Model, 1946 Paris Aero Show — Press Photo
From the Jeffrey C. Evans Helicopter Archive Estate
An original 1946 press photograph of a scale model of the Fairey FB-1 Gyrodyne, exhibited on the Fairey Aviation Company stand at the 1946 Paris Aero Show. The back carries a genuine typed period press caption titled “THE FAIREY GYRODYNE,” explaining that the full-size FB-1 was then under construction at the Hayes factory, and noting: “NO FURTHER INFORMATION IS YET AVAILABLE CONCERNING THE GYRODYNE. A FULL PRESS RELEASE WILL BE MADE AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.” A date stamp reads “Nov 29 1946,” and the photographer stamp reads “Photograph by Chas. E. Brown, 14 Longfellow Road, Worcester Park, Surrey. Derwent 4396.”
This print measures approximately 6.5 x 8.75 inches.
The Fairey FB-1 Gyrodyne was an experimental British rotorcraft designed by Dr. J.A.J. Bennett, using a single lifting rotor with a forward propeller for thrust rather than a conventional tail rotor — one of the earliest practical gyrodyne concepts. Only two examples were built. The first prototype, G-AIKF, set a helicopter speed record in 1948 but was lost in a fatal 1949 accident. The second prototype, G-AJJP, was later modified into the Fairey Jet Gyrodyne research aircraft, a stepping stone toward the later Rotodyne program.
Jeffrey C. Evans (1945–2025) was a respected helicopter historian, photographer, researcher, and archive collector. This item was acquired as part of a group of helicopter photographs, slides, manuals, and aviation archive material purchased from his California estate in 2026.
Good contrast with light handling wear typical of original press photographs. The caption sheet and stamps are part of the item's documented provenance and have not been removed. Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
| Subject | Fairey FB-1 Gyrodyne Model, 1946 Paris Aero Show |
| Photo Credit | Chas. E. Brown (per back stamp) |
| Series | Jeffrey C. Evans Helicopter Archive Estate |
| Size | Approx. 6.5 x 8.75 inches |
Ships free, flat in a rigid photo mailer. Tracking provided on all shipments.
A great early piece for British experimental rotorcraft and Fairey Aviation collectors.
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