Lambert and Butler Set of 50 Aeroplane Markings 1937 Very Good

  

This is an original set published in 1937 and they are in Very Good Condition. Please see below more information about the set. These are original and NOT reprints. Description: Described as colour depictions of the distinctive markings of fifty countries illustrated on the plane in correct colours. Very well produced and the first of its kind, making it very desirable to the aviation enthusiast in our card magazine in April 1937 this was not quite correct as only forty-four countries are represented as some such as the U.

A and Britain having two or more illustrations. The importance of being able to identify an aircraft's nationality was particularly important during times of war.

For instance in WWI the R. F's roundel had to be adopted in preference to the Union Jack following confusion with the German Iron Cross in poor visibility and even in today's hi-tech world cases of mistaken identify can cost lives. It may be that the Ministry of Information had a hand in getting this set produced as swift recognition of friend or foe would be essential in the run up to World War II.

Anyway, this set clearly displays the wing and rudder markings of aircraft of countries arranged alphabetically from Argentina to Yugoslavia. The texts give useful background information. For instance of the Spanish Air Force we learn that after the fall of the monarchy in 1931 the central circle of the wing marking and the bottom band of the rudder marking were changed from purple to red.

But since the outbreak of the 1936 revolution two opposing air forces have been brought into being, the markings of which undoubtedly vary. Card size 68 x 36mm. Number of cards in set: 50. For over 8,400 items listed search for londoncigcard in your search engine.