DAMBUSTERS - SIR BARNES WALLIS CBE FRS RDI FRA eS (1887-1979); two antique marbles used during early tests undertaken in a bath tub in his back garden. The larger marble measuring approx 1" in diameter, the second being smaller and both of textured, frosted form, now mounted for display in a three dimensional case with plaque inscribed 'Operation Chastise', the frame without stand 17 x 23cm.

N.B accompanying the lot is a copy of the original card from the museum, signed by Johnny Johnson.

These marbles and others previously sold by other salerooms were originally on display at Hydneye House School. The former Headmaster was Ettrick Maltby whose son, David, was a 617 Squadron pilot and piloted AJ-J the fifth plane in which dropped the mine that breached the Mohne dam.. On site there was a small 'museum' dedicated to various ex-boys and friends of the school including the Dambuster raids and the current vendor obtained them directly from the school when it closed in the 1960's. The vendor was a former pupil who attended the school when Barnes Wallis visited following the release of the famous Dambusters film which sparked interest amongst the pupils who in turn conducted their own experiments on the school swimming pool. Sir Barnes Wallis heard of the interest that the boys showed and attended the school, bringing with him, and leaving, various items that he had personally used to show the boys where they had been going wrong. The vendor recounts that on the day of the visit, Sir Barnes Wallis gave sombre reflection by saying 'There is no joy or glory in war. My decision to play with marbles led directly to the deaths of fifty-three good men'. The vendor would be delighted to speak to any interested parties to elaborate on the provenance and events of the time.