Description:

Aviation
n.p., Early 20th C.
Vin Fiz Photo Archive, 14 Pcs, Some Possibly Unpublished!
Archive

An archive of photographs related to the Vin Fiz Flyer, the Wright-designed biplane used by amateur aviator Calbraith Perry Rodgers when becoming the first person to fly in the United States from coast-to-coast. N.d. but probably early 20th C. N.p. Of the black and white gelatin silver photographs, six show the Vin Fiz Flyer in various states (grounded, flying, or crashed); and seven show Calbraith Perry Rodgers (on the airfield, celebrating a milestone, and recuperating from crash-related injuries.) One of the photographs is signed in the negative as "Rodgers / 'Vin Fiz Flyer'" at lower right, and pencil-inscribed "Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers" verso. Expected wear including gentle edge curling. One of the photographs has a minor closed tear to the upper right edge. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good to near fine. The average size of the photographs is 2.75" x 2.25."

The several photos of the archive that show Rodgers in a wheelchair were no doubt taken after an especially bad crash at Compton, California on December 12, 1911, which resulted in a brain concussion, spinal twist, and a 3-week-long hospital stay.

Calbraith Perry Rodgers (1879-1912) was already an avid sportsman of motorcycles, cars, and yachts when he took a 90-minute lesson from Orville Wright in 1911 and decided to become an aviator. Rodgers became the first person to successfully fly coast-to-coast, covering approximately 4,000 statute miles between Brooklyn, New York and the Pacific Ocean in a modified Wright Model B biplane dubbed the "Vin Fiz Flyer" to promote a recently launched grape soda. Rodgers missed the 30-day timeline required to win William Randolph Hearst's $50,000 cash prize, but made aviation history. It took Rodgers three months (from September to December 1911) to complete the journey, during which time he made 75 stops and crashed at least 16 times.

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:
  • average size: 2.75" x 2.25"
  • Artist Name:
  • Aviation
  • Medium:
  • Archive<br />

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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