Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "Tovarisch I" Original oil painting on masonite. Signed lower right. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the USSR 4k Tovarisch I stamp issued September 18, 1981. The glorious age of sail comes back to life as the Tovarisch I glides gracefully along, sails pulling like winged horses, outward bound on a fair wind to England, the Mediterranean, or perhaps some far off port of call in China or South America. Originally a four-masted, full-rigged jute clipper christened the Laureston, this historic vessel, with an overall length of 290 ft. and 2,470 tons was the pride of England. She was launched by Workman and Clark of London on October 17, 1892, and underwent a significant change in 1909 when she was reduced to a bark in order to reduce the number of crewmen needed and to further cutback other maintenance expenditures. In 1911 she was sold to Russia who then used her for transporting coal and rails from England to Murmansk. After undergoing extensive repairs and refitting in 1923, she was renamed the Tovarisch I (Russian for "comrade"). The Tovarisch I is most interesting, ingenious, and when properly handled, a highly effective piece of engineering ... she uses only the wind for fuel and consumes nothing she does not carry with her. Just as in the past, the Tovarisch I today offers men a challenging and fully satisfying life without stress, but with instead the deep satisfaction of the exercise of a splendid natural skill. Image Size: 19.25 x 22 in. Overall Size: 25 x 27 in. Unframed. (B07185)