Auctioned Sioux head fabric

SCMc · 2 April 2011, 01:43 PM

While looking for pictures of the Lafayette Escadrille Sioux head, I came across fabric that was auctioned off last year (for $2,300) at this site:
Lafayette Escadrille Airplane Fabric - Cowan's Auctions

The Sioux head is well rendered, and consistent with some others that I have seen. It is on a red background, painted over plain fabric (I don't see any sign of a lower layer of paint). The auctioneer claimed "Condition: The fabric is original. The paintwork rendered is contemporary," and "This item was originally on display in the 1970s at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Atwater, California." I assume that "the U.S. Air Force Museum" is the Castle Air Museum, though U.S. Air Force does sound more impressive.

I am curious what forum members think about it. Is this an authentic piece of WWI aircraft fabric? Was there anyone in the Lafayette Escadrille that had a red fuselage with a Sioux head insignia?

Steve

TFF · 2 April 2011, 09:22 PM

If it was 100% original I dont think a US Gov museum would get rid of it. Probably an original piece of fabric that was made "better" with the painting.

Dan_San_Abbott · 2 April 2011, 10:08 PM

Hi Steve:
looking at the rear side of the fabric does not show the evidence of fuselage stringers of the SPAD VIIc1or SPAD XIIIc1. I don't think this ever came off any airplane. It could be contemporary and painted on a piece of fabric for display purposes. as I said "Hmmmmm?"
Blue skies Steve,
Dan-San

Dart · 2 April 2011, 10:46 PM

"Condition: The fabric is original." could mean a lot of things.

It might mean "original to the Escadrille," which isn't impossible (they made fabric panels with the indian head on them as momentoes for departing members that were never on aircraft, after all), and the artist may have gotten ahold of a bolt of fabric that had been squirreled away in a foot locker (or possibly used to line one).

It could mean "original to the type," and could be vintage fabric from the era.

It could mean "original to the type" and be Irish Linen of dubious providence.

We're inferring that it means "used on an aircraft that was in service with the Escadrille during WWI," when it states no such thing with any clarity.

(Unfortunately I can't get to the actual auction ad from this computer so I could be completely wrong as to the claims)