We've already reported on the sale of a Fouga Magister at Artcurial last weekend, but now an iconic military aircraft - for the British much more so - is to be offered as part of a classic car sale on February 18.
Perhaps regarded as the most iconic symbol of Britain's struggle against the Nazis, notably during the Battle of Britain, Spitfires will always be desirable to both aviation and militaria collectors.
Developed from the world air speed setting, Schneider Trophy winning, Supermarine seaplanes, the Spitfire proved to be best plane the British had for battling against the invading Messerschmitt Bf109E's. Britain's 19 Spitfire squadrons were the difference between their remaining in the war and losing rapidly.
In two weeks' time, a 1941 Vickers-Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIa is to be offered in Surrey, UK.
Originally held at 118 Squadron, Ibsley, Hampshire where it was given the call sign NK-K, the Spitfire had been donated in January 1941 by the Borough of Lambeth Spitfire Fund. Whilst at Ibsley it was flown by wartime pilot and author Alec Lumsden.
Thanks to Lumsden the Spitfire's nose has some particular cartoon art depicting Captain A.R.P Reilly-Ffoull (Really Foul), a character from the Daily Mirror's wartime strip 'Just Jake'. Lumsden also added the name of his girlfriend, Bette, to the door.
The plane flew a number of missions before its demise in 1944 when it crashed violently into the ground putting it beyond use and killing the pilot.
Nevertheless, the original plane was modelled by Airfix (these kits are now collectible in their own right) and Microsoft Combat simulator also has a version of NK-K recreated for computer gaming.
The Spitfire plane goes under the hammer in Surrey, UK on February 18. Collectors keen on Britain's airborne triumphs during WWII will be excited to hear that we have an autograph of Guy Gibson VC, he of the Dam Busters raid currently available.
