2/15/2022
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Wright Type Flyer
c. 1913
Comments: This rare and unusual "pusher" propeller was manufactured by the American Propeller and Manufacturing Company under the trade name "Paragon". The construction is uniquely associated with the early Wright Flyer drive mechansim, which consisted of a chain drive and a 3/4' shaft. There is no thick wooden hub to accomodate a metal hub assembly that was utilized extensively a few years later. Further, the blades are very thin and curved in an airfoil design similar to the wing of the Flyer. Click here for more information on its design.
This particular propeller was displayed in a Bendix museum shortly after Bendix acquired the Paragon operation in 1929. When the museum had to be closed to make space for other manufacturing Garold Mikel, the museum manager, was allowed to keep the propeller, which has remained in his family until now, when I was allowed to purchase it. It is in original condition.
Wood: Probably oak
Length: 8 feet, 3 inches.
Old photo shows the chain and sprocket mechanism for turning the propeller. There were several variations on the propeller design, and one with identical features as this one, including the Paragon decals, is on display (middle of the row in the photo below) at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
An end view of the complex blade shape demonstrates the unique shaping that resembles the wing airfoil. Note the partial separation of the wood along a glue joint due to expansion and contraction of the lumber over time, which has caused some distortion of the airfoil.
Another end-on view of both blades shows the complex shape aa well as the relatively high degree of pitch required for a slow turning propeller.
(Due to the complex geometry and high pitch, this side view is distinctly unusual compared to most propellers. See below.)
1903 Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk