Description:

Orville Wright
Le Mans, France, ca. September 1908
Fantastic Orville Wright Signed Photo Taken at Camp d'Auvours, Site of Many Aviation Milestones! Most Unique Signed Orville Item We've Seen in Years!
Signed photograph
Vintage Real Photo Postcard, Le Mans, France, undated, but ca. September 1908. In this playful moment, Wilbur Wright is seen balancing on a plank of wood, while his brother Orville, distinguished by his hat and mustache, shares a laugh with amused onlookers. The backdrop highlights the open fields of Camp d'Auvours, a significant location in aviation history where the Wright brothers conducted early European demonstration flights. Boldly signed and inscribed at the top by Orville Wright in black ink, "Very truly yours, Orville Wright." Housed in an elegant gold-tone wooden frame, the photograph is presented on a period-style matting, enhancing its vintage appeal. In fine condition, likely mounted to backing, but not removed from frame for inspection. Boldly signed, a truly gorgeous piece. Framed to an overall size of 8" x 5.75."

Due to the inscription on other pieces from this collection, we were able to determine that this photograph likely originated from the collection of Ernest Zens, the French balloonist, and a notable figure in the aviation community at the time.

Orville Wright and his brother Wilbur revolutionized the field of aviation by achieving the first sustained, controlled flight in 1903. By 1908-1909, they were showcasing their invention to European audiences, gaining international acclaim. The Camp d'Auvours near Le Mans was a crucial site for these demonstrations, where significant milestones in aviation history were achieved. On September 21, 1908, Wilbur set a world duration record by flying for 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 25 seconds, covering approximately 61 miles (98 kilometers). Earlier, on August 8, 1908, he conducted the first public flight in Europe, demonstrating the Wright Flyer's advanced control and capabilities. Additional records included the first flight with a female passenger, Edith Ogilby Berg, on October 7, 1908, and reaching an altitude of 115 meters (377 feet) on October 18, 1908. Wilbur capped off these achievements by winning the Michelin Prize on December 31, 1908, flying 123.2 kilometers (76.5 miles) in 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds, setting a new record for the longest flight of the year. These accomplishments at Camp d'Auvours solidified the Wright brothers' legacy as pioneers of aviation and inspired further innovation in the field.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 8" x 5.75"
  • Medium: Signed photograph

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$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