Bidspirit auction | Historical Commemorative Plaque Agusta Italy

Historical Commemorative Plaque Agusta Italy 1963 – Honorary gift to Bell Helicopter USA – Design Emilio Monti – On onyx marble in a casket approx. 40 cm - Large, heavy Historical Commemorative Plaque Agusta Italy 1963 – Honorary gift to Bell Helicopter USA – Design Emilio Monti – On onyx marble in a casket Description  Item: Exclusive, relief commemorative plaque / ornate plaque in original case.  Country / Origin: Italy (Cascina Costa, Samarate).  Manufacturer/Donor: Costruzioni Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta (today Leonardo S.p.A.).  Artist / Sculptor: Signed bottom right with ”Emilio Monti” (Italian sculptor, 1901–1981).  Dating: May 1963 (Maggio 1963).  Material: Relief plate made of silver-plated metal (or silver-plated bronze), mounted on a solid, green-veined onyx marble plate. Lies in the original, silk-lined presentation box. Historical Background & Inscription The plaque shows the famous Agusta-Bell 204B helicopter in flight in the upper part and an aerial view of the historic Agusta factory premises in Cascina Costa in the lower part. The Italian inscription reads: ”Le Costruzioni Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta all'Ing. E. J. Ducayet, dinamico Presidente della Bell Helicopter, con ammirazione e affetto in occasione del 50° elicottero Agusta Bell 204 B costruito a Cascina Costa — Cascina Costa, Maggio 1963” Translation: ”Giovanni Agusta Aeronautical Constructions to Engineer E. J. Ducayet, dynamic President of Bell Helicopter, with admiration and affection on the occasion of the 50th Agusta Bell 204 B helicopter built in Cascina Costa — Cascina Costa, May 1963.” Background: From the 1950s, Agusta built Bell helicopters under license for the European and Middle Eastern markets. This piece documents the close transatlantic cooperation of the aviation industry during the Cold War and, as a personal gift for Bell President Edwin J. Ducayet (President from 1960 to 1972), is an absolute unique item of museum significance.