W.W.I. Royal Flying Corps Observer's Silver Cigarette Case. 1917 (Chris Balm Early Aviation & Motoring Items)

W.W.I. Royal Flying Corps Observer's Silver Cigarette Case. 1917

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W.W.I. Royal Flying Corps Observer's Silver Cigarette Case. 1917

Nice quality, solid sterling silver cigarette case reputedly belonging to 2/Lt. E. J. Richardson of 35 Squadron, RFC who was killed in action in 1918.

This sterling silver "Needham's Patent" cigarette case has a curved body (which allows it to lie flush in the pocket) and a sprung loaded lid. The special patent applies to the section "cut-out" of the top left corner which facilitates the removal of cigarettes. The front is nicely hand engraved with a pair of Royal Flying Corps pilot's wings, the initials "E.J.R" and the date 1917. The reverse is stamped with a full English sterling silver hallmark corresponding to the year 1912 and with the maker mark, "N.B's" (Needham Brothers, London). Overall width : 80.5mm (takes cigarettes up to 75mm in length). Nice condition (slight surface wear).

This cigarette case was reputedly the property of 2nd Lieutenant Ernest J. Richardson of 35 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps who was an observer flying Armstrong Whitworth FK8s over the Western Front . He was shot down twice, the first time was on 22 August 1918 at Albert when flying with Lt. G. J. Gunyon. Their plane was forced to land due to machine-gun fire through radiator. They were both unhurt and appear to have been able to carry our repairs and return to their base. The second time was on the 27 October 1918 (only one month before the end of W.W.I.) when flying with 2/Lt. H. G. Harper at an unrecorded location. Harper was wounded, but sadly Richardson was killed.

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