Extremely Rare WWII RAF Air Ministry Airspeed Indicator Early Spitfire 6A/583 (MPH Dial)

Rare WWII RAF Air Ministry Airspeed Indicator – Early Spitfire Type – 6A/583 (MPH Dial)

A rare original Second World War RAF Air Ministry Airspeed Indicator, dating from the early years of WWII and carrying the Air Ministry stores reference 6A/583. This is the early Miles Per Hour (MPH) version, the type fitted to Spitfire aircraft during the Battle of Britain era.

Unlike many later wartime RAF instruments that were calibrated in knots, this example retains the highly desirable MPH dial. Original Air Ministry airspeed indicators with the MPH scale were produced in far smaller numbers than later knot-calibrated versions, making surviving examples considerably scarcer and especially sought after by collectors of early RAF and Battle of Britain memorabilia.

The instrument features a classic black dial calibrated from approximately 60–400 MPH, with large luminous-style numerals designed for instant readability in combat. The rear casing is clearly stamped with the King's Crown Air Ministry (AM) marking and the RAF stores reference 6A/583, confirming its military provenance.

Remaining in original, unrestored condition, the indicator displays honest age-related wear and patina consistent with over 80 years of history. Both original pressure connections and the four-point mounting plate remain intact.

Details
Original WWII RAF aircraft instrument
Air Ministry King's Crown (AM) marked
RAF Stores Reference: 6A/583
Original Miles Per Hour (MPH) dial
Approximate range: 60–400 MPH
Early Spitfire / Battle of Britain-era specification
Original unrestored condition
Rear pressure connections intact
Genuine wartime RAF instrument
Untested

Why the MPH Dial is Special:

The MPH dial is one of the most desirable features of early RAF airspeed indicators. During the early years of WWII, RAF fighters were equipped with instruments reading in miles per hour before many later aircraft and post-war instruments adopted knots as the aviation standard. As a result, original wartime MPH Air Ministry indicators have become significantly harder to find, particularly complete examples retaining their original dial, King's Crown Air Ministry markings and store references.

This makes the instrument highly desirable for collectors restoring Battle of Britain-era Spitfires, museums, RAF enthusiasts and serious collectors of original WWII cockpit instruments.

The instrument is untested and is being sold strictly as a historic collectable or display piece. It is not certified or suitable for installation in an operational aircraft.

An exceptional and increasingly difficult-to-find piece of RAF history, and a superb addition to any Spitfire, Battle of Britain, RAF, WWII aviation or aircraft instrument collection.