Kind of like the VIN for an automobile. If you have the VIN (and maybe part of the frame) for a '63 split-rear-window 'vette, you're golden. It becomes a "restoration" project.
But, since we're talking about Spitfires:
What’s the data plate?
Data plate/tag shows Mfr, serial number, model, date of mfr, and often other details of aircraft as of date of mfr.
Kind of like the VIN for an automobile. If you have the VIN (and maybe part of the frame) for a '63 split-rear-window 'vette, you're golden. It becomes a "restoration" project.
But, since we're talking about Spitfires: