JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING ALBATROS C. III & BRISTOL “D” SCOUT
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. Today we are offering one of his paintings in the smaller, more compact size. Its simple, elegant, black, molded frame measures 14 ½” x 19 ½.”
The action of this painting shows a German Albatros C. III two seater airplane battling a British Bristol “D” Scout “Bullet.” The C. III was one of Germany’s premiere two-seaters during the WW I. It was used for a variety of roles, including in observation squadrons, light bombers, and ground attacks. It was produced by Albatros, the well known firm that also produced some highly effective single-seater fighter planes that saw extensive service with front line jastas.
The Bristol “D” was one of the earliest single-seater airplanes the RFC used. It was used from 1914-1916. Approximately 374 planes were built. (They were actually built before machine guns were fitted to airplanes). The “D” Scout was obsolete by 1916, and was replaced by Sopwith Camels and S.E. 5’s.
In the painting, the C. III is the central focus as the gunner observes his handiwork. The Bristol is nosing down and smoking heavily. The painting’s simple black frame sports a small gold trim band. It has a single green matte. Jack’s signature appears in the painting’s lower right corner.
The reverse displays a printed description of the action written and signed by Jack Hunter.
