For the last ten years we have been acquiring aircraft parts from the 1930’s onwards. Our success have been partly based upon trust that what we say a panel is from is actually what a panel is from.
To achieve this confidence we have to identify not only the aircraft part but also where on the aircraft the part comes from. To do this we have accessed a variety of web based resources as well as experience from handling a great many different aircraft parts.
Identifying an aircraft is based upon several different parameters:
1. The aircraft part number - each separate aircraft part should have a part number on it that references the drawings for the aircraft. Usually the first digits will identify the aircraft. These numbers are regularly based upon the manufacturers model number for the aircraft.
2. The inspectors stamp. Each aircraft part will have been inspected and approved by the manufacturer stamping it with a stamp that has digits that are specific to the manufacturer. This can be complicated when sub contractors make parts.
3. Paint and construction. There are large differences in paint colours used by different air forces and this in combination with the construction can assist in identifying the aircraft it comes from.
4. The provenance of the aircraft is also extremely important.
Having identified the aircraft ( or type of aircraft) the second stage is to narrow down the variant and location on the aircraft. Common resources for this are
A. Reference Books
B. Modellers websites and Aircraft walkarounds.
C. Instruction Manuals for the aircraft type.
D. Experience.
In most cases we have taken pictures of both the part numbers and the inspectors stamps. We have decided to publish these images as a resource to other aircraft parts finders.
We hope that you will find his useful.
Websites that can help are
1. For American aircraft inspectors stamps and part numbers please visit.
http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/astamps.htm
2. For RAF aircraft part numbers please use this resource.
http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?133259-Aircraft-part-number-list-v7
From a Coastal Command Catalina - a stainless steel panel with part number starting 28
Part number starting 109 found on inside of switch holder.
Stainless steel engine bearer with part number 82-32086-2 and
A hatch and upper structure from an Avro Lancaster with R£ (Avro) stamp and part number
A section of duraluminium from a Spitfire wing with stamp and part number
A section of stabilator from a Phantom 2 - made form Titanium
A hatch from a French Air Force Mirage 3C with part numbers and identity stamp.
A section of duraluminium from a Spitfire wing with stamp and part number
A hatch from a mig 23
A hatch form a bucc with inked part number and stamp
A section of lower wing from an Me 109 with stamp and ordnance code on flap.
A FW190 Landinf Flap with 190 cast number and inspectors stamp.
Stainless steel firewall with part number 25 20 _86 and BNB Inspectors stamp
Halifax parts with 57 part numbers and HP inspectors stamp
Spitfire engine cowl with multiple part numbers and Vickers inspectors stamp
Ju88 engine cowls with 88 part numbers and OK inspectors stamp
Yak 3 Landing Flap with aircraft number and various inspector stamps.