This is a very nice Merlin engine part recovered from a RAF Spitfire shot down during the Battle of Britain. It is the remains of an engine spark plug from the top of the Merlin engine, which is nearly complete and measures approximately 2.5 inches long.
The part has been well cleaned and retains much of its original coloration. Although it suffered some damage from the crash impact, it was well shielded by the engine casing. Having spent around 20 years submerged in the English Channel, it shows some rust and light pitting, but remains solid and intact, with no signs of breaking apart. This makes it a lovely and authentic piece of Merlin engine history from a Spitfire, perfect for display or adding to any aviation collection.
Provenance:
This item was recovered from the RAF Spitfire P9398, which was shot down on 31st July 1940 by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 flown by Hauptmann Tietzen of 4./JG 51. The Spitfire crashed in flames into the sea at Folkestone Harbour in Kent.
The aircraft was piloted by Sergeant F.W. Eley of No. 74 Squadron, who was killed in action during the encounter. The engine and other parts were retrieved from the seabed during harbour works in the late 1960s.
The part comes with an A5 laminated information card detailing its history and the engagement
This is a very nice Merlin engine part recovered from a RAF Spitfire shot down during the Battle of Britain. It is the remains of an engine spark plug from the top of the Merlin engine, which is nearly complete and measures approximately 2.5 inches long.
The part has been well cleaned and retains much of its original coloration. Although it suffered some damage from the crash impact, it was well shielded by the engine casing. Having spent around 20 years submerged in the English Channel, it shows some rust and light pitting, but remains solid and intact, with no signs of breaking apart. This makes it a lovely and authentic piece of Merlin engine history from a Spitfire, perfect for display or adding to any aviation collection.
Provenance:
This item was recovered from the RAF Spitfire P9398, which was shot down on 31st July 1940 by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 flown by Hauptmann Tietzen of 4./JG 51. The Spitfire crashed in flames into the sea at Folkestone Harbour in Kent.
The aircraft was piloted by Sergeant F.W. Eley of No. 74 Squadron, who was killed in action during the encounter. The engine and other parts were retrieved from the seabed during harbour works in the late 1960s.
The part comes with an A5 laminated information card detailing its history and the engagement
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