Wright Flyer dataplate for sale

I remember little red tractors on eggs, but not HP motifs…… 😀

Nope, no tractors:)

I’d be surprised if he could get $1,500 for it…

Well, maybe a little more, but not much.

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Well, if he thinks he can get $1.5m for it, why didn’t he put it to a more reputable auctioneer? How many people on eBay have a spare million or so to go shopping for data plates? More chance getting it in Southerby’s catalogue…..

Kind regards,
Scotty

It makes me wonder what I’d get for my Handley-Page yolk motif;)

I remember little red tractors on eggs, but not HP motifs…… 😀

It probably is genuine. Probably one of the items thrown out by a certain museum some years ago. For a clue go to the Wyvern Rear Fuselage thread…..!!!;)

It makes me wonder what I’d get for my Handley-Page yolk motif;)

Even if its possible to rebuild the aircraft to “standard” and have it classified as a genuine Wright Brothers Type D, its not an aircraft that would have any significant interest (in economic terms) from the historic aviation operators circuit.

These early birds were not great flyers and anyone paying $1.5 million for a name plate, would expect something usefull in the end. Like a WWII warbird, for which he/she would always be able to find a buyer, should the finances run out.

A Wright type D (or any other Wright type) would remain a static asset. Great for a museum, but not practical as an operational historic aircraft. As for static display, it would be of little concern it the name plate was actually authentic, or even if it had a name plate. Such a plate would be displayed next to the drawings in a proper display glass case (for geeks like us to glare at, but of little interest to any other museum visitor).

I would not disregard its historical significance (its a Wright Brothers name plate – perhaps), so I could see the price reach somewhere between 10.000 and 20.000, but we all know how collectors can start bidding wars. One thing is for sure, it will not shift as long as the starting price is $1.5 million.

On the other hand, you would most likely be able to build the actual aircraft for less than $50.000, providing you can find an authentic powerplant (which is unlikely).

I’d be surprised if he could get $1,500 for it…

Well, maybe a little more, but not much.

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I showed the data plate to a friend who has done extensive Wright research, and works for the Wright Experience ( www.wrightexperience.com ), and he says that it looks like the real thing, that later Wright data plates did say “Wright Flyer” on them.

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Interesting turn of events!

Surely if its genuine, they would have had it authenticated, or otherwise endorsed by experts, before offering it for $1.5 million.

I can’t see anyone bidding, without any authentication (experts best evaluation), besides “I found it in a shed”. Surely the seller must have based his price on something (or perhaps not).

Although avid collectors have surprised me before, i dare to suggest that the asking price is well above the mark, even if genuine.

I thought that the Wright’s held a patent that effectively covered all methods employed to change direction in an aeroplane, and it was this all ecompassing patent , that Glenn Curtis breached, causing the well documented court case between them.

On another note, it was mentioned in a recent thread, that I was in fact present at the Wright’s first flight, and so I find myself in the enviable position of being able to authenticate this plate…..

for the Wright financial incentive, ofcourse!

Blimey Stuart…..I dont recall seeing you there that day! But then, heck, it was a long while back…..my memory is not what it was.

I showed the data plate to a friend who has done extensive Wright research, and works for the Wright Experience ( www.wrightexperience.com ), and he says that it looks like the real thing, that later Wright data plates did say “Wright Flyer” on them.

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My favorite part of the commentary was “It is obvious that ownership of this plate (due to its scarcity and history) will give the purchaser distinction.“

I would pay this level of money if it would result in my distinctive transformation.

Is this the PAT mailplane they were referring to? http://www.opencockpit.net/model/b40.html The slideshow on the webpage at the bottom is well worth looking at.

I’ll buy the shed… it looks sufficiently authentic. :diablo:

But does the shed have an original data plate. If not it will be classed as a replica and this will greatly reduce it’s value.

I thought that the Wright’s held a patent that effectively covered all methods employed to change direction in an aeroplane, and it was this all ecompassing patent , that Glenn Curtis breached, causing the well documented court case between them.

On another note, it was mentioned in a recent thread, that I was in fact present at the Wright’s first flight, and so I find myself in the enviable position of being able to authenticate this plate…..

for the Wright financial incentive, ofcourse!

Furthermore the Wright model D did not use wing warping, but used ailerons, so there would be no reason to stress the patent – IF THEY ACTUALLY HAD THE PATENT FOR WING WARPING!

The Wright brothers held US patent No 908.929 for flexing the rudder of a flying machine.

I’m not defending the sellers or item…
I’ve found that most American products of that era…and up to the early post-war years…did stress patent information. Sometimes in excessive detail with rows of numbers.

And I deeply resent the mention of the PAT mailplane. I was a (minor) part of the restoration effort, and several original components were used in the rebuild. These people are trying to boost their product of uncertain history by making light of an outstanding rebuild by a very talented and dedicated engineer/pilot/historian.

I would be interested to know when the “original” owner of little quaint place sees his item up for sale for that amount of money, can you say lawsuit!

Fixings are the original – still clearly marked AEG 1912.
Like its current owner – it is washed up.
As for the lingerie inside – how dare you
I could take you to the cleaners for a remark like that:D

Was it found washed-up on the beach? And are those Captain Smith’s long-johns I can just see through the porthole? 😀

God,
I do hate those that don’t believe.
Only the other day I was clearing out my shed and found this titanic porthole from the captains cabin.
Anyone interested in making an offer before I ebay it please feel free.
Sensible offers only!!;)

Actually.. can you firm the maker and particular model of this type (for authentication purposes you understand?)

I might be interested…. but also need to know whether it comes with the original fixings – as they are hard to come by.

Also – is it watertight? :diablo:

Wright flyer

God,
I do hate those that don’t believe.
Only the other day I was clearing out my shed and found this titanic porthole from the captains cabin.
Anyone interested in making an offer before I ebay it please feel free.
Sensible offers only!!;)

The listing fee will be a rather bitter pill to swallow if it doesn’t sell. He might have to sell the shed to hunterxf382, after all, to raise the dosh for his fees!

AFIK you don’t pay if the item don’t sell. Otherwise he might be ablt to pull the auction before it expires (in case no one bids).