| Description: | Technical Description: ABC Auxiliary Aero-Engine (Serial No. 1146) 1. General Overview: Model: ABC 250cc (Firefly) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). Era: World War I (Circa 1918-1919). Provenance: Found in Rajasthan, India. Linked to the 1919 Handley Page V/1500 long-range military deployment. 2. Identification & Markings: Serial Number: 1146 (Clearly stamped on the original brass identification plate). Military Proof: Authenticated by an internal "AM" (Air Ministry) stamp inside the piston skirt. Batch/Inspection Codes: Stamped with batch number "957" and Air Ministry Inspector mark "413". Patent Information: Carburetor float chamber lid is uniquely marked with "BRADSHAW'S PATENT ABC", confirming the direct engineering heritage of Granville Bradshaw. 3. Technical Specifications: Configuration: Horizontally opposed flat-twin, air-cooled. Cylinder Detail: 12 cooling fins per cylinder (approx. 3.5-inch diameter). Ignition: Original white ceramic Champion 15-A spark plugs (Made in USA). Mounting Base: Mounted on a rare, heavy-duty 9.5" x 12.5" cast aluminum base, specifically designed for fixed aviation installation (not the common portable cage type). 4. Coupled Unit (The Dynamo): The engine is coupled to an open-frame Marconi Alternator/Dynamo, designed for high-output wireless transmission. Weight: The complete unit is exceptionally heavy, estimated at 25-30 kg (approx. 70 lbs), confirming its "Heavy-Duty Aviation Spec." 5. Current Condition: State: Unrestored, original "barn-find" patina. Mechanical Status: Excellent mechanical integrity. The engine has good compression and rotates freely via the starting handle. The dynamo shaft is also rotating in sync. |
