Original British WWI Hallmarked Sterling Silver Royal Flying Corps Cigar Lighter - Engraved RFC HENDON 1915 Japanese Army Chennault was a fierce advocate

Chennault was a fierce advocate of "pursuit" or fighter-interceptor aircraft during the 1930s when the United States Army Air Corps was focused primarily on high-altitude bombardment

Officers and certain senior NCO's were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and were allotted a clothing allowance

I have no idea what that all means

as the ends are now loose on the wood center due to shrinkage

Original British WWI Hallmarked Sterling Silver Royal Flying Corps Cigar Lighter - Engraved RFC HENDON 1915 Japanese Army Chennault was a fierce advocateOriginal Item: One of a Kind. Hendon, near what we today call HEATHROW, was the home base of the RFC and training center for Officer Pilots who became the backbone of British Air Power in WW1. Probably a gift from a wealthy graduate. Little expense appears to have been spared. If only we knew who the original Donor was! The side of the lighter is engraved with RFC HENDON 1915, and there are also British hallmarks on both the base and on the wick