Breathtaking vintage matte-finish 14.5 x 11 photo of the Wright brothers’ airplane soaring above two ox carts in Pau, France, signed and inscribed in the lower left in black ink, “To Paul Tissandier, our friend & companion, Pau, 15 March, 1909, Wilbur Wright,” and “Orville Wright.” Affixed to a 20 x 16 mount. Light scattered surface marks and Orville’s signature a couple shades light, otherwise fine condition.
In order to secure a contract for their Flyer with a private French syndicate, the Wrights had to complete several public demonstration flights to prove that their plane could fly a distance of at least 50 kilometers with a passenger. After a captivating series of 1908 flights in Le Mans, far surpassing the requirements of the French contract, Wilbur was joined by Orville, who had been giving similar demonstrations in the US. The two traveled to Pau, in the south of France, to train three selected French pilots before transferring the airplane to the French company. This outstanding photo of their plane in flight above the French countryside is inscribed to Paul Tissandier, one of the three pilots. A beautiful and historically significant photo signed by both Wright brothers at the peak of their fame. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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