Scale Model Prop Question

[SunDog]

I'm new to this forum, and my reason for visiting is curiosity raised in going through some trunks from my Father's estate. I found a dozen or so small scale wooden propellers. The smallest was a four blade prop about 1 inch in diameter. The largest are about one foot in diameter. Several of the large ones have decals that say "Paragon," "American Propeller Company" and "Baltimore Maryland USA." The "decals" have no discern-able edges, though they may be hard to see under the varnish.

Family folklore suggested that the propellers were handmade models by a friend of the family. These were all made in the 1920s or 1930s.

However, it seems unlikely that all were made by hand - the logos on the decals are too good and seem to be machine made.

So is anyone aware of kits or finished small scale model props made during that time? Could it be that model prop making was a popular hobby between WWI and WWII?

I appreciate any insights you might have.

[Dave]

I have one small Paragon decal covered propeller like you're describing and another small whimsical model with a decal. I suspect the small prop may have been a salesman's sample or advertising item, although I'm not sure. I doubt that it had any functional use.

Can you post a picture of yours? I'll try to do the same with mine. Mine were given to me by the company founder's grandson, so I'm quite sure they are authentic American Propeller Company items.

[SunDog]

Photos

Here are two photos of the scale model props. The first was "customized" for my Uncle Clark. (Clark was his middle name, but it was what he was called.) The second is a closeup of the Paragon logo. I can't see any decal edges - maybe it was stenciled.

[Dave]

Here's the scale prop, which I think is identical to yours, and a small device presumably to display a propeller, both with Paragon decals.

[SunDog]

Salesman's display

Thanks, Dave. I have several other Paragon propellers too. I think you are right about them being a salesman's display unit. They certainly seem to be professionally made. I have several smaller units made up from laminations, which may have been hand made as a hobby. They have no logos. Someone sure enjoyed reproducing miniature propellers!