On the public's reception throughout his U.S. tour

Starting price
$ 5 000
Auction dateClassic
02.02.2024 10:00UTC -04:00
Auctioneer
CHRISTIE'S
Event location
USA, New York
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ID 1129823
Lot 203 | On the public's reception throughout his U.S. tour
LINDBERGH, Charles (1902 - 1974). Autograph letter signed ("Charles A. Lindbergh") to his friend Richard "Dick" Blythe, [Oklahoma City], 29 September 1927.

Four pages, 150 x 238mm on Huckins Hotels letterhead (approx. 25mm tear on top edge of first page, small chips at left.)

"...Every city and town on this tour compares to Washington, New York, and St. Louis in the receptions; if not in volume, then in intensity..." — Lindbergh describes the American public's adoration throughout his tour of the United States, months after his record-breaking flight across the Atlantic. Lindbergh writes to his friend Blythe as follows: "...This letter is, as most others, about two months late. Every city and town on this tour compares to Washington, New York, and St. Louis in the receptions; if not in volume, then in intensity... We all thought that, as time went on, the enthusiasm would die down, but it is still as fresh as ever at each city visited and there are no apparent signs of diminishment. The plane and engine are both in excellent condition and show very little sign of use. As you know, the motor has not been overhauled yet we have not had even minor difficulty on the tour and it has been in the air a total of 301 hours..."

With international media attention growing exponentially before Lindbergh's first solo transatlantic flight in 1927, Wright Aeronautical — the manufacturer of the engine for the Spirit of St. Louis — assigned Richard Blythe and Harry Bruno to manage the press for the young pilot. Blythe and Lindbergh developed a fast friendship that would last until Blythe's death in 1941. After his return to the United States, Lindbergh agreed to a three-month tour organized by the Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics in the fall of 1927. While flying the Spirit of St. Louis, he touched down in 48 states and 82 cities, where it's estimated that one out of four Americans had the chance to see him in person (Charles Lindbergh House and Museum, Minnesota Historical Society). His hectic schedule and non-stop appearances left his correspondence quite lacking, as referenced here. Provenance: Richard Blythe Aviation Collection (his sale, Heritage Auctions, 11 April 2012, lot 34219).
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