FW 200 Condor Escape Hatch

This was mentioned a couple of week ago as it was for sale in Poland at a high price. After some “discussion” with the owner on price it arrived this morning.

It was being sold as a Ju290 hatch.

As confirmed by Andy and as shown by the markings on the casting R8-200-XXXX it is one of the escape hatches from a Luftwaffe FW 200 “Condor”

The paint matches to RLM 73.

There is some shaping to the panel suggesting that it was at the front or the rear of the fuselage.

The hatches were at the front:

http://www.wwiiaircraftphotos.com/LCBW10/FW200-Condor-32f-s.jpg

And the rear – although I read that on the C3 onwards the rear ones were sliding to incorporate an MG15.

http://www.wwiiaircraftphotos.com/LCBW10/FW200-Condor-9f-s.jpg

I have ordered the book on Luftwaffe FW200 losses – so I can see whether any FW 200’s were lost over central Poland.

The panel is marked on all parts with the pencil R6 – which I assume to be Rechts (starboard) 6th window.

So it depends on the window numbering system whether this makes it a C0/1/2 or a C3/4 variant.

Any other thoughts welcome.