1923 Orville Wright Autographed Letter On Personal Letterhead

Orville Wright’s Historic Letter: A Testament to Aviation Pioneering

A Glimpse into Aviation History

Presented here is a remarkable piece of aviation history: a 7.25″ x 10.5″ letter penned on Orville Wright’s personal letterhead, dated March 18, 1923. This document offers a unique insight into the early days of aviation, capturing a moment when the boundaries of flight were being pushed to new heights. Near McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio, Orville Wright witnessed Navy Lieutenant Rutledge Irvine set a new world record on April 17, 1923, by ascending to an altitude of 11,609 feet with a load of 2,405 pounds. This achievement, while perhaps not as spectacular as other aviation records, was crucial for the development of torpedo planes, emphasizing the importance of maneuverability under full-load conditions for military pilots.

The Significance of the Letter

Orville Wright’s letter, addressed to B. Russell Shaw of the National Aeronautic Association, is a testament to the meticulous documentation and observation that characterized early aviation advancements. The letter reads, in part: “I am sending enclosed the observers’ record. Mr. George B. Smith was also present at the start of this flight as an observer, but left the field before the landing, and so it was by the merest chance that any of us were present at the landing, as we mistook another plane, which appeared to land in the city, for the Douglas Torpedo.” This letter, signed by Orville Wright himself, is a rare artifact, with the signature rated a strong 8 in terms of clarity and preservation.

Accompanying Documents and Their Importance

• Official Observers’ Statement: Included in the collection are 13 related pages, featuring a typed statement from official observers Orville and Lorin Wright, presented in both English and French.
• Correspondence and Reports: The collection also contains a TLS signed by George K. Burgess, Director of the Bureau of Standards, Department of Commerce, dated June 2, 1923, and a carbon TLS from Shaw to the F.A.I. Secretary General, dated June 6, 1923, submitting the four-page report.
• Weight Certification: A certification of the load’s weight, crucial for verifying the record, is included, also in English and French.

This collection, still stapled into its original legal folder labeled “Request for Homologation of World Record National Aeronautic Association U.S.A. Altitude With Useful Load of 1000 Kilograms Lt. Rutledge Irvine Dayton, Ohio April 17, 1923,” is a treasure trove of aviation history. The documents are in fine condition, with expected wear and some light creasing and toning, adding to their authenticity and historical value.

A Piece of Aviation Legacy

This extraordinary collection, accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA, is not merely a set of documents but a narrative of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress in aviation. It stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of Orville Wright and the early aviators who dared to dream of the skies. For those interested in consigning or selling similar historical artifacts, Grey Flannel Auctions offers expert services in consigning sports memorabilia and selling game-worn items. Explore more about our offerings and the world of sports memorabilia auctions on our homepage.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.