Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. Hendon, near what we today call HEATHROW, was the home base of the RFC and training center for Officer Pilots who became the backbone of British Air Power in WW1. Probably a gift from a wealthy graduate. Little expense appears to have been spared. If only we knew who the original Donor was!
The side of the lighter is engraved with RFC / HENDON / 1915, and there are also British hallmarks on both the base and on the wick holder. The marks on the wick holder are just the content and year mark, while the base has the complete markings: “T A E” “Anchor” “Lion” “m”. The lion indicates that these are Sterling (0.925) Silver, the Anchor is for Birmingham, and the Stylized M is for the year of 1911. The “TAE” is the makers mark, which we have not been able to identify.
Comes complete with two tongs for advancing the wick. Well marked and ready to display!
The Royal Flying Corps was Britain’s Air Force’s title during the First World War. It only became known as the “Royal Air Force” on April 1st, 1918, not long before the war ended on November 11th 1918