Updates added December 20, 2024.
Typed and hand written letters by Orville Wright are readily available to aviation collectors. I've assembled a list of 80+ letters that have been offered at auction over the past 34 years. I will continue to add to this list as I find time. Typing the content of each letter is a bit time consuming, and I've likely made an occasional error, though I've attempted to be careful. I've not included paragraph breaks, and have at times corrected a misspelling within the letter. Orville tends to spell "enclosed" as "inclosed". I've left that spelling in most cases. The resolution of the photos of some of the letters I've found on-line are poor, making reading of the text difficult, and so I may have mistyped an individual's name within the body of the letter in some cases.
Price range for Orville's letters vary depending on a number of factors. When referring to the sold prices, keep in mind the date of the sale. The most recent sale dates will be more reflective of the current market trends. As there is no published compilation of sales results specifically for Orville's letters except as can be gleaned through individual auction site historical sale results, one of my goals of preparing this post is to provide a price reference as a tool in evaluating potential worth of letters that come to auction. The sold prices I've listed may or may not include buyer's premium (BP).
For those who are more interested in Orville Wright's signature than historical content of the item, his short single page typed letters of few words acknowledging a sender's congratulations of the 1903 first flight anniversary, or a short letter declining an invitation to an event, are easily obtainable in the $500 to $800 range. Many collectors are paying similar amounts for checks signed by Orville Wright. More checks are available than letters, and based on supply and demand, there appears to be a disproportionate value placed on the checks vs. the letters. If the collector is simply interested in obtaining a signature for display, one would think a framed letter would be more desirable than a check. Not to be misunderstood, I only mention this for those less interested in historical content than the signature. Display of a framed historically significant check signed by Orville Wright adorns the wall before me as I write this post.
Letters in which Orville provides commentary on his and Wilbur's early flights are most desirable, and will command the higher prices. Prices obtained for such letters can range from $1200 to $60,500 or more. The $60,500 sale price was for a letter written just days after first flight; Orville describing the details. The next highest sale prices in the list include a $16,250 1923 letter to Lester Gardner, and a $15,535 1931 letter to J. F. Victory. The higher sale prices are based on content, and whether that content is really of such significance to justify that price is subjective. Reading through the content of the letters included in this post, it can be seen that there isn't a clear consistency in price based solely on content. A major reason for this is because these letters are offered by various Auction houses over a period of years, and side by side comparisons are not readily available. An interesting exercise would be to evaluate each of the letters listed in this post, and organize them from the trivial to the most historically significant, and then compare the sales prices of each. Likely the result would show a number of letters that could command a higher asking price, with others shown as overpriced.
In 1915, Orville, as President of The Wright Company, had made the decision to buy up the stock from all share holders to satisfy his moral financial obligations to them, with the plan then to sell the company. His lawyer Pliny W. Williamson at 115 Broadway New York, assisted Orville with the sale negotiations. During this period of 1914-15 prior to the sale, Orville's financial situation would have been challenging. He had acquired a small loan through the Columbia Trust Company of New York which Pliny handled for him. From the Library of Congress archives, a series of letters between Orville and Pliny discuss the "note". May 28, 1914, Pliny writes he has received $1251.11 check from Orville, leaving a balance of $4000 on his "note". Pliny writes, "If I can have $1000 by the middle of June, and $1000 by the middle of July, the remaining $2000 can go over until August. I succeeded in having the bank extend the note, and if you need further time, I am sure I can get a further extension of the $2000 of two or three months...." November 23, 1914, Pliny writes, "I have just received this statement for interest on the $2000 note. It is necessary that this interest is paid on or before the 30th...." November 27, 1914, Pliny writes, "I received from you this morning and have sent to the Columbia Trust Company the draft for $30.33 to your order.....This will pay the interest to November 30th. The next payment of interest will be due February 28th." February 20, 1915, Pliny writes, "The Columbia Trust Company note of $2000 is due March 1st. Please let me know if you desire to have it renewed." February 24, 1915, Orville writes, "I have your letter of the 20th. If you can I wish you would renew the $2000 note for three months longer, at which time I hope to be in shape to take care of it......" Pliny writes on February 24, 1915, "The Columbia Trust Company is willing to renew the note and I am willing to do so once more if you desire this. Money is somewhat cheaper here now and I got them to agree to renew it at 5%." Orville is finally positioned to pay this small loan off and writes April 19, 1915, "I am enclosing herewith draft for $2025.28 in payment of balance and interest on the loan which you so kindly made me....I believe the loan was renewed until June 1st but recent business has somewhat relieved our stringency and I am glad to be able to pay it now. I wish also to thank you for so kindly helping me out in a time of need."
