Advertising Poster, "Patterson Aviator," 1915-1916

01

Artifact Overview

Buyers for early airplanes were few and far between, but there was no shortage of people willing to pay to watch "birdmen" fly. Many pioneering manufacturers formed exhibition teams. These teams traveled the country and staged elaborate shows, filled with daredevil stunts, for paying audiences. It was dangerous work, but it brought considerable publicity to the budding aviation industry.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Poster

Date Made

1915-1916

Subject Date

1915-1916

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.0.542.39

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Lithography

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 28.125 in
Width: 42.125 in

02

Related Content

  • Air Racing Poster, "Over 200 Miles Per Hour International Air Races," St. Louis, Missouri, 1921
    Set

    Exhibition Flying

    • 22 Artifacts
    Part showmanship and part salesmanship, early aviation meets and air shows improved airplane technology and promoted the aviation industry. Air races celebrated speed, with pilots competing against the clock or against each other on marked courses. Reliability tours focused on stamina, with prizes awarded for dependable flying on specific schedules. Exhibition flying launched great careers for some -- and cut them short for others.