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France, 1930. France. Homage to Alberto Santos-Dumont, a bronze plaque by R. Lamourdedieu, bust left with implements of mechanical flight, reverse dirigible and early biplane in flight, 71 x 55mm (cf. Baudey/Bricher 1992, 160). Very fine (£80-100)

The aircraft on the reverse are believed to be representations of Santos-Dumont’s most famous machines – the Santos-Dumont No.6 dirigible of 1901 (see lot 5027), and the Santos-Dumont No.14bis aeroplane of 1906, which carried out the first sustained flight by a heavier-than-air craft in Europe. In later life, Santos-Dumont became an increasingly depressed individual, who committed suicide in Brazil in 1932