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Douglas DC-4E: Sole Prototype Cabin Photo 1939
Later Sold to Japan 8x10
Original Press Photo, Basis for WWII Nakajima BomberDESCRIPTIONThis is an original vintage photograph of the cabin interior aboard the Douglas DC-4E, the only example of Douglas Aircraft Company's ambitious four engine airliner prototype, captured on February 28, 1939.The image documents a full cabin service scene during the aircraft's evaluation period with United Air Lines.A flight attendant leans in to assist two seated passengers with a folding tray table while a uniformed steward tends the aft buffet at the rear of the cabin.Individually reclining lounge chairs, the distinctive square cabin windows unique to this prototype (every later production DC-4 used oval windows instead), and the aircraft's spacious sleeper style layout are all clearly visible. Only one DC-4E was ever built.After United completed its 1939 evaluation and found the aircraft too complex and costly to operate, Douglas set the design aside in favor of a smaller, simpler successor that kept the DC-4 name.The original prototype was sold that September to Japan's national airline, Dai Nippon Koku.By the following spring, Japan reported that the aircraft had crashed in Tokyo Bay. In reality, the Japanese Navy had ordered it secretly dismantled by the Nakajima Aircraft Company, which studied its wing, engine mounts, and landing gear as the basis for the Nakajima G5N Shinzan, a long range bomber Japan built and flew during World War II.The photograph measures approximately 8 x 10 inches, is printed on glossy black and white photographic paper, and carries the period catalog number 14670 along with the shoot date stamped directly onto the image at lower right.It comes from a period Douglas Aircraft Company factory album of production and publicity photographs. Images are scanned at 600dpi so you can review every detail before you buy.Every effort is made toward fact checking and provenance, including background research through news and historical archives. If any listing is incorrect in any way and you're unsatisfied with the item, please connect with me and I'll make it right.Orders placed before Noon CDT will ship same day Ground Advantage with tracking so you know exactly when it will arrive. Returns accepted on all items exceeding $25 in cost. Rigid, professional packaging on all shipments, sealed and protected in acid free protectors. Shipping is free and already built into the price, so the BIN price is exactly what you pay, no surprise shipping costs at checkout.CONDITIONThe photograph is sharp and well defined throughout, with strong contrast and clearly resolved detail in the cabin fittings, upholstery, and figures.A faint diagonal handling crease crosses the upper portion of the print, and light surface scuffing is visible near the lower right corner around the printed catalog number, both consistent with a press photograph that circulated through a photo department more than eight decades ago.A few small age spots are present on the print surface. The edges and corners visible in the scans appear intact, with no tears or creasing beyond the handling crease noted above. The paper stock shows even, light toning typical of a period silver gelatin print. The reverse is blank, with no stamps or handling notations.
