AVIATION INTEREST - An early aircraft compass, the liquid-fi...

Hammer

£380

AVIATION INTEREST - An early aircraft compass, the liquid-filled bowl with a card signed 'The Clift Patent', gimbal-mounted in an aluminium frame, fitted in an oak display case, the glazed cover with a label inscribed 'The actual compass mentioned above was used by Mr C.L. Pashley in the Humber Monoplane which he flew in the Michelin Trophy in 1911. Kindly lent by Mr C. L. Pashley', case overall 23cm wide. Sold together with a copy of the sale catalogue and a related newspaper clipping. Provenance: Ex. Dominic Winter sale lot 28 The Pashley name is iconic in pioneering aviation, primarily through the contributions of brothers Cecil and Eric Pashley. Cecil's memoirs recount an early fascination with aeronautics, inspired by observation balloons from the Boer War. The brothers initially experimented with aircraft models, sparking their passion for flight. In 1908, at 17 and 16, Cecil and Eric began flying by piloting a biplane glider down a hill in Hockley, Essex. Their activities soon relocated to the Brooklands racing circuit and Aerospace near Weybridge, Surrey, a hub for aviation enthusiasts and a burgeoning flying school. In November 1909, they witnessed a powered flight exhibition by French aviator Louis Paulhan at Brooklands. This experience cemented their aviation ambitions. Five years later, in 1913, they established the Pashley Brothers Flying School at Shoreham Airport. Shoreham, home to an Aero Club and a nexus for both experienced and aspiring pilots, provided an ideal setting for their venture. Over the years, they trained numerous pilots, including Frederick George Miles, with whom Cecil later founded the Gnat Aero Company and Southern Aero Club. Before founding their flying school, the brothers participated in air races. Cecil entered the first All-British Michelin Cup in 1910 but crashed during trials. In 1911, his Bleriot monoplane failed to complete the course. In 1914, the Pashley brothers won the inaugural Brighton Aerial Cup at Shoreham, overcoming scepticism about their biplane and gaining significant publicity for Shoreham Airport. During World War I, all three Pashley brothers contributed their aviation expertise to the military. Cecil was a flying instructor at the Royal Naval Air Service training school, while Eric and Herbert joined the Royal Flying Corps. Tragically, Eric and Herbert lost their lives in 1917 and 1916, respectively. Provenance: Ex. Dominic Winter Sale Lot 28, 11th November 2004.