First Across the Pond by Stan Stokes.

During WW I, German U-boats took a substantial toll on Allied shipping, and during the War military planners were anxious to explore the possibilities of aircraft being developed which could thwart this menace. Existing land-based patrol aircraft had given a fair account of themselves, but because of their inability to patrol areas far from land, they were of only limited use. What was needed was a very long range flying boat capable of venturing far out to sea in search of enemy shipping, and submarines. The U.S. Navy contacted aviation pioneer Glen Curtiss who was at that time working on a small sea-worthy flying boat for the United States Coast Guard. Curtiss produced two alternative designs of a long-range flying boat for the Navy, and the smaller three engine design was selected. The Navy commissioned work on four aircraft to be designated NC 1 through 4. Incorporating the new Liberty engine, these aircraft were completed at the close of hostilities. On November 27, 1918 one of these flying boats carried aloft a record-breaking 51 passengers. However, it appeared that the Wars end would slow or lead to a discontinuance of the Navys long-range patrol aircraft plans. Commander John Towers proposed that the NCs, or Nancy Boats as they were often called, be utilized in an attempt at the first transatlantic flight. Such a trip would require a long flight to the Azores, with Navy ships stationed along the route to provide navigational headings. On May 16, 1919 three of the Navys NC aircraft departed Newfoundland on the first leg of this record breaking trip. The three aircraft were forced to separate during the long and dangerous flight. NC1, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Bellinger became lost, and a decision was made to put the aircraft down. Although NC1 landed successfully the crew had misjudged sea conditions, which were too severe to attempt a takeoff. The crew of NC1 was rescued by a Greek freighter, but the aircraft was lost. The NC3 faced a not too dissimilar fate. Damaged during a forced landing, the aircraft drifted for two days before taxing into the harbor at the Azores. The third aircraft, NC4, was commanded by Albert Putty Read, and was piloted by Walter Hinton. Although only a Lieutenant Junior Grade, Hinton was an experienced aviator with significant flying boat experience. NC 4 was faster than its sister ships, and ran into severe weather near the end of its flight to the Azores requiring it to fly just above the wave tops. NC4 reached the Azores after fifteen hours aloft, and was met with great fanfare. The ship successfully journeyed on to Lisbon Portugal, completing the first successful crossing of the Atlantic by air. As pictured in Stan Stokes painting commemorating the 75th anniversary of this important achievement, NC4 touches down in Lisbon Harbor late in the day on May 27, 1919 becoming the first aircraft to cross the pond. NC4 has been restored and is on display at the US Naval Museum in Pensacola, Florida.

Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.

Signed limited edition of 4750 prints.

Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)