The
Limited Edition Fine Art Print
GAUNTLET
OF A CAQUOT
WWI Caquot Type R Kite
Balloon
By
David Lee Sample
Countersigned by Charles Hayward
Print Size
25X30.5 Image Size 20X26.5
The
Print...
The Caquot Type R Kite Balloon was
named for it's designer French Army
Captain Albert Caquot. Early in World
War 1, while trying to improve the
Drachen-type balloon, he developed
the first streamlined captive
balloon. The Caquot had a capacity of
32,200 cubic feet of hydrogen gas,
giving it sufficient lifting power
for the mooring cable, basket, two
passengers, and necessary equipment.
In good weather it could ascent to
over 4,000 feet and operate
successfully in winds as high as 50
miles per hour. The balloon was
tethered in the air by a 3/8 inch
steel cable. The primary mission of
the Caquot was to send aloft a
balloon observer to locate and direct
artillery fire at German artillery
positions.
The
Balloon Observer... 
Charles L. Hayward enlisted in
the Signal Corps, for Balloon Service
May 2, 1917. In June 1917 he was
given the Aero Club's License No. 102
as a Spherical Balloon Pilot. From
February through June 1918 he was
stationed at Colombey les Belles,
France, near Toul. His observation
balloon company was one of the first
U.S. air units into action, on the
line. Charlie received a number of
awards during his tour overseas as a
balloon observer. With the report of
the successful destruction of a
target he was credited with a
"reglage". After 20
reglages on the company records he
was rated as an American
Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Balloon
Observer. Because he continued for
three months he was automatically
rated as a Reserve Military Aeronaut
(RMA) with authority to wear the
double wings. After he had been in
command of a Balloon Company in the
Zone of Advance for three months he
was again awarded the rating of
R.M.A. and consequently was the only
person to hold all three awards. His
other awards consists of World War
Ribbon with two stars; French,
Verdun; Army of Occupation; Overseas
Chevrons, three.
SIZE OF
EDITION: 500 Artist
signed and consecutively numbered
This limited edition
lithographic print has been
personally approved and signed by the
artist. It is printed on the finest
quality lithographic print paper;
acid free, neutral pH, 100-lb. stock,
Lustro Gloss Cover. All
printing plates and negatives used in
the process of printing the edition
have been destroyed and this image
has never been, or ever will be,
reproduced in any other art print
form.
Pricing
Gauntlet of a
Caquot
|
SKU
# |
Price |
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| Limited
Edition Print |
GOC-1 |
$165 |
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