Description

A model of the British built copy of the French Bleriot XI airplane. The Bleriot monoplane was an important early aircraft because of its inventor’s notable exploits and the aircraft’s role in early training and reconnaissance in world war I. It first achieved fame in 1909 when its designer, Louis Bleriot of France, piloted one on the first flight across the English Channel. During the early days of World War I, both the French and British used two-seat Bleriots for reconnaissance behind German lines. By 1915, however, more advanced aircraft relegated the Bleriot to a training role.

The model is signed on the rear wing, ‘J.A.P, J.A. Prestwich & Co Tottenham London’. The original plane is held in the collection of the Science Museum, London. This model monoplane is a contemporary pre-world war 1 concept model which probably was used as promotion aid for their 4 and 8 cylinder aero engines.

The original plane was built by JA Prestwich in North London (builders of JAP motorcycle engines) for HJ Harding, a former motorcycle racer and the Paris representative of JAP engines. The aircraft was built to demonstrates JAP’s eight cylinder aero engine which, along with a four cylinder version, was supplied to various British aircraft companies. It first flew in April 1910 at Lea Marshes, close to JAP’s factory at Tottenham.

Case dimensions: 41 x 45 x 17 cm.

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