They say that size doesn’t matter, and for Eric “Winkle” Brown, Britain’s most prolific aviator, that couldn’t be more true. And now, thanks to Bonhams, you can own a few pieces of his decorated military history.
Brown, who died earlier this year at the age of 97, landed the “Winkle” nickname because of his small stature—however, he was anything but that in the cockpit. Flying for the British Royal Navy and as a test pilot for a combined 30-plus years of service, Brown flew a staggering 487 different aircraft, more than any pilot in history. He held the world record for career aircraft carrier deck landings at 2,407, as well as catapult launches (2,721). Brown also test-piloted some of the world’s first helicopters.
But that’s only part of his career. Brown served in World War II, as part of the Fleet Air Arm branch aboard the aptly titled HMS Audacity aircraft carrier. After she was sunk, Brown miraculously survived, drifting at sea for several days before being rescued.
After the war, Brown became Commander of the Enemy Aircraft Flight group, which was founded during the war to study captured enemy aircraft and explain how they worked to other servicemen. To this end, Brown piloted every experimental Nazi aircraft, including the Messerschmitt Me163 Komet, which was powered by rocket fuel so volatile, if any were left upon landing, the aircraft would explode. He also played a crucial role in the infamous De Havilland jet accident investigation. Per Bonhams:
“In 1946, he also led the crash investigation into the mid-air disintegration of a De Havilland DH108 jet as it attempted to break the sound barrier. The accident shocked the aviation community to such an extent that some people questioned the future of jet power. ‘Winkle’ Brown recreated the fatal flight, coming within seconds of death.”
As part of Bonhams’ “Coins and Medals” sale, taking place on Nov. 23 in London, you can own a series of Brown’s medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross, dated 1942; the Air Force Cross, dated 1947; and the CBE awarded in 1970. The lot also includes Brown’s log books from 1942 to his final flights for the Fleet Air Arm in 1970.
The entire Lot 238 has a pre-auction estimate of $190,000–$250,000. For more on these historic auction items, click here. To browse the full auction, click here. For more on Eric “Winkle” Brown, watch the hourlong documentary by the BBC at the bottom.
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