RAF Supermarine Spitfire Photograph Album

very impressive album containing 22 black and white mounted photographs of various marks of the Supermarine Spitfire. The album also contained one further un mounted photograph (shown here on the cover) contained in a plastic folder. On the reverse is ink stamped 'VICKERS ARMSTRONG LTD, SUPERMARINE WORKS, for reprints quote negative no. F299A'. Many of the mounted photographs also contain a number to the front face so we assume these may all be official Vickers Armstrong press and publicity images. Various marks are covered including a fine shot of the prototype K 5054 in flight. Another emotive (and seasonal) shot shows a Spit parked up at dispersal against a snowy airfield with another taxing in. Another image shows Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXC, UZ-Z of No. 306 (Polish) Squadron taken on a press day at Northolt on 16 November 1942. The aircraft is equipped with 30 gallon slipper tank, which by that time was becoming a common attribute of Spitfire operations over the continent. BS456 was usually flown by Jozef Zulikowski's and interestingly close examination of the photo reveals a round dot over the individual letter "Z";his was no coincidence, but conformed with Polish spelling of Zulikowski's name which in Polish script the Z has a dot over it. It is known from other photographs from that day that the same letter was repeated in black on the aircraft's lower nose under the spinner. Another photograph we have identified features Spitfire PR Mk XI, EN654, actually being flown by Jeffrey Quill, Vickers-Supermarine's Chief Test Pilot. This aircraft later operated with No. 16 Squadron RAF, and in June 1945 was specially modified as a mail carrier for service with the Fighter Command Communications. We will leave further research to the new owner but a wonderful album for anyone with an interest in the Supermarine Spitfire. The album carries one photograph to a page, each measuring 5.5" x 3.5" (14 cm x 9 cm) The final 6 pages are blank. The album has a blue leatherette cover with matching blue tassels and carries a brass RAF crest to the front cover. All in excellent condition. The album closed measures 13" x 8.5" (32 cm x 22 cm)