Flottorp propeller

[armbstrong]

I found an old Flattop propeller in my father in law's basement. I have cleaned it up and refinished it. The decals say Flattop, Grand Rapids & Chicago, it is 50 inches long, and has "1196" stamped stamped into it. Any idea about what it was used on, and when?

Thanks, guys.

[Dave]

It seems too short to be a propeller for a certificated aircraft. Have the tips been cut down?

[armbstrong]

yep, the tips seem to have been cut down, at an angle, just outside the decals. Why would that be?

[armbstrong]

Here's a picture of my Flattorp!

[Dbahnson]

yep, the tips seem to have been cut down, at an angle, just outside the decals. Why would that be?

Usually it's because the prop got damaged (hit the ground while moving) which breaks the tip or tips, then someone trims the damaged portion away and matches the tips.

I think that's one of the older style decals, but it's too small in the photo to tell.