On the top of my tag dream sheet is the Westland Lysander. Releasing a Lysander tag has been a priority since day 1 for us, and we're honored to do so with this very limited 84 tag run. If you haven’t heard of the Lysander, I encourage you to read about this incredible aircraft. The Lysander was also featured in the 2016 movie “Allied.”
The Westland Lysander first flew in 1936 and saw heavy losses during the early years of WWII. It was an easy target for Luftwaffe pilots even when being escorted by fighters. Despite its tumultuous start, and thanks to its excellent short field takeoff and landing characteristics, the “Lizzie” found new life. Later in the war, a number of Mk.III Lysanders were converted by Fairfield Aircraft, a Westland sub-contractor, to carry out clandestine missions. These “special duties” Mk.III SCW Lysanders were equipped with an additional oil and fuel tank, an external ladder, and radio equipment. These specially modified aircraft, piloted by special duties pilots, flew at night and navigated by moonlight. Crews would land on unimproved strips and farmers’ fields that were lit only by torches. They would quietly drop off and recover French resistance personnel and at times, downed aircrew.
Lysander material is as rare as it comes, and the oil tank these tags were cut from is the largest piece of original Lysander tag material we’ve come across. Our Lysander tags are offered in 2 variants: Silver Printed and Silver Laser Etched; both cut from an original 1942 dated Lysander Oil Tank. The Lysander is a fabric aircraft and there isn’t a lot of suitable metal tag material.
Both variants feature original silver paint. There are also 5 Stencil tags that will be randomly fulfilled in place of your ordered tag. These Stencil tags are some of the most striking tags we’ve released and feature original period white and black paint. A video documenting the raffle will be posted early next week announcing the winners. If you would prefer to receive your ordered tag vs a potential Stenciled tag, send us a note (support@jeteyes.com) and we’ll remove your name from the lotto. You must purchase a Lysander tag on release day to enter the Lysander lotto.
There is also a combo (both tags) and a Tag/Air Drop combo that features a Silver Laser Etched tag plus and Air Drop AD207, which is cut from the same oil tank. For more information about the Air Drop, please visit its link on the Air Drops page.
The Add-a-Tag option is to add a randomly selected tag from our complete inventory to your order. The only requirement is that a Lysander tag must be purchased prior to or with your Add-a-Tag order. There are no returns on Add-a-Tags.
All orders will ship the week of the 18th.
