Object Details
Manufacturer
Simmons Co.
Physical Description
Wood propellor with metallic coating on the outer 2/3 of the blades. Sheet metal wrapped around edges of blade tips.
Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood
Diameter: 238.8 cm (94 in.)
Chord: 26.7 cm (10.5 in.)
Engine Application: Unknown
Summary
James Lee Simmons began designing, experimenting, and making propellers first at his Washington Aeroplane Company factory located on Water Street in the southwestern area of the district during the 1909-1910 period. By 1913, when this propeller was manufactured, the company also manufactured a line of "Columbia" monoplanes, biplanes, and flying boats based on European and American designs.
Like other early aircraft manufacturers, Simmons also fabricated Wright-type propellers for $100 (closer to $2,000 in modern currency) a pair, as well as variations of Chauviére and other French designers in two-, three-, and four-blade configurations.
Credit Line
Gift of Frederick Strobel Jr., Washington, D.C
Date
1913
Inventory Number
A19340026000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers
Materials
Wood
Non-Magnetic Metal
Copper Alloy
Fabric
Varnish
Metallic Coating
Dimensions
Rotor/Propeller: 238.8 x 26.7 x 15.2 x 10.5 x 1 x 3.8cm (94 x 10 1/2 x 6 x 4 1/8 x 3/8 x 1 1/2 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition
Early Flight
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19340026000
