The 2ft (62cm) tall bronze signed by Frank Owen Dobson (1886-1963) was offered at Rowley’s (22.5% buyer’s premium) at Newmarket on June 5.
It was probably commissioned in the early 1930s (when Dobson was at the height of his popularity) by Peggy’s wealthy mother, who had bought her a De Havilland Puss Moth for obtaining her pilot’s licence in 1931. A few months after qualifying, 20-year-old Peggy and co-pilot Gordon Store set off from London to attempt the fastest flight to Capetown.
Five days, six hours and 40 minutes later – and carrying two lion cubs adopted in the Sudan – the fragile aircraft Good Hope landed in Cape Town having clipped a full day off the record.
Consigned by the Royal Aeronautical Society, to which so many items have been gifted in its 152-year history, the bust sold on mid-estimate at £3400 to an East Anglian collector.
