propeller id

[gino]

Hello
Congratulations with this nice site. I am about to buy a propeller with following inscriptions: BI---MI HS 200 SUN
SERIE 23 NUMERO 226

It measures 255 cm but I don't have more details of the hub dimension.

Would it be possible to be a Gallia propeller linked to a SPAD with hs 200 hp engine compatible for a sunbeam engine as well?
See picture attached. I also don't know what is between BI and MI.
Maybe 23 is a misinterpretation and should be 22 instead.
thanks for your help
Gino

[Dave]

Well, that's possible, although that Series number (23) is only listed for the SPAD XIII using a Hisso 220 engine, and the length of 2.55 m is correct for that. And it is a Gallia series number.

Often the stamped horsepower and the rated horsepower don't coincide for a variety of reasons. I'm not sure about the Sunbeam possibilities . . .

[gino]

Hi Dave
Thanks for the reply. Is a gallia propeller a rare item those days or
are they easy to find?

Gino

[pmdec]

Hi Gino,

Markings "HS 200 SUN" may be "HS 200 SUP" or "HS 200 SUR", that is Hispano-Suiza 200 HP engine fitted with a compressor > 220HP.

I don't understand what could be BI---MI. Normally markings have to be "Spa XIII" but sometimes Spa only.

The only Gallia serial 23 I saw was not finished and have only these markings on the hub:
SÉRIE 23
NUMÉRO [nothing]

and on other side :
HÉLICES GALLIA (with a another "font").

Dimensions were:
Total length : 2.56 mètres (but standard length for serial 23 is 2.55),
Hub thickness : 180mm with a 80mm hole,
Blade width : 212mm,
Left hand.

If there are small squares with SFA letters inside, please post pictures of them for my database.

Picture below is one of this Gallia serial 23 (sandpapered and revarnished).

Regards,
PM

[Dave]

Hi Dave
Thanks for the reply. Is a gallia propeller a rare item those days or
are they easy to find?

Gino

They are not common nor easy to find, but I'm not sure how to answer if they are "rare" . . But this one appears to have been refinished, which would offset a large portion of the value for "rarity".