RFC/RAF Vickers Vimy Generator Propeller

A very fine example from my own collection and we are indebted to the ever helpful Col Bob Gardener for his assistance with identification. He confirmed this prop "was designed by the Royal Aircraft Factory and is likely to date from the second half of 1917. It powered a generator which delivered upto 500 Watts and was typically used on large bomber aircraft such as the Vickers Vimy and the Handley Page O/400. The A. I. D stamp on the hub is for the Aeronautical Inspection Department and its presence is proof of airworthiness. H453 indicates one particular inspector, who inspected on behalf of the Royal Aircraft Factory at W. D. Oddy & Sons of Leeds who were the manufacturers, from 1917-1925. The number T28153 is the drawing number where the letter 'T' indicates the Royal Aircraft Factory, who designed it. The hub also carries the makers name, 500 Watts and a War Department/RFC property mark of an A (for Aviation) above a Broad arrow property mark".

The Handley Page 0/400 Bomber (also known as the Bloody Paralyser), first flew in 1915 whilst the Vimy was delivered to the RAF from October 1918, so just too late to see operational use in World War One. John Alcock & Arthur Brown of course selected the Vimy for their record breaking pioneering flight across the Atlantic in 1919, due to it being the only reliable twin engine aircraft available at the time.

This fine survivor, dating from the early days of aviation, is made from laminated hardwood with a with a bronze or brass central boss and remains in excellent condition, but showing signs of light operational use. It would be hard to find a nicer example and of course benefits from being fully identified, that is not often the case. It measures 19" tip to tip (48 cm)