Description:

Orville Wright
Dayton, OH, March 29, 1923 - April 24, 1923
Orville Wright Aviation World Record DS & Back Up
PPDS
An official data submission of flying statistics submitted for approval by the National Aeronautic Association. Ca. March 29, 1923-April 24, 1923. [Dayton, Ohio.] 25pp between two blue wrappers, the front cover entitled: "National Aeronautic Association / 26 Jackson Place, N.W. / Washington, D.C. / Request for Homologation of Worlds [sic] Record." The packet contains original materials such as Official Timers' Sheets, including three secretarially signed by celebrated aviator Orville Wright (1871-1948); vintage black and white gelatin silver photographs; and other data, in French and English, requisite for granting world record status. On both normal-weight paper and onionskin. Now unbound, with the top edge detached but included. Expected age-related condition issues including toning, isolated minor chipping, and scattered old staple holes. Else very good. The front cover bears an embossed "National Aeronautic Association of U.S.A. Incorporated Connecticut 1922" seal and is docketed. Measures approximately 9" x 13" x .25." Ex-Archives International Auctions (River Edge, New Jersey).

The records contained with this packet pertained to flying trials attempted by various aviators, all U.S. Air Service officers duly licensed by the National Aeronautic Association. The tests were fastest flying speeds over distances as well as maximum flying speed over one kilometer. The officers included: Lieutenant Russell L. Maughan; Lieutenant Alexander Pearson; Lieutenant L.J. Maitland; and Lieutenants H.R. Harris and R. Lockwood. The trials were conducted at a course in Dayton, Ohio on March 29, 1923.

Highlights within include:

- Three separate "Official Timers' Sheet / National Aeronautic Association of U.S.A." True Copies, all dated March 29, 1923, Dayton, Ohio, all secretarially signed by Orville Wright as "Orville Wright" in the rightmost "Times Checked" column on April 3, 1923. These sheets recorded speeds for both 500 and 1000 kilometer distance tests for pilots in planes such as the DH-4-L and the Verville Sperry.

These recorded results for:

- 500 & 1000 Kilometers, Pilots Lt. H.R. Harris and R. Lockwood, laps 1-10
- 500 & 1000 Kilometers, Pilots Lt. H.R. Harris and R. Lockwood, Laps 11-20
- 500 Kilometers, Pilot Lt. Alexander Pearson, Laps 1-10

Other important documents include:

- Two Official Timer's Sheets, one submitted for Lt. R.L. Maughan on March 29, 1923, Dayton, Ohio; and one submitted for Lt. L.J. Maitland, both in consideration for the maximum speed over one kilometer test. With two French translations.

- Four copies, each 2pp, two in English, and two in French, outlining "Contest Committee" rules and listing participating officials. Orville Wright is listed as the "Official Observer at Stationer No. 1."

- 2pp copy of "Department of Commerce / Bureau of Standards / Certificate for Chronometer"

- 3pp copy of letter submitted to Paul Tissandier of the Fédération Aéronautique International on April 24, 1923

Original gelatin silver photographs captioned:

- "Pylon at McCook Field (50 Km. Course)"
- "Timer's Stand - 1 Km. Course"
- Sighting wires and Curtiss R-6 Racer - 1 Kilometer Course"
- "Pylon at New Carlisle, Ohio used in 50 Km. Course"

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: 9" x 13" x .25"
  • Medium: PPDS

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