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Eddie Richenbacker Photo and Autographed Book 94th Aero Squadron [164091]

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Eddie Richenbacker Photo and Autographed Book 94th Aero Squadron   [164091]
SOLD
2,900.00USD+ (725.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2024 Jan 27 @ 20:04UTC-8 : PST/AKDT

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This chest is marked "94th Aero Squadron/ Air Service" the 94th Squadron Emblem is the "Hat in The Ring". The hat is Uncle Sam's hat and the emblem is positioned in the lower left corner of the chest. The front of the chest is marked "CAR". The owner was 1st Lt. Charles Allen Rankin. "Rankin" is also visible on the side of the chest. Lt. Charles A. Rankin was an Engineering Officer in 1918 and served with Commander Eddie Richenbacker. A copy of Richenbacker's book: "Fighting the Flying Circus" authored by him in 1918 is signed by Capt. Richenbacker (clearly visible) as well as the owner of the book, Lt. Charles A. Rankin and about twenty other airmen including another ace, inside cover. Hardback book, pp.366.,blue/green hardcover foxed corners. A B&W photo of Richenbacker is 4.5 in. X 6.5 is in very good condition while piloting an early bi-plane. There are four other photos of an airman believed to be Charles A. Rankin. A News Bulletin dated Oct. 13, 1918 lists Lt. Richenbacker as the leading ace with 18 "victories". There is a memorandum dated xx, 1918 on the specifics to operating the Spad airplane including maximum rpm and cold engine warm-up. There is a special order for Lt. Charles Rankin as appointed "Entertainment Officer" dated March 11th, 1919 from Germany. The order is signed by Reed Chambers, another flying ace. Please note that the first world war was over on Nov. 11, 1918. A number of dispatches and other ephemera are included in this lot. This chest also serves as the collection of WW 2 airman (Charles) Allen Rankin (Jr.). His pilot's licenses and training records are enclosed as well as a "Safe Conduct Pass' should he be captured, and stamp signed by Douglas McArthur. Provenance is from the Rankin estate. WARNING: The lot contains graphic images of war.