Devon County Antiques Fair at Westpoint on July 6th &
7th will be another new venue for Geoff & Val Pringle of "Oldnautibits",
who specialise in Marine and Aeronautical Collectables. While their stock for
this fair is still being finalised, we are told they will be carrying some unique
pieces that will offer the specialist collector something that little bit different.
On
the aviation side they will have for sale a very fine, London made, Mappin &
Webb silver cigarette case. This case has a finely worked lid, is hallmarked and
dated 1940. What makes this piece especially interesting are the engravings. On
top are the RAF wings above the initials "D.J.D.", and on the back is
the message "M.W.B.I.T.W." followed by "All my love Violet"
and then the date "21.12.40".
It
is assumed "D.J.D." was a serving RAF pilot in 1940. Geoff says "Some
of the mystery surrounding the engraving has, I think, been resolved. I have been
told that "M.W.B.I.T.W." may stand for "Most Wonderful Boy In The
World". However, I'm still trying to establish who "D.J.D." was."
He could have been a fighter pilot, if so, the chances are that he was involved
in the Battle of Britain, but then who was "Violet" - girlfriend, fiancée
or wife? The case may have been a Christmas gift back in those Churchillian times
during the bleak winter of 1940 when the whole future of the British Isles hung
in the balance.
This historic aviation collectable will be on offer at the Westpoint Fair.
It is ideal for the discerning collector who is looking for a unique and personal
piece of wartime aviation history. It is hoped that by the time of the fair, the
mystery regarding the identity of "D.J.D." will have been resolved.
End
This item has now been SOLD
