De Havilland Propeller

Hand crafted in September 1937 from laminated mahogany planks, this British propeller was originally designed to be paired with a De Havilland Gipsy III engine. The blades feature subtle black highlights, added to enhance visibility on the ground when the propeller was in motion.

Brass is fixed to the leading edge of the blades to add durability and the sides of the wooden boss feature two brass plaques displaying essential identification details for the manufacturer – an unusual detail for artefacts such as these. The recent addition of a  decorative brass plate graces the front of the central boss.

Measuring 6 feet 4 inches in diameter with a pitch of 5 feet 1 inch, this propeller is a compelling piece of aviation heritage.

The Gipsy III engine was created by the English aircraft designer Major Frank Halford. A total of 611 were produced, putting out 120bhp, and they were used in several important British aircraft such as the the de Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth and the de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth. The inverted cylinders offered pilots a superior view and reduced aerodynamic drag.

The de Havilland Aircraft Company Limited was established in late 1920s by Geoffrey de Havilland at Stag Lane Aerodrome Edgware on the outskirts of North London. De Havilland was responsible for a number of important aircraft, including the Moth series of biplanes which revolutionised aviation in the 1920s and 30s. Later, for WWII de Havilland would produce the famed multirole aircraft, the Mosquito.

Dimensions: 193 cm/76 inches (length) x 22.5 cm/8¾ inches (width) x 24 cm/9½ inches (thick, including the spinner).