During the 1950s and 1960s, Boeing utilized a distinct numbering system for its proprietary engine and military drone projects, where the prefix before the dash identified the main product family:

• The "50-" Prefix: Directly represents the Model 502 / T50 engine family.
• The "-1" or "-2" Suffix: Indicates the precise design revision or specific configuration for civil versus military applications.

Historical Context (Boeing Model 502 / T50)

This component originates from an era when Boeing actively developed and produced small, pioneering gas turbine engines rather than just commercial airliners.

This engine model was prominently used in:

• Military Drones: Powering the Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH, a remote-controlled anti-submarine helicopter used by the US Navy.
• Marine & Industry: Serving as power generators and pump drives on naval minesweepers.
• Experimental Trucks: Boeing famously tested these turbines in heavy-duty Kenworth trucks to explore turbine-powered highway transport.

If you have an original 1958 Boeing inspection-tagged wooden crate containing this part, it is a highly rare piece of early Cold War aviation and industrial history.