Collection of three flown items carried by Hughes on his triumphant 1938 around-the-world flight. Items are: a commemorative airmail postal cover, 9.5 x 4, issued in conjunction with the 1939 New York World’s Fair, and bearing several postage stamps, postmarks, and rubber stamps indicating the primary stops on the record-setting journey: Paris, Moscow, Omsk, Yakutsk, Fairbanks, Minneapolis, and the final destination, New York City; a printed fabric 12 x 8 American flag; and a 12 x 8 printed fabric 1939 World’s Fair flag. All three items originate from the estate of Albert Lodwick, who served as flight operations manager for Hughes during his flight. Also included is a 14 x 11 sheet of four photos of Hughes being interviewed by the press in Los Angeles on August 2, 1938, Lodwick’s gold-filled enameled aeronautical pin, and a pack of Lodwick’s School of Aeronautics playing cards. Accompanied by a printed letter of provenance from Walter Beckwith, who obtained the items from the family of Lodwick’s business partner George Kitt. In fine condition. The covers and flags were the only non-essential items carried on the flight, and are seldom offered all together. RR Auction COA.
