Ancient, British and World Coins. Tokens, Tickets and Passes. Historical and Art Medals. British and World Paper Money.

Great Britain, Hydro-Aeroplane, 1912, an openwork gold and enamel award badge by Carrington & Co, London, view of a Short Brothers biplane over the sea, hydro-aeroplane 10th august 1912 around, vignette of the tower of St Paul’s Cathedral above, back named (To Commemorate The First Flight on a Hydro Aeroplane to London by F.K. McClean on a 70 H.P. Short Biplane, hallmarked bhj Birmingham 1912, 50 x 35mm, 31.99gm. Extremely fine and extremely rare, a significant item of Naval Air Service history (£200-400)

Francis K. McClean, who qualified as a member of the Royal Aero Club on 20 Sept. 1910 with aviator’s certificate no.21, was one of the early patrons of flying who had given to the Aero Club an aerodrome at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey for the free use of its members. In Feb. 1911 McClean offered to lend two of his aeroplanes to the Admiralty so that naval officers could learn to fly. Later, McClean added another four aircraft and Eastchurch became the first naval flying station in the UK. The first flight off salt water was achieved on Nov. 18, 1911. Much further detail, including copy photographs, sold with the lot