Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "1917 S.E. 5a" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the S.E. 5a from the 100 Year of Powered Flight Collection. H. P. Folland, who went on to design many later aircraft for Great Britain, including the famous Gloster Gladiator, designed the original Royal Aircraft Factory S.E. 5 in 1916. An improved model of this aircraft, known as the S.E. 5a, became the favorite fighter of Edward Mannock and Billy Bishop, the top-scoring aces of the Royal Air Force. The S.E. 5a had slightly shorter wings and its Hispano Suiza engine drove a four blade prop. The armament of this aircraft was unusual, consisting of one Vickers gun, offse to the left, and a Lewis gun mounted above the center section. Both guns were mounted at an upward angle of five degrees. Changing the ammunition drum on the Lewis gun was not easy, particularly at high altitudes. Image Size: 16.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B17124)