Merville wooden prop

[Vasek]

I am not an expert in french props, would you be able to identify this prop or estimate its value?

One guy from the Czech Republic found it in the barn and would like to sell it.

[Vasek]

Two more photos for a reference.

[pmdec]

Hi,

You have posted 2 pics of the same side of the hub, and one of partial opposite side. For I am able to said something, you have to post the pics of the four (4) sides of the hub, with the whole side visible, and larger than the ones you posted because small stamps have to be legible.

Regards,
PM

[Vasek]

These are photos I received from the owner. I asked for new ones and I am posting them below.

Length of the prop: 200cm =78.8inch

Under the hub plate:

9352
3030(7)9

One side:

TYPE 497
9352

The other side:

GAU 27(2)4
REL 48(1)1

Numbers or brackets are my best guess, as they are not very legible.

If you could estimate an approximate year of production, it would be still very useful.

Thank you for your help.

[pmdec]

Hi,

I don't know how to tell it... The pics of the FOUR (4, 2 x 2!) sides of the hub are needed. Each pic has to show the WHOLE side, not partial view of the markings. Pics have to be large and clear, so the small stamps (there are three of them) are legible ... 97Ko is largely enough for that: look at the example attached.

Your two first pics are the same that the ones already posted, and there is no pic of the "flat" side (opposite to the one with your "9352 / 3030(7)9").

To be clear: Those pics are enough to show me what is this prop and when it has been made, but the deal is "I tell you what I know only in exchange of convenient pics for my database"...

Regards,
PM

[Mtskull]

Suggestion

I think it is possible that the markings read:

CAU 2724

REN 4P EI

That would correspond to Caudron Luciole with 140 hp Renault engine.
There is some good information on Wikipedia and here:
https://www.museesafran.com/file/dow...on_renault.pdf

[Dbahnson]

I think it is possible that the markings read:

CAU 2724

REN 4P EI

That would correspond to Caudron Luciole with 140 hp Renault engine.
There is some good information on Wikipedia and here:
https://www.museesafran.com/file/dow...on_renault.pdf

Seems very plausible to me. Nice work!

[Mtskull]

Seems very plausible to me. Nice work!

Thank you. Funny how partial markings stamped in wood can suddenly make sense... 😀

[Dbahnson]

Thank you. Funny how partial markings stamped in wood can suddenly make sense... 😀

It's like a foreign language when you know some of the words and can interpret what the illegible ones must mean, or at least what they most likely mean.

This is why we always ask for photos before trying to identify the stampings. It's not uncommon for a whole string of faded numbers to be recorded incorrectly, accompanied by a request to tell them what the numbers mean.