Gauntlet of a Caquot
"Gauntlet of a Caquot" Rare $450
The Caquot Type R Kite Balloon was named for its designer French Army Captain Albert Caquot. Early in World War I, while trying to improve the Drachen-type balloon, he developed the first streamlined captive balloon. The primary mission of the balloon, which carried 32,200 cubic feet of hydrogen gas to ascend up to 4,000 feet, was to send aloft an observer to locate and direct artillery fire against German artillery positions.
The co-signer of this lithograph, CAPT Charles L. Hayward enlisted in the Signal Corps for Balloon service May 2, 1917. Charlie received several awards during his tour overseas, as he was credited with “reglages” upon the successful destruction of a target.
Mr. Hayward was the only person to hold the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Balloon Observer title and the Reserve Military Aeronaut (RMA) title. He also earned the WWI Ribbon with two stars, French Verdun medal, Army of Occupation medal and three Overseas Chevrons. CAPT Hayward was the last living Balloon Observer when he countersigned this print.
IMAGE SIZE: 20” X 26.5”LITHOGRAPH SIZE: 25” X 30.5”