Can you help identify these items from the USS Shenandoah?

Noble County Historic Jailhouse, built in 1882 was restored to its original condition after it was closed in 1998. It is now home to the Noble County Historical Society and Museum.

Noble County Historic Jailhouse, built in 1882 was restored to its original condition after it was closed in 1998. It is now home to the Noble County Historical Society and Museum.

The Noble County Historical Society in Caldwell, Ohio uses the historic jail/jailer’s residence as its museum. One of the old jail cells is used to display a series of artifacts recovered from the crash of the USS Shenandoah.

On September 3, 1925 the Shenandoah encountered severe weather while flying over Ava, Ohio and broke into 3 pieces which fell in different areas of Noble County. The Historical Society is trying to identify a series of these items. Can you help? Click on each of the images below to see a larger version.

1 DuraluminThis item, mounted on a wooden plaque is made of duralumin and has a spring underneath – a valve cover mechanism?

2 Black-painted flat metal diskA black-painted flat metal disk about 16 in diameter. The hole arrangement suggests a backing plate for a propeller?

3 Lubrication oil tank[Q]A lubrication oil tank? About 18 inches long.

4 Pieces of compassFlattened pieces of compass heading indicator? (Note automobile graffiti carved into it). German-made mini-harmonica “Shenandoah Harp – The Little Wonder” is in the baseball display case at right.

5 Steering wheel hubSteering wheel hub or similar device. Housing made of magnesium? Code number molded along side (A followed by 5 or 6 numbers) About 14 inches long.

If you have any information that may help identify these items, send an email to ltasohio@gmail.com

Thank you for your cooperation.

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