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RAF Type 19 microphone assembly

Code: O11742

Microphone, electro-magnetic, type 19.  An extremely rare original type 18 microphone (19 when 'mounted on a loom as here) with a type Q instrument cord (wiring loom) and black cased type 119 jackplug, stores reference 10A/10991.  The type 18 microphone is of course the 'flat-fronted' chamois covered pattern, introduced in January 1939 and used in conjunction with the type D oxygen mask throughout the Battle of Britain.  By October 1940 the type 20 microphone / type 21 'assembly' had been introduced so the type 18 had a short production run.  The microphone casing retains excellent shape and is undamaged.  The microphone has the original paxolin 'arc' that spans the terminal blocks - note a small chip on the left side.  The right terminal block is complete but the one on the left has some chips in the bakelite and a small section missing as shown.  The small serrated 'on-off' switch has been removed as per an official Air Ministry Order that called for the removal of the switch knob to prevent accidental turning off of the microphone, thus converting it to an unswitched instrument.  The chamois covering is very good, appears to have age and is marked with stores reference codes but we cannot be certain that it is original to the microphone.  The mid tan coloured loom has fully rounded 'chunky' cords synonymous with early examples and is complemented with a very nice matched pair of type C receivers (10A/7063).  Aside from the issues noted previously this is in very good condition and ready to mount to a type D oxygen mask and complete a Battle of Britain headgear display.  We purchased this over 20 years ago and it comes directly from our own collection following an upgrade.  We cannot stress how rare these microphones are.  No Battle of Britain headgear collection is complete without one.  Stock code O11742.