Vintage Propeller Question

[propquest]

Long time listener, first time poster.
I recently received this wooden propeller with metal leading edges from a family friend down in the Maritimes. It was in his family's basement for 40 years so we don't know any of the history of it but we were wondering if anyone here could help decipher the markings on it.

On one side of the hub this is printed;
D. 6-33.P.4-42
L.L.3322
MAY.42.

On the other side is;
DRG.5220-2.
GIPSY. MAJOR.IC.

and inside the hub is;
Y82

It is around 6.5 feet in length. One tip has had the metal knocked off and is cracked pretty good so i assume it got dinged up in some sort of incident. Other than that it looks pretty good for being around since, i'm assuming, May 1942.

Thanks in advance.

[bandaid]

Very cool. Be interesting to see the replies.
Did you post this on woodenpropeller.com?

[lownslow]

What you have there is a Tiger Moth propeller. Check out the way it's pitched for a left-hand rotating engine (the Gypsy Major 1C) and the way the hub is shaped to blend nicely between a pointed cap on the front and the cowling behind it. The P and D I assume are pitch and diameter specs (in decimal feet?) and I would imagine DRG. 5220-2 references the actual drawing from which the prop was made, acting I guess as a part number in a way. It's hard to tell from the picture but it looks like the wrecked tip hit something while the engine was running, either something low like a short fence post or maybe the plane almost nosed over but came back again after a prop tip struck the ground. It also looks like this prop has been refinished at some point as the tips aren't yellow (or fabric covered, IIRC) and there are no manufacturer's decals on the blades.

Neat thing to have hanging up!

LnS.

[fleet16b]

Hi

Your prop is off a DH 82C Tigermoth and the prop itself is made by Laidlaw Easily recognizable by the shape of the blades
Laidlaw was a contracted to make these props during WW2 however they were not as popular as the Granby made props and not as efficient performance wise.
It has been stripped but would have had fabric covering the ends( you can see staining from where it was)
I buy and sell vintage aviation artifacts as a business ( have about 40 props) and would appraise this prop at $650 - $750 . If it were in original condition, $850- $1000
Still , a good wall hanger. I recommend going to the hardware store and buying a can of Spar Varnish , Sand down the prop , brasso the metal edges wipe the prop down with varsol. Thin out the Spar Varnish and apply 3 coats with a foam brush steel wool sanding between the fist two coats. This won't hurt the value as it was not in orig. condition to start with.
Of course the better way is to spray the coats if possible to have a nicer finish

[propquest]

Wow, that was quick.

Thank you very much for the informative replies. It's really exciting that it came off of a Tiger Moth.
Now I'm even more excited to hang this propeller up at my place.

And fleet16b, thanks as well for the advice on refurbishing the prop. It will be a nice little project to do this winter.

Cheers and fly safe!

[burhead1]

Nice I would like to know what mine is off of??

Hope i am not hijacking just thought the were similar

[fleet16b]

This next prop is also of a DH 82C Tigermoth but is the Granby version I talk about in the other reply. As stated this version was more popular on the Tigermoth and gave better performance.
It appears to be in more original condition still retaining its decals and the fabric at the tips.
Unfortunately someone has decide to alter it and put a clock in it . This lowers the value . However, this one should be left as is since its finnish is original. It's value $850 - $1000

Note for all Forum members:
The rule of thumb with aviation artifacts is the same as other antiques .
If possible, NEVER alter them unless it is needed in order to preserve the item.
I see many wonderful wood props that have had clocks put in them, holes drilled in the blades for mounting on walls etc. This destroys not only the prop but it's value..
I recently picked up a really rare WW1 prop that was used on Maurice Farman Shorthorns and Avro 504K's. It hung in the DeHavilland Canada Offices for years
Looked great in the pics but had been routered out in the hub so a clock could fit.
Still a great prop that appears to have been never flown , it could have been worth $3000 - $4000. I appraise it a approx $2000-$2500

[NWONT]

I've had this one for about 40 years and it was old when I got it. Sensenich W1307, PC no1, TC no 891, 720K42, W1807. The last numbers are a little obscured. I couldn't get anywhere on Woodprops. Any idea what it was used on?

[fleet16b]

It would help to post a picture of it if you can.

Your Sensenich W1307, PC no1, TC no 891, 720K42, W1807 prop is actually a 72 CK 42
They are a very common prop used on a variety of light 1940's-50's aircraft - J3, Taylorcraft. Aeronca etc.
They are still made today.
For a wall hanger not airworthy but intact $650-$750
I would need to see pics of yours to give you an accurate appraisal.

[Pirate Pilot]

What was the reasoning behind wrapping the prop ends in fabric?

[the_cr]

The rule of thumb with aviation artifacts is the same as other antiques .
If possible, NEVER alter them unless it is needed in order to preserve the item.
I see many wonderful wood props that have had clocks put in them, holes drilled in the blades for mounting on walls etc. This destroys not only the prop but it's value..

That being said, If one is looking at the sentimental value, of having an interesting piece that they can pass on to family or friends, and are not interested in watching its auction value fluctuate, then turning it into a clock or mounting it on the wall is not necessarily "destroying it".

For a collector, such as yourself, the matter is different. For me, my grandfather has a wooden prop in his office that has been refinished and had a clock added to the center of it, and I would love to own it myself one day, whether it was worth $5000 or $22.37.

[burhead1]

It is interesting to know its value, I would never sell it and it was in this state when i got it. I helped someone do some work at there home, saw it in the basement and asked how much they wanted for it, she said she would not sell it as it was her fathers from the war. I said that was cool, i was half way down the driveway when she said she would rather see someone who loves flying have it. That was over 20 years ago and it will be in my possession untill i die with any luck another 50-60 years

[fleet16b]

The rule of thumb with aviation artifacts is the same as other antiques .
If possible, NEVER alter them unless it is needed in order to preserve the item.
I see many wonderful wood props that have had clocks put in them, holes drilled in the blades for mounting on walls etc. This destroys not only the prop but it's value..

