110 PS Benz Deutsche Luftschrauben GmbH 'Propulsor'

[Tcm]

Hello,
it's me again. I am now seeking information on this propeller and the manufacturer. Unfortunately, I am not in possession of a copy of Bob Gardner's books to look it up more easily.
The propeller is quite heavy reflecting that it was probably manufactured late in WW1 when lighter wood material was no longer available in Germany. It is stamped 'Gepr?ft FLZ' indicating ca. 1918 production. The manufacturer is 'Deutscher Luftschrauben' and it has been made for a 110 PS Benz motor with a diameter of 270 cm and a pitch of 150. The number is 4127 indicating that 'Deutsche Luftschrauben' may have entered production only late in WW1. It carries the central hub plating for mounting to the motor shaft. I have no information in my files on the 'Propulsor' label which has been applied on both blades. 'Propulsor' was apparently written in the propeller hub of the Albatros restored by the NASM in Washington which is mentioned in their booklet on the restoration. Any information on the manufacturer, the label and the propeller is very welcome. Thank you!

[Mtskull]

Benz didn’t manufacture a great number of different engine types during the WW1 era and the only one that I can find that matches the power rating of 110 PS is the Bz. II.
A quick look at Wikipedia suggests only two applications for your engine, one of which was a pusher, leaving the Hansa-Brandenburg B.1 as the most likely candidate to have been fitted with your propeller.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansa-Brandenburg_B.I

[Tcm]

Thank you very much for this detailed information! Much appreciated !

[Mtskull]

You’re welcome. Please don’t take this as definitive, though; there are plenty of people out there with greater knowledge and resources who might have a different opinion and I always stand ready to be corrected.

[Tcm]

Thank you Mtskull. This is well understood, but every information is helpful! I understand that only a rather small number of the Hansa-Brandenburg B.I were built, so this may be a rather rare propeller. Anyway, it is in great shape and a good example of late war propeller manufacturing in Germany. Of course, any more information/comments are always welcome, in particular on the Propulsor label.

[Tcm]

To follow this up, can somebody provide the information on ‚Deutsche Luftschraubenbau GmbH‘ from Bob Gardners book p.97? So far I have no clue about this manufacturer. Thank you.

[Dbahnson]

Do you have Bob's books?

[Tcm]

No, unfortunately not.