Original early aviation photograph showing a rare Curtiss Twin JN / JN-TW twin-engine U.S. Navy seaplane on twin floats, photographed ashore in front of a hangar with ground personnel nearby.
This is an exceptional early naval aviation image. The aircraft’s unusual configuration is the key value driver: a large biplane seaplane fitted with two tractor engines, twin floats, open cockpit positions, exposed struts, early propeller/nacelle arrangement, and hangar-side setting. The layout closely matches the Curtiss Twin JN / JN-TW type, an experimental twin-engine development of the Curtiss Jenny/JN family introduced during the World War I era.
The Curtiss Twin JN was produced only in very small numbers. References describe it as a 1916 twin-engine development of the Curtiss JN line, also known as the Model 1B or JN-5. One example was evaluated by the United States Navy as a twin-float seaplane. Joe Baugher’s U.S. Navy aircraft serial database lists Navy A93 as a Curtiss JN-TW twin tractor seaplane, based at Newport News in 1916 and later assigned to Pensacola, Anacostia, and Gloucester.
This photograph is especially desirable because it shows the aircraft in excellent side detail rather than merely in distant flight. The image clearly captures the twin-engine arrangement, floats, cockpit area, wing structure, struts, and ground handling context.
A superb original photograph for collectors of early U.S. Navy aviation, Curtiss aircraft, WWI-era experimental aircraft, seaplanes, floatplanes, and rare American military aviation.
Attributed to Key West / early U.S. naval aviation context based on the original listing information.
Note: Red “UnCropped Pic” marks seen in the listing images are digital watermarks only and are not present on the original photograph.
Condition
Original antique/vintage photograph with expected age, handling, and storage wear. Image remains strong and highly displayable with excellent aircraft detail. Any red “UnCropped Pic” markings visible in the listing photos are digital watermarks only and are not on the physical photograph. Please review all images carefully for exact condition, dimensions, surface wear, edge wear, and corner wear.
Item specifics
Type: Photograph
Format: Original Photograph
Subject: Curtiss Twin JN, Curtiss JN-TW, U.S. Navy Seaplane, Twin-Engine Floatplane
Theme: Militaria, Aviation, U.S. Navy, World War I, Early Aviation, Seaplanes, Experimental Aircraft
Date of Creation: Circa 1916 / World War I Era
Photo Size: Approx. 8 x 10 in, based on ruler shown
Image Color: Black & White
Material: Paper
Finish: Glossy
Framing: Unframed
Number of Items: 1
Region of Origin: United States
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Branch: United States Navy
Aircraft: Curtiss Twin JN / Curtiss JN-TW
Manufacturer: Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Corporation
Aircraft Type: Twin-Engine Seaplane / Twin-Float Floatplane
Conflict/Period: World War I Era / Early Naval Aviation
Location: Attributed to Key West, Florida
Production Technique: Gelatin Silver Photograph
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