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Dizzy Woodturning

Spitfire Jablo Propeller Wood Ballpoint Pen, Own a Piece of History, Handmade Gift

Spitfire Jablo Propeller Wood Ballpoint Pen, Own a Piece of History, Handmade Gift

Regular price £110.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £110.00 GBP
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This unique and historic ballpoint pen made from reclaimed Jablo 1941-1945 era wooden propeller. The wood is hand turned by me in my own workshop and this is the actual pen you will receive. The wood is obtained from a reputable dealer in the UK and a certificate of authenticity, provided by the supplier, will be included with the pen (see pictures). The metal pen parts are obtained from another UK provider, renowned worldwide for supplying premium pen parts for woodturners, these are the most expensive parts the provider sells (sirocco ballpoint pen). The fittings are in premium quality gunmetal and gold. This is an expensive and exclusive pen due to its historic value hence I wanted to use the highest quality pen parts in its construction. While the Spitfire's Merlin engine roared and its elliptical wings sliced through the air, its success hinged on a crucial, often-overlooked component: the propeller. In the early years of WW2, vital metals like aluminium were in desperately short supply. British ingenuity answered with Jablo! Jablo wood-composite propeller blades were used on Supermarine Spitfires primarily from 1940–1941 through the end of World War II in 1945. Jablo was a patented and manufactured by Jablo Propellers Ltd, it is moulded material made from many really thin compressed layers of seasoned birch veneer and beech, impregnated with phenolic resin and bonded under immense heat and pressure. This created a block that was incredibly strong, stable, and lightweight—perfect for a high-performance airscrew. It was resistant to splitting, could absorb engine vibration, and, crucially, was made from resources Britain had in abundance: wood and chemical resin. Every Jablo propeller was a masterpiece of precision engineering, carved and balanced to spin at over 2,500 RPM, turning raw horsepower into the thrust that allowed the Spitfire to duel with the German Messerschmitt Bf 109 on equal and often superior terms. These blades and the people that innovated, designed and made these propeller blades are part of the legion of unsung workers who helped the spitfire and its pilots win the skies. This pen is a unique piece of this legacy, showcasing the rich grain and character of the unique Jablo constructed wooden propellor blade. It comes with a certificate of authenticity detailing its remarkable origin, ensuring its provenance. This is the perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, collectors, or anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship of a fine writing tool and the power of a great story. Comes with the velvet hard case shown.
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