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Wooden props

Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:37 pm

Is there a site out there with info about identifying
wooden props? I have a two blade prop with numbers
and a USN acceptance stamp that I need to identify.

Help...................


Thanks,
Owen

Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:54 pm

Place image here and maybe somebody could recognize it. I have friend in USA who has made over six hundred of propellers and also know some people who know types of manufacturer. So somebody will recognize it for sure.

Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:48 pm

Try this site. http://www.notplanejane.com/

Brian...

Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:59 pm

Try this website and forum http://www.woodenpropeller.com/

Prop ID

Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:02 am

OK, thanks fellas.....looks like it's from an Curtis HS-2L Flying Boat.
link appears below. I'll see about some pictures if anyone is in-
terested.


Wooden Propeller Home
Photo Gallery
Site Map
Curtiss HS 2L - Falcon Propellers
Markings:

S.E. 5090 LH
N8508

8'4" x 8' 8.5"


Comments: This very commonly found propeller was actually only half of a 4-blade combination that was used on the Curtiss HS 2 L flying boat during WW1 and several years beyond. Two propellers were stacked on top of each other (note the additional hole on the bolt hole circle used for an alignment pin) to make the 4 blade pusher propeller that was used on the Liberty 375 HP engine. The tips are covered in fabric in addition to the copper sheathing, although in this propeller the fabric is unpainted and difficult to see in the photo. Several manufacturers, including Falcon, Matthews Brothers, Hartzell, Lang, Unit Construction, Paragon and probably others were involved in their production, and many varieties seem to turn up today. Variations in the pitch are reflected in the last two digits of the drawing number, SE5090, SE5050, etc. An excellent example of this propeller and the aircraft it powered can be seen at the Canadian Aviation Museum in Ottawa.

Wood: Mahogany
Length: 8' 4"
c. 1918
Note: This propeller has moderate delaminaing along the glue joints, as seen in the pictures above and to the right.
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