A pusher flying boat somewhere in the USA, probably in the twenties. The machine has some likeliness to the Curtiss early flying boat design from 1913, identified as the Model F. Could be a surplus flying boat sold to civilians who used it for barnstorming and modified it for their use.
If anyone can give more on this flying boat I would be delighted.

Tags:   Biplane Flying boat Pusher Unidentified twenties

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This is the reverse side of the picture, which was sent as a postcard. The poststamp has been removed by someone as a collectible item, forgetting the picture on the front side which may have been hidden in boxes for decades.

The original writer had the habit of writing the text different from the address and of course it is good old Sütterlin.

Tags:   Flickr backside

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Recently I was able to buy this rare picture of a German monoplane (Eindecker) from the Pre-WW1 era. Unfortunately it is so rare that I am unable to positively identify this monoplane. Characteristic single-seat tractor monoplane, with Taube like wings, wing warping. The undercarriage has a central skid and although the engine is obscured by a protective cloth it is a water-cooled engine, given the radiator at the side of the fuselage (just between the fuselage and the wing). Also very characteristic is the elevator construction with a very long non-moveable part going all the way forward to the cockpit. A convential steering wheel is visible.

It is rather comical to see that under the only man visible in the picture is a cross - possibly to identify him from others ?. I have edited that out of the way.

This picture has been posted as a postcard.

Tags:   1914 Eindecker Flickr Germany Taube Unidentified monoplane

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There is probably a familiar story around this picture. Starting as a snapshot of the 1910's made by the proud owner / builder of this biplane with his wife posing in front of it. It was duly pasted in a picture album. After a (long) time the album was inherited by family or just got thrown away. This picture for some reason was torn of the album, given the backside of the picture which has quite some parts of the album page at the back.
As it is we don't know anything about this picture as it came lose from the album. If we knew the name of the family (or the wife) it would have been possible to deduce the machine.
At first glance this USA pusher biplane of the 1910's looks inspired by the classic Glenn Curtiss pusher biplanes of the time. A closer look reveals all sort of design differences. The in front elevator on the standard Curtiss is omitted, which was then known as a <b>Headless</b> type. The biplane is constructed as a dual-control two-seater, where each pilot sits on a cushion directly on the wing with a foot rest protuding from the wing. The steering system seems to differ from the Curtiss method as there is only a column with a wheel, the shoulder tubes against the shoulders for lateral control are not to be seen.
The biggest difference is the engine installation, where the radiator is fitted in between and before the pilots. This was probably the result of a bigger engine. The machine has been fitted with a dual rudder (most of the Curtiss types had a dual rudder).
Differences enough, but given the enormous quantity of USA built pusher biplanes of the time I have not been lucky till now to identify this machine and its builder. Will be continued.

Tags:   Biplane Headless Pusher dual rudder dual steering family album twin rudder

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A ghostly looking picture of a completely empty street, with right in front an unfinished monoplane. To break the spell, there is one onlooker at left looking at the scene. She would have seen the photographer taking his shot or shots.
This is one of those orphaned pictures which came loose from an album or a collection and where is nothing on the back.
The picture could have been made in France during the pre-WW1 period. It shows a high quality built monoplane, with wings not covered and without an engine. The undercarriage - a two wheel design with central skid - sets the pilot high probably to get the propeller enough clearance from the ground. In this position for the photograph the tailskid has been lifted by a construction consisting of boxes. In the 'normal' position - tailskid on the ground - the machine would be quite nose high.
The machine was probably built in the sheds behind, but judging the height of the doors it would be a challenge to get it indoors without taking the machine apart.
As the most expensive part of the machine - the engine - is not mounted, it is doubtful if the design came to full status and was tested or even flown.
The builder should be very proud of his excellent work and because he had this session planned there are probably other pictures from different sides of the machine. Hopefully these will turn up someday as maybe the identity of the plane and the builder.

Tags:   Pre-WW1 Unidentified engine-less monoplane

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