This series of letters really speaks to me personally, as I've been in that financial situation as a business owner, and have felt the stress of meeting financial obligations for years while experiencing poor cash flow, at one point having to sell a Lincoln Cent collection at well below market value just to make that bi-weekly payroll. I miss that set given to me by my father, but my employees received their paychecks that period. With the sale of the Wright Company in October of 1915, Orville's financial situation was stabilized.
From the list of letters compiled at the end of this post, it can be seen a number of categories of letters can be established.
Letters within a category vary in price, as shown above. Value should be dependent on content. Value and price paid are two different things. Keep in mind that a price paid does not lock in future value.
Placing a priority of historical relevance on value, poor condition of a letter can be overlooked in that case. A letter of little historical significance however, in poor condition, should have lesser value, as it would display poorly. Examples include discolored, water damaged, faded, torn letters, and those from which Orville's signature has been cut away for display and the rest of the letter discarded.
Letters of Orville Wright, listed by date:
1904 January 8 OW to Carl Dienstbach, journalist for Illustrierte Aeronautische Mitteilungen, 2pg, Wright Cycle Company letterhead, "Your letter....has been received, and we will try to make clear some of the points on which you wish further explanation. Our longest flight was limited to 59 seconds only through the inexperience of the operator with the particular machine. The rudder of our power 'Flyer' was much larger and more powerful than any we had been accustomed to on our gliding machines, and was also more sensitive to the slightest movement of the controlling lever. As a result our first flight followed a very irregular course with reference to the ground. The succeeding flights became steadier and longer as we became more accustomed to handling the rudders, and on the fourth flight on Dec. 17th, the machine was pursuing a fairly even course until after passing a small hummock which caused it to rise higher in the air. In attempting to bring the machine down again, the rudder was turned too far. The machine made a more sudden descent, than the operator had expected: the reverse movement of the rudder was a little too late to prevent it touching the ground. An indicator attached to the engine showed the speed of the engine to be 1030 rev. per minute while in flight, at which speed, of course, the engine does not develop its maximum power. Nevertheless, there was a surplus of power over that required for horizontal flight, as was demonstrated by the fact that it could rise rapidly from the ground. The enclosed clipping gives the only accurate and authentic account of the trials of our machine that have as yet been published...." Sold by Christie's, December 5, 1991, $60,500.
1907 March 27 OW to Mr. Carl Dienstbach, 1pg, typed, Wright Brothers 1127 West Third letterhead, "Dear Mr. Dienstbach: We have your two letters in regard to an exhibition flight before a select committee of the Aero Club, for which please accept our thanks. We are always glad to receive suggestions from those who are interested in our work, and from you they are especially welcome because of the very kind treatment you have accorded us in your writings. We have given the matter careful thought; but we are of the opinion that it would not be the best for us to take the time from our other work just now that would be necessary to perform such a flight. Please extend to Mr. Jones our thanks for his offer of assistance in this project. We do not know when we will make our next flight, nor where. So many of our friends have asked for the privilege of being present at the next flight that we can not invite them all; but it would certainly give us pleasure if the opportunity permits us to extend an invitation to you. With best wishes, we remain, Very truly yours, Wright Brothers OW." Sold by Christie's, July 9, 2002, $6000.
1908 June 8 OW to Arthur Ruhl, Colier's Weekly, 2pg, typed on Wright Brothers 1127 West Third letter head, Dear Mr. Ruhl: Your letters of May 29 and June 1st were duly received. I thought your account of the maneuverings of the newspaper men at Kill Devil Hills the most interesting thing I have ever seen concerning our experiments. The description of the physical conditions of the place were very realistic. We were aware of the presence of the newspaper men in the woods. At least, we had often been told that they were there. We would have had no objection to their coming over to camp, only that we didn't want any accurate, or rather detail, descriptions given of the machine. We were much amused at the accounts of the way our machine was guarded with rifles and shot-guns. As you suspected, the matter published by the Herald was simply taken from two recent French patents. They failed to get hold of one taken out several years ago in America and Europe. I have never been able to discover exactly what the 'secret' of which the newspapers so often talk. The great mystery surrounding our work has been mostly created by the newspapers. They have told so many contradictory stories, that people are inclined to doubt all of them. In regard to the matter of a flying machine for Mr. Collier, I am not able to make any very definite statements at present--that is as to price and time of delivery. We will have to dispose of the business we already have before we can undertake any other. This will take all the machines we have on hand at the present time. We expect to be through with these contracts in about four months. If Mr. Collier is then interested, we would be glad to furnish him a machine. I do not think he would have any more trouble in learning to operate it than he had in learning the automobile. As a sport, I think flying is far superior. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by University Archives, June 20, 2018, $5000 ($6250 with BP).
