A remarkable grouping of early aviation material celebrating figures from the pioneering age of flight.
The earliest piece is a 1911 Aero Club of New York printed invitation to the formal opening of its Aerodrome at Garden City Estates, Long Island — one of America’s first permanent flying fields. The invitation, dated Saturday, June 11, 1911, is boldly signed by several early aviation pioneers, including P. R. Prioleau, B. Muscroft, L. L. Frankel, and Joel E. Shimer. The Aero Club of New York was instrumental in the early promotion of powered flight, licensing pilots and organizing the nation’s first air meets.
The first photograph is a 2.75" x 4.5" image of Seversky’s racing aircraft, boldly signed across the front in vivid red ink. The verso identifies the plane as a “Seversky racer (Sinclairs), P&W Twin Wasp 1000 HP,” and bears the imprint of Thorell’s Aircraft Photos of Bridgeport, Connecticut. De Seversky, a decorated World War I ace turned American engineer, founded the Seversky Aircraft Company — the precursor to Republic Aviation, makers of the famed P-47 Thunderbolt.
The second photograph is 6.75" x 10" and shows another Seversky pursuit aircraft on an airfield, inscribed and signed in full: “To Gene Kropf with my best wishes / Alex de Seversky / 12/17/71.” The image, featuring the PA-63 marked “63” on the tail, beautifully captures the streamlined design that helped define his influence on military aviation and advanced aerodynamics.
Completing the set is a handsome 3.5" x 6.25" 1929 airmail cover carried aboard the Boeing Hornet Shuttle from Oakland Air Mail Field to New York. It bears both 5¢ Air Mail and 10¢ Special Delivery stamps, postmarked August 27–29, 1929, and signed by the pilot, identified as “Pilot Boeing-Hornet Shuttle.” A fine example of early transcontinental air mail service and the pioneering spirit of commercial aviation.
Together, these show light wear and toning consistent with age.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA