WW2 Air Ministry Bakelite Radio Plug Type 172 — Ref. 10H/254B, Lancaster & Wellington Bombers, New Old Stock

A superb and rare original WW2 Air Ministry bakelite radio plug — Type 172, Ref. 10H/254B — as used in Lancaster and Wellington bombers. This is almost certainly New Old Stock (NOS): unissued, it retains exceptional condition for its age and represents a direct, tangible connection to Britain's wartime aviation history. A remarkable piece of RAF and aviation militaria.

Condition

• Overall: Good condition — likely unissued New Old Stock.
• Lettering: Some minor fading — minimal.
• Body: A few small age-related scratches — nothing significant.
• Dimensions: Approximately 3.8cm diameter across the front.

Provenance

• Issuing authority: Air Ministry — the British government department responsible for the Royal Air Force from 1918 to 1964. Air Ministry-marked items are among the most collectible of all British militaria, carrying the AM broad arrow stamp that denotes official government issue.
• Type: Radio Plug Type 172, Ref. 10H/254B — a standardised electrical connector used in the radio and intercom systems of RAF bomber aircraft.
• Aircraft: Lancaster and Wellington bombers — two of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War. The Avro Lancaster was the RAF's primary heavy bomber, famous for the Dambusters raid and countless other operations. The Vickers Wellington was the backbone of Bomber Command in the early war years.
• Material: Bakelite — the pioneering synthetic plastic widely used in wartime electrical components for its insulating properties and durability.
• Era: 1939–1945.
• Appeal: An exceptionally rare piece of RAF aviation history — the specific aircraft references, Air Ministry provenance, and NOS condition make this a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of WW2 militaria, aviation history enthusiasts, and prop buyers.