Rectangular bodied engine starter pushbutton switches ?

I think I have now found out what the switches might have been.
They may well be Rotax type N5CD’s 5C/875 (5CW/875), or possibly 5C/1091 (5CW/1091).

If the replies on my other thread are correct, they were also used on Battles/Spit’s/Gladiators etc as well.

Does anyone have any spare top their needs ?.

Bob T.

As a matter of interest, does anyone know anything about those very odd Bakelite Starter Switches I described above…? They were fitted to some Light Aircraft in the mid to late 1930’s. i’ve only seen them on Civil Types such as Percivals and Miles….I wonder who made the switches….? They looked sort of heart-shaped from the front…

Hi Snoopy

I don’t think so as the drawing of the guard/shield shows that the switches are covered on the top, so it would make pressing them impossible.

Bob T.

Bob, are these the Bakelite ones that you have to reach your finger over the top of and push downwards into a kind of pocket….?

Possibly, but they are mounted fairly close together, they are definitely not the normal round ones as used on Spits etc.
Unfortunately I have no clear photo’s as they are covered by a shield to prevent accidental pressing of the buttons.

Bob T.

Does anyone know of a 1930’s/40’s starter pushbutton switch that has a rectangular rather than a round body ?. According to the drawing the body would have to be around 1 & 9/16″ x 1 & 3/16″ to fit into the cutouts, there are 2 holes for mounting screws, which are 1 & 15/16″ between centre’s.

I need a pair of them for a panel project.

Bob T.

Could it be a round peg in a square hole? Mounting holes seem close to one of the fat round push button switches. If I could get to one I’d measure it. ANy photos of the panel with switches?