Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC) Engineering Tool-Check Token – Brass (79 / 79-1)

Scarce mid-20th century aviation tool-control token issued by the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC).

This original brass token was used by the RNAC Engineering Department as part of an official tool-check and accountability system, a standard practice in aviation maintenance to ensure all tools were properly issued, tracked, and returned during aircraft servicing. Such systems were critical for operational safety and efficiency, making these tokens an authentic artifact of Nepal’s early civil aviation history.

The token features matching identification numbers “79” and “79-1” on opposing sides, with clear departmental inscriptions referring to Engineering Department tool use. A central suspension hole suggests it was issued to personnel or attached to a tool board or control ring during active service.

Item Details

• Issuer: Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC)
• Department: Engineering / Maintenance
• Function: Tool-check / tool-control token
• Material: Brass
• Diameter: 32 mm
• Weight: 13.4 grams
• Edge: Plain
• Numbering: 79 / 79-1
• Era: Likely mid-20th century RNAC operations

Historical & Collectible Significance

• Authentic aviation exonumia from Nepal
• Directly linked to RNAC ground engineering operations
• Scarce survival item; most such tokens were lost, scrapped, or reused
• Highly desirable for collectors of:
  • Aviation history
  • Airline memorabilia
  • Nepalese transportation and industrial artifacts
  • Tool-check and industrial tokens

Condition

Original circulated condition with natural age toning and surface wear consistent with genuine operational use. No repairs or modern alterations.

A rare and tangible piece of Nepal’s aviation heritage, representing the behind-the-scenes engineering discipline that supported early commercial flight in the region. Suitable for advanced collectors of aviation, airline history, or South Asian industrial exonumia.