Any ideas on this prop?

[lordupham]

Hi all. I'm new to this forum and welcome any opinion on this propeller that's been knocking around in our shed for donkeys. Somebody suggested it could be a generator prop from an aircraft but I always assumed it was from a model plane! It is 13" long, made from a lightweight hardwood and has a couple of stamps which I'm struggling to read but could be AID 69T? As I say, any info gratefully received!

[Dave]

Those are British inspection stampings (A.I.D.) and I suspect that it was an auxiliary prop for a generator or similar device sometime during or soon after WW1.

I'm not sure that the hub may not have been carved out for some other decoration, such as a clock.

[lordupham]

Cheers Dave! Have you any idea what the A.I.D. stands for? Fascinating item. I seem to remember it was once displayed with a pair if RFC fabric wings off a tunic. Shall have to see if I can dig those out too. This stuff is all being auctioned off at present so any ideas what sort of figure I should be looking for on the prop?

Thanks again.

Terry.

[lordupham]

Ah..got it! Aeronautical Inspection Department or Directorate.

[Dave]

This stuff is all being auctioned off at present so any ideas what sort of figure I should be looking for on the prop?

Bob Gardner will have a better idea, but I'd guess maybe $100 to $150 or so. A closer inspection might reveal if the hub has been cut, which reduces value, often considerably.

[lordupham]

Thanks Dave. It's on eBay now so we'll see how it does!