Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The Liberty engine was America's most important contribution to aeronautical technology during World War I. Jesse G. Vincent of Packard and Elbert J. Hall of Hall-Scott co-designed it in mid-1917 for the U.S. government, which wanted a standard design in 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-cylinder versions that could be quickly mass-produced to equip U.S. combat aircraft. Automakers Ford, Lincoln, Packard, Marmon, and Buick produced 20,748 Liberty 12s before the Armistice, which insured their widespread use into the 1920s and 1930s.

These tools were assigned to the 20th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, and brought home from the war by Master Sergeant Chester Cy Martin. He used to them remove oil seals and bearings from Liberty engines. The tools were stored in his garage until 1998.

 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-Miscellaneous Manufacturer Kennedy Manufacturing Company
 Designer Liberty
 Physical Description Olive drab metal tool box and tools used for removing oil seals and bearings from Liberty 12 Model A aircraft engines installed in de Havilland DH-4 aircraft during World War I. Dimensions 3-D (Toolbox): 35.6 × 15.6 × 16.2cm (1 ft. 2 in. × 6 1/8 in. × 6 3/8 in.)
 Materials Metal
Coating
 Inventory Number A19990008000 Credit Line Gift of William D. Martin. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.