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  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING AMERICAN SALMSON SAL 2-A-2

  SKU: 16-402

  $1,995.00 $1,596.00

  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING AMERICAN SALMSON SAL 2-A-2

  The late Jack D. Hunter was an amazing talent, and a good friend. One of my favorite “Jack” stories occurred when his first book (The Blue Max) was being prepared for publication. As was standard for first-time authors, Jack was informed that his dust jacket would be rendered in black and white (artwork AND color were too expensive for a writer without a proven sales record). Jack, however, told the publisher that HE would provide the artwork if the dust jacket was published in color. The publisher printed 5,000 (a first-time author’s standard run) hardback copies, in color, as The Blue Max’s first edition. It became a top-seller as soon as it was published, then quickly was snapped up and turned into a major motion picture starring George Peppard, James Mason, and Ursula Andress. Jack went on to write seventeen books before his 2009 death. In addition, he became a talented aviation artist whose work resides in museums’ and enthusiasts’ art collections all over the world.

  Throughout his years as an artist, Jack produced paintings in two basic sizes. His more commonly-seen artwork was larger, while he occasionally produced a smaller size. Today we are offering the larger painting, which measures 19 ½” x 24 ½” within its frame. The simple, elegant, black, molded frame is accented by an inner, gold trim band, with a single, blue matte providing a subtle contrast.

  The subject of the painting is a French-built Salmson SAL 2-A-2, flown by a U.S. Army Air Service crew. With the USA’s late entry into WW I, the bulk of the flown airplanes were either British or French-manufactured. Such was the case with the Salmson SAL 2-A-2. About 3,200 planes were built. They first came into service in 1917, and were the primary two-seaters used by the French Army during the WW I’s final years.

  In the painting’s action, the Americans are in full battle with a pair of Albatros D. Va’s. The Salmson’s gunner is shown with his twin machine guns blazing. If you look closely enough, you can see the shell casings are flying. One of the Albatros’s is smoking as it descends. Bits and pieces of it are trailing back. The other D. Va is flying nearby.
  Jack Hunter’s signature appears in the lower right corner. On the reverse is a typewritten description of the action, which is also signed by Jack Hunter.

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  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING AMERICAN SALMSON SAL 2-A-2

  The late Jack D. Hunter was an amazing talent, and a good friend. One of my favorite “Jack” stories occurred when his first book (The Blue Max) was being prepared for publication. As was standard for first-time authors, Jack was informed that his dust jacket would be rendered in black and white (artwork AND color were too expensive for a writer without a proven sales record). Jack, however, told the publisher that HE would provide the artwork if the dust jacket was published in color. The publisher printed 5,000 (a first-time author’s standard run) hardback copies, in color, as The Blue Max’s first edition. It became a top-seller as soon as it was published, then quickly was snapped up and turned into a major motion picture starring George Peppard, James Mason, and Ursula Andress. Jack went on to write seventeen books before his 2009 death. In addition, he became a talented aviation artist whose work resides in museums’ and enthusiasts’ art collections all over the world.

  Throughout his years as an artist, Jack produced paintings in two basic sizes. His more commonly-seen artwork was larger, while he occasionally produced a smaller size. Today we are offering the larger painting, which measures 19 ½” x 24 ½” within its frame. The simple, elegant, black, molded frame is accented by an inner, gold trim band, with a single, blue matte providing a subtle contrast.

  The subject of the painting is a French-built Salmson SAL 2-A-2, flown by a U.S. Army Air Service crew. With the USA’s late entry into WW I, the bulk of the flown airplanes were either British or French-manufactured. Such was the case with the Salmson SAL 2-A-2. About 3,200 planes were built. They first came into service in 1917, and were the primary two-seaters used by the French Army during the WW I’s final years.

  In the painting’s action, the Americans are in full battle with a pair of Albatros D. Va’s. The Salmson’s gunner is shown with his twin machine guns blazing. If you look closely enough, you can see the shell casings are flying. One of the Albatros’s is smoking as it descends. Bits and pieces of it are trailing back. The other D. Va is flying nearby.
  Jack Hunter’s signature appears in the lower right corner. On the reverse is a typewritten description of the action, which is also signed by Jack Hunter.

