The Moto Guzzi eagle, seen here on our Guzzisti Photo of the Week from Instagram user @msaulsbery, continues to be the identifying logo for the brand, even after over 90 years of production.

But what are the origins of the Guzzi eagle?

The Moto Guzzi company was dreamed up by three unlikely friends that met in World War I. Carlo Guzzi (a born engineer), Giorgio Parodi (from a family of wealthy businessmen), and Giovanni Ravelli (a famous name in the world of motorcycling), conceived of an Italian motorcycle company while they fought together in the Italian Air Force.

Before the company was able to get off the ground, Ravelli, who was to be the publicity for their new motorcycles, racing them on the track, was killed in a flying accident a few days after the end of World War I. Guzzi and Parodi went on to receive funding from Parodi's family to develop and produce the motorcycle with an unorthodox frame and engine configuration that Guzzi had engineered. It was in Ravelli's memory that Guzzi and Parodi chose the Air Force eagle to adorn the Moto Guzzi nameplate.

This was just the beginning of Guzzi history. If you're looking for a thorough read on Guzzi origins through 2001, we recommend 80 Years of Moto Guzzi History by Mario Colombo.

Thanks for sharing your photo this week, msaulsbery, and inspiring a bit of Guzzi History Talk. Enjoy your weekends all!