NUNGESSER (Charles). 1892-1927. - Lot 114

NUNGESSER (Charles). 1892-1927. French aviator, hero of the Great War, aviation ace with forty-three recorded victories. Photographic card signed "Eug. Nungesser", addressed "to my friend Bertin". Photographic portrait in uniform, wearing decorations and aviator's insignia; vertical autograph signature on front. On verso, signed autograph letter: "A mon ami Bertin / de la part de son frère / Eug. Nungesser". Dated "November 21, 1916". Photographic postcard. Rare and early autograph testimony of the famous aviator during the First World War. The portrait shows Charles Nungesser in uniform, already displaying several military decorations and his aviator's license. The simple, warm autograph inscription bears witness to a circle of military and aeronautical friends at a time when Nungesser was becoming one of the most admired figures in French aviation. Dated November 1916, this card is set at the heart of the heroic years of fighter aviation, even before the legendary exploits that would make Nungesser a national icon and one of the protagonists of the attempted Atlantic crossing aboard L'Oiseau Blanc in 1927. A fine souvenir piece, combining period photography and an autograph letter from the legendary French ace.