scottyv Posted 13 January , 2006 Share Posted 13 January , 2006 I have an identified propeller tip that is from an accident in 1918 at 22 T.D.S. in Gormanston, Ireland. The propeller tip has a fabric covering on it. It is olive drab/ dark green in color. I collect trench art propeller pieces that have been used as frames, clocks, desk sets, etc.. and all are bare wood. I don't recall seeing another with any fabric on it. Was it common to cover the props with cloth? Was this camoflague or to strengthen the propeller? Any information is appreciated. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 13 January , 2006 Share Posted 13 January , 2006 It was not unusual and indeed was actually standard practice , and yes you are right: it was a means of reinforcing the stability of the glued wooden strips. See also this link, if you'd like to have it translated, copy and paste it into a translation machine like altavista: http://www.drachenarchiv.de/Seiten/c_conti.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wainfleet Posted 14 January , 2006 Share Posted 14 January , 2006 Scott As Egbert says, this was standard practice. However, between 1918 and now most surviving propellors have fallen into the hands of people like interior designers who wanted to make them look good and have removed the fabric and polished up the wood. Aesthetically this is pleasing, but it means very few props have their original fabric covering (and sometimes webbing tips) left. I have a friend who owns a particularly nice fourblader; he's been offered a large sum for it by an interior designer but (quite rightly) won't sell because he knows the first thing that will happen is the fabric will be stripped off. Regrettably, many people aren't aware of this, think the fabric is some sort of modification and bingo, another original prop bites the dust. Ted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrel Posted 16 January , 2006 Share Posted 16 January , 2006 Have two propeller blade tips polished and varnished with RFC badges made in to photo frames. My Grandfather got hold of them when he was in the RFC. Looks like the fitters were doing a trade in ornaments and keepsakes as neither has any fabric on it. Do have some green paint on the back of them though and one has number stamped on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveBrigg Posted 16 January , 2006 Share Posted 16 January , 2006 I have a propeller from a Miles Magister or Tiger Moth. The covering, I have been told, is pig skin. It is smooth, hard and shiny, and fairly transparent where the paint has come off. not sure of the vintage though. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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