1929 Classic Only Airworthy Example Of 29 Manufactured

The only flying expample of a Hamilton H47 Metalplane was sold at auction last weekend. The undisclosed buyer payed $671,000 for the aircraft, which included a 10% buyers premium.

According to the Barrett-Jackson Auction website, which handled the sale for its owner Gary Lysdale of St. Paul, Minnesota, the aircraft is a "1929 Hamilton H47 Metalplane, Pratt and Whitney "Hornet" engine with 525hp. Completely restored to original airworthy condition and the only complete example to exist of 29 manufactured."

Lysdale told TwinCities.com that his father had restored the aircraft, which was one of the first in Northwest Airlines' fleet, back in the 1970's. He said he'd never flown the six-place single-engine airplane, but that "It'd vibrate alot, but it'd be easy to fly." The elder Lysdale passed away in 1992. Gary Lysdale learned to fly from his dad, and went on to a successful career as a commercial airline pilot.

The auction house described the plane as being manufactured by Hamilton Metalplane Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a division of Boeing Airplane Company, Seattle, Washington. After its restoration, it was displayed at Oshkosh and then taken to the 5th National Fly-in Antique Airplane Association and Air Power museum in Blakesburg, Iowa. The Hamilton was awarded five trophies, one of which was the AAA Grand National Champion award.

FMI: www.pilotfriend.com/photo_albums/timeline/between/Hamilton%20MetalPlane.htm