Gnome Monosoupape

[chrislindfield]

Hello. I’ve just returned home from an antique fair with what I was told was a tobacco jar made from a wooden propeller part. From what I’ve been able to gather on Google, it might be from a Gnome Monosoupape, a French WWI plane. I’ve no idea if this is correct and, if it is, if anyone can shine any more light on what I have. Many thanks in advance. Chris

[Mtskull]

That’s a nice piece. The text “100 HP Mono Gnome” refers to not to an aircraft but the engine, i.e. Gnome Monosoupape engine of 100 Horsepower.
It was a French made rotary engine, which was widely used during WW1.
For the aircraft type, this information is found by looking a little further clockwise to where the text reads: “Type 504J”. This refers to the Avro 504, a British training aircraft. The “J” suffix denotes the version fitted with the Gnome Monosoupape engine.
Searching Wikipedia with the terms “Gnome Monosoupape” and “Avro 504” will provide you with a wealth of further information.

[chrislindfield]

Thanks so much. Really appreciate you taking the time to provide this insight.