1908 September 14 OW to Mr. Ruhl, 2pg, hand written "My dear Mr. Ruhl: I have your letter, and I am sure it would give me great pleasure to take you up with me in our machine, but I have had so many requests that I hardly see how I can take you without giving offense to others. I am limiting the number of passengers to the army officials at present. I am sorry that you were not able to remain to see some of the flights, but hope you may be able to come down again. Very truly yours Orville Wright" Sold by University Archives, June 20, 2018, $2200 ($2750 with BP).
1908 December 10 OW to A. I. Martyn, 1pg, typed on Wright Brothers 1127 West Third letterhead, "Dear Sir: Your letter of October 21st was received. I have not been able to write before this. Thank you very much for the Lines. Yours very truly, Orville Wright" Sold by Potter & Potter, April 18, 2024, $800 plus 25% BP.
1909 January 27 OW to Mr. Quick, 1pg, hand written on stationary paper. Sold by Lunds, April 15, 2002, $1400.
1909 January 30 OW to Mr. Quick, 1pg, hand written on stationary paper. Sold by Lunds, April 15, 2002, $2400.
1909 May 26 Wright Brothers (OW) to Mr. Arthur Ruhl, 1 pg, typed on Wright Brothers 1127 West Third letter head, Dear Mr. Ruhl: Your letter of May 13th was received. We are very busy and, as usual, our correspondence has been neglected. We were sorry to miss you in New York and must apologize for not sending you word that we could not be in when you said you would call. It would have given us both pleasure to see you. We shall not be able to make any flights before we go to Washington, and when we once got to work there we shall have to devote every flight to teaching our pupils. Besides if we take on passenger we will be besieged with requests from people when it will be almost impossible to refuse. You will readily see how much embarrassment it will make us if we begin to take passengers. It would give us pleasure to take you for a little spin, in recompense for the suffering you endured, on "the firing line" but we do not see how we can do it. We shall be glad to see you in Washington if you find it convenient to be there while we are at work on our government contract. Very truly yours, Wright Brothers OW" Sold by University Archives, June 20, 2018, $1200 ($1500 with BP).
1909 June 20 OW to George Quick, Hotel Gassion Pau, France, 2pg (one sheet) hand written, "Dear Mr. Quick: Your letters of the 18th and 19th are received. We will not be ready for the workmen from the Asteu and Atelier et Chantiers de France before the 2nd of February. They will be in the way if they come sooner. As to the Italian business, it will be necessary for me to have a further consultation with Wilbur before an answer is given in that matter. In any case there will be no use of Lieut. Calderara coming here before the 15th of February. If he wishes to come then he can see some flight, though we are not able to promise him a ride or any training before we go to Italy. I will write you further on this matter after consultation with Wilbur this evening. It will also be necessary to have a talk with Wilbur before answering with reference to the Russian business. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the negotiations then to answer myself. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, September 20, 2007, $2270. Previously sold by Lunds Auctioneers, April 15, 2002, $3900.
1909 July 31 OW to unknown, 1pg, handwritten, "With pleasant remembrances of our association in the 'flying days' at Fort Meyer Sincerely yours Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, April 11, 2018, $2455.
1909 August 20 OW to Mr. Quick, 2pg, handwritten on Hotel Esplanade stationary. Sold by Lunds, April 15, 2002, $3000.
1912-1915 OW to Mr. Woodhouse, 1pg, handwritten on The Wright Company
letterhead, "My dear Mr. Woodhouse: I am inclosing several old prints.
You may use any you choose, but please take good care of these and
return as soon as you are done with them. The negatives from which these
were made were in the flood and were somewhat injured. Sincerely yours,
Orville Wright" Sold by University Archives, March 25, 2020, $1500.
