Marshall Propeller on eBay

[Dwight]

Bob:
There is a Marshall propeller offered on eBay. There is a picture of a decal on one of the blades that says: "MARSHALL PROPELLER". The hub says:
AIRCRAFT PROP. CO.
NO. 322 DES. 10
RPM 1550
G.R.5

It is 102.25" in length and has a scimitar shape. Any idea what it was used on?
Dwight

[Bob Gardner]

Hi Dwight,

I'll go and have a look. Dave and Lamar are more expert on these props than me.

Bob

[Bob Gardner]

Dwight,

It's a good looking prop that appears to be in excellent original condition. The decal looks marvellous compared with most of its age. I have never seen a Marshall decal before.

I look forward to what Dave or Lamar can tell us about the company.

With regards,

Bob

[Dwight]

I've Googled "Marshall Propeller Co." and nothing shows up.
DRM

[Dave]

I don't know much about it either. Jeremy Young had a few Marshall propellers from his uncle's estate, and I think they've been sold now. One of them had this decal, which is obviously different than the one on eBay:

[Dwight]

Do you agree with the seller regarding its age?
D

[Bob Gardner]

Dwight,

From my point of view it has all the characteristic of an American WW1 prop from 1917-1919 and the vendor seems authorative and erudite. The prop is rare and a valuable addition to any collection. But wait until Dave or Lamar validates my view. They are more expert on US props than me.

With regards,

Bob

[MWP_Lamar]

I have no information on Marshall Propellers. I have seen exactly one other with a decal like this in a private collection. I would make an educated guess that it is for the 5 cylinder Gnome Rotary engine (gr5). I agree it's quite rare and I would think this was a very desirable prop to have.

Lamar

[Dave]

It would be worth getting the hub dimensions and comparing it to this chart to see if you could at least establish the likely engine used.

[jltodd1]

Marshall Wooden Propeller UPDATE

Hi, this very propeller has somehow ended up at my store in Bloomington, Indiana. I now have made it available again on eBay with additional information. We received a response from the Currator at the EAA AirVenture Museum. He stated that it is very rare and quite desirable and from WW1 era. We also have it listed at www.barnstormers.com classified ads to reach as many people as possible with this particular interest. If you know anyone that would be interested in this propeller would you please pass the word along. The eBay auction for this item ends May 13th 2012 around midnight. My Seller ID on eBay is jltodd1. If you have found out any additional information that might help with our marketing of this propeller it would be greatly appreciated. You may also contact me at 812-340-4539 Julie.

[Dave]

I've moved this thread out of the "Modern" category and into "Selling", where it belongs. (It should still link correctly to the eBay ads.)

[jltodd1]

Thank you for your assistance

[Dave]

Dwight,

From my point of view it has all the characteristic of an American WW1 prop from 1917-1919 and the vendor seems authorative and erudite. The prop is rare and a valuable addition to any collection. But wait until Dave or Lamar validates my view. They are more expert on US props than me.

With regards,

Bob

One more point. While I think it is quite old I also suspect that it is a post WW1 era propeller, i.e. more likely from the early 20's or even 30's. I've seen other Marshall propellers that were used on aircraft such as WACO's and other post war models, some of which were still using the primitive OX5 engine (although the hub on this one is not consistent with that engine). A few years ago I compiled a partial list of manufacturers that were active during WW1 and I note that Marshall was on that list. (However that list is by no means exhaustive as it doesn't include some known major manufacturers like Paragon, Unit Construction, Westmoore, etc.)

Absent a listing of Marshall propellers and what aircraft they were designed for we probably won't ever know for sure . . .

[jltodd1]

Hi, We have now found the missing link about the marshall propeller. There was a flying school established in the early 20's called the Marshall Flying School. There is also a Marshall Museam! Who would have thought it would be that easy to find. Not even the Smithsonian! A very friendly eBay user notified me of the information. The propeller is now back on the market...eBay....it is not currently listed with barnstormers. I hope this new information is able to help someone else or people's interest and curiosity of the origin of the marshall propellers and to help get this propeller in the hands of someone who appreciates it for what it is.

Here is a link to the museum

http://nicholasbeazley.wordpress.com/history/

[jltodd1]

Hi Dave,
This is the kind of propeller for Daredevils! Marshall flying school taught stunts! The aircraft that this propeller was most likely used on was a Jenny JN-4 for their acts, more information from the museum is needed to know for sure. I will keep you posted of the findings.

Have a great day!

Julie