Female pilot (1906-1980) who was the first of her gender to break the sound barrier and is said to have more aviation records and awards than any pilot in the United States. Also a close friend of Chuck Yeager and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Two items: pearl-finish 10 x 8 photo of Cochran standing in front of a jet, signed and inscribed in black ink, “For Peter Shikes, with all good wishes, Jacqueline Cochran”; and a one page TLS, 8.5 x 11, dated July 22, 1976, responding to an admirer’s letter. In part: “I experienced a minimum of problems being a women [sic] and have been given many wonderful airplanes to fly by manufacturers because they were having difficulties with male pilots. I guess the assumption was if a woman could fly it, it should be simple. It has been a great joy.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with some scattered edge creasing to photo’s edges. RRAuction COA.
