In the rush to get its own jet fighter into the air to counter the German Messerschmitt Me 262, the British Air Ministry dispensed with the time-consuming customised tooling and instrumentation for the first run of its Gloster Meteors by scavenging the last production runs of the RAF's Supermarine Spitfires and the new Hawker Typhoons.
Altimeters, airspeed indicators, fuel instrumentation, gunsights, gauges and aircraft control systems previously destined for the fast photo reconnaissance Mk XIII Spitfires and the turbo charged Hawker Typhoons soon found themselves hurtling through the skies of Europe in the first allied jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor.
This combination Oxygen Content Gauge and Oxygen Flow Regulator Assembly, British Air Ministry Mark XIC, is an almost identical model to those installed in the RAF's advanced propeller aircraft and continued on in the Gloster Meteor well into the mid 1950's.
The pressure gauge in the upper right displayed the contents in the oxygen tank. The oxygen system was opened and flow adjusted by rotating the knob in the lower right. The oxygen flow rate is indicated by the twin floating balls in the flow meter in the upper left, assuming that the flow was adequate when the copper balls were balanced between the two index markers on the left and right of the centre of the flow meter. At the bottom left is a switch to immediately raise the flow of oxygen to “High" from Normal in the event of a sudden need.
While the unit is marked as having undergone modification since its first installation, the flowmeter and contents gauge glasses are intact, with the flow meter still retaining its twin copper balls.
This rare, early Gloster Meteor collectable is in excellent condition with its flow toggle switch flipping up and down as intended and the Flow Rate knob still fully functional.
This Gloster Meteor Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
Your Gloster Meteor Mk XIC Oxygen Regulator, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
*An upgrade to the larger and more detailed 1/48 scale model is also available in the hand-built and airbrushed plastic version for an additional $45 (Click on the 1/48 scale option)
Both the 1/72 & 1/48 scale hand-built and airbrushed plastic models are available with 'wheels & flaps up or down' and 'canopy open or closed' options with a choice of two Squadron markings and camouflage.
Upon order placement you will receive an email asking for your preferred configuration.
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 6 - 8 weeks approx.
Did you fly, crew or maintain a Gloster Meteor or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.