October 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, October 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2014
Original nickel turnbuckle from the Wright Brothers' WWI airplane, the ''Wright Model B''. Designed in 1910, the Model B was the first-ever mass-produced airplane, a dedicated two-seater with the pilot and a passenger sitting side-by-side on the leading edge of the lower wing. The Wrights' sold the aircraft to the U.S. Aeronautical Division and to the United States Navy as hydroplanes which were used as trainers. One Model B aircraft, named ''Vin Fiz Flyer'', underwent slight modification and became the first plane flown across the United States. This turnbuckle was likely part of the bracing for the wires between the biplane's upper and lower pairs of wings. Airplane piece measures 5.25'', with adjustable-length screws on either side. Tarnishing, else near fine. Originally from the estate of Louis Christman, who worked directly with Orville Wright, and with provenance from Cowan's.
Part From The Wright Brothers' Groundbreaking 1910 Plane, The ''Wright Model B'' -- The World's First Mass-Produced Airplane
Click above for larger image.