WW1 rotory engine spark plug

Rotary aero engine

I’ve been trying to find an early aero engine to restore, but have no idea where to find one, if anyone out there has any leads or would like to part with one (or parts of one) would you be kind enough to send me a PM?

The plug I had actually had lodge Aero stamped on it so presumably made specifically for flight use.

Hi Jim,
Sent you an email.
In strict keeping of information about spark plugs for WWI rotary engines, some may find this interesting. I understand the negative aspect of some considering “fake” plugs that were automotive, being for these rotaries. But while many of the numerous spark plug were designed specifically for the WWI rotary engines, some were also the same as those used in some automobiles. A case in point, being the Bethlehem 5-point, with the broad ponsot-type electrode and the various holes etc. In the generation just past, there was a Master Rotary engine (and WWI aircraft) restorer, the late, great, Jim Appleby. He restored at LEAST 25 rotary engines, most for museum aircraft or flying replicas, repros of the highest quality. He tried, and experimented with, every type of replacement spark plug that was commonly available, as Genuine WWI rotary spark plug were difficult to find in whole SETS, and with some spares.
He ordered at least five whole sets of these Vintage New old stock Bethlehems (in these clearly marked original boxes) at different times, and excitedly reported that every restored rotary he put them in, had a very clear, noticeable peformance and reliability, starting, running, improvement, over any modern replacement AC, Champion. etc etc etc. It amused me no end, that these plugs were SO appreciated by him, that he told me on several occassions I was selling them far too cheap, You do not hear THAT every day. 😉 Others who used them, had the same satidsfaction (and relief from the struggle to assemble a set of matching set of plugs for their running, restored engines.) The box may say “auto,” but these are the ones I would use in my own rotaries, even after having several dozen spark plugs that I removed from numerous WWI rotary engines, in earlier days.
The marked price of $1 is impressive, for a time when a six day, work week salary was only $12-$15…

What does your collection comprise to date, Linc? Only WW1 aero or…..?

Pete. Many and varied, far, far too many to list, but what I am after, then I would call it a day, if you get my drift.
Jim.
Lincoln .7

Spark Plug

Hello Lincoln 7,

I may have one of the plugs you require so if Barnstormer can’t help (which seems unlikely) then send me a PM. I’ll have a look in the mean time.

Anon.

What does your collection comprise to date, Linc? Only WW1 aero or…..?

Barnstormer, just picked up on your thread, excuse me whilst I go and throw up;) What a collection you have:)
Yes, you are correct about the early automotive ones being passed off as WW1 Rotory aero engine ones.
Now for the silly question, have you one to sell me please?.
Jim.
Lincoln .7

Having had a well known vintage aero engine collection, years ago, (that had 48 WWI or earlier aero engines, including Clergets, LeRhones, Gnomes etc) I got side-tracked in the early 1970s with collecting interesting vintage spark plugs and enjoying the variety of designs. Great fun 🙂 Numerous WWI rotary engine spark plugs there, many collected in France 40 years ago. Dug my display boards out of the closet a few months ago and been letting them go, about 20 per week, since.
Not sure what you mean about “fake” ones, though? Do you mean early auto spark plugs wrongly identified as WWI rotary plugs?

[QUOTE=TonyT;1788380]Try cutting the ignition,
Trust you Tony, I may have known a remark like that would be forthcoming from YOU;)
Jim.
Lincoln .7

Graham. I was joking when I said why did you sell it;) thanks for trying to see if you can find another. It’s nice to know members are there to help each other where possible.
Jim.

Lincoln .7

I am trying, and have been for some time now, trying to get hold of a decent WW1 rotory engine spark plug.

Try cutting the ignition, it should be easier to get hold of as it will then be stationary 😀

Graham. re thread 5, why did you sell it when you knew I wanted one:D, thats the very one I am looking for.
Would you do me a favour please, and send me a P.M. as I would like to know what sort of money they go for.;)
Cheers.
Jim.
Lincoln .7

Jim

I sold it ages ago before you asked sorry, i am trying to source another and will update you if it happens. Some member may now see the picture and help you out .

Graham. re thread 5, why did you sell it when you knew I wanted one:D, thats the very one I am looking for.
Would you do me a favour please, and send me a P.M. as I would like to know what sort of money they go for.;)
Cheers.
Jim.
Lincoln .7

[QUOTE=|RLWP;1788363]Jim, how will you know when you’ve got one? I’m not being silly here – how will you identify the plug as being from a WWI rotary?

Richard. There are some VERY knowlegable members,on the forum, and I am sure any photos or information that would be forthcoming would be correct, it was a serious question, but I do see where you are coming from. BTW I do know roughly what ONE type looks like, but any would suffice to add to the collection.:)

Richard, see thread 5, I told you we have some very good folks on here, and this proves it, shame he has no longer got it.
Jim.
Lincoln .7

Lincoln7 – Merely trying to be helpful and suggesting a possible meeting date – what’s another cup of tea or coffee amongst 50? 😉

Here you go sorry i dont have it anymore but perhaps the pics will help!

Twin Otter 23, what a very good piece of advertising,:D however, I appreceate your info on the Aerojumble, and may well attend.
Many thanks.
Jim.
Lincoln .7

Jim, how will you know when you’ve got one? I’m not being silly here – how will you identify the plug as being from a WWI rotary?

Richard

If it’d wait until October you might find one here! 😀