Salmoiraghi
Airspeed Indicator, 560 km/hr, Italian Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica Italiana)
Here is an authentic WWII-era Airspeed Indicator as used in early aircraft of the Italian Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica Italiana), such as fighters Fiat G 50 and Macchi MC 200 and on fast bombers such as the Savoia Marchetti SM 79. This rare ASI, made by Salmoiraghi, measures speed up to 560 km/hr.
The indicator has a uniquely-Italian feature, the center-bottom knob, which was used to rotate the dial and the pointer, according to our colleague in Italy: "...so that the pilot, during long flights, could put the needle in a set position (any that suited him...) to keep easily under control that everything was working fine. Typically the needle was positioned parallel to the altimeter needle to keep steady height and steady speed. Sometimes also the variometer was adjustable in the same way, for the same reason."
This ASI is in fair condition. The case is cracked and the knob no longer functions. It has been slightly restored (paint and lettering). Nevertheless, for a rare instrument, we are pleased to have it in our collection.