Description:

Aviation Archive, 50+ Pcs, Featuring Early Bi-Planes, Monoplanes, Airships, Zeppelins, Etc.

A sizable archive of photographs and postcards documenting the history of early aviation from ca. 1900-1950. The collection is comprised of over 50 vintage photos; modern photo reprints, including some from negatives; and original postcards, the oldest item being dated 1928. About 40% of the archive relates to airships including the "U.S.S. Macon," the last of the U.S. Navy's pioneering fabric-clad rigid airships, and Nazi-era Zeppelins. The archive depicts the earliest attempts at aircraft, from "flying saucers" and "umbrella planes," to bi-planes and monoplanes. Also represented are commercial airplane pilots, spectators, and airfields from the 1930s. Included is a promotional pamphlet advertising a history of the Vought Aeroplane Company, and a xeroxed copy of "Aviation" magazine, Vol. 1, No. 11. from 1911. Some of the photographs and postcards feature handwritten inscriptions or printed captions verso. Most of the photos measure about 8" x 10." Expected wear including wrinkles, craquelure, curling, etc. else very good to near fine. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition.

The lot includes:

- 26 photographs depicting planes of all sorts, including Fokker, Cessna, Sinclair, Junkers, Fairchild, Travel Air, Yackey, Stearman, Bellanca, and Boeing/Pratt & Whitney. Photos also depict aircraft representing Universal Aviation Corporation, Universal Air Lines, Midplane Transit Company, and Pan American Airlines.

- 15 photographs and postcards depicting either the "U.S.S. Macon" or other members of her class of dirigibles. Views show the airship during christening, "First Flight," in the hangar or attached to a field buoy, and at Moffett Field near Mountain View, California. Four of the photographs were originally taken on October 15, 1933. Less than two years later, on February 12, 1935, the "U.S.S. Macon" encountered a storm off of Point Sur, California about 100 miles south of San Francisco. Of the 76 officers, sailors, crew members, and passengers/guests aboard, two died in the crash.

- 8 photographs and postcards depicting Nazi-era Zeppelins with swastika clearly visible on the rudder and tail wheel; a "Goodyear" blimp; and an unidentified airship in a French-language hangar.

- 5 photographs depicting airfields, airfield spectators, and airplane pilots. The Midwestern airfields include Chicago Municipal Airport and Curtiss-Reynolds Airport. The airplane pilots could be from United Airlines since their caps bear the acronym "U.A.L."

Please see our terms and conditions for large lots. A varied collection definitely deserving of more research!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 28, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000