Items Similar to Art Deco Pan-Am DC3 Wooden Airplane Desk Model, Midcentury
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Art Deco Pan-Am DC3 Wooden Airplane Desk Model, Midcentury
About the Item
Art Deco / midcentury large DC3 desk aviation model.
Pan-Am wooden airplane model.
It was in an office of the company in South America.
Very good restored conditions. Slight age wear.
History
Pan American Airways began the first transatlantic passenger service on this day in 1939. Pan American World Airways, as it was to be known, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal United States international air carrier from the late 1920s until its collapse on December 4, 1991. Founded in 1927 as a scheduled air mail and passenger service operating between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba, the airline became a major company credited with many innovations that shaped the international airline industry, including the widespread use of jet aircraft, jumbo jets, and computerized reservation systems.
The history of Pan American Airways is inextricably linked to the expansive vision and singular effort of one man – Juan Trippe. An avid flying enthusiast and pilot, Trippe, only 28 years old when he founded the airline, lined up wealthy investors and powerful government officials from his personal acquaintances in the high-society of the 1920s. However, Pan Am’s first flight was an inauspicious start to its epic saga.
In 1927, facing a Post Office deadline for the commencement of mail carriage, Pan Am had no working equipment for its sole airmail contract between Key West and Havana. Fortunately for Pan Am, a pilot with his Fairchild seaplane arrived at Key West and was willing to carry the mail to Cuba for the start up operation. It is fitting that Pan Am’s first flight would be over water, since the airline would Pioneer overseas routes throughout its history.
Pan Am’s fortunes took a turn for the better in the fall of 1927. Through the heavy lobbying efforts of Juan Trippe, Pan Am was selected by the United States government to be its “chosen instrument” for overseas operations. Pan Am would enjoy a near monopoly on international routes. Added to Pan Am’s Cuba route were lines serving Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Most of these destinations were port cities, which could be reached only by landing on water. Therefore Pan Am made good use of its “flying boats,” the Sikorsky S-38 and S-40. Flights were eventually expanded to serve much of South America as well.
EnlargePan Am’s fleet of Clippers allowed the airline to conquer the Pacific in the mid-1930s. The flying boats would later be put to military use in WWII.
Just a few years later, Pan Am launched its effort to cross the world’s largest oceans. Survey flights across the Pacific were conducted with the Sikorsky S-42 in 1935, but passenger service required bigger and better aircraft. Accompanied by much fanfare, the Martin M-130 was introduced in 1936, followed by the Boeing 314 in 1939. Known as Pan Am Clippers, these mammoth flying boats flew from San Francisco harbor skipping across the Pacific with stops at Hawaii, Midway Island, Wake Island, Guam, the Philippines and then Hong Kong. Advance teams had prepared the stopover islands by blasting coral to make safe coves for sea landings and constructing luxury hotels for Pan Am’s discerning, rich clientele. Next on the Pan Am list for conquest was the world’s other major ocean – the Atlantic. The Boeing 314 entered European service in 1939 flying from New York to Lisbon and Marseille by way of the Azores.
World War II slowed passenger service but not Pan Am operations. Pan Am flew over ninety million miles on behalf of the war effort. Pan Am’s international route system would benefit greatly by the wartime construction of airfields at locations around the world. These airports were converted to passenger use after the war’s conclusion. The era of the flying boat was over, but the era of the jet was about to begin.
Pan Am was the first U.S. airline to begin commercial jet service when they began flying Boeing 707s in 1958.
The post-war years saw huge growth in tourist travel. Pan Am met demand by being the first to introduce the newest planes. In the early 1950s, Pan Am added to its fleet Classic airliners like the Lockheed Constellation and Boeing Stratocruiser. But Pan Am forced the entire industry to take a giant leap ahead when it was the first airline to begin passenger jet service. At a time when there was little enthusiasm for the jet airliner, Pan Am’s Juan Trippe managed to play Boeing and Douglas Aircraft off each to convince both to produce jets for an unknown market. Pan Am added both the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8 to its fleet. In 1958, Pan Am inaugurated jet service with flights from New York to Paris. Flying time was cut in half. Comfort and smoothness of flight were increased immeasurably. To remain competitive, the other airlines found it necessary to enter the jet age whether they wanted to or not.
