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Cleveland Air Races Art Deco Louis Greve Trophy Race 1937

Offered by: Bizarre Bazaar

Description
During the 1930's the National Air Races were held in Cleveland Ohio. The races were sponsored by the Bendix Corporation & Louis William Greve (2 Nov. 1882-2 Feb. 1942) industrial designer and pioneer in the aerospace industry. He was born in Cleveland & worked in his father's company, CLEVELAND PNEUMATIC TOOL, beginning as an office boy and later as a mechanic. He was made a director and treasurer of the company in 1904 and was elected president in 1931, serving until his death.
An industrial innovator, Greve was head of the company's product improvement, under his leadership, the company's design and manufacture of airplane landing gear became an industry standard. An early promoter of the NATIONAL AIR RACES, Greve insured participation of the Cleveland chapter of the National Aeronautics Association in the first races held in Cleveland in 1929, and the following year he served as president of the event. In 1934, the Louis W. Greve trophy was first offered as a prize at the National Air Races for an international free-for-all race by planes not exceeding 550 cubic inch displacement.
This is the 3rd place trophy won in 1937 by Gus Gotch, flying a racing airplane at 231 mph named Rider R-4. This is a very rare item, at this time there is no other known example. The 1 st place trophy resides in the Smithsonian National Air Space Museum and is not available for purchase.. The trophy has a fine Art Deco style decorated with futuristic looking pilots in helmets & an angel holding a racing airplane.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Bronze Wood
Condition:	Good. Excellent condition, no damage, aged patina
Creation Date:	1937
Styles / Movements:	Art Deco, Modern
Incollect Reference #:	324661

Dimensions

W.	15 in;	H.	22 in;
W.	38.1 cm;	H.	55.88 cm;

Message from Seller:

Bizarre Bazaar, based in New York City, specializes in rare, one-of-a-kind objects of intrigue, including antique toys, vintage transportation models, and Art Deco pieces. Since 1985, they have worked with collectors and museums worldwide, and now offer their treasures online and by appointment only. Reach them at 212-517-2100 or BZRBZR@aol.com.

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