Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "1935 Martin M-130" 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 Martin M-130 from the 100 Year of Powered Flight Collection. The M-130 was first flown in 1935, and came into being as a result of Pan American's great leader, Juan Trippe, demanding an aircraft that could make a profit flying from the United States to the Orient. Sikorsky offered its stylish S-42, but Martin won with the 41-passenger, four engine M-130, that was larger and cost $417,000, an enormous sum at the time. Martin had underbid, expecting a follow-on contract for several more, but in the end only three M-130s were built - the China Clipper, Hawaiian Clipper (later called the Hawaii Clipper) and Philippine Clipper. The first flight on the route between San Francisco and Manila took place in November 1935, and regular passenger service was initiated in October 1936. Image Size: 16.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B17113)