U.S. Built DH 4 Wooden Propeller with Bullet Hole

Comments: This large propeller was removed from a U.S. built DH4 after safely returning from combat to the airfield in Europe during WW1 with a bullet hole through one blade. The bullet hit the propeller from behind and exited from the front. The pilot and exact circumstances of the incident are not known, but the souvenir was brought home from Europe by a person with the last name of Murnane. (I have been unable to establish his capacity during the war, but could not find a pilot with that last name.) The DH4 was the only U.S. built aircraft to fight in WW1, and of the 1213 shipped to France, only 417 saw combat, including this one. It utilized the 450 HP Liberty engine referred to simply as "USA 12". In the stampings "BAP" indicates a production number of the Bureau of Aircraft Production.

Wood: Mahogany

Length: 9' 8"