Orville Wright, along with his brother Wilbur, are generally credited with making the first controlled, powered, heavier-than-air human flight on December 17, 1903. In the two years afterward, they developed their flying machine into the world’s first practical fixed-wing aircraft, along with many other aviation milestones. TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10, personal letterhead, June 1, 1937. Letter of response to the Social Security Board regarding Wright’s reception of an SS-4 form, an application for an employer identification number. In full, “I have your letter of May 28th inclosing [sic] ‘Employer’s Application for Identification Number Card.’ I did not fill out and return Form SS-4 distributed by our local post office because I did not think I came within the provisions of this act. I am not engaged in any business whatsoever. For many years I have been doing aeronautical research work of a scientific nature from which I derive no revenue. I employ one secretary to take care of my records and correspondence. My entire income is from dividends on investments.” The Wright Company or Wright & Co. was the initial aviation business of the Wright Brothers, who had previously run a bicycle shop. They established the company in 1909 to sell aircraft to the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The Wright Brothers concentrated their efforts on protecting their patent rights rather than on improving their aircraft. Wilbur Wright died in 1912, and in 1915 Orville sold his interest in the Wright Company, and continued work on the development of aviation in his own shop. Intersecting mailing folds, staple holes along top edge, and a couple trivial spots, otherwise fine condition. Wright’s signature is very bold. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
