The first aircraft built by William Boeing. This was Bluebill. When Boeing and his partner Conrad Westervelt were unable to interest the USN Navy they sold Bluebill and sister ship Mallard to the New Zealand Flying School. Bluebill became "F" in the school's fleet. The flying school became the basis of the New Zealand air force in 1926. Obsolete aircraft such as the Boeings were burnt but rumours have persisted they are sealed in a cave near Auckland. Photo from: Anton Berntsen/Alexander Turnbull Library

The two B & W biplanes were the first aircraft built during 1916 by Bill Boeing's new company at their hangar and slipway on Seattle's Lake Union. They were tested by the U.S. Navy but sold in 1918 to New Zealand as trainers and mailplanes. A replica was built in 1966. Obtained from Boeing over 50 years ago.