Live Auction 1479Maritime including Scientific & Medical Instruments
A well-constructed and modelled float-plane version of the Couzinet 70 "Arc-en-Ciel"
Lot 104

A well-constructed and modelled float-plane version of the Couzinet 70 "Arc-en-Ciel"

A well-constructed and modelled float-plane version of the Couzinet 70 "Arc-en-Ciel"

Price Realised

USD 9,600

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How to sell

A well-constructed and modelled float-plane version of the Couzinet 70 "Arc-en-Ciel"
the carved mahogany fuelage of broad croass-section tapering continuasly in the vertical plane so as to form the integral fin and rudder, the thick chord wings incorporating engine nacelles for the Hispano-Suiza 12NG twelve-cylinder engines, with three-blade propellors, the under-fuselage main float and under-wing stabilising floats with aerodynamic bracing struts
58½in. (149cm.) wing span; 35½in. (90cm.) overall length; 5½in. (14cm.) propellor diameter

Specialist note

René Couzinet (b. 1904) was a gifted aircraft designer. The Couzinet 70 was designed specifically for the transatlantic postal service for Aéropostale; flown by Jean Mermoz with three crew members, on January 16 1933 "Arc-en-Ciel" inaugurated the South American route from St Louis to Natal in 14 hrs and 27 mins. Modified, the Couzinet 70 was re-numbered 71 and during the last five months of 1934 completed no less than eight Atlantic crossings. Sadly, although passing to Air France, the final fate of this elegant aircraft is unknown. The model offered here is a rare survivor of the work of René Couzinot.