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  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING ONE ALBATROS D. Va AND ONE SE-5

  SKU: 16-392

  $1,495.00 $1,196.00

  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING ONE ALBATROS D. Va AND ONE SE-5

  The late Jack D. Hunter was an amazing talent and a good friend. One of my favorite “Jack” stories occurred when his first book (The Blue Max) was being prepared for publication. As was standard for first-time authors, Jack was informed that his dust jacket would be rendered in black and white (artwork AND color were too expensive for a writer without a proven sales record). Jack, however, told the publisher that HE would provide the artwork if the dust jacket was published in color. The publisher printed 5,000 (a first-time author’s standard run) hardback copies, in color, as The Blue Max’s first edition. It became a top-seller as soon as it was published, then quickly was snapped up and turned into a major motion picture starring George Peppard, James Mason, and Ursula Andress. Jack went on to write seventeen books before his 2009 death. In addition, he became a talented aviation artist whose work resides in museums’ and enthusiasts’ art collections all over the world. Throughout his years as an artist, Jack produced paintings in two basic sizes. His more commonly-seen artwork was larger, measuring 13 ½” x 18 ½.” Occasionally, Jack also produced a smaller size that measured 9 3/8″ x 14 3/8.”

  Today we are offering one of his paintings in the smaller and more compact size. Its simple, elegant, black, molded frame measures 14 3/8″ x 19 3/8.” The painting’s subject is an encounter between an Albatros D. Va and a British SE-5. The Albatros is in the foreground and the SE-5 is in the background. The British plane is nosing down on his way to the ground. If you look carefully, you will note that some of the guy wires have become detached and the English bird is mortally wounded. In the lower left corner we see where Jack has signed the painting. The reverse features a hand printed note by Jack D. Hunter describing the painting’s action. The description ends with his signature. This beautiful painting would be outstanding in any collection.

  Height: in
  Width: in
  Length: in

  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING ONE ALBATROS D. Va AND ONE SE-5

  The late Jack D. Hunter was an amazing talent and a good friend. One of my favorite “Jack” stories occurred when his first book (The Blue Max) was being prepared for publication. As was standard for first-time authors, Jack was informed that his dust jacket would be rendered in black and white (artwork AND color were too expensive for a writer without a proven sales record). Jack, however, told the publisher that HE would provide the artwork if the dust jacket was published in color. The publisher printed 5,000 (a first-time author’s standard run) hardback copies, in color, as The Blue Max’s first edition. It became a top-seller as soon as it was published, then quickly was snapped up and turned into a major motion picture starring George Peppard, James Mason, and Ursula Andress. Jack went on to write seventeen books before his 2009 death. In addition, he became a talented aviation artist whose work resides in museums’ and enthusiasts’ art collections all over the world. Throughout his years as an artist, Jack produced paintings in two basic sizes. His more commonly-seen artwork was larger, measuring 13 ½” x 18 ½.” Occasionally, Jack also produced a smaller size that measured 9 3/8″ x 14 3/8.”

  Today we are offering one of his paintings in the smaller and more compact size. Its simple, elegant, black, molded frame measures 14 3/8″ x 19 3/8.” The painting’s subject is an encounter between an Albatros D. Va and a British SE-5. The Albatros is in the foreground and the SE-5 is in the background. The British plane is nosing down on his way to the ground. If you look carefully, you will note that some of the guy wires have become detached and the English bird is mortally wounded. In the lower left corner we see where Jack has signed the painting. The reverse features a hand printed note by Jack D. Hunter describing the painting’s action. The description ends with his signature. This beautiful painting would be outstanding in any collection.

