BREMONT - An extremely rare MB1 'Martin-Baker' Aviation chro...

Estimate

£7,000 - £9,000

BREMONT - An extremely rare MB1 'Martin-Baker' Aviation chronometer automatic wristwatch. Serial no. MB1/2254 MS 1.11.72, the signed 29mm dial with Arabic numerals, day/date aperture and centre seconds, inner bi-directional bezel operated by the crown at 4h, the stainless steel case with characteristic red anodised inner case barrel to individuals who have ejected from a Martin-Baker ejection seat, NATO nylon strap, 43mm; includes leather pouch with accesories including leather straps, C.O.S.C. chronometer test certificate and other papers including warranty customer card dated 08/03/13, a Bremont cap and provenance paperwork. The Bremont MB1 could only be purchased by individuals who have ejected from a Martin-Baker ejection seat. Our vendor Lieut. Michael Sharp R.N. ejected from a single seater Hawker Hunter near the end of the runway at Lee-on-Solent on November 1st 1972. After ejecting the pilotless aircraft smashed through the airfield's perimeter fence and careered across the main road, through a field near houses and dropped over a 30 foot cliff clearing beach huts before coming to rest in the sea. The plane was later recovered. The cockpit section now resides with the Gosport Aviation Society. A booklet 'The One That Got Away' regarding this aircraft, compiled by Bob Wealthy and David Webb for Gosport Aviation Society in 2012, and gives a full account of the accident with interviews by Mike Sharp. The lot also includes a photocopy of the summary log of flights for RNAS Yeovilton which logs the ejection, and a photocopy of Mike Sharp's Caterpillar Club certificate of membership and Martin-Baker tie club membership card. In excellent condition.