Nobody gave this shot on ebay a second look. I was the only bidder. The source was German.
I have never seen markings on Spitfires like this.
The Spitfire appears to be a bit tired, with the top tank cover removed and various cowling fasteners missing. It is possibly a Ground Instructional airframe…but from where?
That could be ‘C7-104’. It has a continental look about it. It could be ‘CZ’ and it is known the Czech Security Air Guard operated a couple of Spitfires.
A new one on me. Any clues?
By: Mark12 - 28th April 2013 at 15:32
..it finally uploaded.
Note the faded and eroded roundel.
Mark
Image: N. Malizia
By: Mark12 - 28th April 2013 at 08:04
From our archivist: I have a theory about this picture. In the book Spitfire International (Air Britain) there is a photo of a badly weathered ground instructional airframe marked (it says) S.3*10. I think this is the same aircraft, the “4” having been cropped on the photo in the book. The aircraft in the photo is clearly in poor condition and if the Italians are anything like the British it was very common for people to have themselves photographed in “fighter pilot” pose in G.I. airframes to send home to the folks.
Yes it is the same aircraft. I currently have problems with ‘Photobucket’ and had scanned and planned to post the image you mention.
Now that I have the original, it is possible to discern that the Italian roundel has all but eroded away save for part of the centre diameter. This is what mislead me. 🙂
Mark
By: NightReaper - 27th April 2013 at 23:39
From our archivist: I have a theory about this picture. In the book Spitfire International (Air Britain) there is a photo of a badly weathered ground instructional airframe marked (it says) S.3*10. I think this is the same aircraft, the “4” having been cropped on the photo in the book. The aircraft in the photo is clearly in poor condition and if the Italians are anything like the British it was very common for people to have themselves photographed in “fighter pilot” pose in G.I. airframes to send home to the folks.
By: Collis - 24th April 2013 at 13:37
Glad to be of service mark. I had to get something right eventually. In hindsight the bloke in the cockpit is so obviosly italian. Sorry it wasn’t a new scheme.
By: wieesso - 23rd April 2013 at 16:32
“The final one is S-3*104 assigned to the Flying School.”
http://modelingmadness.com/scott/decals/modelingtime/mt48001.htm
By: Beaufighter VI - 23rd April 2013 at 15:14
And at the righthand side there is something fastened to the side of the cowling which doesn’t appear to belong there.
Look like exhaust blanks.
By: Mark12 - 23rd April 2013 at 11:57
I’m thinking I might have seen similar markings on an italian Spitfire. Although it might be a SEAC roundel seperating the digits.
Well done that man.
Straight to Gregory Alegi’s fine book on Italian Spitfires and there is a side view drawing. S-3*104. That was MM4138 former Mk V EN843 converted to a Mk IX.
The Italian roundel * is just discernible but nearly eroded.
It will be interesting to see if there is anything written on the back of the original when it arrives.
Many thanks.
Mark
PS the markings are of 6 Squadriglia 3 Gruppo Scuolo Volo III Peridio Lecce Galatina 1950
By: Collis - 23rd April 2013 at 10:52
I’m thinking I might have seen similar markings on an italian Spitfire. Although it might be a SEAC roundel seperating the digits.
By: Archer - 23rd April 2013 at 10:48
There are more odd items, such as behind the canopy, seems to be a cover or a structure there. And at the righthand side there is something fastened to the side of the cowling which doesn’t appear to belong there. Ground instructional airframe sounds allright considering these things but which one?
By: paulmcmillan - 23rd April 2013 at 10:44
Peter
Could it equally be
S7/SZ or G7/GZ ?
By: AlanR - 23rd April 2013 at 10:01
Didn’t the Czech Security Air Guard aircraft operate with civilian registrations, OK-xxx ?
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April 23, 2013 at 9:51 am