IFF destruction push button (pg1 ele)

This is an extremely rare item and the first to be offered on Spitfire Spares. It is a push button that sits on the lower right of the Spitfire cockpit and is used for destroying the aircraft IFF (Identification Friend or foe) in the event of the aircraft crashing. The IFF identified the aircraft as friendly on the British radar so it was important that it did not fall into enemy hands. On pressing this button a small explosive charge destroyed the IFF. There were two of these switches and they were placed inside a protective box with big letters DANGER on the top.

It can be seen in situ below to the right of the undercarriage lever

See radio section

It can be seen in situ right to the right of the undercarriage lever.

one pair of covers

IFF destruction push button covers (pg1 ele)

Two mint condition IFF switch covers (Identification Friend or foe) in the event of the aircraft crashing. The IFF identified the aircraft as friendly on the British radar so it was important that it did not fall into enemy hands. On pressing this button a small explosive charge destroyed the IFF. There were two of these switches and they were placed inside a protective box with big letters DANGER on the top.

Not to be confused with the more common cockpit dimmer switches. This dimmer is made specifically for  dimming the reflector Gun sights of the Spitfire and is much taller that the cockpit light version and has day and night text on it. It was mounted on the main instrument panel and is extremely rare.

You can make out the dimmer to the right of the Gun sight above the artificial horizon in situ in a Spitfire.

This is a mint condition boxed rare undercarriage indicator switch. This switch was used on many  types of RAF Wartime aircraft including both Lancaster and Spitfire. Its function was prevent the undercarriage being retracted while the aircraft was on the ground.

Shown under and right  the MK VII c Spitfire

The Mk VII was a pressurised fighter. It had a more advanced pressurisation system than the Mk VI, using a sliding cockpit canopy, which was more popular than the locked cockpit on the Mk VI. The best high altitude version of the Mk VII was powered by the Merlin 71, and could reach 416mph at 44,000 ft. The Mk VII remained in production from August 1942 until early in 1944, although only 140 aircraft were produced in that time. The Mk VII was a little more successful than the earlier MK VI but the “interim” Mk IX turned out to be capable of operating high altitude itself, and the Mk VII soon lost its special status as a high altitude fighter, although it remained in use throughout the war.

This is an original undercarriage indicator switch taken from a MK VII Spitfire  it was fitted with a supplementary plate stamped with the Supermarine Spitfire part nos.

Supermarine code  35134 13 6

351 denotes a MK VII Spitfire

34 denotes instrument panel

Mint condition as new 5 switch selector used in numerous wartime aircraft.

This is an original de-icing panel removed from a MK XIV Spitfire panel. I cannot confirm if this was in standard use in the MK XIV as it was removed from a replica panel.

This is a blank as new old stock. These switch covers are used to protect the push button switches used in practically every kind of Wartime RAF aircraft, from Spitfire starter buttons to fire ex on Lancs. These being blank can be engraved or transfers applied to suit your purpose. We have multiples available.

Here is a magneto switch with long stalks used in bombers as apposed to the short stalk type used in Fighters. In very good condition. We have three available in this condition.

 Used in RAF Wartime aircraft it has a flat cover suitable for use in Spitfire and Hurricane panels, also used in Bombers.

This button and cover is the early domed type cover used for operating the engine fire extinguisher on Bomber aircraft. The Lancaster had four of these one for each engine mounted on the main instrument panel.

Shown right  and under the RAF Halifax Bomber

Button and cover designed to test the release circuit of the bomb bay. In nice original condition.

Shown right the RAF's heavy Bomber the short Stirling.

Jettison button and cover used to jettison bombs in Wartime RAF aircraft. 

Here we have a mint boxed long stalk twin magneto switch with its protective cage. This version was used on all twin and four engine Wartime RAF Bombers and Fighters. Obviously in four engine types two sets would be used. This set really is mint with its sealing wires in place and should be suitable as a flying part.

Seen under in situ in a Mosquito

This is a switch to heat the gloves of aircrew in bombers. This switch would most noticeably be found in the Gun turrets. In good serviceable condition.

Cockpit bulb holder 5C 793(pg1 ele)

£10

Used on Lancaster Bomb aimers panels and other applications such as navigators lamps ect mainly in Heavy bombers. Some are  solid brass and can be polished.

Landing light motor control

Fighter/Spitfire Magneto switch 2 (page 1 elec)

Short switch Fighter magneto.

Used in all Mk's of Spitfire

£65

Very early Twin magneto switch (pg1 elec)

Extremely rare 1930s twin magneto switch.

Unopened.

£90

Accumulator cut out (pg1 elec)

A/M 5A/3091

Pre 1944.

£55

Triple switch box (pg1 elec)

Fitted to a variety of aircraft from Bombers to fighters. Rare triple switch box

Typically fitted to the main instrument panel in Lancasters.

In excellent condition.

£125

Jettison Switch cover(pg1 elec)

Used in Lancaster's and various other wartime aircraft.

£55

Bomber type mag switch (pg1 elec)

Original wartime long  lever magneto switch used in all types of Bomber including the Lancaster. Mag cage available on page two electrical

Four available

£65 each

Lancaster Beam approach switch(pg1 elec)

An early brass beam approach control switch as fitted in Lancaster's and other heavy RAF Bombers.

Beam Approach Beacon System (or BABS) is an automatic RADAR landing system developed in the early 1940s.

It is a responder (or transponder) mounted in a Hillman and placed at the end of the runway. It was interrogated by Rebecca mounted in an aircraft. It responded by transmitting dots on one side of the runway and dashes on the other. The strength of the reception in the aircraft's depended on the aircraft's position relative to the centre line of the runway. The aircraft's equipment could then determine its position relative to these dots and dashes.

£75

Fuse Box (pg1 ele)

This is the smaller of the two fuse boxes fitting to the Spitfire cockpit. Almost certainly used in a wider applications in other aircraft in good serviceable condition.

£35

A/M connector block 5C.483(pg1 ele)

£20

Here we have an interesting piece. The switch is generally used as a bomb release switch. This particular one is mounted on a perpex panel with brackets to mount to a tube. So far I have been unable to identify its application but would make an educated guess that its designed for use in a single engine fighter bomber. Both Hurricanes and Spitfires carried bombs. The Spitfire had a cable release for dropping its payload. It is possible that with its tubular construction that this was fitted to a Hurricane.