WW2 German type KG13B modified to incorporate control switches for the Patin PKS12 autopilot system. This particular grip is believed to have been on a Fw 190 fitted with the Rüstsätze 11 (R11) field modification kit, possibly a Fw 190 A-8, A-9 or D-9, that included the autopilot feature.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]225449[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]225450[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]225451[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]225452[/ATTACH]

Can’t keep up for my job . . . Nice KG12! May have said this, but the 12 saw use on early 109s (E-series), 110s and 87s. So a 109 or even a 110 may be fit for yours. The Gerät-Nr. indicates it is a 12A, but there were several 12-series variants (e.g., A, B, C, E). To be sure, open the wiring terminal cover box, look for marked circuit diagram decal inside that IDs the particular type. Initial production 12 had two weapon buttons: trigger and top button. Later came the upper side-mount button (first strapped on, later built on like yours). The bulbous button questioned here was an as needed add on. Most were held in place with a band/strap; e.g., see KG12 in RAF BoB Museum 109E. I do not see a strap on yours. How was it attached? Yes, this button was most likely for stores release, but may have also been used to cycle cannons to clear a jam, misfire, etc. (For sure, that was its use on certain later 109s (G-10) as well as on the 262 – all used KG13s.) Note that the outside of the side-mount button on yours is shaved down; often seen, this was done at unit level – pilot call – to to avoid binding when pushed. Finally, the other grip, a KG13 in the background, marked V60 definitely links it to a Fw190. Thanks for sharing. Who else has German stick tops?

I believe it is an Emil E4 stick so may be for fusing the bomb? Steve will likely know more on this.

Hi Ian,

The left-most grip in the middle photo is a KG 14. It was used in the Fw190 (early A models, later replaced by the KG13B, 13C), Hs129 (throughout I believe), and Me210/410 (along with the KG13). Was not liked by 190 pilots – the weapon-mix selection lever was its undoing.

Steve

p.s., nice grips you have there!

Love your Kg sticks sfp54, a valuable collection. Not really my area but is first left, second photo Hs129? The Lightning grips are all objects of desire. There will be a mis listing one day! Impressive selection of spade grips Banasplits, what a variety of additional buttons. Is there any more history with the Typhoon example beyond Kent? The P38 was lucky, listed in the States as ‘warbird grip’ and although more than I’d usually spend was cheap. I’ve never been so glad to see a customs bill as when it arrived. Liking your Russian stuff Martyn, there’s a Mig 25 grip around at the moment but too much. The Luftwaffe lineage is pretty clear there. That’s pretty conclusive Hurricane provenance Guy, even better than the Kenley labels with the details pencilled on the back! A very informative thread.

Mosquito No. 333 squadron loss relic

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280837334473#ht_500wt_1363

Here’s one from my collection. Was told Bell made B-17 stabilizer assemblies, which this plate may have been associated with.

In this photo you can see the trigger (for cannon) in the firing position after being rotated 270 degrees; there it contacts a small firing button set into the upper front of the grip. At the same time, the topmost button (for MGs) is exposed. To fire all weapons, together, the index finger pulls the trigger, while the thumb depresses the top button. I hope this makes sense.

Very interesting, but I’m struggling a touch with this.

In one position the guard allows you to fire the cannon and in the other the MGs.

How do you fire both at once? Or can’t you?

cheers and thanks, Don

The 109G-6 used the KG13A. The trigger, when in the down, armed position, fired the nose cannon; the button at top center (covered by the trigger when the trigger was in the up, safe position) fired the MGs. The button at the top, to the left, dropped external stores.

Yes it was the cannon was operated by a button on top of the control column grip which had a guard over it. When the guard was lifted it became the operating lever for the mgs

If an early Stuka (B/R) grip top, it is likely a KG12 model. The KG12 also saw use on the 109E and 110C. Later Stukas (G) used the KG13. Can you confirm the letter-number painted on the top side of the grip? Thank you.

The attached shows a Stuka stick top (same as Me109) and you can see the top trigger in stowed position obscurring/preventing the button being depressed (acting as a safety guide).