The Blériot XI is a French aircraft of the pioneer era of aviation. The first example was used by Louis Blériot to make the first flight across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft, on 25 July 1909. This is one of the most famous accomplishments of the pioneer era of aviation, and not only won Blériot a lasting place in history but also assured the future of his aircraft manufacturing business. The event caused a major reappraisal of the importance of aviation; the English newspaper The Daily Express led its story of the flight with the headline "Britain is no longer an Island
It was produced in both single- and two-seat versions, powered by several different engines, and was widely used for competition and training purposes. Military versions were bought by many countries, continuing in service until after the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

According to the information in the biography of Antonius Raab, it should not have been a replica, but an original Blériot monoplane. An indication of this is at least the logo on the engine cowling.
A French pilot is said to have landed on the field in the Cologne area on August 1, 1914. At that time, he quickly returned to France and was later unable to pick up his plane. The monoplane was kept in a barn with the farmer and passed into the hands of Raab-Katzenstein around 1926, where it was made airworthy again and then demonstrated at several sightseeing events until 1932.
According to the LFRB, the device was registered in March 1928 under number D-1353 and deleted in April 1932.

Source "C.M.P.R. - Sez Bari"

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