A Royal Doulton prototype figure known as the The Pilot or Airman, unmarked, impressed 1198, height 23cm complete with two letters from Royal Doulton, a photocopy of the 1945 shape book and a photograph of Messrs Doulton inspecting various wares NB. 'From our records I have been able to establish that this particular figure, model number 1198, was produced as far as the prototype stage but never actually went into production. Although it is not possible for us to say exactly how many models were made, it would certainly have been very few. I have not been able to establish the historical background to the figure, although I would assume that it was designed for production during the last war. The model is illustrated in the pattern book but does not appear to have been one of a series. There are for example no matching sailors or soldiers' - Paul Atterbury, Historical Adviser at Royal Doulton, 10th April 1979 'I recently found this airman figure illustrated in a 'clay shape book' under the shape number you quoted, and thought you might like a copy. The figure would have been sculpted in around 1945 and was never put into production' - Hilary Wojciechowska, Historical Information Officer at Royal Doulton, 7th October 1981

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