This is an original and unpublished personal photograph from the 1920s, featuring a US Army Air Corps Curtiss P-6 Hawk fighter aircraft equipped with skis and iced over on an airfield. Measuring approximately 7cm x 11cm (standard for the era), this print captures a rare and striking winter operational scene, showcasing the aircraft’s adaptation for cold-weather use. The Curtiss P-6, a development of the famed Curtiss Hawk series, was a premier pursuit aircraft of the interwar period, known for its speed and agility.
 
In this image, the P-6 is fitted with skis replacing the standard wheels, a modification for snow and ice operations, and appears heavily iced over, indicating extreme weather conditions. This likely documents testing, training, or operational exercises in northern U.S. or Alaskan territories, where such adaptations were critical. The photograph may also include ground crew or support equipment, emphasizing the challenges of early military aviation in harsh environments.
 
The Curtiss P-6, introduced in the late 1920s, represented cutting-edge biplane fighter technology before the monoplane revolution. Its service with the Air Corps included roles in defense, pilot training, and experimental operations, making this winter variant a particularly rare and historical subject.
 
As an unpublished personal photograph, this piece remains untouched by commercial reproduction, preserving its raw authenticity. The condition shows period-appropriate aging, such as minor edge wear or tonal shifts, but the image remains clear and evocative. Ideal for collectors of military aviation history, Curtiss aircraft enthusiasts, or vintage photography, this artifact offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and grit of early aircrews facing adversity.
 
Key Details:
 
Subject: US Army Air Corps Curtiss P-6 Hawk with skis, iced over (1920s)
 
Provenance: Unpublished personal photograph
 
Size: Estimated 7cm x 11cm (aligns with period standards)
 
Historical Context: Highlights cold-weather adaptations in interwar aviation
 
Condition: Aged but clear, with minor wear consistent with vintage photos
 
Significance: Demonstrates operational versatility and challenges of early military aircraft
 
This photograph is not only a visual record but also a tribute to the innovation and resilience of the Air Corps, making it a compelling addition to any collection focused on aviation history, military technology, or early 20th-century exploration.