WW1-Era Hand-Painted Canvas Artwork: “A Blighty”

• Inscription / Signature: Lower-right corner bears a handwritten period inscription reading “A. Lomax LT / France 1918” (The cursive lowercase \'x\' naturally loops downward in early 20th-century script).
• Anatomy & Medium: Hand-painted in oil, tempera, or heavy gouache directly onto a textured cotton fabric / canvas material which has been laid down onto a thin backing board.
• Reverse Side: Protected on the reverse by an authentic, period tea crate wood backing board—a classic indicator of early 20th-century resourcefulness and military-era framing.
• Dimensions: Substantial presentation size measuring approximately 57 cm x 42 cm (22.5\" x 16.5\") inclusive of the outer frame edges.
• Subject Matter: A smiling, wounded British Tommy with a cigarette between his teeth, a heavily bandaged arm, and a Red Cross transit tag pinned to his coat.
• Composition Source: A spectacular period interpretation of the famous First World War illustration “A Blighty One” by British artist Charles Crombie (originally created for the Inter-Art Co. “Spit and Polish” series).
• Framing: Housed behind glass in its original or period-authentic molded gilt wood frame featuring elegant classic detailing.

🔎 INTERESTING HISTORICAL CONTEXT & RESEARCH LEADIndependent archival research into the inscription identifies Temporary Lieutenant Alan Lomax (an officer who served with the Royal Field Artillery and the Royal Air Force No. 53 Squadron) as a highly intriguing candidate for the \"A. Lomax\" signature:

• The Air Combat Connection: RAF No. 53 Squadron records show that on April 25, 1918, Lt. Alan Lomax (serving as an Aerial Observer) and his pilot were shot down in their RE8 biplane over Kemmel Ridge/Reninghelst, France, by a German fighter pilot from the elite Jasta 16. Both crew members survived the crash but were wounded.
• The Medal Record: Following his actions on the Western Front, Lt. Lomax was awarded the Military Cross (M.C.) for conspicuous gallantry during low-altitude tactical reconnaissance missions. His original engraved medals surfaced at public sale through Spink & Son (London) in 2018, explicitly engraved \"Lieutenant Alan Lomax R.A.F. 1918.\"
• The Artistic Skill: WWI Aerial Observers were explicitly trained in manual panoramic field sketching, drafting, and landscape art to manually map enemy positions from the air, giving them the technical skills necessary to paint fine canvas art.

⚠️ IMPORTANT PROVENANCE & SALES NOTICE: Please note that no documented chain of custody accompanies this physical piece to conclusively prove that Lieutenant Alan Lomax is the artist. Other service members named A. Lomax served in France during 1918. This fascinating connection is presented as an open research lead for the winning collector only and is not guaranteed. The painting has not been professionally evaluated or lab-tested. Buyers should examine the handwriting close-ups and draw their own conclusions.📦 VISIBLE CONDITION & PHYSICAL CHARACTER

• The Medium & Construction: Close-up examination reveals a distinct, heavy woven fabric texture beneath the paint layers. The colors remain bold, deep, and beautifully expressive under the glass.
• The Patina: This piece is more than 100 years old and proudly displays an authentic, untouched historic patina. Expect uniform age-toning, localized surface discolouration, edge staining, and light foxing/deterioration to the visible margins as clearly shown in the high-resolution gallery images.
• The Frame & Reverse: The early 20th-century gilt frame is solid and holds the glass securely, displaying honest age-related scuffs, small chips, and typical wear consistent with a genuine century-old heirloom. The reverse features its original rustic tea-crate wood protective backing.

🚢 WORLDWIDE SECURE TRANSIT

• International Buyers Welcome: This item ships globally from South Australia via Australia Post International Standard Air Freight, completely inclusive of a full web-accessible tracking number straight to your door.
• Museum-Grade Packing: Because this historic artwork is safely housed under heavy period glass, it will be wrapped in multiple thick layers of professional bubble wrap, padded with rigid custom corner guards, and shipped inside a heavy-duty, double-walled box to ensure it arrives completely safely at your doorstep in the UK, USA, Europe, or beyond.

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