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RAF Mae West Heliograph Signal Mirror

Code: SOLD-1589

By J & R.O. Ltd. Stores ref. 6E/271. Circular Signalling mirror approximately 10cm in diameter. Black painted brass backing/frame. Adjustable buckled leather hand strap across the back. Engraved with King's crown A.M. markings and 1940 date. Some wear to the mirrored glass and much of the paint around the edges has worn off down to the brass. Good flexible strap. Some say these are the correct heliographs for the 1932 pattern Mae West but I can find no proof of this use. They are evidently intended to be handheld and would certainly make a good signalling mirror. Proof of this use can be seen in photo nos. 9 & 10 showing pilots of 213 Squadron. The chap in the centre has one fastened around the grab handles of his 1941 pattern Mae West. His would appear to be the later bakelite version. A rare piece. Stock code MW19447.