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  DELUXE DESK PIECE COMMEMORATING BATTLING EAGLES (AS SEEN ON EHRENBECHER AVIATION AWARDS)

  SKU: 14-436

  $2,995.00

  This is one of the most amazing desk pieces that I have ever cast my eyes upon. The magnificent presentation’s central theme is a pair of battling eagles. One eagle is in the superior position with its wings outspread, flapping over the vanquished eagle below it. [They are in flight, by the way]. The design comes directly from Ehrenbechers (honor goblets) first awarded to Oswald Boelcke and Max Immelmann on 24 December 1915. These Ehrenbechers initially were produced by Berlin’s Godet & Söhne, Kaiser Wilhelm II’s noted house jewelers. The firm also produced many of the PLM’s, Knight’s Cross with Swords of the Hohenzollern House Orders, and other top German awards. In addition, both men became WW I’s first recipients of the Orden Pour le Mérite (nicknamed the “Blue Max” for Max Immelmann) in January 1916, after achieving their eighth victories. Both were dead before 1916 ended. Max Immelmann was killed in June, while Oswald Boelcke was the victim of a midair collision with one of his own pilots in October.
  The Ehrenbecher was funded by the German armament industry (which, dear readers, can be spelled “Alfred Krupp”). The actual design, purchase, and distribution of the Ehrenbecher came from the office of the Kommandierender General der Luftstreitkräfte (Commanding General of the Imperial German Air Service) Generalleutnant Ernst von Hoeppner and Oberstleutnant Hermann von der Lieth-Thomsen, von Hoeppner’s Chief-of-Staff. Officially known as “Ehrenbecher für den Sieger” (Honor Goblet for the Winner), featured the two battling eagles in flight and the legend “Dem Sieger im Luftkampf” (To the Victor in Aerial Combat). The Ehrenbecher stood on four balled feet. Its height was approximately 190 mm; its inside diameter was 95.5 mm; its outside diameter was 96-98 mm; the base’s diameter (with writing) was 70 mm; its height was 14 mm; the ball feet had a diameter of 21 mm. The weight was about 318 grams.
  Initially, the Ehrenbecher was awarded in three different metal compositions. First, it was awarded in .800 silver. Later, as silver supplies ran low, it was awarded in iron. During the three years that it was awarded, it came with an Urkunde (award document). As time went by, the required number of planes to be shot down in order to receive an Ehrenbecher was increased, just as it was for a PLM. Approximately 2,400 were awarded. At that point the goblet’s award was halted and only the document was awarded through the General’s office.
  With that quick history of the Ehrenbecher, we now return to the star of our show: the glorious desk piece. At first glance, the piece’s marble portion looks like it was a cigarette/cigar ashtray. I discount that idea, however, as it has no slots on the edges to keep the cigarette or cigar in place. Research proved it to be a “Salver.” A Salver was a Victorian era item. In fact an item that allowed the dropping of calling cards in it’s interior. They might be found in an entry hall but in this case, it would have been placed on the desk of a well heeled officer to serve as a decorative piece and a recipient of calling cards!

  The marble base measures 1 ½” x 8 ¼.” It is extremely high-quality. Its condition is as it was so many years ago when the proud owner took first took possession of it. Attached in the center are the two battling eagles in all their 3D glory. They clearly depict the fierceness of the battle, the triumph of the victory, and the despair of the vanquished. Each bird measures 5 ½” x 10,” and the pair together measure 6 ½” x 10.” The eagles are made of a high-quality bronze. Perhaps most exciting of all, each beak is made of ivory! This massive display weighs a whopping 8 pounds, 9 ounces.
  I have a theory about the presentation. The Ehrengabe was the naval version of the Ehrenbecher. It was a statuette, with a similar 3D version of the battling eagles mounted on the wooden base. In the photographs of our offering, we are adding a photograph or two of the Ehrengabe so you can see what leads me to this conclusion. Our desk piece may well have belonged to a naval aviator rather than one from the Army. Whichever theory you prefer, this will add a major aviation piece to your collection. It is more unusual than the original, as well as a fraction of the price of an Ehrenbecher or Ehrengabe. krMay16

