[Stolen] Nameplate LORD DOWDING

Battle of Britain class locomotive 34052 nameplate “LORD DOWDING” on loan to RAF Bentley Priory in 1990 for an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Battle of Britain. A copy of the nameplate was made and the theft only discovered in 2006 when the owner requested the original to be returned. Following the subsequent RAF Police enquiry, the nameplate was last recorded as being seen in 1992. The theft has been was reported to New Scotland Yard. The other nameplate was stolen while the locomotive was still in service. 34052 was the last Battle of Britain class to run on British Rail, 9 July 1967, marking the end of steam on Southern Region, replaced by diesels the following day.

 

34052 Lord Dowding nameplate stolen from RAF Bentley Priory has been discovered at auction:
https://www.tennants.co.uk/About-Us/News/Articles-2017/Worth-their-weight-in-…-brass!.aspx

RAF Police have handed over the investigation to London Met Police Fine Arts, who are now in possession of the nameplate as evidence.

 

This was a November 2017 auction.

 

As there are two, and both were stolen, how can you tell which one is which?

 

From detailed photographs taken by the owner and again when on loan to RAF Bentley Priory (for insurance) and from the copy that was cast from the original (lefthand - driver's side).

 

London police are holding the Dowding nameplate as evidence and two suspects, one for the theft and another for receiving stolen property. The case is awaiting a reply from the CPS.

 

Trial of suspects has been set to begin 4 November 2019 at Harrow Crown Court.