Original 1 x .25 rectangular portion of the original wing covering fabric used by Orville Wright during the world’s first flight at Kitty Hawk. Cloth-matted with a photo of the flight, a descriptive plaque, and a reproduction of the original statement of authenticity (which was originally signed by a co-executor of the Orville Wright estate, Harold S. Miller), to an overall size of 14.5 x 18. The copy of the statement of authenticity reads, in full: “When Orville Wright prepared the Kitty Hawk machine for public exhibition, the original fabric had to be replaced as it had been under water during the Dayton Flood of 1913. He substituted new fabric of identical material. After his death we found that he had preserved some of the original coverings of the wings. We certify that this piece of fabric was used by Orville Wright on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, N. C. in the world’s first heavier-than-air flight in which man made free, controlled, and sustained flight.” In fine condition. RR Auction COA.
