in places. Measuring 3 inches long, it is a rare and authentic relic, perfect for display or any serious WWII aviation collection.
This part was recovered from the wreckage of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4, piloted by Staffelkapatan Leutnant Horst Marx, which was shot down on 15th August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. The aircraft crashed near Frant, Sussex, and the part was salvaged from the engine remains at the crash site.
Included with this relic are two A5 laminated information sheets, featuring a combat report and photographs of the pilot and his aircraft.
15 August 1940, Battle of Britain:
On the evening of 15th August 1940 at 7:10 PM, Leutnant Horst Marx, leading his Staffel in a Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4, took part in a raid targeting Croydon Airfield. The attack was commanded by Kommandeur Hauptmann Walter Rubensdorffer, flying in a Bf 110.
During the mission, Marx attempted to provide cover for Rubensdorffer’s Bf 110, which came under intense attack from RAF Hurricanes of No. 32 and No. 111 Squadrons. In the ensuing dogfight, Marx’s Bf 109E was shot down and crashed in flames at Lightlands Farm in Frant. Marx managed to bail out safely, landing at Mark Cross, where he was captured uninjured.
Elsewhere in the same engagement:
Rubensdorffer, flying dangerously low to evade RAF fighters, was ultimately shot down and killed along with his Bordfunker Obergefreiter Richard Kretcher when their aircraft exploded near a farmhouse.
Oberleutnant Horst Redler, Gruppenadjutant, was also shot down and later died from his wounds.
Leutnant Karl-Heinz Koch, the Gruppe Technical Officer, made a successful belly landing and was taken prisoner along with Unteroffizier Rolf Kahl.
Three more Bf 110s from 1.Staffel were also shot down during the encounter.
This relic stands as a powerful piece of aviation history from one of the most pivotal air battles of WW2.
This is a well-preserved internal engine component from a Daimler-Benz DB601 aircraft engine, used in the famous Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 fighter. The part, which features a cog at one end, is completely intact, with only minor damage from the crash impact. It has since rusted solid, but remains in very solid condition.
The component has been thoroughly cleaned, revealing traces of original coloration across its surface, though there is some light surface rust and pitting in places. Measuring 3 inches long, it is a rare and authentic relic, perfect for display or any serious WWII aviation collection.
This part was recovered from the wreckage of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4, piloted by Staffelkapatan Leutnant Horst Marx, which was shot down on 15th August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. The aircraft crashed near Frant, Sussex, and the part was salvaged from the engine remains at the crash site.
Included with this relic are two A5 laminated information sheets, featuring a combat report and photographs of the pilot and his aircraft.
15 August 1940, Battle of Britain:
On the evening of 15th August 1940 at 7:10 PM, Leutnant Horst Marx, leading his Staffel in a Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4, took part in a raid targeting Croydon Airfield. The attack was commanded by Kommandeur Hauptmann Walter Rubensdorffer, flying in a Bf 110.
During the mission, Marx attempted to provide cover for Rubensdorffer’s Bf 110, which came under intense attack from RAF Hurricanes of No. 32 and No. 111 Squadrons. In the ensuing dogfight, Marx’s Bf 109E was shot down and crashed in flames at Lightlands Farm in Frant. Marx managed to bail out safely, landing at Mark Cross, where he was captured uninjured.
Elsewhere in the same engagement:
Rubensdorffer, flying dangerously low to evade RAF fighters, was ultimately shot down and killed along with his Bordfunker Obergefreiter Richard Kretcher when their aircraft exploded near a farmhouse.
Oberleutnant Horst Redler, Gruppenadjutant, was also shot down and later died from his wounds.
Leutnant Karl-Heinz Koch, the Gruppe Technical Officer, made a successful belly landing and was taken prisoner along with Unteroffizier Rolf Kahl.
Three more Bf 110s from 1.Staffel were also shot down during the encounter.
This relic stands as a powerful piece of aviation history from one of the most pivotal air battles of WW2.
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