Silver Box Bearing The Royal Flying Corps (rfc) Emblem, World War I Ssl26rfc001

A refined testament to the history of British military aviation, this rare circular silver box features a lid adorned with a silver insert; the lid is made of translucent imitation tortoiseshell, against which stands out a remarkable silver insignia of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), This insignia is not a soldier’s badge, but rather an original artistic creation made exclusively for this box—hand-engraved, designed, and crafted—featuring the crowned monogram and outstretched wings. The elegance of its silver setting, its decoration in deep tortoiseshell hues, and its three legs lend it the presence of a luxury object.

Founded in 1912, the Royal Flying Corps served as the British Army’s air corps during World War I. At a time when military aviation was still in its infancy, its pilots and observers took part in reconnaissance missions, artillery spotting, and, gradually, aerial combat. The RFC played a vital role in the development of military aviation before merging with the Royal Naval Air Service on April 1, 1918, to form the Royal Air Force. The winged insignia adorning this box thus evokes one of the iconic units of this pioneering era.

The most distinctive feature of this object is its personalized nature.


It was commissioned specifically for an RFC fighter pilot during the Great War, as suggested by the distinctive insignia and the high-quality combination of silver and imitation tortoiseshell.
This exclusive piece is one-of-a-kind and offers a particularly interesting provenance for collectors of British military artifacts and aviation history.

The box is crafted from English silver, bearing the “lion passant” hallmark traditionally associated with British sterling silver. The lid features a beautiful textural effect, with dark, translucent marbling reminiscent of natural tortoiseshell. The interior retains its original velvet lining.

The piece as a whole reflects careful design, where the precious nature of the silver is combined with striking military iconography.

The item is offered in its original condition, with noted distortions.
The box closes securely.
All components are original, with no reported restoration or replacement.

With its unusual iconography, its association with the Royal Flying Corps, and its delicate size, this box is a unique collector’s item likely to be of particular interest to enthusiasts of British silverware, World War I militaria, and memorabilia related to the pioneers of aerial combat.

Dimensions: diameter 7 cm; height 5 cm.