Most rare SAAF WW2 model statuette

THIS is a most rare and unusual memento of the heroic role played by the pilots and ground crews of the South African Air Force during the East and North Africa as well as Italian campaigns of World War 2.

This model statuette is being offered at auction WITH NO RESERVE.

It consists of what appears to be an aluminium model of what a member of the SAAF Museum in Port Elizabeth confirms is a Curtiss Kittyhawk, Curtiss Tomahawk or Curtiss Warhawk, all essentially the same aircraft with minor variations and named after the country in which they were flown. 

The Tomahawk was flown by SAAF pilots in North Africa between 1941 and 43.

The model has a wingspan of 15.5cm and the fuselage is 13cm in length.

The model is attached to what appears to be a brown Bakelite base by means of a question mark-shaped metal rod that is beginning to show signs of aging. The rod allows the model to be "flown" at various attitudes. The base is 17cm by 10cm. A feature of the base is the old SAAF badge attached to it.

The statuette was in the estate of my late uncle who saw service with the SAAF in the Africa and Italian campaigns. Unfortunately we were never told the origin of the statuette or how it came to be in his possession.

Packaging and postage on this item will be R50.