The Sopwith Snipe was in effect the Mk 3 Camel (although the seventh variation off the drawing board) and was equipped with WO Bentley’s BR2 engine, which developed almost twice the power of the Camel’s engine.  1900 were ordered in early 1918 and it came into service late in the war equipping only three squadrons before the Armistice.  It was a better fighter than any other allied aircraft and better than the Fokker DVII.  It became the standard RAF fighter after the war until 1927.

This prop was the standard prop for the Sopwith Snipe in late 1918.  It cost the Air Ministry twenty four pounds.  It has been restored.  The grey paint on the fabric is reminiscent of the colour used by Oddy of Leeds but there is no maker’s mark on the prop.

Of interest is that instead of the War Office broad arrow (stamped on RFC props) this has an arrow impressed with RAF.