The Jacuzzi name is well known for whirlpool baths; however, the family's company has an important aeronautical history. Seven Jacuzzi brothers emigrated from Italy to California in the early-20th century, where they became machinists. After witnessing stunt flights in 1915, brother Rachelle began making propellers, and opened the Jacuzzi Brothers Company.

The company provided military airplane propellers during World War I for use with Liberty engines, and also had an unsuccessful venture into aircraft manufacturing. Following the 1921 death of brother Giocondo in a company manufactured plane, the Jacuzzi parents asked their sons to leave the aviation business because of the inherent risk. The experience with propeller manufacturing led first to agricultural water pumps, and finally to the whirlpool bath in 1955.

This artifact's donor, Stanley H. Page, was a mechanical engineer, early aviator, and photographer.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers Manufacturer Jacuzzi Brothers Co.
Physical Description Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood Diameter: 243.8 cm (96 in.) Chord: 26.4 cm (10.4 in.) Engine Application: Union Type 1-6, 92 kw (123 hp) Dimensions Rotor/Propeller: 243.8 x 26.4 x 19.1 x 12.7cm (96 x 10 3/8 x 7 1/2 x 5 in.)
Materials Wood
Varnish
Copper Alloy
Inventory Number A19400016000 Credit Line Gift of Stanley H. Page Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.