  Height: in
  Width: in
  Length: in

  This is one of the most amazing desk pieces that I have ever cast my eyes upon. The magnificent presentation’s central theme is a pair of battling eagles. One eagle is in the superior position with its wings outspread, flapping over the vanquished eagle below it. [They are in flight, by the way]. The design comes directly from Ehrenbechers (honor goblets) first awarded to Oswald Boelcke and Max Immelmann on 24 December 1915. These Ehrenbechers initially were produced by Berlin’s Godet & Söhne, Kaiser Wilhelm II’s noted house jewelers. The firm also produced many of the PLM’s, Knight’s Cross with Swords of the Hohenzollern House Orders, and other top German awards. In addition, both men became WW I’s first recipients of the Orden Pour le Mérite (nicknamed the “Blue Max” for Max Immelmann) in January 1916, after achieving their eighth victories. Both were dead before 1916 ended. Max Immelmann was killed in June, while Oswald Boelcke was the victim of a midair collision with one of his own pilots in October.
  The Ehrenbecher was funded by the German armament industry (which, dear readers, can be spelled “Alfred Krupp”). The actual design, purchase, and distribution of the Ehrenbecher came from the office of the Kommandierender General der Luftstreitkräfte (Commanding General of the Imperial German Air Service) Generalleutnant Ernst von Hoeppner and Oberstleutnant Hermann von der Lieth-Thomsen, von Hoeppner’s Chief-of-Staff. Officially known as “Ehrenbecher für den Sieger” (Honor Goblet for the Winner), featured the two battling eagles in flight and the legend “Dem Sieger im Luftkampf” (To the Victor in Aerial Combat). The Ehrenbecher stood on four balled feet. Its height was approximately 190 mm; its inside diameter was 95.5 mm; its outside diameter was 96-98 mm; the base’s diameter (with writing) was 70 mm; its height was 14 mm; the ball feet had a diameter of 21 mm. The weight was about 318 grams.
  Initially, the Ehrenbecher was awarded in three different metal compositions. First, it was awarded in .800 silver. Later, as silver supplies ran low, it was awarded in iron. During the three years that it was awarded, it came with an Urkunde (award document). As time went by, the required number of planes to be shot down in order to receive an Ehrenbecher was increased, just as it was for a PLM. Approximately 2,400 were awarded. At that point the goblet’s award was halted and only the document was awarded through the General’s office.
  With that quick history of the Ehrenbecher, we now return to the star of our show: the glorious desk piece. At first glance, the piece’s marble portion looks like it was a cigarette/cigar ashtray. I discount that idea, however, as it has no slots on the edges to keep the cigarette or cigar in place. Research proved it to be a “Salver.” A Salver was a Victorian era item. In fact an item that allowed the dropping of calling cards in it’s interior. They might be found in an entry hall but in this case, it would have been placed on the desk of a well heeled officer to serve as a decorative piece and a recipient of calling cards!

  The marble base measures 1 ½” x 8 ¼.” It is extremely high-quality. Its condition is as it was so many years ago when the proud owner took first took possession of it. Attached in the center are the two battling eagles in all their 3D glory. They clearly depict the fierceness of the battle, the triumph of the victory, and the despair of the vanquished. Each bird measures 5 ½” x 10,” and the pair together measure 6 ½” x 10.” The eagles are made of a high-quality bronze. Perhaps most exciting of all, each beak is made of ivory! This massive display weighs a whopping 8 pounds, 9 ounces.
  I have a theory about the presentation. The Ehrengabe was the naval version of the Ehrenbecher. It was a statuette, with a similar 3D version of the battling eagles mounted on the wooden base. In the photographs of our offering, we are adding a photograph or two of the Ehrengabe so you can see what leads me to this conclusion. Our desk piece may well have belonged to a naval aviator rather than one from the Army. Whichever theory you prefer, this will add a major aviation piece to your collection. It is more unusual than the original, as well as a fraction of the price of an Ehrenbecher or Ehrengabe. krMay16

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