Zeppelin Prop ?

[jabo341]

Hello to all
I am more into imperial german medals collecting…
I found a large prop along w some medals and photos from a WW1 Zeppelin Officer. So I think the prop is also Zeppelin.
Length is 2,60m good condition, lots of markings (see pics)

Markings as follow:

N100PS6CYL
BENS
N1280
D270
ST145
ZUG
HEINE
N3131


Thx in Advance for info and believed value.

[Dbahnson]

As is often the case it's very hard to read the stamped info in the photo. Can you write those characters out?

"Most" airship props I've seen are considerably longer that this one, but there may be exceptions.

There's not enough info at this point to determine value with any kind of accuracy.

[Bob Gardner]

Greetings Jabo,

The data on your prop translates as follows:

N100PS6CYL 100hp 6 Cylinder
BENS Benz (mis-spelt)
N1280 A serial number
D270 Durchmesser (diameter) in cm, 270cm
ST145 Steigung (Pitch ) 145cm
ZUG An aircraft of tractor configuration
HEINE Heine, a noted Berlin prop maker
N3131 A different serial number!

The data is haphazardly stamped, which is characteristic of early German WW1 props. I always suspect that the least intelligent member of Heine's workforce was given the stamping job.

This diameter and pitch with a Benz engine suggests an Imperial German Navy propeller. The 100hp 6 cylinder Benz engine came into use in late 1913 or early 1914, I think, without looking it up.

Typical Navy aircraft which used this engine and propeller combination were the Friedrichshafen 35 and the Gotha WD11.

Your prop is rare and interesting. If sold at auction here in GB it might make £1200.00 GBP. If sold at a German auction house, such as Hermann Historica at Grassbrun in Munchen it might make more.

With kind regards,

Bob

[jabo341]

Great Information !
Thanks a lot Bob