In aviation history few silhouettes are as instantly recognisable – or as deeply – as the Avro Lancaster. Often described as the "backbone" of RAF Bomber Command during World War II, the Lancaster was more than just an aircraft; it was a feat of British engineering that changed the course of aviation history.
The "Grand Design" of the Avro Lancaster
Designed by Roy Chadwick and evolving from the twin-engine Manchester, the Lancaster was a revolution in heavy bomber design. What set it apart wasn't just its four roaring Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, but its unparalleled "undivided" bomb bay.
While other bombers were compartmentalised, the Lancaster’s cavernous 33-foot interior allowed it to carry the largest payloads of the war – from the 12,000lb "Tallboy" to the 22,000lb "Grand Slam" earthquake bombs, earning its title of Britain's "heavyweight hero".
Key Specifications
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Feature |
Detail |
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Wingspan |
102 feet (Duralumin & High-tensile steel) |
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Power |
4 x 1,280 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin XX V12 engines |
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Payload |
14,000 lbs (Standard capacity) |
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The Crew |
A specialised team of seven men |
The "Victory Patina": A Legacy in Metal
The Lancaster was built from Duralumin, a strong, lightweight aluminium alloy. Because these aircraft were mass-produced in wartime conditions, the fuselage skin often featured "oil-canning" – subtle undulations in the metal caused by atmospheric pressure and the sheer torque of the Merlin engines. This is all evidenced in our products – we believe the patina should be preserved and not polished away, which also means the appearance of every set of cufflinks and jewellery item will be unique.
What makes our Lancaster Bomber collection special?
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Are they made from original material? The certainly are. We pride ourselves on sourcing original pieces of historical memorabilia and upcycling them into wearable pieces of history, with a certificate of authenticity provided with each purchase.
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Which aircraft is used in your products? There were 7,377 Lancaster built and the aircraft we currently use in our Lancaster Bomber collection is the DVD345 which operated as part of the 550 Squadron.
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Do you have any information about the aircraft's final flight? On 2nd January 1944 the aircraft crashed near Spalding, Lincolnshire returning from an operation in Berlin.
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Do you support any veteran charities? Yes we feel this is incredibly important. We donate £5 from every sale to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, ensuring the legacy of the "Lancaster crews" continues to support veterans today.
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How do I look after such old pieces of material? Great question. We want to ensure that your historic gifts last for the next generation. Every fragment of fuselage is set into hallmarked 925 sterling silver and is accompanied with care instructions. As you are wearing something very old we recommend keeping it away from chemicals and always apply lotions and perfumes before you put your jewellery on.
Why Lancaster Bomber jewellery can make the perfect gift
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10th Wedding Anniversary: Aluminium is the traditional 10th-anniversary gift – what better way to celebrate "staying power"?
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Veterans & Families: A profound way to honour the memory of those who served.
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Aviation Enthusiasts: A rare chance to own a genuine piece of the RAF's most famous heavy bomber.
Whilst Hepburn & Hughes doesn’t have a physical shop our Lancaster Bomber and WWII collection is on display and can also be purchased from the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire.
Don’t just take our word for it - read our reviews to find out what our customers say about our very popular Lancaster Bomber collection.