The cigarette case that belonged to R J Mitchell has been returned to Solent Sky Museum anonymously

Burglars armed with crowbars and sledgehammers smashed their way into Solent Sky last month and took a number of items, including the case, as reported by the Daily Echo.

The artefact belonged to the legendary Spitfire designer RJ Mitchell and staff at the museum were devastated when it was taken.

But following an appeal for information it was anonymously posted back to the museum in a jiffy bag.

Andy Jones, trustee of the Solent Sky, said: “We were thrilled, shocked and somewhat confused all at the same time when we opened the package to reveal the cigarette case had been returned to us.

“It really is such a relief to have this historical item back in safe hands.

“We are so pleased to have the case back and we want to share this artefact with visitors to our museums as it was very nearly never seen again - and what a great shame that would have been.”

Museum trustee Andy Jones with the ransacked safe at Solent Sky

Following Mitchell's death the case was given to his chief test pilot, Jeffrey Quill, who was portrayed by David Niven in the film The First of the Few, which told the story behind the development of the famous fighter plane.

The case will now go on display along with other RJ Mitchell paraphernalia over the Easter break.

For more information on the museum visit www.solentskymuseum.org.