1918 Signal Corps US Army \"Aeroplane\" Antenna Reel

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1918 Signal Corps US Army \"Aeroplane\" Antenna Reel:
$160.00

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This is something you won\'t run across everyday....

For sale is a 1918 Signal Corps US Army\"Aeroplane\" Antenna Reel, Type DR-2, with a patent year of 1918.These were manufactured by the L.S. Brach Supply Company of Newark, NewJersey.

During WWI, these were installed in militarybiplanes, and while in flight, the rear copilot, or \"radio man\" wouldunreel the antenna wire, which was attached to this spool from his rear seat.The long antenna wire would trail behind the airplane and would operatethe primitive radio system. Range was only a few miles, and he would bein communications with a ground unit below the plane using a field crystalradio below. The radio man would then have to wind the reel back in priorto landing, as not to have the antenna wire get entwined with the rear tailassembly or they would be subject to a crash.

Typically, the rear radio man would be in charge ofhand dropping ammunition over the side of his fuselage from his seat.

Overall size is approx. 4 1/2 inches. The foldinghandle and ratchet system still work nicely.

A truly unique part of WWI history!

Please, US Purchasers only.

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1918 Signal Corps US Army \"Aeroplane\" Antenna Reel:
$160.00