Superlative glossy 10 x 8 Underwood photo of Lindbergh posing beside his iconic Sprit of St. Louis, boldly signed in fountain pen, “C. A. Lindbergh.” In fine condition, with some scattered surface creases and small tears and adhesive remnants to corners. Accompanied by a program for a banquet honoring Lindbergh in Philadelphia on October 22, 1927.
Lindbergh’s flight was inspired in part by a $25,000 prize offered by hotel owner Raymond Orteig in 1919 for the first aviator to fly nonstop from New York to Paris—by 1927, six prominent aviators had lost their lives pursuing the prize, and it had still not been claimed. Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field on May 27, 1927, spending 33.5 hours in the air before landing at Le Bourget Airport in Paris on May 21. Well over 100,000 people had gathered at the field to see him successfully touch down, and Lindbergh was promptly launched into the international spotlight. His feat captured the public imagination for years to come, and this is one of the most well-known photographs of the iconic pilot and his plane. A truly spectacular piece.
