1978 Air India Menu President's Bodyguard Delhi Trooper Giannatassio Maharajah

DESCRIPTION
An original Air India Economy Class in-flight menu, print code "E-11/78": a folded card cover with a four-page menu insert attached at the spine.

Front: a tipped-on color print of a mounted trooper of the President's Bodyguard in red tunic and turban, his lance flying a red and white pennant, with the regimental badge at upper left and "AIR-INDIA" in Hindi and English at lower right.

Back: the caption "Trooper in Winter Mounted Ceremonial Uniform (Pre 1920). President's Bodyguard — Delhi. From a set of Paintings by Col. P. Giannatassio," with "Printed in India." Other Air India menus in this series show other uniforms of the regiment, such as the Trumpeter and the Commandant.

Inside: the Maharajah mascot over the drinks page (cocktails, apéritifs, French wines, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, cognac and liqueurs), with a notice in Hindi, French and English: "Under international rules we are required to charge Economy Class passengers for the wines and alcoholic beverages." The dinner menu is printed in Hindi and again in French and English: Cari d'agneau "Vindaloo" (Lamb Curry Vindaloo) with rice pilaf, yogurt and spiced vegetables, or Suprême de volaille Donatello (Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Cheese) with sautéed potatoes and ratatouille; salad of the season; a mille-feuille fruit pastry; cheese; coffee or tea. The last page reads "AIR-INDIA, the airline that loves you."

Size approx. 6.4 x 9.6 in closed, 12.8 x 9.6 in open.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The President's Bodyguard. Raised by Governor-General Warren Hastings in September 1773, it is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army and is still a mounted unit, with horses for ceremonies at the presidential palace.

The Maharajah. Air India's mascot first appeared in 1946, created by commercial director Bobby Kooka with the artist Umesh Rao of J. Walter Thompson.

CONDITION
Front print bright and clean. The insert is held at the spine by small white paper tabs, with white paper or tape remnants on the inside front cover near the spine. Soft wear and creasing along the spine fold, light edge and corner wear, light even toning of the cream card and a few small spots. Please study the images; they are part of the description.

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DISCLAIMER
The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

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