British businessman (1877–1910) who, with his partner Frederick Henry Royce, founded one of the most legendary firms in automotive history. Scarce ALS in French, signed “C. S. Rolls,” one page, personal letterhead, June 10, 1910. Letter to noted French aviator Paul Tissandier. In full (translated): “Thank you so much for your kind telegram. Please let me know if you have broken on your motor, valves of the new type as mine with one hole, or only the old ones that had two holes pierced in the shaft? In the latter case I should change them from time to time as the old ones.” Central horizontal and vertical folds, one small separation along fold and some scattered light creases, otherwise fine condition. Just eight days earlier, Rolls became the first man to make a non-stop double crossing of the English Channel, taking only 95 minutes to complete the trek in his Wright Flyer. He was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Aero Club, and his feat was no doubt the reason a telegram was sent from Tissandier. Unfortunately, barely a month after writing this letter, he became the first Briton to die in an aviation accident when the tail of his Wright Flyer broke off in flight. A rare offering from the Rolls-Royce partner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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