#36 • WWI Aircraft Prop Humidor

Part of TRENCH ART & WWI Memorabilia (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $140.00

Status: Sold

Category: Britain

WWI Aircraft Prop Humidor. 13cm diameter x 16cm tall exclusive of the lid knob; humidor made from a recycled prop - specifically the center hub which has been lathe turned and fitted with a base and lid.  Nicely finished, highlights the laminated construction of wood props.  This one had a (modern era) note tucked inside claiming that this is a "tobacco jar" made for Wing Commander Norman Macmillan by his mechanic.  This, of course, is not provenance - it is simply the written version of what we call in the business 'oral tradition', a technical term that translates loosely as 'probably bullshit.'  A leap of faith, at the very least!  But, when a story might actually be true, better to have it written down and passed along with the item than not, even when there is nothing but hope and blind faith to back up the tale.  For the glass half full crowd among us, suffice to say that Norman Macmillan was a Scottish officer who flew in the RFC, credited with 9 victories flying with No. 45 Squadron.  (In the absence of real provenance, buy the item, not the story.)  Attribution aside, the humidor is not only a nice display piece, but should be quite functional as the lid has a nice fit. Estimate: $80 - $120