Cessna First Solo Flight Trophy (Female Aviator Variant)
Commemorative trophy/sculpture; desk accessory with integrated photo frame • Manufactured for Cessna Aircraft Company (commercial/industrial production)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Americana / Corporate Commemorative Art
Medium & Technique
Gold-toned electroplated molded plastic (trophy figure) and acrylic (frame pane) mounted on a wooden base with a printed brass-finish metal plaque.
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10-12 inches (height) by 8 inches (width); upright vertical format.
Subject Description
The trophy features a standing female aviator figure in a mid-century pilot's uniform, hand on hip, resting her other arm on a winged 'Cessna' logo crest. Beside her is a clear vertical frame intended for holding a certificate or photograph. The plaque commemorates a 'First Solo Flight'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of age including surface dust, scratching on the acrylic, and minor pitting of the metallic plating.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $85 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $60 USD
Provenance History
Corporate award issued by Cessna-affiliated flight schools to student pilots; likely held in a private family collection since the date of the solo flight.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of 20th-century aviation culture and the marketing strategies of the Cessna aircraft company. It holds historical interest specifically for its depiction of a female pilot, reflecting the demographics of General Aviation in that era.
Notable Features
Includes the vintage Cessna logo and period-specific typography on the plaque. The use of a female figure instead of the more common male aviator figure makes this specific variant more collectible for aviation historians.
Condition Issues
Scratched acrylic plate; minor oxidation/wear on the gold-toned plating; environmental dust accumulation; missing the 'Verified By' signature usually found on the plaque.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a microfiber cloth; use of a plastic-specific polish for the acrylic frame; storage in a low-humidity environment to prevent further plating degradation.