Demonstrated in Europe in 1934-1935, this Staggerwing was sold to Abyssinia (Ethiopia). A French pilot delivered it to Akaki airfield on 20 October 1935. Emperor Haile Selassie came to inspect it two days later. It was painted creamy white and blue and named Nisiri (eagle) in Amharic script. The Red Cross objected to the red Coptic cross marking seen on the wing and it was removed. Meanwhile Italy was invading the country and the subsequent use and fate of the Beech are uncertain. Thanks to Zelealem Andarge for pointing out that Akaki was the same airfield as Lideta. Photo from: Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)