Rare cast sterling silver model of a Gloster Meteor with lacquered satin finish and engraved RAF markings. Made by Garrard and Company, crown jeweller for the British royal family, and hallmarked London 1949, the Meteor arrives on a newly made aluminium base and upright.
Dimensions: 15.25 cm/6 inches (wing span) x 18.5 cm/7¼ inches (length) x 15 cm/5⅞ inches (max. height).
The Gloster Meteor is an incredibly important aeroplane in the history of aviation. It played a significant role in the early development of jet-powered aviation and helped pave the way for subsequent jet fighter designs.
As well as being the first operational Allied jet, it holds the distinction of being the first jet to down another jet aircraft (a V-1 flying bomb) and is the world’s oldest surviving jet aircraft in flying condition.
As of 2023, two Meteors, G-JSMA and G-JWMA, remained in active service with the Martin-Baker company as ejection seat testbeds. One further aircraft in the USA remained airworthy, as did another in Australia.
It holds a place in history as one of the pioneering jet aircraft and, following WWII, enjoyed a distinguished career in air forces across the world.
