Art Deco Aviation Trophy

France, circa 1930
Possible symbolic association: Costes and Bellonte ?
In the manner of Edgar Brandt

General Description

Important Art Deco aviation trophy in forged metal, with a strong architectural and symbolic composition, evoking the heroic and technical spirit of French aviation during the interwar period.

The object is conceived as a vertical column composed of bundled metal tubes, suggesting both:

• mechanical elements (engine cylinders, industrial structures), and

• a monumental, almost totemic elevation.

On either side of the column extend two stylized wings, ribbed and geometrically articulated in relief, serving as an explicit symbol of flight and the conquest of the air.
The whole is surmounted by a circular dish-like top, conceived as a ceremonial cup or receptacle, reinforcing the trophy’s honorary function.

A stylized question mark motif is applied to the front of the column:

• a rare and intriguing graphic element,

• possibly symbolizing challenge, uncertainty, or daring, central themes of early aviation,

• or indicating a personal, symbolic, or event-specific meaning, suggesting a unique or commemorative object.

Stylistic Analysis

• Style: Strong Art Deco

• Influence: Formal vocabulary closely related to the work of Edgar Brandt

  • forged metal

  • rigorous geometry

  • balance between decoration and structure

• Aesthetic: industrial, monumental, heroic

• Execution: high-quality artisanal craftsmanship, with hammered finishes and original dark patina

Material and Technique

• Material: forged metal

• Technique: forging, assembly, hammering, applied decorative elements

• Patina: original, consistent, unrestored

Dimensions

• Height: 48.5 cm

• Width: 46 cm

• Depth: 28.5 cm

Context and Attribution

This trophy clearly belongs to the context of the great French aviation exploits of the late 1920s and early 1930s, a period marked by record-breaking flights and legendary transatlantic crossings.

A symbolic association with Costes and Bellonte—pioneers of the first Paris–New York transatlantic flight in 1930—is plausible but currently undocumented.
In the absence of an inscription, such an attribution should be presented with caution, as a historical or commemorative hypothesis rather than a confirmed fact.

Collecting Interest

• Rare Art Deco aviation sculptural object

• At the crossroads of:

  • sculpture

  • commemorative object

  • institutional trophy

• Strong visual and architectural presence

• Highly desirable for:

  • aviation collections

  • Art Deco collectors

  • gallery or architectural display

Recommended Catalogue / Website Note

Art Deco aviation trophy in forged metal, France, circa 1930.
Monumental composition with stylized wings, in the manner of Edgar Brandt.
Possible, undocumented commemorative association with major French aviation exploits, potentially Costes and Bellonte.

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