1913 July 31 OW to J. M. Erwin, 1pg, typed on The Wright Company letterhead, "Dear Mr. Erwin: Katharine and I reached home just in time to enjoy the flood! I found the Academy of Science medals in our safety deposit vault when the waters went down. My brother Lorin had received them, placed them in the safety deposit, and had forgotten to tell Wilbur and me of it. The papers contained in the second package where also received. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Bonhams, October 25, 2022, $1300 plus 27.5% BP.
1914 May 5 OW to O. C. Brett, 1pg, typed, The Wright Company Dayton, Ohio letterhead, "Dear Sir: I thank you for your letter.......enclosing maple seed pods. The rotary motion of the pod in falling increases the quantity of air upon which it acts very much, thus decreasing its rate of descent. The same is true of a propeller turning on a vertical axis. In descending the propeller puts in motion not the quantity of air lying beneath it but all of the air over which its blades pass in their rotary motion. In this way parachutes made in the form of a propeller of quite small area have been made to descend at almost as slow speeds as the ordinary type of parachute with many times more area. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Swann Auction Galleries, April 29, 2004, $3220 including BP.
1915 February 24 OW to P. W. Williamson, 1pg, typed, The Wright Company Dayton, Ohio letterhead, "My dear Pliny:- I have your letter of the 20th. If you can I wish you would renew the $2000.00 note for three months longer, at which time I hope to be in shape to take care of it. I am enclosing check to pay interest on this note and renewal to amount of $60.66. If this is not correct let me know. Thanking you for the accommodation, I am, Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, November 10, 2024, $932. (Carbon copy without OW's signature is within Library of Congress archives.)
1915 April 7 OW to Frederick Eppelsheimer, The New York Herald, NY, NY, 4 pgs, typed on The Wright Company letterhead, first page as follows, "Dear Mr. Eppelsheimer: Your letter of the 2nd instant is received. I do not remember that there was very much in my address before the Franklin Institute on the pendulum as a stabilizing agent, but as I have not in any wise changed my opinion of it for this purpose in the past several years, I know that I said nothing there that I think needs correction or modification. Some time ago I noticed an account in the Herald of a report of a committee of some organization representing different scientific and engineering societies, in which account the committee was reported to have found the pendulum not a proper thing for stabilizing purposes. I thought the report, if correctly represented in the Herald, very amusing. Usually when men of high standing in one line of science undertake to pass upon something in another line in which they are entirely unacquainted, they fall in ridiculous errors. I believe the pendulum is in itself an almost perfect device for preserving lateral balance. I have flown by the hour with such a device, a good deal of the time in winds of fifteen to twenty miles, yet I was unable to detect any case in which the pedulum did not give the proper direction in the operation of the machine..... " Sold by Goldberg Coins, November 18, 2017, $5250. Resold by RR Auctions, September 25, 2018, $10,000.
1915 May 26 OW to Earl N. Findley, 1pg, typed, The Wright Company letterhead, "Dear Mr. Findley: In reference to our conversation at Dayton, and subsequent correspondence, I shall be glad to have you undertake to write a comprehensive story of the invention of the flying machine by Wilbur and Orville Wright for aerial publication in a reputable magazine. This story has not hitherto been adequately presented. I will help you as far as I can in gathering the material for your undertaking, and in looking over the installments of your narrative. It is understood that you will submit all matter to me before publication in order to insure accuracy. I understand that you intend to start this work within a short time, and to conclude it within the next eighteen months. I may assure you that while you are engaged on this work, and providing it is satisfactory to me, you will have a clear field in the use of data and information so far as I am concerned. I mean by this that your work will not be duplicated or anticipated by another writer enjoying similar privileges. I will be glad to have you make your headquarters with us when you come to Dayton. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Christie's, December 14, 2016, $13,750. This price included an archive of letters from OW to Findley, July 10, 1915, December 18, 1915, March 14, 1930, May 23, 1930. Three letters to OW from Findley. Three letters from McHahon to Findley and George Lorimer. Plus transcript from 1915, 237 pgs.
