Aviation

441. 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

442. Amelia Earhart Signed Photograph. Appealing

vintage glossy sepia 5.75 x 7.75 full-length photo of Earhart shaking hands, boldly signed at the bottom in fountain pen, “Amelia Earhart.” Matted in its original mat to an overall size of 8.75 x 12. In fine condition, with light silvering to dark areas of the image. Starting Bid $200

Signed photograph of the record-breaking Howard Hughes in 1937

443. Howard Hughes Signed Photograph. Exceptional vintage matte-finish 9 x 7.25 photo of Hughes talking to a man from the cockpit of a Northrop airplane, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Billy Duane, with best wishes, Howard Hughes, ‘37.” In fine condition, with trimmed borders. On January 19, 1937, Hughes broke his own transcontinental speed record when he flew from Los Angeles, California, to Newark, New Jersey, in 7 hours and 31 minutes, for an estimated average speed of 332 miles per hour. Photos signed by Hughes and picturing him as a pilot are quite scarce. Starting Bid $500

444. Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin Autograph Letter Signed. German engineer

(1838–1917) who designed the famous rigid airship that bears his name. ALS in German, signed “Ferdinand Gr. Zeppelin,” one page, 4.5 x 7, June 26, 1911. Untranslated handwritten letter to Cecile von Rotenhan, with accompanying calling card and handaddressed mailing envelope. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200