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I was thinking of buying an old clock made out of a wooden prop. I was wondering what kind of plane it fit, and maybe how much I should pay. it says "G748 N68 AB 3(?)080" and then "200 HP Hispano Suiza 3/4". Any help would be appreciated. Ron.
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I'm not at home where my reference materials are, but I'll see if I can find the drawing numbers that might match those. The key to identifcation is the "ABxxxx", which is the drawing number, so those stampings are critical.Dave -
Ron,
The aircraft is a British SE5A, probably made in early 1918.
With kind regards,
BobComment
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Postscript;
The drg no. is AB8080. The 3/4 numbers indicate reduction gearing from 2000 rpm at the engine to 1500 rpm at the prop.
BobComment
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Hispano Suiza for SE5A
I want to thank you for the information, you're very knowledgeable. The clock, really it's a barometer, from behind looks like it was a clock once, is at an auction in Nebraska, USA on Saturday. I suppose I could bid a couple hundred dollars, and it would be worth that, I think. Funny how something like that could make it to remote US states from Britain from almost 100 years ago. Anyway, thanks again, take care, Ron Jensen.Comment
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I would think it's worth that. Typically, those were a form of "trench art" created from props that were damaged in hard landings or other mishaps, and the preservation of the aircraft type (hub stampings) was often intentional. I like the way they preserved other sections of the propeller in the arrangement.DaveComment
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I did buy it.
Thanks again, I did end up buying the old SE5a prop, I paid $300 for it. Really, after bringing it home and being able to examine the beautifully preserved laminate wood, it may be hard for me to part with. Yes, it's a shame it was cut up, but, like you said, it could have been damaged in use, and what a wonderful way to save it for posterity. Anyway, I won't take up your time, take care, Ron.Comment
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Congratulations Ron; It's a very good example of its type.
BobComment
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