F4U CORSAIR USN EMERGENCY SIGNALLING MIRROR

The aircrews of USN carrier-launched torpedo bombers and fighters during the hard-fought War in the Pacific, faced a multitude of dangers quite apart from direct combat with enemy aircraft.

Mechanical issues, engine failures, adverse weather conditions, running out of fuel, carrier landing accidents or simply getting lost in the Pacific’s wide expanse, a significant number of USN aircraft found themselves ditching at sea, far from the carrier fleet.

Whilst a number of USN submarines such as the USS Finback often shadowed carrier-launched attacks, taking on ‘lifeguard’ duties and ready to surface and rescue any downed pilots, it was often described as trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Even if the pilot managed to send out a distress call along with his coordinates, the Japanese surface fleet were never far away and always ready to scoop up a downed airman before a rescue could be organised.

Toward the end of the War, after the Allies had liberated many Pacific islands and established bases closer to the Japanese mainland, the US submarine rescue effort was vastly improved by the USN Kingfisher OS2 float plane and increased overflights by the PBY long-distance patrol aircraft but dozens of downed flyers still simply disappeared in that endless ocean.

For the twin and four engine bombers such as the B-17 and B24 Liberator, large, well-equipped, self inflating 6 and 8 man life rafts were stored in easily accessible fuselage panels but for the single seater fighters such as the Hellcat, Wildcat and F4U Corsair, space was far more limited.

Along with their parachute and life vest, each USN fighter pilot was also equipped with a one-man life raft attached by a lanyard to their parachute harness. 

Amongst the survival raft's food, medical and water rations, the pilot would also find fishing equipment, dye markers and a Type 1 Signalling Mirror. 

Manufactured by the General Electric Company, the Type 1 Signalling Mirror (ESM1) carried directions for use on one side as well as crosshairs cut through the reflective mirror coating which enabled the user to sight an approaching aircraft or vessel whilst reflecting sunlight at them.

One of the first USAAF/USN Signaling Mirrors, this ESM1 still retains its original lanyard with some finger wear over the top left hand edge of the rear instructions from use and is a rare reminder of the dangers and hazards that faced flight crews during WWII missions.

Mounted on its 100yr old mango wood base, the unique piece of USAAF survival gear also includes an engraved plaque and double sided Fact Sheet as well as a fantastically detailed, custom built hand coloured 1/72 or super detailed 1/48 scale model of the iconic Vought F4U Corsair perched above on its removable magnetic arm.

* Note that this F4U Collectable is pictured with a 1/48 scale model rather than the standard detailed, but smaller 1/72 scale. Click on the ‘Model Upgrade' option at the top of this page for the larger 1/48 scale as displayed here.

This Vought F4U Corsair Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand with Manikin Head & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in the aircraft's cockpit and highly detailed 1/72 or larger, 1/48 F4U Corsair scale model.

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