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ORIGINAL WWI GERMAN AIRCRAFT FUSELAGE WOOD – ALBATROS – SOMME FRANCE – 7007/17
Offered is an original section of WWI German aircraft fuselage construction,from the Somme/Péronne region of France and later acquired through a military sale.
This is a substantial section of laminated wooden aircraft fuselage construction, retaining its original pronounced curvature. The shape, laminated construction and method of assembly are consistent with the curved wooden fuselage structures used on German aircraft during the First World War.
ALBATROS AIRCRAFT CONSTRUCTION
The Albatros D.V was notable for its semi-monocoque fuselage construction, in which the curved plywood outer skin formed an important part of the structural strength of the aircraft. The fuselage utilized wooden internal formers and longitudinal wooden members to support the curved plywood shell.
Unlike a simple flat sheet of aircraft plywood, the fuselage skin was formed into the pronounced curved/elliptical shape of the aircraft's fuselage. The construction of this surviving section—with its laminated wood and substantial curvature—is consistent with this type of German aircraft construction.
After researching the construction and comparing it with period photographs, I believe this section is very likely associated with an Albatros D.V aircraft, although I am leaving the exact aircraft identification open to further research.
ORIGINAL GERMAN AIRCRAFT MARKINGS
One of the most interesting features of this piece is the original German stenciling on the exterior surface.
The three large German terms read:
LEERGEWICHT – Empty Weight
NUTZLAST – Useful Load / Payload
GESAMTGEWICHT – Total / Gross Weight
These terms represent aircraft weight and loading information. Although portions of the original numerical information have been lost or obscured through age and wear, the German terminology remains clearly visible.
The presence of these original German aircraft weight markings, together with the curved laminated fuselage construction, provides strong evidence that this is an actual component from a German WWI aircraft, rather than simply a piece of period plywood.
ADDITIONAL MARKING – 7007/17
The reverse of the panel bears the large original marking:
7007/17
The reverse also retains additional faded markings, pencil/handwritten markings and other evidence of its previous use.
The panel contains numerous small original fastener holes, along with surface wear, discoloration and patina consistent with a century-old aircraft component.
PROVENANCE
The exact aircraft and circumstances under which this particular section was recovered are unknown, so I am intentionally leaving the identification open to further research rather than making an unsupported claim.
This is an exceptionally interesting piece of original WWI German aviation history, particularly because it retains its original German aircraft stenciling, distinctive curved laminated construction and the 7007/17 marking.
An excellent display piece for a WWI aviation collector, German aircraft enthusiast, Albatros collector, or military history collection.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs form an important part of the description and show the original markings, construction, curvature, fastener holes, condition and overall appearance of this historic artifact.
