Hi...
When I first saw this, and read that it was not believed to be a Bf109 or Fw190, and probably not a Bf110 either, I thought that it could perhaps have been an Me210... my reasoning for this was as follows:
- If the colours showing on the item are a relatively accurate reflection of the colour scheme, then the general 'grey' appearance of the camouflage could perhaps confirm a 1942 timeline, when the RLM 74, 75 & 76 colours were very much in use.
- Following the teething problems experienced with the Me210 early in its production run and combat introduction, its re-introduction to combat following a halt and then recommencement of production - April and August 1942 respectively - was undertaken by Versuchstaffel 210 based in Holland, at Soesterberg, this unit being made operational as 16.Staffel/KG6 in August of that year, and making its operational debut over Britain in September. It may be useful to enquire about the location of where this item was found/stored, as the first loss of an Me210 over Britain was to Hawker Typhoons over Yorkshire on 6th September, although it does not necessarily follow that where it was stored was anywhere near where it fell.
In addition, reference to
Luftwaffe Colours, 1935-1945 by Michael Ullman (Hikoki), pages 151 and 152, could really confuse the issue, as it provides the detailed dimensions of swastika application to front line aircraft, as per
Die Flugzeugmaler for 1944 (under the heading 'Markings 1943'). On page 152 there is clear indication that the expectation (although, admittedly, not necessarily the
practice that was followed) was for this marking to be outlined in white
and black. Consequently, although I agree that the black outlining of the swastika in general was an early-war practice, clearly, as we are all well aware, the appearance and style of Luftwaffe markings did not always conform to regulation, and this should be borne in mind when considering this item.
Lastly, if we are uncertain as to the exact timeline, and bearing in mind the complexities and idiosyncracies of swastika application throughout the war, could we perhaps also consider it to be an Me410... ?