An aluminum engine part from the aircraft Me109 work number 4076, shot down over the Thames on Aug. 31, 1940. Its pilot, Oberleutnant Eckard Priebe, participated in the Battle of Britain starting in May 1940, and after several ‘kills’ and a crash which grounded him for a few months, returned to battle in August, 1940. He was captured in his first combat flight against the British on August 31, during which the Me109 from which this relic originates suffered a gun problem. Priebe tried to disengage but had to bale out over Elham and his aircraft subsequently crashed. The part measures approx. 5 in. diameter x 5.5 in. tall, comprised of aluminum, with maker’s stamp reading: ‘Enilufter Geidl-Nr. 9-2432C1 Werk-Nr. 4076 Hersteller: bjp’. With a paper label attached to front stating: ‘…Intercepted during free-lance fighter sortie and shot down by Flying Officer B. J. G. Carbury of No. 603 Squadron and Flight Lieutenant D. E. Gillam of No. 616 Squadron. Abandoned aircraft crashed in flames into Elham Park Wood and burned out 9:30 p.m. Oberlt. E. Priebe (Staffel-kapitan) baled out and captured wounded. Aircraft a write-off’. Mounted to a wood base measuring 8 x 5.5 in., with plaque reading: ‘Battle of Britain Messerschmitt BF109E-1 Nr. 4076 Engine Part Shot Down 31st August 1940’. Very good condition.