September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
Temporary safe conduct permitting automobile circulation in the interior area that was issued to French aviator Charles Nungesser, who was the third-ranking French fighter ace in World War I. Famed for his injuries, it is said that he had broken every major bone in his body at least once. Nungesser scored 43 victories and was well known for his macabre personal insignia, a white-edged black heart on which had been painted a coffin, 2 candle sticks, and a skull and crossbones. He even wore a similar badge that he had sewn to his shirt pocket. Nungesser is often photographed with a bemedaled chest for his 43 victories and 11 probables during the war. In the post-war years, he flew many crowd-pulling air shows and attempted to fly the Atlantic with one of his old friends. The pair took off on May 8th, 1927 but disappeared, a sad end to a hero of France. The pass measures approximately 10 - 1/2" x 8 - 1/2" and exhibits fold lines and wear around the edges. Ink remains bold, as does the photo ID of Nungesser in uniform. The pass is dated "21 JAN 1918". The pass is accompanied by a copy of Norman Franks "Nieuport Aces of World War 1". A very interesting and seldom encountered document once possessed by a French Hero. CONDITION: Good.
Paperwork
Nieuport Aces of World War 1 Book