Decorative plate : Pride of the R.A.F.

Today, we offer for sale this magnificent limited edition decorative plate made in fine porcelain, entitled Pride of the R.A.F. This item was previously owned by an ex - airline pilot who used to live nearby the Florennes Air Base ( Base aérienne Jean Offenberg, Namur, Belgium ).

Although it has been made in Portugal, this decorative plate has been produced by The Franklin Mint, a former private mint founded by Joseph Segel ( 1931 - 2019 ) in 1964, in Wawa ( Pennsylvania, United States ). It is currently owned by Retail Ecommerce Ventures ( REV ). The Franklin Mint sells coins, medals, jewelry, die - cast vehicles, dolls, sculpture and other collectibles.

The subject, a work of John Young ( 1930 - 2015 ), depicts a Hawker Hurricane Mark I of No. 303 " Polish " Squadron, R.A.F., flying over London during the Battle of Britain. Led by a British Commanding Officer ( C.O. ) - whom was seconded by his two Flight Commanders ( a Canadian and a British ) - the " Three - O - Three " was essentially composed of Polish pilots and a number of Polish ground crews. Formed in July 1940 in Blackpool ( Lancashire, England ), the Squadron was stationed at R.A.F. Northolt ( Greater London, England ) on August 2nd, and became operational on August 31st. At the end of the Battle of Britain, the " Three - O - Three " was rated the highest scoring fighter unit of the entire R.A.F. Fighter Command.

In the background, you can see some of London's famous buildings and " monuments ", such as Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster, the Clock Tower ( renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 ), Westminster Bridge and the River Thames.

This kind of collectible item is highly cherished by the surviving R.A.F. veterans ( Second World War ) and some enthusiasts as well. In other words, don't miss it !!!

( sources : Wikipedia, www.bbm.org.uk )