Hand-Propping Morane-Saulnier MoS-30 Parasol Monoplane (Circa 1923)

A mechanic swinging the wooden propeller to start a Morane-Saulnier MoS-30 parasol monoplane as an Army officer watches on an airfield. — Hand-Propping Morane-Saulnier MoS-30 Parasol Monoplane (Circa 1923) · Donald A. Hall Estate Collection

Capturing the physical reality of starting rotary and radial engines in the 1920s, Donald A. Hall Sr. photographed a mechanic swinging the wooden propeller of a French-built Morane-Saulnier MoS-30 parasol monoplane. Purchased by the American Expeditionary Force and evaluated at McCook Field, the aircraft features sweptback parasol wings, heavy landing gear struts, and distinctive M-S tail markings with military rudder stripes, while an Army officer in a military campaign hat observes from behind the wing.