Large Silver Trophy Presented to the Commander of the 5th Pursuit Group, Who Scored the Final Solo Aerial Victory of World War I

The large silver trophy is approximately 15-1/4 inches in overall height and approximately 10-1/4 inches wide. The base bears a number and silver hallmarks, including the “800” silver designation. The trophy was presented to Major Maxwell Kirby by the officers of the 5th Pursuit Group in Coblenz, Germany. One side of the trophy bears the engraved presentation, while the opposite side exhibits the engraved insignia of the four squadrons of the 5th Pursuit Group. Major Kirby scored the last solo aerial victory of World War I when, as a pilot of the 94th Aero Squadron, on the morning of November 10, 1918 he shot down a German Fokker D.VII in the area of Moulins, France (later that same day another German plane was shot down, but that victory was credited to four American pilots). The trophy is in excellent condition, showing fine detail and uncleaned patina, with some verdigris. The trophy is accompanied by a framed, hand colored, photograph of Major Kirby in white mess dress uniform. The photograph has overall dimensions of approximately 8-1/4 inches by 10-1/4 inches. The wooden frame shows wear and age on the gilt finish.