1915 July 20 OW to Frederick Eppelsheimer, 1pg, typed, The Wright Company letterhead, "My dear Mr. Eppelsheimer: Your letter of the 15th instant has been received. When I was in New York a couple of days last week, I inquired about you from a reporter of the Herald that called on me at the hotel, but he did not let me know that you are no longer with the Herald. I am sorry that this is true. When I have to talk to newspaper men, I always prefer to talk to the ones I have known and can trust.....I am glad to say that in all my acquaintance with you, you have never betrayed this trust...... Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, October 17, 2008, $1075.
1916 November 23 OW to Samuel G. Colt, 1pg, typed on The Wright Company letterhead, "My dear Mr. Colt: I am very glad to receive your letter of November 20th. I think the book on aeronautics which I mentioned to you, when I visited you at Pittsfield last summer, was Duchene's 'Mechanics of the Aeroplane'. This I consider a very good book for those wishing to learn the general principles of aeronautics. A number of statements are made in the book in heavy type as though they were to be considered as theorems. Some of these only have a limited application, but are correct in the particular cases in which they are used. For more advanced study of the subject I would recommend the British Technical Reports of the Advisory Committee for Aeronautics of 1913-13. These, however, are too advanced except for those who have made a considerable study of the subject. I have lately found some of the parts of the 1911 glider, which Mr. Crane was trying to set up. I think it probable that more of them will be found in time; but I do not know whether enough will be found to be of any use to you. I have not yet found parts for the 1905 power machine, but I have a large pile of old parts, which I will some time go through. With kindest regards, I am Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, October 25, 2018, $1312. Resold by University Archives, December 18, 2018, $1600.
1917 May 11 OW to Charles A. Moran, 2pgs, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Moran: I have your very interesting letter of May 5th in which you raise a question as to the accuracy of a statement in an interview with me quoted by Mr. Burton J. Hendrick in Harper's Magazine of April. The statement that the 'weight increases as the cube, whereas the area of the wings increases as its square', is not absolutely correct, but is practically so. In the interview I had called Mr. Hendrick's attention to the fact that the weight of some parts increases only in the same ratio as the area increases. Among these I mentioned the cloth covering which is practically of the same weight per square foot, regardless of the size of the machine. But these parts that increase directly compose such a small part of the total weight that they scarcely need be considered. However, I cannot quite agree with your reasoning as tot he relative strength of large and small machines. The structure of a flying machine, upon which its strength depends, is that of a bridge. The greater portion of the total weight of the machine itself, as well as all of the load carried, is usually located approximately centrally between the two wing tips. I explained to Mr. Hendrick that if the weight of the motive power and the load to be carried could be equally distributed over the entire surface of the machine, there would be no limit to the size a machine could be built and still be strong enough to support its own weight in the air. But unfortunately such a machine would have no strength in landing with any type of landing gear known at the present time. In other words, in landing, some provision would have to be made so that every part of the machine would come in contact with the ground at the same time. You are probably aware that there is a limit, with the materials possessed at the present time, beyond which a bridge span cannot even support its own weight. The reasons for this are evident. To illustrate this; supposing one were to support a beam a foot long and an inch square at the two tips, it will support a given load, but if the beam were an inch square and ten feet long, it would weigh ten times as much, but would have only one-tenth the strength. It is evident that before long the length would be reached where the beam would break of its own weight. Nature has never succeeded in building a large creature which could fly. I believe the Pterodactyl, which was the largest, weighed only in the neighborhood of thirty pounds, and evidently was but a poor flyer. The theory, which I state in the interview, I think, has been fully borne out by the experience of all the flying machine manufacturers. Thanking you for your letter, I am Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, October 19, 2017, $4000.
1917 September 25 OW to His Royal Highness The Duke of Connaught, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Your Highness: I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of Your Highness' letter and the Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts, which were forwarded to me through the British Ambassador at Washington. I wish to express my appreciation of the honor conferred upon my by the Royal Society of Arts as a recognition of the work of my brother Wilbur and myself towards the solution of the problem of flight. I appreciate with the utmost gratification the honor of being placed by your Society among such men as those whom this coveted medal has been awarded in years past. With expressions of the most sincere regards, I am Respectfully yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auctions, March 4, 2020, $3565.
1917 October 12 OW to Mrs.William F. Lake, 1pg, typed on Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mrs. Lake: I received your letter inquiring as to my connection to the Lake family. Will you please pardon this tardy answer? It was my father's side, I believe, that there was some connection with the Lake family; but I do not know just what this connection was, nor do I know to what branch of the family. It may be that I will find some reference to it in some of father's papers when I have an opportunity of going over them. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Goldberg Coins, July 9, 2017, $775. Resold by Freeman's, January 17, 2018, $552.
