Having looked through several photos in either my own archives or other sources I have a good feeling that this is 44-73142 N6173C shortly after being sold surplus in 1957. After being sold surplus to Haber Aircraft the 51 went to radio reporter Hap Harper in the San Francisco bay area, and it is while in his ownership I feel this photo is shot.
I am however quite interested in the story of the FG-1D in the background. Most likely civilian, but which one?
John Kerr
03/09/2012 05:03
I agree with TJ. It is N6173C, 44-73142 and believed photo taken at NAS OAKLAND, circa 1958-1959. Also I would like to know about the FG-1D in the background.