To me, the American interpretation of Deco has a bit of innocence in it - the innocence which is evidenced in this lovely 1923 poster (which makes it very early Deco) for the International Air Races at St. Louis. Aviation was in its early days, and still quite the draw: according to one historical website: In 1923 there was held on this field one of the greatest aeronautic events of the world. The total cost exceeded three hundred thousand dollars. On the day of the Pulitzer race we had an attendance of 140,000, parking over 24,000 automobiles. On the flying field we had ninety-two planes and the airstrip Shenandoah. One day during all this excitement, a tramp plane coming through the clouds, landed on the field. The pilot after pegging down his ship, introduced himself to several men sitting on a bench: ''My name is Lindbergh.'' Another website ), provides this account of the air race of 1923: From St. Louis Post-Dispatch September 30, 1923 FLYING CLUB OF ST. LOUIS TROPHY RACE, 1923 Seven contestants took part in the event, a 150-mile race for light planes with engines of 90 horsepower or less. The contestants got into the air at 11:00 a.m., and ''Casey'' Jones jumped into the lead in his ''Oriole.'' He led for the entire first lap of the 50-kilometer course, with Lawrence B. Sperry close behind in his ''messenger,'' followed by R.P. Hewitt''s Farman ''Sport,'' Walter E. Lees'' Hartzell FC1, Perry Hutton''s Laird ''Swallow.''{ St. Louisan William Robertson''s ''Special,'' and Tex La Grone''s Rogers ''Day/'' On the second lap,, Sperry, who was ''hedge-hopping'' at a jheight of 20 feet, took the lead from Jones, but he was overtaken by Lees at the start of the third and final lap. The rest of the field trailed behind the three leaders, with Tex La Grone three miles back. In the home stretch of the last lap, Sperry was only 200 yards behind Lees when he was forced down by ignition trouble. He made swift repairs and was able to complete the race. Lees crossed thefinish line at 12:04:50 p.m. with a total time of 62 minutes and 37.02 seconds, anaverage speed of 89.31 miles per hour, for which hewon the trophy and $500/ Perry Hutton was third for $200, at a speed of 85.28 miles per hour. Robertson was fourth at 83.95, La Grone fifth at 81.05, Hewitt sixth at 78.43, and Sperry last, his average dropping from 87.65 miles per hour for two laps to 71.95 for the entire race. It was a fine opoening event and was well appreciated by the enthusiastic crowd. From CITY OF LIGHT This poster is in very good condition, measures roughly 21 x 14 inches and is linen backed. PLEASE NOTE: ALL OF OUR POSTERS ARE ORIGINAL, NON REPRODUCTION, VINTAGE PIECES.We are happy to ship worldwide and will quote prices for surface, or courrier costs after completion of sale. We will answer any questions, and/or send additional photos upon request. Check often as we add new items almost every day. Thanks for your interest. Status: For Sale Reference#: 1923avia Condition: A- Year: 1923 Country: USA Height: 21 in. (53.34 cm) Width: 14 in. (35.56 cm) Title: RARE + ORIG. US DECO TRAVEL AVIATION POSTER 1923 SUPER! Style: ART DECO Materials: paper (linen backed)

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