Lot 87799: Higgins, Cardwell - Advertising Illustration for Eastern Airlines

CARDWELL HIGGINS (American, 1902-1983) Eastern Airlines Ad Illustration Pen and ink on paper 11.5 x 8.5 in. Not signed This illustration is framed along side an 12.5 x 9 in. photograph inscribed, "To my dear friend Cardwell S. Higgins -- Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker." The highly decorated World War I flying ace and iconic American war hero Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973) helped create and operate Eastern Airlines later in his career. In 1935, when General Motors gained ownership of Eastern Air Transport, they asked Rickenbacker to manage the company. With outside help he then merged Eastern Air Transport with Florida Airways to form Eastern Airlines. Under Rickenbacker, Eastern Airlines, based in Miami, became a major international transportation company. In 1938 when Rickenbacker learned that GM was selling Eastern he bought the company and remained as CEO until 1959. Higgins and Rickenbacker were friends prior to the forming of Eastern Airlines, and this photograph is dated 1930. This piece is known to have been one of Charles Martignette's most treasured items. From the Estate of Charles Martignette.