April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2021
Circa 1940s Stone Design 424A airplane propeller. Not much is known about Stone Propeller Company, but it was was founded by Morris Stone in the early 1900s. This propeller is crafted from wood featuring a clear lacquer finish with red painted ends and brass edging. The right side of the center hub is marked with the specifications "DES 424 A / ATC 733 / RPM 2550 / HP 65 L / 35152" and is also marked "SUPER-PROP" on both sides of the center hub. The Piper J-3, Taylorcraft, and Aeronca were common aircraft of the era that would utilize propellers with these specifications. The back of the center hub is marked "35152", "65L", and "NOT AIR WORTH". According to Morris's great grandson, Morris was set up in Chicago and had a contract to supply propellers for Piper, who wanted Morris to cut corners in production, which would make the propellers unsafe. Morris did not want to assume responsibility for any safety issues so he altered the pitch of the propellers so that they would not generate enough lift for the planes to get off the ground. Morris's great grandson also recalled that all of the propellers which were manufactured in Chicago have "Not Airworthy" stamped on them, which makes sense with the rest of his story. There are 2 Stone decals on each end of the wood blades that read "Stone Propeller / SUPER PROP / MFD. By / Aircraft Productions Corp. / Chicago, ILL." The propeller comes with a hand made mount from the previous consigner. CONDITION: The propeller exhibits various scratches and dents but is in overall good condition. Missing one bolt. Since the propeller was deemed not airworthy shortly after it was manufactured, it is recommended that this propeller be used solely for decoration. JLD
Item Dimensions: 70 - 1/4" x 6" x 3 - 1/2".