 Aviation Commemorative Plaque, n.d. Bronze Foundry Cast, 25½ x 19¼ inches including outer flange, irregular tombstone shape, mounted on 33-3/4 x 28½ inch wooden board with outer frame. Signature at lower r. is a circular monogram CED, possibly identifying Cyrus Edward Dallin, Massachusetts sculptor of the 1920 Pilgrim Half Dollar. About Uncirculated or finer. At center stands a pert-featured 1920's-style Victory holding aloft a scroll with Latin tribute PALMAM QUI MERUIT FERAT, He holds the Palm Who Merits It. Her feet rest on a globe bearing two high-wing monoplanes and she is flanked by two medallions. The left medallion offers a detailed view from the sea of a city on a hilltop resembling Boston with the State House dome and Bunker Hill Monument. The right medallion presents a facing grim-featured aviator in fur-lined flying gear, resembling German trans-Atlantic flyer Hermann Koehl, though his plane Bremen was a low-wing aircraft.
This extraordinary plaque does not identify the aviator honored, gives no clue to the event it commemorates, its place or date. It bears no inscription other than the Latin motto. Despite its anonymity, this is a very high quality work of tantalizing mystery.
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the considerable size and exceptional weight of this lot, cost of shipping must be borne by the successful bidder.
| |
|
