French aviator (1889–1915) who earned a place in aviation history as the first fighter ace. Though he was widely believed to have made the first loop in flight, on September 21, 1913, this feat was accomplished 12 days earlier by Pyotr Nesterov, a Russian army pilot. Pégoud was killed at the age of 26 when his plane was shot down by one of his students while intercepting a German reconnaissance aircraft during World War I. French postcard photo captioned “Aérodrome Blériot, Départ de Pégoud pour le Looping,” 5.5 x 3.5, boldly signed in ink “A. Pégoud.” Mounting remnants to reverse, otherwise fine, crisp condition. R&R COA.
