Rare WW2 Trench Art Aluminium Model of an RAF Bristol Beaufighter

Here on offer is a rare example of a period WW2 Trench Art aluminium model of a RAF Bristol Beaufighter.

This is the first example I have come across of a Trench Art Beaufighter model in 40 years of collecting.

The model is a one piece solid aluminium casting and does show overall age oxidisation to the finish, but no cracks or repairs.

The twin-engine Bristol Beaufighter (known simply as "Beau") heavy fighter became a national wartime hero for the British with stellar service during the pivotal Battle of Britain and many other conflicts dotting the history of World War 2 (1939-1945).
It saw an extended operational existence during the subsequent Cold War years that followed - not retired from notable use until 1960. Other operators went on to include Canada, Dominican Republic, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey, and the United States. The Beaufighter became one of the best aircraft designs emerging from the Bristol concern during the war where it was fielded over every major front of the conflict.

The Beaufighter was originally proposed directly by Bristol to the RAF as a heavy fighter offering during a time when much focus fell to twin-engined, heavily-armed, long endurance gun platforms that could also serve in a limited ground strike role. While there was no formal need or specification drawn up for the new aircraft, it proved promising enough for the RAF to shore up its limited air arm. The RAF believed that the new fighter could favourably complement the existing stock of single-engine types and twin-engine medium bombers quite well. Due to the British commitment to World War, the need for any capable aircraft was great and the Beaufighter quickly joined RAF ranks. First flying on July 17th, 1939, the aircraft was introduced on July 27th, 1940 - some twelve months after the first prototype flew - a rarity for newly developed war machines even by 1930s / 1940s standards. Serial production was underway in May of 1940 and would last until after the war in 1946. Since the new Beaufighter utilized many components of the existing Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber (detailed elsewhere on this site), the implementation of the Beaufighter into RAF service was relatively quick and painless.

Due to its Beaufort origins, the "Beaufighter" name was formed from the words "Beaufort" and "Fighter".

The model has a 9.25” (23.5cm) wingspan and is 6.25” 16cm long.

It weighs 206g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50206