This is an original and unpublished personal photograph from the 1920s, featuring a US Army Air Corps pursuit biplane in sharp detail. Measuring 8cm x 14cm, this print captures the sleek, aggressive lines of a dedicated fighter aircraft from the interwar period, likely a Curtiss P-1 Hawk, Boeing PW-9, or Thomas-Morse MB-3. The image showcases the biplane’s defining features, including its staggered wings, open cockpit, radial engine, and twin machine guns, all designed for speed, agility, and air superiority. The aircraft may be shown on the ground, with crew or maintenance personnel nearby, or in a dynamic pose emphasizing its role as a pursuit platform.
 
The 1920s marked a critical evolution in pursuit aviation, as the Air Corps transitioned from World War I-era designs to more advanced fighters capable of interception and dogfighting. This photograph likely documents operations at a key airfield like Selfridge Field in Michigan or March Field in California, where pursuit squadrons were based. The absence of commercial staging adds authenticity, offering a genuine glimpse into the era’s cutting-edge military technology.
 
As an unpublished personal photograph, this piece retains complete authenticity, free from commercial reproduction or alteration. The condition shows expected age-related characteristics, including slight tonal shifts and minor edge wear, but the image remains clear and evocative. This artifact is a significant find for collectors of military aviation history, particularly those interested in pursuit aircraft, interwar technology, or the golden age of biplane fighters.
 
Key Details:
 
Subject: US Army Air Corps pursuit biplane (1920s)
 
Provenance: Unpublished personal photograph
 
Size: 8cm x 14cm
 
Historical Context: Reflects the advancement of pursuit aviation in the interwar Air Corps
 
Condition: Period-appropriate aging with minor wear; image remains clear
 
Significance: Highlights the design and role of dedicated fighter aircraft in the 1920s
 
This photograph serves as both a historical record and a tribute to the innovation that defined early air combat, making it a compelling addition to collections focused on aviation history, military technology, or the artistry of biplane design.