Dust cover and cover plate (Richard Spink, Mili Atoll)

[Monty Fowler]

Until this group can come up with metallurgical and/or paint country of origin analysis on either of these parts, the parts are just that. Parts.

Which could have come from anywhere (something that TIGHAR detractors are fond of doing with anything and everything that TIGHAR finds).

Anyone who says they have solved the Earhart and Noonan mystery must clear a very high bar of public acceptance. That includes TIGHAR. This group is a long, long way from saying they've done it.

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189EC

[JNev]

Until this group can come up with metallurgical and/or paint country of origin analysis on either of these parts, the parts are just that. Parts.

Which could have come from anywhere (something that TIGHAR detractors are fond of doing with anything and everything that TIGHAR finds).

Anyone who says they have solved the Earhart and Noonan mystery must clear a very high bar of public acceptance. That includes TIGHAR. This group is a long, long way from saying they've done it.

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189EC

A brave and well put point, Monty.  I believe it is true.

[Bob Smith]

I believe what MR spink has is a wheel cover from a later aircraft such as an A320, 737, 747 or the like. Maybve even a B29. The internet is full of sales articles and pictures of hub caps and wheel covers for those, and some of the inquiries from mechanics and ground crew on how to get them off are interesting.

[Monty Fowler]

Righttttttttttt ...

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 EC

[JNev]

I believe what MR spink has is a wheel cover from a later aircraft such as an A320, 737, 747 or the like. Maybve even a B29. The internet is full of sales articles and pictures of hub caps and wheel covers for those, and some of the inquiries from mechanics and ground crew on how to get them off are interesting.

If it's what they claim it is then they should be able to show a direct comparison to a like-article or at least parts catalogue image.  None so far, just "trust me".

[Oskar Erich Heinrich Haberlandt]

Well, PARKER AEROSPACE will check it out...or they will try so...
Let's wait and see what they say...

[Ric Gillespie]

These were found jammed in the beach coral on either side of the landing channel on Nikumaroro during the recent expedition.  Look familiar?  Them Electra wheel covers sure do get around.

[Martin X. Moleski, SJ]

These were found jammed in the beach coral on either side of the landing channel on Nikumaroro during the recent expedition.  Look familiar?  Them Electra wheel covers sure do get around.

I would love to identify them, but I'm stumped.

They have to be from something quite commonplace on boats or ships.

I have the feeling that some sailors knew exactly what they are and identified them for you.

I tried Googling "aluminum fishing floats," but didn't see any likely matches.

Something associated with fishing nets?  Parts of buoys? 

Flange for a stove pipe or drain pipe?

Something from the tuna fleet?

I give up!

[Jerry Germann]

Amazing;   Are they the same size as the ones Mr Spink discovered, and aluminum I presume? Wondering if they may be part of some ornamental/ritual item or/cultural exchange item between the islanders  ???

[Greg Daspit]

Appears to be small holes around the edge. My guess is they were sewn to fabric. They look smaller than a dust cover. My guess is a grommet for a sail or cover

[Ric Gillespie]

Amazing;   Are they the same size as the ones Mr Spink discovered, and aluminum I presume?

I think the hole in Spinks' is bigger.  Ours are still en route from Fiji.  When they get here I'll put up a photo with a scale.  They do seem to be aluminum.

[Ric Gillespie]

My guess is a grommet for a sail or cover

They're not at all rugged.  Thin. Lightweight.

[Bob Smith]

a couple examples of stovepipe flashing as suggested in Marty's list:

[Greg Daspit]

Maybe Lantern parts to mark the landing channel.

[Jerry Germann]

The center hole on all items ( including the one found by Mr Spinks) seem to show signs of damage caused by rotation, causing piling of metal working outward of the center, reducing the original design thickness at that point. The outer edges all appear rolled, to strengthen and help maintain shape.