Original finish on WW1 Propellers

[Smithmaps]

Could anybody advise?

I have an original WW1 propeller from a Sopwith Dolphin, which is in need of re finishing.

The boss is some form of shelac, and it would appear to have been canvas covered on the blades that has long since gone, and now presents a very rough finish.

Obviously I would not entertain any form of varnish, but was wondering if anybody could advise on what would have been used originally, so that I can return it to its former glory.

I also have the top and front cowlings in aluminium, so all I need is a few more sticks and canvas!

[HarryBettsMCDCM]

Some type of Marine Varnish?

[Borden Battery]

Here are three locations where you should be able to find some experts. Borden Battery

The Aerodrome

This website is very extensive in its documentation of the air war including cross-indexing of aircraft, aces, serial numbers of aircraft and pilot victories. Emphasis is visual and with visual statistics. The discussion forum includes about 3800 members, over 215,000 postings with discussion threads tending to be on specific aircraft and airmen rather than historic discussion. Therefore, an excellent site for researching specific topics on Great War aerial combat.[Recommendation by Brett Payne / emma gee][Aug 2006 - Updated]

http://www.theaerodrome.com/

*Jasta Boelcke - German Squadron of the Great War

This is a very detailed and very high quality website is features and detail beyond what an abstract can outline. The pages of Jasta Boelcke are devoted to Hauptmann (Captain) Oswald Boelcke and his famous Jasta 2. It was Boelcke who realized that the German Air Forces had to get organized in squadrons (Jagdstaffeln) if they wanted to fight effectively against the enemy. Also it was Boelcke who wrote down his tactics and experiences in a document called "The Dicta Boelcke" - a set of guidelines being still followed today by the pilots of modern jetfighter squadrons. On this site you will find historical accurate information about Oswald Boelcke and his Jasta as well as stories about other German Aces and pictures of aircraft on display at various museums. Highly recommended as one of the premier Great War websites. [June 2005]

http://jastaboelcke.de/

Cross & Cockade International

Cross & Cockade International (CCI) is the First World War Aviation Historical Society with around 1,500 members in 25 countries all over the world. It publishes a quarterly, 72-page journal with an article index back to 1970. There is a detailed research databases on a wide range of items including aircraft and engine serial numbers. There is also a discussion group. [June 2005]

http://www.crossandcockade.com/main.htm

[Smithmaps]

Here are three locations where you should be able to find some experts. Borden Battery

The Aerodrome

This website is very extensive in its documentation of the air war including cross-indexing of aircraft, aces, serial numbers of aircraft and pilot victories. Emphasis is visual and with visual statistics. The discussion forum includes about 3800 members, over 215,000 postings with discussion threads tending to be on specific aircraft and airmen rather than historic discussion. Therefore, an excellent site for researching specific topics on Great War aerial combat.[Recommendation by Brett Payne / emma gee][Aug 2006 - Updated]

http://www.theaerodrome.com/

*Jasta Boelcke - German Squadron of the Great War

This is a very detailed and very high quality website is features and detail beyond what an abstract can outline. The pages of Jasta Boelcke are devoted to Hauptmann (Captain) Oswald Boelcke and his famous Jasta 2. It was Boelcke who realized that the German Air Forces had to get organized in squadrons (Jagdstaffeln) if they wanted to fight effectively against the enemy. Also it was Boelcke who wrote down his tactics and experiences in a document called "The Dicta Boelcke" - a set of guidelines being still followed today by the pilots of modern jetfighter squadrons. On this site you will find historical accurate information about Oswald Boelcke and his Jasta as well as stories about other German Aces and pictures of aircraft on display at various museums. Highly recommended as one of the premier Great War websites. [June 2005]

http://jastaboelcke.de/

Cross & Cockade International

Cross & Cockade International (CCI) is the First World War Aviation Historical Society with around 1,500 members in 25 countries all over the world. It publishes a quarterly, 72-page journal with an article index back to 1970. There is a detailed research databases on a wide range of items including aircraft and engine serial numbers. There is also a discussion group. [June 2005]

http://www.crossandcockade.com/main.htm

Many thanks indeed, I will carry on looking

Guy

[Grovetown]

You might be better off trying the Wooden Propellers Forum. At least one moderator - Bob Gardner - is heavily involved in restoration and refurbishment.

Best wishes,

Grovetown.