SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE SCULPTURES
CRAFTED OF DURALUMIN FROM THE OLDEST FLYING SPITFIRE IN THE WORLD...
To mark the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, TMB is creating an edition of exquisite miniature desk-top sculptures crafted of Duralumin metal originating from “P7350”, the oldest airworthy Spitfire in existence.
Owned and operated by the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), “P7” first flew in August 1940, being the 14th aircraft, of nearly 12,000, built at Castle Bromwich. P7, an early Mark II Spitfire, served through the rest of the Battle of Britain and thereafter, surviving WW2 complete with battle scars and bullet holes, making it the most original and historically significant Spitfire in existence.
One of the most attractive and tactile tributes to the Spitfire ever created, these sculptures, which are entirely hand crafted in England to the highest standard, are intended as a desk-piece or paperweight and consequently possess functionality as well as beauty. The little Spitfire is an exquisite miniature, presented in TMB’s “Essence of Form” house style, portraying just the basic shape of the Battle of Britain era Spitfire, with no fine detail.
More information on P7 can be found on the BBMF’s website www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/theaircraft/spitfirep7350.cfm
SCULPTURE DETAILS
Measuring just 10 cms in wingspan, the sculptures are mounted via a purposeful hand engineered brass and steel ball and socket upon a turned wooden cone, this affixed to a lacquered brass plate providing weight and low centre of gravity. The diameter of the base is 6 cms and with the sculpture in horizontal flight the piece measures about 13 cms in height. The flexible mounting permits the sculpture to be moved to various angles of “flight” or removed in entirety for inspection.
The sculptures are crafted of Duralumin, an alloy comprising approximately 94% aluminium, 4% copper, 1.5% magnesium and .5% manganese, developed in the early 20th century and used extensively in aircraft construction due to its light weight and strength. Duralumin takes, and retains, a high polish without corrosion or oxidation, the light reflecting on the surfaces as the sculpture is moved through different positions being aesthetically very pleasing
Spitfire Mk II P7350, the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world, resplendent airborne together with Hurricane LF363,
in early 2008, pre-restoration.
P7350 prepares for a perfect three point landing at Duxford in May 2007, pre-restoration.
Some of the minor Duralumin original components removed from P7 during her restoration.
A quantity of ex-P7 1940 vintage Duralumin components are melted down in preparation for reincarnation as sculptures of historic significance.
A freshly cast “can” of four miniature Spitfire sculptures, created from the original 1940 ex-P7350 alloy.
The redundant sprue system will be cut off and reused, none of the precious metal going to waste.
These eight miniature Spitfires will be carefully fettled and polished to become sculptures representing one of the most famous aerial icons in the world.
PROVENANCE
In 2008 P7 underwent a restoration programme during which a quantity of original Duralumin components were removed, namely her main spar plus various pieces of outer skinning and other minor items. TMB acquired this material directly from the BBMF and it is of this original 1940 ex-P7350 provenance metal that our sculptures are crafted.
The sculptures are mounted upon turned cones of yew, a wood with pronounced grain resulting in every cone being visually unique. The cones are lacquered, both to enhance the grain and seal the wood against handling.
This wood also has provenance, being made of a tree that stands at Elderslie in Scotland, Sir William Wallace’s birth place. William Wallace, who became an iconic figure in Scotland’s fight for independence, led the defeat of the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. In 1305 Wallace was captured and executed by King Edward 1 of England. Sadly, the 1,000 year old Wallace yew was split in two in a storm in 2005, the 700th anniversary of Wallace’s death, and while part of it still stands, a section was beyond saving, and it is from this ancient timber that our base cones are handmade.
Each sculpture is numbered and marked with the Spitfire’s registration “P7350” on the underside. Also, sculptures are accompanied by a certificate of provenance personally signed by Christopher Bennett, TMB Art Metal’s founder and designer of the piece.
Sculpture is mounted via a hand machined ball & socket joint of brass & steel.
The ball & socket allows the sculpture to be moved into various "attitudes of flight".
The sculptures, limited to an edition of 100, are priced at £795, including VAT, with delivery extra. Please contact TMB to reserve yours.
CREATORS OF CUFFLINKS AND LUXURY ITEMS OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE