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In the United States, the Requa Gibson Company of New York City, led by Hugh C. Gibson, became the first American propeller manufacturer in 1909. The company began by crafting copies of Chauviére designs, but it then pioneered distinctively American designs by E.W. Bonson. The success of this pioneer propeller manufacturer was short-lived. The company went bankrupt in June 1911.

This 1911 artifact was owned and used by William C. Miller, the donor's father and member of the Early Birds of Aviation, an organization of pioneers who flew solo before December 17, 1916. The son recalls that the aircraft was probably a pre-WWI Curtiss-type that was built by his father. With other flyers from his community, William Miller made numerous exhibition flights in the Erie County area of Pennsylvania. In 1914, Miller engaged in flights at Chicago's Grant Park.

Display Status

This object is on display in Early Flight at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Early Flight

Object Details

Date

1911

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers

Manufacturer

Requa Gibson Company

Physical Description

Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood
Diameter: 213 cm (84 in.)
Chord: 26.7 cm (10.5 in.)
Engine Application: Unknown

Dimensions

Rotor/Propeller: 213.4 x 26.7 x 14 x 16.2 x 3.2cm (84 x 10 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 6 3/8 x 1 1/4 in.)

Materials

Wood
Varnish
Copper Alloy

Inventory Number

A19670153000

Credit Line

Gift of Warren C. Miller

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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