2 minute read
Aviation
362. Li Hongzhang Signature. Qing Empire general (1823-1901) who quelled several major rebellions and served as the premier viceroy of Zhili and the minister of Belyang from 1871 to 1895. Bold ink signature in Chinese on an off-white 6.5 x 8 sheet, annotated along the bottom, “Sept. 1896 - Wash. D.C.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
405. 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’). Scarce ALS signed “Garros,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6 x 7.5, personal monogrammed letterhead, October 31, 1911. Untranslated handwritten letter discussing the idea of an aviation school as a national patrimonial conquest of air flight. In fine condition. In 1911, Garros started flying Blériot XI monoplanes and he entered a number of European air races with this type of aircraft, including the 1911 Paris to Madrid air race and the Circuit of Europe (Paris–London–Paris), in which he finished second. On September 4, 1911, he set an altitude record of 3,950 m (12,960 ft). Starting Bid $200
The aviator admits his failing health to a close friend in Australia: “I now feel much better, and am gaining weight again, but chest pains— although diminishing—continue, and my blood count is not quite back to normal”
406. Charles Lindbergh Autograph Letter Signed. ALS signed “Charles (A. Lindbergh),” three pages, 8.5 x 11, July 15, 1973. Handwritten letter to one of his closest friends, Sam Proctor, in Australia. In part: “I had hoped to write to you long before this about another visit to Australia, as you so considerately suggested in your letter. But a virus I contracted some months ago has forced me to curtail activities and travelling. I lost a lot of weight, and just as I started to gain it back, I contracted shingles! I now feel much better, and am gaining weight again, but chest pains—although diminishing—continue, and my blood count is not quite back to normal.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
407. Orville Wright Signature. Exceedingly rare vintage
fountain pen signature with the date of his historic flight, “Orville Wright, First flight: 17th December, 1903, Kitty Hawk, N.C. U.S.A.,” on an off-white 10 x 7 card. In very fine condition. A large, unique piece unlike any Wright autograph we have previously encountered. Starting Bid $300
