Top of Joystick : Italian CR.42 or Macchi C 202 fighter

Metal fabricated top section of a joystick from an Italian aircraft. The joystick is 260 mm long (270 mm to top of button at rest). The item is in four distinct parts. 1. The top knurled knob. 2. A knurled barrel (handgrip). 3. A short connection section with two flutes. 4. Tapered section to connect to the joystick.

1. The knurled knob is 60 mm diameter. The knob has a hole in its centre where a circular metal insert 34 mm diameter. has been inserted. This insert has an arrow head stamped into it. In the centre of this insert is a knurled button 15 mm diameter. This sits 10 mm above the base and extends to approve. 30 mm above the base.

The edges of the knob are knurled in a cross hatch pattern 10 mm wide around the circumference of its equator. On top of the knob is stamped into the metal “SICURA” on one side, and directly opposite is tamped “D”; “S” and TUTTE”. Each word or letter has a mark that is assumed is aligned with the arrow on the central portion to perform the function indicated.

The knob tapers into a circular section 34 mm diameter. Where the bass of the knob connects with the hand grip section it is knurled for 9 mm, 2 mm above the connection.

2. The handgrip section is 34 mm diameter and knurled for its whole length of 83 mm. What appears to be a lever is attached to this section. This lever connects into the knob by a tapered metal end to the lever. There are four screws in this section approximately 11 mm from the top and three screws approve. 30 mm from the bottom securing it to the core.

3. This section is 42 mm long and has two fluted pieces moulded into its rear. This piece has the following in raised letters along its length.

FAST-RIVOLI
DISP. SPAROVEVENTUK
KATR [Raised Blank Metal]COLL[Raised Blank Metal]

4. This section increases in diameter to 40 mm outside diameter and 34 mm internal diameter. The inside is shaped to take the control column. There are two large holes and four small holes that appear to be where the control column is attached. Stamped near the base is
TIPO l
M 8529
C 202

The button on top actuated the brakes, with l/r distribution through the rudder bar (pedals).

The knob selects right (D), left (S) or both (Tutte) guns. The entire top rotates, which frees the vertical lever and allows it to stand away from the main stick. The pilot then squeezes it to fire. The Sicura position locks both guns.

This must have been difficult in the heat of combat if taken by surprise.

This firing device was installed on many Italian fighters.

Stamped into the device is the number M8529. This corresponds with the known serial number of a CR.42 biplane fighter. The device also bears a stamping for c.202 - a Macchi monoplane fighter.

The Fiat C.R.42 was one of the last fighter biplanes to see active service in WWII. Italy used them in the Battle of Britain when they conducted a number of raids on the British Isles, and it saw widespread service in the Western Desert where it would have been known to Australians. The Macchi C202 was similarly common in the Western Desert.