Vintage Manhattan RAF Royal Air Force Pilot's Wings Cigarette Case, Engine-Turned Silver-Plate, Permanently Applied Gold-Tone Badge, English Made, Damage Present

Service history, carried in the hand.

A Royal Air Force pilot's wings badge sits permanently at the centre of this engine-turned silver-plate cigarette case, its gold-tone spread eagle and crown casting standing proud of the fine diagonal crosshatch ground. Three vertical ribbed lines frame the badge on either side, giving the front face a quiet architectural rhythm that lets the insignia hold its position without competition. The badge is not a later addition: it is soldered in place, part of the object from the beginning.

The insignia is the whole story here. RAF pilot's wings surmounted by a crown, the form associated with commissioned flying officers and most commonly encountered on personal objects from the WWII era and the years immediately following. Whether carried in service or given as a sweetheart gift to mark a commission or a posting, this is a piece with a weight beyond its metal.

Made in England by Manhattan, whose maker's cartouche is stamped to the interior tab. The interior opens to two compartments divided by a decorative pierced central spine with diamond and rectangular cut-out links. The amber interior lining is present throughout, heavily foxed and stained with age.

Damage is present to the exterior lid, a crack through the engine-turned surface and a second area of metal displacement, visible in the close-up photographs. Priced accordingly.

The Particulars:

• Maker: Manhattan, English Made, stamped to interior tab
• Type: Cigarette case, rectangular, silver-plate
• Exterior: Fine diagonal crosshatch engine-turning, three vertical ribbed lines, permanently applied gold-tone RAF pilot's wings badge with crown
• Interior: Two compartments, pierced diamond and rectangular link divider spine, amber lining, heavily foxed
• Condition: Damage to exterior lid: crack and metal displacement visible. Interior lining foxed. Please review all photos carefully before purchasing.

A small carried object with a much larger history behind the wings.

Arrives tucked inside its own treasure coffin and carefully wrapped as a vault relic, ready for gifting or keeping.