Hi Phil,

Good to hear from you again!

As mentioned above, as far as I am aware, the Skyraider was originally fitted with the shorter NAF1173- ‘3’ style grip and then it was replaced with a more ergonomic modern ‘Mason’ made grip during it’s later use.  Problems arrise when people get hold of these items with no clue and rely on the previous vendor’s sales pitch for provenance!  

My thoughts would be, that it would have probably been fitted/used on a rotary wing or, primary training aircraft, as the trigger is often used for the radio/comms switch with no need for additional stores/function buttons.  I have no idea what the ‘BAC’ serial relates to but, it is interesting to note that it is an ‘official’ stamp rather than a field etched number.  I have attached a picture of my A-1 column and ‘Mason’ grip fitted to it.  (A similar grip was also fitted to th F-4D Skyray)

Still, unique, good catch!

Martyn

GYD