Early Aviation interest

Early Aviation interest, a presentation silver double cigar and cigarette box,

by Mappin and Webb, London 1911,

rectangular form, engine-turned decoration, with chevron borders, the two hinged covers open to reveal wood lined interiors, with a central strap work carrying handle, inscribed 'The London Aerodrome, Presented by Messrs' Mappin and Webb, to the Women's Aerial League to encourage National Aviation. Ladies Aviation Day, Hendon July 6 1912, won by L.W.F. Turner', length 24.4cm.

Major Lewis W.F. Turner of Blandford was in fact a man, famous at the time for daredevil stunts and for being the first pilot in Great Britain to fly at night. The reason that he won the trophy was because the wind conditions were considered too adverse to allow ladies to compete.

Flight magazine wrote of this' This was to have been a red-letter day for British aviation, for special competitions had been arranged for lady pilots, the first ever held'. Ladies were only allowed to fly as passengers that day.

Lewis Turner held the Royal Aero Club Certificate no.66, and he was the chief flying instructor at the Grahame Whyte School in Hendon. He flew a 1912 Voisin Type L plane. This plane was built primarily for the French and Russian military, and he spent four months in St. Petersburg in 1911 working on biplane design.