EARLY AVIATION PIONEERS/THE SAMUEL CODY ARCHIVE: The spring ...

Estimate

£3,000 - £5,000

EARLY AVIATION PIONEERS/THE SAMUEL CODY ARCHIVE: The spring balance used by Cody in early engine-thrust tests. Circa 1908, by Salter's, the brass dial marked to 600lb. In April 1908, Cody installed the Antoinette engine from the scrapped Nulli Secundus I in his new aeroplane. Power tests were carried out by roping the craft to a tree and this spring balance was then attached to measure the thrust produced. Many people throughout the world will have heard of the "Cody Tree" at Farnborough Airfield. It was at this tree that Cody would tether his "Army Aeroplane Number One" in order to test the aircraft engine's power output prior to his early test flights. The tree was located close to the 'Black Sheds' of the old Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough which are so synonymous with the development of the aviation industry in Britain prior to, during and after both World Wars. An exact aluminium replica of the tree has now been produced by the apprentices of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) and preserved for eternity for the nation. The tree was moved by the DERA contractors, to the new DERA complex (now the offices of QinetiQ ) on the North side of the Airfield. It has been described by one commentator as "a famous symbol of a bygone age when all was possible and nothing was certain." A unique piece of British Aviation history, the spring balance is also sold with an original section of the tree and a selection of related photographs. Diameter 15ins. Sold via Direct Descent from Samuel Cody.