Martin Jensen – Dole Air Race Winner & Ocean Flyer – Vintage Aviation Portrait

This original vintage press photograph captures Martin Jensen, famed American aviator and co-winner of the perilous 1927 Dole Air Race from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii. The image shows Jensen seated confidently in the cockpit of his aircraft, wearing flying helmet and goggles, with the fuselage marked J.M.D. / H.C.J. / San Francisco in bold lettering.

The Dole Air Race was one of the most dangerous air contests of the Golden Age of Aviation, with only two aircraft successfully completing the Pacific crossing. Jensen, piloting the Aloha, not only survived but became a celebrated figure in transoceanic flight history.

This photograph, stamped by Morton Photographer, San Francisco, likely dates from Jensen’s post-race career, when he continued to fly and make exhibition appearances. The handwritten reverse identifies him as “Martin Jensen – Dole Flight Winner.

• Subject: Martin Jensen, American aviator and Dole Air Race co-winner

• Date: Late 1920s–1930s

• Photographer: Morton, San Francisco

• Format: Vintage gelatin silver press photograph, with handwritten period identification on reverse

• Condition: Excellent contrast and detail, minimal wear

A compelling portrait of one of the era’s true Pacific pioneers, suitable for aviation collections, Golden Age flight displays, and historical archives.