Jack D. Hunter Original Painting – U.S. Salmson Two-Seater vs Pfalz D.XII, 1918

Regular price: $550.00
Sale price: $550.00
Regular price

SKU: 18-83

Original World War I aviation painting by acclaimed author and artist Jack D. Hunter, best known for his novel The Blue Max. This signed work depicts an American Salmson 2A2 two-seat reconnaissance aircraft engaged in combat with a German Pfalz D.XII single-seat fighter over the Western Front in August 1918.

The vivid scene shows the American crew fending off the German attack, with the Pfalz trailing smoke from an oil fire and a seized engine. The pilot, unable to continue the fight, is forced to break off and attempt a landing—an authentic reflection of the desperate duels fought in the closing months of the war.

The Salmson 2A2, built under French license for American units, became one of the most widely used U.S. reconnaissance aircraft of late WWI. Rugged and reliable, it provided crucial intelligence for the American Expeditionary Forces. The German Pfalz D.XII, though overshadowed by the Fokker D.VII, was a sturdy and heavily armed pursuit plane, often flown by seasoned veterans. Their clash illustrates the evolving balance of technology and tactics as the war neared its end.

The reverse of the painting bears a handwritten note by Jack D. Hunter, giving context to the scene:

“Western Front, August 1918. An American Salmson two-seat recon ship successfully resists the attack of a Pfalz D-12 single-seat pursuit plane of the German Imperial Air Service. The German pilot, faced with an oil fire and seized engine, has no choice but to land as quickly as possible.” – Jack D. Hunter

Details:

Artist: Jack D. Hunter (signed lower left)
Medium: Original painting (mixed media on paper)
Dimensions: Framed approx. 19.5 X 14.5 inches
Frame: Period green matte with gilt-edged black wood frame
Condition: Excellent with vibrant colors; frame shows minor wear; verso retains Hunter’s signed explanatory note and framer’s label (Wenfield Frame, Peabody, MA).