Fine Books & Manuscripts

Watkin, Bertram. Porcelain Bust of Charles Lindbergh. 1927. Unglazed porcelain portrait bust of the famous aviator, designed and inscribed Watkin, Chief Modeler for the Syracuse China Co. 16 ¼ x 12 ¼ x 8 ¾” The verso of the base bears the artist’s inscription, “Bertram L. Watkin/27.7.27” Soiled finish, but good condition. One example of what is believed to have been perhaps four or five created by Watkin as a spur-of-the-moment commission for the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. The busts were presented, possibly one to Lindbergh himself and the others to the assembled dignitaries, at a July 1927 dinner organized by the Chamber during what was Lindbergh's first stop on his famous flying tour of the United States, several months after the SSL flight. One of three known examples.