WWII RAF Airspeed Oxford Propeller 1940

The Oxford (nicknamed by all as 'Ox-box') was used to prepare aircrews for Operations in RAF Bomber Command and could simultaneously train pilots, navigators, bombaimers,, gunners and radio operators on the same flight, so was a perfect mobile classroom in the sky. In addition to training duties, Oxfords were used in communications and anti-submarine roles and as air ambulances in the Middle East. As an interesting aside this prop is of fixed pitch yet the Oxford's instrument panel had a feathering control switch. When we queried this with one who is 'in the know' the answer was simple. Most aircrew training on the Oxford would go on to A/C with props that feathered. So they were taught how using a non-operative dummy switch which moved from coarse to fine pitch but was actually not connected to anything!

This is an absolutely superb examples that would be impossible to upgrade. No chips or dings and finished in original black RAF paint with yellow tips. The two data plates on the hub are spot on. One is clearly dated July 1940 and below two lead seals one with an AID inspectors stamp marked 31K.Below is stamped K9024 and 73090. Carrying the ultimate date of July 1940 it means this prop served during the Battle of Britain period, although of course the Oxford being a training aircraft did not take part directly. The other plaque is stamped with 'DRG No Z3810/4, Cheetah 1X and LH D7 5' P628'. This indicates the propeller drawing number (with Z confirming the manufacturers were the Airscrew Co. of Great Britain), the engine (a Mk IX air-cooled Cheetah), left hand rotation and pitch and diameter of the blades.

It is a fantastic display size and makes a real statement as it measures 90" (229 cm) tip to tip and is 15" (38 cm) wide measured on the diameter of the hub on the wider side. In many ways it is reminiscent of the early Watts fixed pitch wooden propellers, the ultimate goal of all serious WWII prop collectors and as fitted to Mk I Spitfires and Hurricanes. Ours however is a fraction shorter and very significantly cheaper! As with all our stock feel free to request additional detailed photographs so you don't need to just take our word for how nice this pieces of WWII RAF history really is! Due to its size we would prefer to sell this one on a collection only basis but feel free to check with us on possible delivery options. We have had a few examples of these over the years but this one really does tick all the boxes! And it is both 100% more original whilst less than a third of the price of a restored example currently on sale with a London dealer for £3,200!