In the 1960s, Juan Trippe saw need for a high-capacity, long haul aircraft to keep pace with the forecasted increase in air travel. The plane was the Boeing 747. Introduced in 1969, the 747 arrived at an unfortunate moment for Pan Am. A sharp downturn in air travel caused major financial difficulties for the airline. The purchase of the 747 fleet was a major cause of Pan Am’s steady decline over the next two decades.
To make matters worse, the governmental favors enjoyed by Pan Am for years gave way to increased hostility against the airline for its monopolistic ways. International routes were granted to Pan Am’s rival airlines, while Pan Am was barred from starting its own domestic operations. When deregulation allowed Pan Am to enter the domestic market, it jumped at the opportunity by acquiring National Airlines in 1980. But the integration of the two airlines’ routes and equipment was less than seamless. Debt continued to mount. Just to stay in the air, Pan Am was forced to liquidate assets. Most shocking was the sale in 1985 of its entire Pacific Ocean network to United Airlines. Soon thereafter, Pan Am sold its New York – London route. In 1991, Pan Am was forced to declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy. After a few months of flying in a joint venture with Delta, Pan Am went under in December of 1991.
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1995. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. Why are there so many antiques in Argentina?
In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place. 1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918 2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945 The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done. Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them. In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life. Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war. The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street. With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace. It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”. Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies. In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America. During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture. At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site). In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca. The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil. Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair. Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design. The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses. At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family. Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of high society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle. The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions. In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century. In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique. The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country. The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919. Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements. Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns in Italy. It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest community of Italians outside of Italy, as it is estimated that 70 percent of the inhabitants have at least one Italian descendant, followed by Spanish immigrants. The most Important furniture stores in Argentina: Comte is founded in 1934 (under the direct management of Jean Michel Frank in 1940). Nordiska (Swedish company established in 1934). Churba in 1960, a company that brought foreign designers to present their furniture in the country: Denmark: (Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Bender Madsen, Ejner Larsen, Poul Kjaerholm, Hans Wegner) Sweden: (Hans Agne Jakobsson, Gustavsberg) United States: (Herman Miller) Finland: (Lisa Johansson, Folke Arstrom, Tapio Wirkkala, Alvar Aalto, Timo Sarpaneva) Swedish Factory: (Orrefors) Italy: (Littala, Vico Magistretti, Emma Gismondi, Gae Aulenti, Angelo Mangiarotti, Elio Martinelli, Gianna Celada, Angelo Mangiarotti, Mario Bellini, Carlo Scarpa) Finland: (Olivia Toikka) Plata Lappas (Lappas Silver): a goldsmith shop founded in 1887 in Argentina by Alcibiades Lappas of Greek origin. In 2019, in Argentina took place “the Art Deco world congress” . Argentina currently has more than 100 Art Deco buildings and another 90 Art Nouveau buildings throughout the city of Buenos Aires. Argentina is a country that has not been involved in many wars, which is why it has been a refuge for works of art and antiques from different periods of time, unlike European countries. That is way many collectors, museums and antique dealers from all over the world visit it, you should not miss the opportunity to visit this great country.
- Creator:Pan American Airways (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 22.45 in (57 cm)Width: 31.11 in (79 cm)Depth: 20.08 in (51 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1930-1940
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. It has been repolished on the parts you can see the wood.
- Seller Location:Buenos Aires, AR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2027315623532

About the Seller
4.9
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2002
1stDibs seller since 2016
318 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllArt Deco Dewoitine Wooden Counters Desk Model Airplane 1930s French
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Dewoitine Wooden Counters Desk Model Airplane 1930s French.
The Dewoitine was a Art Deco 1930s French eight-passenger airliner built by Dewoitine.
The Airplane was an all-metal cantilever low-wing monoplane. The pilot and co-pilot were seated side by side in a cabin located forward of the wing leading edge. A radio operator station was located behind the pilots, and it had a passenger cabin for eight passengers. The landing gear had trouser-type fairings on the main gear legs.
The aircraft first flew on 11 July 1933 powered by three Hispano-Suiza 9V radial engines...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Aviation Objects
Materials
Marble, Brass
Art Deco Spitfire Wooden & Aluminum Airplane Desk Model, Asprey, ca 1940's
By Asprey & Garrard Limited
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / Cubist Spitfire wooden & aluminum airplane desk model. Asprey London- ca 1940´s. RAF Supermarine spitfire aluminum airplane desk model, mounted over a display stand.
