CZL, Ansaldo A1 Balilla

Description

Propeller No.: 2052
Production Date: 1922
Pitch: 216-225
Diameter: 250
Engine: 200 HP, SPA 6
Country of Origin: Poland
Private collection

About the propeller. The propeller was produced by Warsaw CZL factory located on Pola Mokotowskie. Preserved in very good shape: the propeller number and the engine type also  a pitch and diameter markings are clearly pressed on the hub. Also manufacturer’s decals – both CZL marks  are well preserved. The manufacturing date of the prop is missing as it was not a part of the CZL markings, just estimated for the period of 1921-1924. In 1970s purchased by aviator and propeller enthusiast Andrzej Perzyna. Now a part of private collection (2018). Recently on the exhibition of MSP Dęblin (2021).

Construction. The propeller lamination consists of 7 plies (20.5 mm thick each) of ash wood. No sheathing fitted, covered by colorless coating.

Aircraft and Engine. The propeller was produced for one of Polish built Ansaldo A-1 Balilla powered by 220 HP inline, 6 cylinder, SPA (Società Piemontese Automobili) Italian engine. Engine’s CC: 14,6 liter, weight ca 240 kg, compression ratio: 5,2.

References:

Photo BELOW: Propeller proudly presented with SPA engine in Polish Air Force Museum, Dęblin, 2020. Original drawings of Ansaldo A1 Balilla at the background.

SPA Engine Manual

WINGS OVER POLAND. Book Period Advert, 1933.

PLAGE & LAŚKIEWICZ logo.