126” WWI Handley Page 0/400 Bomber “Bloody Paralyzer” Wooden Airplane Propeller

Behold the monumental masterpiece from the skies of yesteryears: a colossal propeller from the iconic 1918 Handley Page 0/400 Biplane Bomber (USA Version). This titan of a propeller showcases a breathtaking scimitar shape, a design that speaks of aerodynamic prowess and beauty combined. The sheer scale of this propeller is awe-inspiring - it's a behemoth that commands attention!

Propeller Specifications:

• Length: 126 inches

• Made for Liberty 12-A Engines (Power rating: 298 kW (400 hp) at 1,800 rpm)

• Thickness: 7-1/4 inches

• Hub Width: 10-7/8 inches

• Hub Center Hole: 3-1/8 inches

• Bolt Spacing: 8 inches from center to center

• Bolt Size: 1/2 inches

This propeller is in great shape, considering its age. It’s got some dings / marks from being moved around, but it looks like it’s never been mounted.

When the USA declared war in the middle of 1917, the Army and the Navy had few operational military planes. The airplanes available were hardly up to the technical standards in the Western theatre of Europe.

A commission (the Bolling commission) was sent to Europe (Britain, France, Italy) to look into the allied types which could be mass prodiuced for use by the US forces in the war.

One of the planes selected was the successful British Handley Page O/400 twin-engined bomber, which were to be licensed and produced in the USA by Standard Aero Corporation and the Grand Rapids Airplane Company.

Crafted by the masterful hands at Phoenix Propellers, this propeller is a gem from the Grands Rapids Airplane Company. Established in November 1917, this conglomerate was a majestic alliance of America's finest furniture artisans:

- Berkey & Gay Furniture Co.

- Century Furniture Co.

- Grand Rapids Chair Co.

- Grand Rapids Furniture Co.

- Johnson Furniture Co.

- Luce Furniture Co.

- Macey Co.

- Royal Furniture Co.

- Phoenix Furniture Co.

- Slight Furniture Co.

- Stickley Brothers Co.

- John Widdicomb Co.

- Wilmarth Show Case Co.

These titans harmoniously collaborated, breathing life into the iconic Handley Page Airplanes on American soil.

Imagine the bustling energy of 5,800 dedicated souls, spanning 3.5 million square feet of floor space, all united in the singular vision of crafting airborne leviathans. The Handley Page O/400 itself was a marvel of engineering: with a wingspan akin to a modern-day jet at 100 feet, and measuring 63 feet from nose to tail. Powered by two roaring Liberty Motors, each pumping out a staggering 400 horsepower, it soared the skies with a cruising range of 800 miles. This aerial titan guzzled 60 gallons of gasoline per hour, manned by a dedicated crew of aviators and mechanics.

Almost every inch of this majestic bird was molded from the robust western spruce, accounting for 98% of its construction. But the crowning jewel, the propellers, were carved from the rich mahogany and walnut - a testament to the sheer luxury and attention to detail.

In the annals of aviation history, this propeller isn't just a piece of wood; it's a symbol of human ingenuity, collaboration, and the relentless spirit of progress. A true collector's gem!

Exceptionally rare 1930's Scimitar Scalloped Wooden Airplane Propeller by Chicago Propellers of Forrest Park, IL, made by WmH Gardner & Sons. This unique propeller is a rare find due to its original use on the iconic De Havilland DH60GM Metal Moth.

To illustrate its uniqueness, consider this - only 751 of these aircraft were ever built, and of those, a mere 161 were manufactured by the Moth Corporation in the United States. One of the famous Metal Moths, N-Number NC916M, even starred in the 1957 movie "The Tarnished Angels". The propeller used in this movie, though similar in design to our Chicago Propeller, was a more common Sensenich.

Our rare Chicago Propeller has the following dimensions:

Length: 81 inches
Pitch: 5'3"
Depth: 3-3/4 inches
Hub width: 10-1/2 inches
Bolt holes: 3/8 inches
Bolt hole spacing: 4-3/4 inches (from hole to hole)
Hub center hole: 2-3/8 inches wide

The propeller is marked with the drawing number 456 and has one of the lowest serial numbers - 17. It features original decals and a beautiful patina that highlights its age and history.

This is an excellent opportunity to own a piece of aviation history. If you're a fan of antique aircraft or a collector of unique artifacts, you don't want to miss this rare find!