Gottfried von Banfield by Ivan Berryman. (AP)

Linienschiffsleutnant Gottfried Freiherr von Banfield was one of the top scoring aces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with 9 confirmed and 11 unconfirmed victories to his credit and was awarded the Empires highest order, the Knights Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa for his achievements. In February 1916 he was put in command of the naval air station at Trieste, a post that he held until the end of the war. He is shown here with his observer, Seekadett Heribert Strobl Edler von Ravensberg, having just claimed his first victory, an Italian observation balloon near the mouth of the Isonzo River on 27th June 1915, flying his Lohner Type T, L.47.

Limited edition of 10 artist proofs.

Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm)