Bidspirit auction | Rare! Standard J-1 WWI Bi-Plane

Rare! Standard J-1 WWI Bi-Plane Propeller Blade Half - Circa 1916–1918, An original World War I-era laminated wood propeller blade half identified as originating from a Standard J-1 military training aircraft, one of the principal American training aircraft of the First World War. The blade bears period U.S. military “SC” markings together with an A7A designation, associated with the Hall-Scott A-7A engine used in the Standard J-1. Constructed of laminated hardwood, the blade retains its original metal tip sheathing with hand-set fasteners, as well as a remarkably well-preserved, unrestored surface showing honest age, wear, and patina. No refinishing, restoration, or polishing has been undertaken during current ownership. Approximately 1,600 Standard J-1 aircraft were produced during World War I. Like many American military trainers of the period, the overwhelming majority were subsequently scrapped, lost through attrition, or dispersed as government surplus. By the late 1920s, only a small fraction of the original production reportedly remained. Today, approximately a dozen Standard J-1 aircraft are known in museums, restoration projects, and private collections. Provenance: Acquired from the estate of a former Wisconsin flight instructor. A compelling surviving artifact of America’s rapidly expanding World War I aviation program, retaining the laminated construction, military markings, metal tip protection, and untouched surface characteristic of an original early aircraft propeller.We offer effecient & affordable in-house shipping on all items in this auction. Bid directly at Bid.Ziebarths.com for our lowest buyers premium (18%)!