Aviation Archaeology

Collecting is the mania of millions but, although there are hundreds of reference works for the militaria, stamp, coin or antique collector, until now there has been no comparable book for the aircraft enthusiast.
Every weekend, dedicated groups of amateur 'aviation archaeologists' set out for likely sites to unearth the remains of crashed aircraft. Their findings are lovingly cleaned and catalogued, and many end up in museums or private collections. Other aircraft are even restored to their former glory, and some, incredibly, to flying condition.
Similarly, aircraft propellers become focal points on the walls of dens, while other collectors' items include old airline tickets, postcards, airmail covers, stamps, medals, unit badges, cigarette cards and photographs. This book shows, for the first time, how to begin looking for and collecting these relics of the air; how to discriminate between the valuable and the worthless; and how to turn an interest in old aircraft or aviation history into a fascinating and rewarding pastime.
Beginning with a survey of veteran and vintage aircraft and preservation societies, the book then examines the scope, possibilities and dangers inherent in unearthing aircraft wrecks throughout the world. It explains the legal problems and such hazards as live ammunition, the use of metal detectors, and how to identify what you have found.
The author then investigates some of the other related fields of activity, such as exploring old and derelict airfields, and explains the significance of various points of aeronautical architecture. Sections follow on collecting aeronautical books and photographs, and on how to begin your own original lines of research in public archives and museums, together with tips on writing for magazines or books to turn your hobby to profit.
Finally, there are sections on collecting and identifying a variety of other related aeronautical relics, with guidance on their respective values and how to avoid fake material, including postcards, cigarette cards, airmail covers, propellers, paintings, drawings and models.


by Bruce Robertson
Published by PSL 1977 1st edition. 152pp illustrated, appendix. 16x24 near fine, including d/j.





Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

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