RAF Trench Art 20 mm Shell Case Trench Art Lighter

An attractive example mounted on a turned wood base with the case then fixed to a plinth that may have been made from scrap Paxolin or similar synthetic plastic material. The Hispano-Suiza 20 MM HS-404 equipped virtually every British fighter aircraft during WWII including later marks of the Spitfire, Hurricane, Typhoon, Tempest, Mosquito, Whirlwind, Beaufighter, P38 Lightning and many more. After some early teething troubles it proved to be an extremely effective weapon in both air to air and ground strafing roles.

This example is in first class condition and the cannon shell itself retains its copper band. The shell case has been sectioned and the top part is removable which then reveals a lighter mechanism fitted inside; we have bought and sold several similar examples over the years. We have not attempted to get this working and we can no longer guarantee its original purpose although it does look complete and the flint wheel still creates a good spark. Despite being completely inert to avoid any issues with customs we are restricting the sale of this item to UK destinations only. Stands 8.5" tall including the base (22 cm)