That being said, If one is looking at the sentimental value, of having an interesting piece that they can pass on to family or friends, and are not interested in watching its auction value fluctuate, then turning it into a clock or mounting it on the wall is not necessarily "destroying it".

For a collector, such as yourself, the matter is different. For me, my grandfather has a wooden prop in his office that has been refinished and had a clock added to the center of it, and I would love to own it myself one day, whether it was worth $5000 or $22.37.

I am a collector yes but even more so a preservationist.
You can easily find a clock that will fit into it without altering the prop itself.
Refinishing it will take away from the vintage look and also destroy decals that are no longer replaceable. A wall mount is also easy to make so that the prop is not ruined.
Wood prop on the wall is always a great look to me and I hope you enjoy your prop.
If you like, I can send you a picture of a wall mount that is very easy to make.
Just pm me if you are interested.

[fleet16b]

What was the reasoning behind wrapping the prop ends in fabric?

The fabric on the ends of the blades was added protection against stone chips etc.

[hamstandard]

[quote="propquest"]I recently received this wooden propeller with metal leading edges from a family friend down in the Maritimes. It was in his family's basement for 40 years so we don't know any of the history of it but we were wondering if anyone here could help decipher the markings on it.

On one side of the hub this is printed;
D. 6-33.P.4-42
L.L.3322
MAY.42.

On the other side is;
DRG.5220-2.
GIPSY. MAJOR.IC.

and inside the hub is;
Y82.[/quote]

What does D. 6-33.P.4-42 mean. How can I tell if this is a climb prop or a cruise prop?

Thanks

[cgzro]

As fleet said P is pitch and D is diameter and the numbers are likely feet and hundredths of feet.
Or the kings pinkies Ill ask our mechs next time im in the hangar.

The climb prop will have a smaller pitch but you need to compare to another prop to know whats what.

Im glad somebody answered about the fabric. we were asking that same question on our Finch the other day and thats what we guessed.

[cessna336]

Hi
I've had this propellor for over 40 years. It's been on display in many a abode since then and I have only ever had one curious comment (from my wife of the last 15 years who studied design in her earlier days). I loved it the first time I saw it (The prop that is at Tyabb Melbourne Australia) I new it bellonged to a Tiger DH, but was intersted after searching came accross this post. Mine is number 3393 and in pretty good original shape. I also own two excellent McCauley props with a hail damaged Cessna 336 between them

[Leah779]

Hi

Your prop is off a DH 82C Tigermoth and the prop itself is made by Laidlaw Easily recognizable by the shape of the blades
Laidlaw was a contracted to make these props during WW2 however they were not as popular as the Granby made props and not as efficient performance wise.
It has been stripped but would have had fabric covering the ends( you can see staining from where it was)
I buy and sell vintage aviation artifacts as a business ( have about 40 props) and would appraise this prop at $650 - $750 . If it were in original condition, $850- $1000
Still , a good wall hanger. I recommend going to the hardware store and buying a can of Spar Varnish , Sand down the prop , brasso the metal edges wipe the prop down with varsol. Thin out the Spar Varnish and apply 3 coats with a foam brush steel wool sanding between the fist two coats. This won't hurt the value as it was not in orig. condition to start with.
Of course the better way is to spray the coats if possible to have a nicer finish

Hello Fleet16B,

Do you still buy and sell these propellers?

Thank you,

Kelly

[DH82EH]

I am interested in purchasing Tiger Moth propellers, if they are in airworthy condition.

They fit on the front of my Tiger Moth )

[0000001]

Wow so much knowledge on this thread! I've got a couple of props and if anyone could kindly share any info on where they were made and from which aircraft, that would be amazing!

First prop:

Stored indoors, unfortunately tips are cut off. Sticker says "Prop Shop" Sensenich Brothers Main Plant Lancaster, PA. Hub is stamped on the flat side with a number "17882". On the barrel of the hub, markings are:

G.B EWIS CO
SEP 17882
[unreadble digit] L33 2 2
R.C [or R.G. or R.6.] NO. 25
T.C. 788


And one more coming up in a new post....

[0000001]

And here is the second prop, stored in a garage so in worse shape unfortunately. I suspect this one is a little more "vintage" than the first.

On one side of the hub is stamped:
D633P.4-42
H.L.5106
JAN 43

On the other side of the hub:
L-D.H.5220-2
GIPSY MAJOR [rest is illegible]

Nothing appears to be stamped on the flat side of the hub. It also features a logo on the blade which doesn't ring a bell for me. Is it another Tiger Moth prop?

Thanks again for all the help!

[DH82EH]

First one is American. Not that old. You can tell that by the direction of rotation and the six bolt pattern. I suspect It probably got struck and that's why the tips were cut off.
The second is made by Laidlaw. Left hand rotation and eight bolt pattern. Fits on a Gipsy Major, which would power a Tiger Moth.

[0000001]

Thanks very much for the great info!

[Jay Hunt]

I have exactly the same propeller with markings DRG 5220 1C D6-88-P4-42 LL698 FEB 41. I found it in a garage near Wingham, Ontario around 1967 and paid $12 for it. It was originally covered with rubberized cloth which had been stripped off. I sanded it down and refinished it. It has been mounted on my wall ever since.
Both of our propellers are from de Havilland Tiger Moth training aircraft used by the RCAF as a primary trainer for pilots during WWII.
See attached photos.

[sgag17688]

Just bought this wood prop. Would like

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