If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.



















Corgi Aviation Archive 1:144 DH Comet 4C, A&AEE Boscombe Down 48505
Pre-owned - Very Good (7/10)
Limited Edition
1273 of 4000
Pieces Worldwide
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
Description
Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series 48505 depicts the de Havilland Comet with A&AEE, named “Canopus”, based at A&AEE Boscombe Down, England in 1997. What makes this one stand out is the aircraft’s specialist test role, with the reference noting its long life as a flying laboratory for radio, radar and navigation trials, and its place as the last Comet flying until withdrawal in 1997.
An excellent choice for a British aviation collection, ideal for display if you want something different from typical fighters and bombers in 1:144.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi Aviation Archive
Scale: 1:144
Series: Aviation Archive
Model Number: 48505
Aircraft: de Havilland Comet
Operator: A&AEE
Name / Markings: “Canopus”
Serial: XS235
Location: A&AEE Boscombe Down, England
Year / Period: 1997
Notable Features: Flying laboratory role; last Comet flying noted; retired Oct 1997
Edition: Limited Edition
Pieces Worldwide: 4000
Dimensions
Length: 9.25"
Width: 9.5"
Condition
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
- There is some paint bubbling present on both sides of the wing on top of the engines and a slight amount on the wing itself and the underside of the tails horizontal stabiliser has a small amount of paint loss/wear to the area.
Box condition - Good (6/10)
- The box is in good condition for age with wear to the sides mainly and to the edges.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Mint (10/10)
- As new, no visible flaws.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks; displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear or small chips/rubs but still presentable.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear; better as a display/filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear or larger areas of paint loss.
Spares/Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage or missing parts.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Conditional Grading page.
Shipping
Goods will be shipped next day after the order is placed.
You can stay updated on your tracking information by clicking Track Your Order here. Alternatively, this can be located via the top menu under 'Track Your Order'.
Please allow extra time for delivery during the busy Christmas period.
UK Shipping
- Free Express Tracked Delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 24 – 1 Business day)
For orders over £100. - Free Premium Delivery (DPD Tracked – 1 Business day)
For orders over £200. - Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2–3 working days) – £3.95
For orders under £100. - Royal Mail Express Tracked (1 business day) – £5.20
For orders under £100.
Worldwide
International shipping is available are fully insured up to the total order value. Add items to your cart and enter your delivery address in the cart to see postage before checkout. If you buy multiple items, the cart will automatically combine shipping costs based on item weight.
Important Information for U.S. Customers
Due to changes in import procedures, a 20–30% import duties charge will be calculated at checkout.
This charge is collected upfront to cover the duties and taxes that must be paid to the courier before your order can be shipped.
Products are packaged very well to ensure secure delivery and a happy customer.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.

Corgi Aviation Archive 1:144 DH Comet 4C, A&AEE Boscombe Down 48505
Sale price£28.00 GBP
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Corgi Aviation Archive 1:144 DH Comet 4C, A&AEE Boscombe Down 48505
Sale price£28.00 GBP
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
Description
Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series 48505 depicts the de Havilland Comet with A&AEE, named “Canopus”, based at A&AEE Boscombe Down, England in 1997. What makes this one stand out is the aircraft’s specialist test role, with the reference noting its long life as a flying laboratory for radio, radar and navigation trials, and its place as the last Comet flying until withdrawal in 1997.
An excellent choice for a British aviation collection, ideal for display if you want something different from typical fighters and bombers in 1:144.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi Aviation Archive
Scale: 1:144
Series: Aviation Archive
Model Number: 48505
Aircraft: de Havilland Comet
Operator: A&AEE
Name / Markings: “Canopus”
Serial: XS235
Location: A&AEE Boscombe Down, England
Year / Period: 1997
Notable Features: Flying laboratory role; last Comet flying noted; retired Oct 1997
Edition: Limited Edition
Pieces Worldwide: 4000
Dimensions
Length: 9.25"
Width: 9.5"
Condition
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
- There is some paint bubbling present on both sides of the wing on top of the engines and a slight amount on the wing itself and the underside of the tails horizontal stabiliser has a small amount of paint loss/wear to the area.
Box condition - Good (6/10)
- The box is in good condition for age with wear to the sides mainly and to the edges.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Mint (10/10)
- As new, no visible flaws.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks; displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear or small chips/rubs but still presentable.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear; better as a display/filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear or larger areas of paint loss.
Spares/Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage or missing parts.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Conditional Grading page.
Shipping
Goods will be shipped next day after the order is placed.
You can stay updated on your tracking information by clicking Track Your Order here. Alternatively, this can be located via the top menu under 'Track Your Order'.
Please allow extra time for delivery during the busy Christmas period.
UK Shipping
- Free Express Tracked Delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 24 – 1 Business day)
For orders over £100. - Free Premium Delivery (DPD Tracked – 1 Business day)
For orders over £200. - Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2–3 working days) – £3.95
For orders under £100. - Royal Mail Express Tracked (1 business day) – £5.20
For orders under £100.
Worldwide
International shipping is available are fully insured up to the total order value. Add items to your cart and enter your delivery address in the cart to see postage before checkout. If you buy multiple items, the cart will automatically combine shipping costs based on item weight.
Important Information for U.S. Customers
Due to changes in import procedures, a 20–30% import duties charge will be calculated at checkout.
This charge is collected upfront to cover the duties and taxes that must be paid to the courier before your order can be shipped.
Products are packaged very well to ensure secure delivery and a happy customer.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
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