Great Pieces of Silver - II

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THE CURTISS MARINE FLYING TROPHY

Maker: Theodore B. Starr, Inc.


© The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Dimensions: 46" x 31" x 31" (117cm x 79cm x 79cm)

The Curtiss Marine Flying Trophy was manufacturered by the Gorham Manufacturing Company under the direction and sponsorship of Theodore B. Starr.


Theodore B. Starr, Inc. - New York - 1917

The trophy was presented to the Aero Clubs of America by the aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss and originally was intended to be given annually by that organisation for a race by seaplanes and flying boats. The trophy was last competed for in 1930.

The Curtiss Marine Flying Trophy is part of the collection at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, however, it is not currently on display.
See: http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/arti ... 9420036000" onclick=; and click on 'Long Description'


Trev.

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Emblematic of the Triumph of Wings over the dominating elements the Sea and the Air, the Curtiss gift represents the handsomest and most costly marine flying trophy ever offered. It is executed entirely in Sterling silver at a cost of $5,000, stands three feet ten inches high, two feet seven inches in diameter and rests on a base of onyx.

A flying boat of the trans-Atlantic type is shown in flight over the Globe, supported on a base representing the Sea. Rising from the Sea on one side is Neptune, ruler of the Waves, who vainly reaches up for the huge machine. On the other side is Boreas, ruler of the Winds, who blows on the flying boat in a futile effort to upset it.

The theme, conceived by Mr. Henry Woodhouse and executed by Theo. B. Starr, Inc., is most appropriate, typifying the aircraft of to-day, which, owing to increased weight and speeel, is fearless of the wind. It rises above or drops below a storm, thus escaping its fury.

Neptune, who has controlled all marine craft throughout the ages, is surrounded in the water by the Viking boats of thousands of years ago. Columbus' caravel, the Santa Maria, is also shown. Enmeshed in his net are representative craft of to-day–a yacht cup winner, an ocean liner, a dreadnaught and a submarine. As the flying boat rises above the reach of Neptune and Boreas they stand amazed, frustrated in their efforts to disturb the new craft.

Source: Flying - Volume 4 - The Aero Club of America - 1915

Trev.