One of the more unusual, if not incongruous cockpit instruments installed in the RAF's light bomber, the Handley Page Hampden, was the toggle switch for the aircraft's wing-mounted landing lights.
With its ceramic base and brass 'bell-shaped' cover, the Hampden's Air Ministry stamped 5D/551 Landing Light Toggle Switch sat just below and to right of the aircraft's engine magnetto switches
Compared with the more streamlined bakelite or cast aluminium cockpit controls of many contemporary RAF aircraft, the Hampden's Landing Light Switch had a distinctly domestic look about it - something more likely found in the hallway of Grandma's cottage than in a twin-engined RAF light bomber.
Also installed in the early Avro Anson and the Hawker Hurricane, the Air Ministry 'Bell' Switch had a ceramic base with the Air Ministry Crown cast into its undersides and the AM & Crown with its 5D/551 part number stamped around its edge.
The brass 'Bell' screws onto the all-brass rocker switch housed beneath with the pimple ended toggle switch protruding through the centre.
This is an extremely rare Handley Page Hampden artefact and combined with a highly detailed scale model of the Hampden atop its Mango Wood Display Stand and accompanying Fact Sheet, would make a fantastic gift for any budding aviator, aviation enthusiast or experienced pilot!
This Handley Page Hampden Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
Your Handley Page Hampden Landing Lights, Bell Toggle Switch, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
Upgrade to the supre detailed 1/48 scale for just $60. Just click on the upgrade box at the top of the product page.
Both the detailed 1/72 or super detailed 1/48 scale models are available with wheels & flaps up or down and bomb bays open or closed. 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 Handley Page Hampden or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.