Aviation

336. Giovanni Caproni Autograph Letter Signed. Pioneering Italian aeronautical engineer and aircraft designer (1886–1957) who founded the Caproni aircraft-manufacturing company. ALS in Italian, signed “G. Caproni,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, RMS Mauretania letterhead, no date. Untranslated handwritten letter written on board the famous ocean liner. In fine condition, with an old repair to a fold split on the second page, and a small rusty paperclip impression to the top edge of the first page. Starting Bid $200

337. Glenn Curtiss Signed Photograph. Vintage pearl-finish 5.25 x 3.25 postcard photo of a Curtiss Flying Fish soaring over a lake, signed in bold black ink, “Glenn H. Curtiss, April 16, 1913.” In fine condition, with trimmed borders, and some light scuffing and silvering. Starting Bid $200

338. Roland Garros Autograph Letter Signed. Early

French aviator and a fighter pilot (1888–1918) during World War I. A tennis center was named after him in the 1920s, the Stade de Roland Garros, the stadium that accommodates the French Open tournament, which is officially called Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros (the ‘French Internationals of Roland Garros’). ALS in French, signed “Garros,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 6 x 7.75, May 25, 1918. Handwritten letter of thanks and condolences, in part (loosely translated): “I was very touched by the note you wrote to me on my return, and I wish to take part in your recent misfortune. I said how much you trusted your dear little wife to know in America you had left me for her. You are a good husband and you should have had a happy household. Poor old man!” In fine condition, with light soiling and intersecting folds. A rare missive from the legendary ace that’s dated to a little over four months before he was shot down and killed near Vouziers, Ardennes. Starting Bid $200

339. Charles Lindbergh Signed

Book. Signed book: The Spirit of St. Louis. Limited presentation edition, number 531. NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1953. Hardcover with acetate jacket, 5.75 x 8.5, 562 pages. Signed on the colophon in fountain pen, “Charles A. Lindbergh.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition VG/VG, with a bump to the top edge of the rear board and some cracks to the acetate jacket. A sought-after example of this high point of aviation literature. Starting Bid $200