1919 February 17, Elyot Henderson, 1pg, typed, Wright Aeronautical Laboratory letterhead, "Dear Sir: I have your letter requesting drawings of a helicopter model. I am sorry that I have none that I can send you. You may be able to get what you want by writing to 'Aviation', 120 West 32nd Street, New York City, or 'Aerial Age', Madison Avenue and 40th Street, New York City. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by University Archives, February 1, 2023, $2600 plus 25% BP.
1919 June 13 OW to Professor Joseph W. Roe, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Roe: Katharine and I expect to arrive in New Haven some time Tuesday morning. We are not yet acquainted with the time of the trains between New York and New Haven, but we will let you know in advance about when we shall arrive. We are looking forward to our visit with you with great pleasure. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, May 19, 2021, $687.
1919 September 10 OW to H. S. Molineu, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead. "My dear Mr. Molineu: I have your letter in regard to the No. 1 aeroplane purchased by the United States Government. The flight from Ft. Myer to Alexandria was made on July 30, 1909. (The aeroplane which I used in the flights of September, 1908, at Fort Myer, was destroyed in an accident on the 17th of September of that year.) Lieutenant Benjamin D. Foulois (now General Foulois) was the observer on this test flight. The motor made 1310 r.p.m. in flight, developing 32 horse power. The ten mile course from Ft. Myer to Alexandria and return was covered in 14 minutes, 40 seconds--an average speed of 42.58 miles. The timing of this flight varied a good deal. Foulois' time taken on the machine with a stop watch gave a speed of a little over 42.9 miles. At College Park on October 9, 1909, the machine showed a speed of 45.8 miles, over a course with and against the wind. The flight to Alexandria was made in a quartering wind, so that there was a loss in both directions. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by The Raab Collection, September 10, 1919, $14,000.
1919 November 21, 1919 OW to Earl N. Findley, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Findley: I am sending you under separate cover these photographs of the 1903 machine: One a view from the rear of the first flight; one a side view of the machine standing on the ground; and the other a picture of the machine standing outside of the buildings. Katharine and I often talk about you and wish that you could come out again some time on your way to Richmond. A few days ago Katharine received a post-card photograph of McMahon standing beneath a monster bust of Von Nindenburg in Berlin. He probably is contemplating changing from writing on horticulture to German 'kulture'. Be sure to have these photographs returned promptly, as they are getting extremely scarce. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Christie's, June 14, 2018, $4000. Included first flight photo.
1921 November 10 OW to L. D. Gardner, President The Gardner, Moffat Company NY, NY, 1pg, typed on Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Gardner: I am returning enclosed the copies of Walcott's and Manly's replies to Brewer's paper, which you kindly sent me. I am now in receipt of Mr. Brewer's reply to these papers of Walcott, Zahm, Manly and Curtiss, which will be printed in the December issue of the Aeronautical Journal. I am seriously considering your suggestion to make some comment on the papers. I find that Walcott has fooled even Brewer, who knowing the character of these men, was naturally on his guard. Walcott does not deny Brewer's statement that only the cost of transportation of the machine to Hammondsport was paid by the Smithsonian, nor does he say that the Institution paid Curtiss $2000, as Brewer understood him to say. This is another case, I think, of a very skillful handling of English, which may be compared with the phrase in the National Advisory Committee recommendation to the President, which to the average reader appeared to recommend against a unified air service, but as a matter of fact does not, upon close examination of the wording. I must say I cannot help but admire Curtiss' nerve. Only one with colossal nerve would dare to come out with the flat statement such as Curtiss makes, that the machine he flew at Hammondsport was the original Langley machine without any change except the addition of floats, when Walcott, Zahm and Manly admit and the photographs prove that the changes mentioned by Brewer had been made in the machine.I note what you say in regard to the publication of Zahm's reply in the Air Service magazine. I had not heard anything of this, but as Findlay, the editor, has always been on of my dearest friends, I do not think that he will allow Zahm to get any unfair advantage in his paper. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Swann Auction Galleries, May 23, 2013, $4800 includes BP. Previously sold by Weiss Auctions, September 20, 2008, $1950.
