Originally built for US Navy as MF Boat A4411, converted to civil model 18 Seagull. Purchased in 1919 by Henry Ford for Ms. Evangeline Dahlinger, and eventually registered NC257. On loan to the Curtiss Museum from the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.

After its military service as A5483 it became civil as NC2172. At Pensacola it was restored with its original serial A5483.

Curtiss MF Boat of 1919 preserved wearing late WW1 period US Navy markings

1919-built two-seat training flying boat designed by Curtiss but built by the Naval Aircraft Factory at Philadelphia. Designated MF by the USN being a greatly modified and updated version of the earlier F series. Sold out of service as NC2172. Later acquired for preservation.