Description:

Howard Hughes
n.p., ca. 1938
Howard Hughes' Flag Flown on Around the World Flight, CAG Encapsulated
Relic

A small, 12" x 8" American flag flown aboard Howard Hughes' Lockheed 14 during his record breaking flight around the world between July 10-14, 1938. This artifact, previously owned by Hughes' personal assistant Albert I. Lodwick, was one of several flags carried on the flight for marketing purposes. Exhibits flattened crease at middle, with minor soiling near edges. Otherwise, fine condition. Encapsulated by CAG in clear plastic to an overall size of 13" x 10.5".

Provenance:

1. Albert Irvin Lodwick Collection, Lodwick School of Aeronautics, Inc.

2. George R. Kitt of Lakeland, FL

Accompanied by an additional packet of provenance used to authenticate the flag, including a photocopied letter from an Antarctic explorer to Lodwick referencing his use of such artifacts on other flights. Reading in part: "Your flags have gone on every flight in the Antarctic and are leaving them in the plane until we get outside the Antarctic Circle just for good luck. Will return them to you when I see you in the States…."

Albert I. Lodwick (1904-1961) became acquainted with Howard Hughes in the mid-1930s as a result of their mutual interest in the aviation industry. He would serve as an executive in the Hughes Tool Company, as well as Hughes' personal assistant and publicist beginning in 1936. Lodwick was further instrumental in organizing all aspects of Hughes' 1938 around-the-world flight, establishing innovations in radio communications, fuel depots, and weather reporting that have been credited with setting the stage for much of the safety and convenience of today's international air travel.

On July 14, 1938, Hughes would set an impressive record for completing a flight around the world in just 91 hours (or 3 days and 19 hours), beating the previous record of 186 hours set in 1933 by Wiley Post. Taking off from New York City, he continued to Paris, Moscow, Omsk, Yakutsk, Fairbanks, and Minneapolis, then returning to New York.

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: 13" x 10.5"
  • Medium: Relic

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