Ulpiano Checa Y Sanz (Spanish 1860-1916) Gilt Bronze Figure of a Chariot Racer

Ulpiano Checa Y Sanz (Spanish, 1860-1916) Gilt Bronze Figure of a Chariot Racer , early 20th century, modeled as a Roman chariot drawn at great speed by two horses, the driver urging the horses to greater speed with raised whip, with mold incised signature "U. Checa," and with Parisian foundry seal, and Black, Starr & Frost retailers seal, with marble base set with engraved brass plaque inscribed "Presented to Edward V. Rickenbacker in Recognition of His Outstanding Achievements by His Fellow Members, Metropolitan Section - Society of Automotive Engineers, May 1, 1936." Provenance: Edward "Eddie" Rickenbacker, 1890-1973. Rickenbacker was one of 20th century America's greatest heroes and adventurers. Best known as a World War I Flying Ace, having shot down twenty-two planes and four observation balloons, Rickenbacker also served his country during World War II, and in 1942, en route to the South Pacific, he and six other men crashed at sea and were lost for twenty-four days. Rickenbacker was also a notable racecar driver in the early years of the 20th century, and was a key player in the creation of the commercial aviation system of today. He was the recipient of numerous military and civilian awards and citations, including the Congressional Medal of Honor, and the French Croix de Guerre. A copy of Rickenbacker's autobiography accompanies the lot.