Description:

Charles A. Lindbergh
[Indianapolis, IN], ca. August 12, 1927
Charles Lindbergh Signed Photographic Print 3 Months After Famous Transatlantic Crossing
SP

A signed photographic print of pioneering aviator Charles A. Lindbergh (1902-1974), boldly signed by him as, "C.A. Lindbergh" outside of the image along the bottom margin. Ca. August 12, 1927. Indianapolis, Indiana. The gray-tone portrait is after enhanced photography. The autograph collector has written "E.C. Belzer Indianapolis Aug 12 1927" along the bottom edge verso. (E.C. Belzer was a member of the Scientech Club of Indianapolis and was later employed by the Indiana Bell Telephone Company.) Hinged at top and bottom to a matted display. The actual size of the bookplate is 5" x 7" while the overall mat size is 8" x 10" x .25."

Charles Lindbergh, a 25-year-old Midwestern air mail carrier, had rocketed to celebrity just a few months earlier when he completed a record-breaking solo non-stop transatlantic flight between New York to Paris on May 20-21, 1927. The feat had secured his fame as well as the Orteig Prize. Lindbergh was feted by enthusiastic crowds in Europe and the United States. After his return to the U.S., Lindbergh did not rest on his laurels, instead launching directly into several publicity tours to promote the fledgling aviation and aeronautical industries. Lindbergh conducted an exhausting 82-city tour of the contiguous United States between July 20 and October 23, 1927.

Lindbergh flew from Louisville, Kentucky to Indianapolis, Indiana on August 9, 1927, staying only about 19 hours before departing for Detroit, Michigan at 9 am the next day. (As August 9-10th was a few days before autograph collector E.C. Belzer's recorded date of August 12, 1927, we can assume he was slightly off in his recollection.) Nevertheless, Lindbergh's visit to Indianapolis was certainly memorable to city residents. They marveled as Lindbergh dexterously flew "The Spirit of St. Louis" over the business district, dipping his wings near the Indianapolis Soldiers & Sailors Monument. Lindbergh arrived at Stout field, the Indianapolis airport at Mars Hill, around 2 pm, where he was greeted by about 10,000 spectators, before saluting parade goers downtown. Lindbergh delivered a short address at the Coliseum before boosting aviation to area business leaders at a banquet at Columbia Club that evening. Before heading out to Detroit the following morning, Lindbergh made sure to circle the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital so that patients could view the plane.

Lindbergh helped found what would later become TWA in 1929, and legitimized the nascent American airline industry by developing rules and regs and even conducting publicity campaigns. In the 1930s, Lindbergh traveled around the world evaluating air power capabilities. Later, Lindbergh worked with Longines Watch Company to produce a navigation-friendly pilot's watch, and even invented a glass heart pump that facilitated heart surgery!

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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  • Dimensions: matted: 8" x 10" x .25"
  • Medium: SP

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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