Lot 234

World War I Era Aircraft Propeller and Attributed Skin Swatch

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World War I Era Aircraft Propeller and Attributed Skin Swatch

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Large World War I Era Aircraft Propeller and a Framed Skin Swatch Attributed to the Douglas World Cruiser #2 "Chicago" 1) Two-blade propeller, laminated hardwood construction, measuring approximately 99 inches from tip to tip, with 7 1/2 inches across the blade and a thickness of 3 3/4 inches at the center, with brass reinforcement at the leading edges and a set of eight bolt holes. One blade bears a "U(anchor)S" mark over "MATTHEWS BROS MFG Co./N-11801/8'4" L.H./S.E. 5090". Originally a furniture maker, Matthews Brothers became a primary supplier of American military aircraft propellers during World War I, with the propeller business sold off to become Hamilton Aero Manufacturing in 1919. 2) Framed fabric skin swatch attributed to Douglas World Cruiser #2 "Chicago", one of four aircraft sent on the world's first airborne circumnavigation of the globe (and one of two to successfully complete the flight) in 1924. The swatch measures 2 inches square, with flaking black paint over tan canvas, set on a backing which features a picture of the World Cruisers and a brief summation of the Chicago's history.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: 1) Very fine, with minor dings and scratches. 2) The swatch shows some flaking/cracking of the paint, otherwise solid, with the frame showing dings and scuffs.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000