Airpl...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Art Deco French Caudron, Renault Desk Airplane Model, Late 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
French Caudron - Renault Desk Airplane Model. Late 1930´s.
Made of Lacquered Wood and Polished Aluminium
The C.710 were a series of light fighter aircraft developed by Caudron-Re...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
$2,500 Sale Price
34% Off
Aviation Lockheed Super Constellation Vintage Desk Airplane Model, circa 1940s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Aviation Lockheed Constellation vintage aluminium desk top display airplane model. The model has movement, you can change the position of the airplane...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Pan American - Grace Airways Airplane Model Advertising Paperweight. c1930´s
By Pan American Airways
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Pan American - Grace Airways Airplane Model Advertising Paperweight.
circa 1930´s.
Pan American-Grace Airways, also known as Panagra, and dubbed "The World's Friendliest Airline" w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Marble, Brass
Art Deco Ford Trimotor Desk Airplane Wooden Model, ca. 1925
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Ford Tri-motor desk airplane wooden model - ca. 1925.
Fantastic desk / counter airplane, made of polished wood and polished aluminium. Fully Restored and ready to display.
Some History:
The Ford Trimotor...
Category
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
You May Also Like
Art Deco Model of a Boeing 314 Clipper Airplane Circa 1938
Located in London, GB
A superb Art Deco Model of a Boeing 314 Clipper Aeroplane Circa 1938.
The Boeing Clipper was a long range Flying Boat made by the Boeing Aircraft Company i...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Aviation Objects
Materials
Wood
Large French Chrome Desktop Model of Douglas DC3
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French chrome desktop model of Douglas DC3
A super piece and a great desk ornament for the desk that has everything else
This model was displayed b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original German perpetual desk calendar. Change the day of the week and date by pressing the Bakelite handle on the side. A knob in the back allows you to adjust the date t...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Copper
Brass Desk Top Model of a Kedge Admiralty Anchor
Located in London, GB
A brass desk top model of a Kedge admiralty anchor.
Well modeled with Shank, stock, crown, flukes, shackle and keep pin.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass
Pan Am Boeing 707 Model Aircraft, circa 1958
Located in London, GB
An exceptional large scale vintage fiberglass and resin composite promotional model of a Boeing 707 in Pan Am’s iconic livery on original steel and cast iro...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Aviation Objects
Materials
Steel, Iron
Ronson USA 1934 Art Deco Black Lacquered Rondette Desk Lighter in Stainless Stee
By Ronson Art Metal Works
Located in Miami, FL
A stainless steel lighter designed by Ronson.
Very beautiful desk Rondette lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1934. This is a very unusual lighter designed with wonderful geometric patterns and crafted in solid steel with a central round body set upon two smaller cylindrical feet. Embellished with black lacquer, creating a great contrast with the base polished steel. Extremely well made and solid construction with very nice care and attention to all details. This surely is a very decorative piece and a great conversation item in gorgeous and exceptional preserved condition.
Weight: 104.9 Grams, (67.24 Dwt).
Measurements: 66 mm by 21 mm by 82 mm (2.59 x 0.83 x 3.23 Inches).
Marks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed, "RONSON US PAT.RE.NO.19023 RONSON RONDETTE ART METAL WKS INC NEWARK NJ US PAT.RE.NO.19023".
The Ronson lighter company started as The Art Metal Works in 1897 and was incorporated on July 20, 1898, by Max Hecht, Louis Vincent Aronson and Leopold Herzig, in Newark, New Jersey. Louis V. Aronson was a huge creative driving force for the company; and, with a few business adjustments, including the addition of Alexander...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
$416 Sale Price
30% Off
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Delta Chair
Puerto Rico Mid Century Furniture
Surveying Instrument
Pan American Airline
747 Model
Pan Am Airways
First Class Airline
Boeing 747
Wooden Airplane Models
Used Boeing 747
Boeing 707
Lockheed Model
Aviation Dc3
Boeing 747 Model
Lockheed Constellation Model
Boeing 314
Space Models Concorde
Aircraft Aluminum Desk