Geriaviator (your #7735),
...early Oxfords had fixed pitch wooden props, but had a pitch control knob which had to be moved into 'fine pitch' for takeoff and landing. The control didn't do anything except to embed 'pitch' as a vital item of cockpit drill
Now I've heard everything !! A control with NO Function ! Just to give the poor pilot something extra to do - as if he didn't have enough already !
Rates with a "Pub with No Beer". This was not uncommon in the immediate postwar years. The barmaid would drape a teacloth over the pumps, so the thirsty customer only had to poke his head round the door, read the dread signal, and try further down the street.
But it was a good life.
Danny.