Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #488
Charles Lindbergh

Just an obscure airmail pilot…about to alter history

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

Just an obscure airmail pilot…about to alter history

DS, signed in pencil “Charles A. Lindbergh,” 8 x 6.75, Contract Air Mail Service form signed by Lindbergh regarding two bags of air mail from Chicago to St. Louis, signed at the bottom by Lindbergh as an “employee at Air Mail Field.” Double matted and framed with a flight-flown air mail cover from Peoria to Chicago, postmarked April 15, 1926, and actually flown by Lindbergh on one of his flights, and a photo of Lindbergh handling an air mail bag in his plane, to an overall size of 17.5 x 31. Scattered light soiling from carbon, light toning, and a couple of stamps and notations, otherwise fine condition.

Early in his aviation career, Lindbergh found work as an airmail pilot, flying a Chicago-to-St. Louis route, making stops in Springfield and Peoria along the way. Then just an obscure pilot, Lindbergh managed to achieved a 99 percent airmail delivery efficiency rating, with the pair of mail bags referenced in this document being among the countless number he successfully delivered—despite a lack of proper equipment or landing facilities on the route. It was during his airtime, over Illinois and Missouri, that Lindbergh decided to compete for the $25,000 prize for the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris, an historic endeavor that would earn his place in history. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #353 - Ended January 23, 2010





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.