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  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING BRITISH BE 2c (IDENTIFIED AS A BE 12) TAKING OFF FROM AIRFIELD

  SKU: 16-405

  $1,495.00 $1,196.00

  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING BRITISH BE 2c (IDENTIFIED AS A BE 12) TAKING OFF FROM AIRFIELD

  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 painting’s action depicts a British BE 2c, which Jack misidentifies as a BE 12. I find this interesting, as Jack heavily researched his subjects before he began a painting. Nevertheless, we find that he has identified the plane as a BE 12, a single-seater fighter that was not used until 1916. Instead, it is the BE 2c, which preceded the BE 12 and was a two-seater observation version. We can verify our correction of Jack in two ways. First, and most important, two men are seated in the airplane as it takes off from its airfield. We can also clearly identify the two separate sections in which they are seated. Second, Jack writes that the scene is from 1915. The BE 2c had been in service since 1912, while the BE 12 would not join the RFC until August 1916.

  We see Jack’s signature in the painting’s lower left portion. The painting’s simple black frame sports a small gold trim band. It has a single, blue matte. The painting’s reverse displays a very small yellow tag on which Jack describes the painting’s action. Another tag also appears, on which the original owner states that this is a very early Hunter.

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  JACK D. HUNTER – ORIGINAL PAINTING – FEATURING BRITISH BE 2c (IDENTIFIED AS A BE 12) TAKING OFF FROM AIRFIELD

  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 painting’s action depicts a British BE 2c, which Jack misidentifies as a BE 12. I find this interesting, as Jack heavily researched his subjects before he began a painting. Nevertheless, we find that he has identified the plane as a BE 12, a single-seater fighter that was not used until 1916. Instead, it is the BE 2c, which preceded the BE 12 and was a two-seater observation version. We can verify our correction of Jack in two ways. First, and most important, two men are seated in the airplane as it takes off from its airfield. We can also clearly identify the two separate sections in which they are seated. Second, Jack writes that the scene is from 1915. The BE 2c had been in service since 1912, while the BE 12 would not join the RFC until August 1916.

  We see Jack’s signature in the painting’s lower left portion. The painting’s simple black frame sports a small gold trim band. It has a single, blue matte. The painting’s reverse displays a very small yellow tag on which Jack describes the painting’s action. Another tag also appears, on which the original owner states that this is a very early Hunter.

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  FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH OF MAX IMMELMANN

  SKU: 14-138

  $2,495.00

  This is a simply marvelous larger format portrait photograph of Max Immelmann. The photograph measures 7 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ and is uniquely mounted in a period frame that would have hung from a wall and measures 12″ x 8 1/4.” The photograph is an original of one of Immelmann’s most-popular Sanke Cards ever produced. It has him standing wearing a bayonet, Iron Cross 1st Class, Prussian Pilot Badge, and a five-place medal bar. He is also holding his visor cap in his hands. This photo was most likely given to a family member or friend as it is signed in black on the obverse: “Max Dez. 1915.” This was taken the month before he received the PLM. The portrait photograph is placed in the frame in a way that creates a shadow box effect. The frame, as mentioned previously, is a period type and the wood is brown. Between the brown molding and the gilt trim of the shadow box is a brown velvet that adds to the distinctive look of the frame.

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  This is a simply marvelous larger format portrait photograph of Max Immelmann. The photograph measures 7 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ and is uniquely mounted in a period frame that would have hung from a wall and measures 12″ x 8 1/4.” The photograph is an original of one of Immelmann’s most-popular Sanke Cards ever produced. It has him standing wearing a bayonet, Iron Cross 1st Class, Prussian Pilot Badge, and a five-place medal bar. He is also holding his visor cap in his hands. This photo was most likely given to a family member or friend as it is signed in black on the obverse: “Max Dez. 1915.” This was taken the month before he received the PLM. The portrait photograph is placed in the frame in a way that creates a shadow box effect. The frame, as mentioned previously, is a period type and the wood is brown. Between the brown molding and the gilt trim of the shadow box is a brown velvet that adds to the distinctive look of the frame.

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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

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  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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