Group of Soviet Airmen Lined Up for Pre-Flight Instruction, circa early 1940s.
Measures 6 ½" x 4 ¾", printed on thin glossy photo paper. The photo shows a group of Soviet airmen lined up on a winter airfield by their commanding officer to receive pre-flight instruction. The handwritten inscription on the verso reads "Commander of the 2nd Detachment Krivtsov is providing pre-flight instruction to the airmen."
In very good to excellent condition. The paper is very slightly wrinkled, the corners retain the remainders of the creases left by the photo album slits holding the photo on the page. However, the wear becomes visible only when tilting the photo to reflect a bright light.
Of note is the footwear. All the fliers are wearing regulation winter boots whereas the commander is wearing valenki, traditional Russian winter boots made of thick rough felt. You cannot work the pedals during the flight wearing valenki: they are knee-high and quite inflexible. But their rough ¼"-thick felt is an excellent insulator against the cold and snow.
Please note that the penny in our photo is for size reference.
Item# 43143
$55.00 Add to cart
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