1922 October 7 OW to R. R. Blythe, Johnson and Higgins, NY, NY, 1pg, typed on Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Sir: Your letter enclosing a clipping of your article in the New York Tribune on sky sailing is received. I understand there are several projects on foot in America to encourage experiments in soaring flight. I am strongly of the opinion that soaring flight is possible only in ascending trends of air that I do not expect any new type of machine to be developed from experiments along this line. However, this kind of flight does furnish a very good sport, as well as good training to those who engage in it, and for these reasons is to be encouraged. Thanking you for your letter, I am Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions October 4, 1912, $1314. Resold by Heritage Auctions, Profiles in History, June 13, 2014, $1845. This letter is currently available for purchase through Rabb Collection, $9000 asking price.
1922 November 10 OW to Frederick Eppelsheimer, Managing Editor, Daily Financial America, NY, NY, 2pgs, typed on Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Eppelsheimer: Your letter of August 29th lay buried in three months of mail when I returned the middle of September from a vacation spent in Georgian Bay. Your article on motorless flight in the 'Daily Financial America' was both sensible and interesting. The French in their soaring contests last August failed to equal the flight made by myself a Kill Devil Hill in 1911; but my record of nine and three-quarter minutes was beaten in 1920 by Herr Harth in Germany with a flight of twenty-one minutes, and this year by Herr Hentzen, using the same machine, considerably modified, with a flight of three hours, six minutes. I understand the record now stands at three hours, twenty-one minutes, mad by a French machine last month in the Daily Mail contest in England. I disposed of all my stock in the aeroplane business in 1915 and have had none since. My time is now devoted to aerodynamic research, and not to engineering. I have not kept in very close touch with the aeroplanes of the last few years, although I was pretty well acquainted with them during the war. I suspect the accidents to which you refer with the 'D-H 4's' were due to 'stalling', and not to any fault in the machine. All planes with the elevator behind are 'nose heavy' in a 'stall'. The American 'D-H' machines were well built. The accidents with them were mostly due to the inexperience of the flyers, who were compelled to fly them before they had sufficient training. During the war we heard the same complaint against the Liberty motor. It was then and is now probably the best motor in the world. It was the one great outstanding achievement in aeronautics during the war. If you ever get out in this part of the country I would be glad to have you look me up. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, Profiles in History, May 30, 2013, $4800.
1923 June 13 Ow to Earl N. Findley, 2pgs, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Findley: The article on page 14 of the June number of 'U.S. Air Services' by B. Russell Shaw states, 'No test of airplane or engine of which there is a detailed record ever ran so even a performance lap after lap as did the T-2, and Orville Wright, official representative for the National Aeronautics Association of the U.S.A., said: 'There was not one-hundredth of a kilometer per hour difference in their speeds at any distance'. This statement is made in face of the fact that in the preceding paragraph it is shown the times of the different laps over the 50 kilometer course varied from 21 minutes 53 seconds to 28 minutes 30 seconds--a difference of 31.83 kilometers per hour. The greatest variation in lap, however, was actually 35.63 kilometers per hour. I have never stated that the Kelly-Macready speed varied by less than one-hundredth kilometer per hour. Secretary Denby, Dr. Ames, Charles M. Schwab, Admiral Moffett, General Patrick, James M. Curley, Edward Schildhamer, Mulvihill and a member of other prominent Americans have acquired exactly the same literary style. Shaw seems now also to have caught it, at least so far as talking nonsense is concerned. I wonder whether you got this article directly from Shaw or through the same source that markets the articles of the above well-known Americans! I am getting terribly suspicious of all the articles I read in aeronautical magazines these days! In the June number of 'U.S. Air Service' is a corking good article on 'Einstein's Theory of Relativity and How to Handle It', by Corley P. McDarment. McDarment seemed to me a very bright and capable young fellow; but I am wondering whether his literary style, as exhibited in this article, is an old one with him or whether it has been absorbed by association with a certain humorous writer formerly connected with the New York Tribune and Times, who wrote in this same style. But what I really want to know is who wrote the article signed by Shaw. I am making a fight against the National Aeronautic Association trying to edit all of our aeronautical papers. I will not in any way bring you into it. I have it from Mulvihill that all of the articles signed by the above mentioned people were written by Tinker. Mulvihill said that Henry Ford's was the only one furnished from outside. Our plans for the Georgian Bay are not settled as yet, but I will let you know about them a little later. About what time will it be easiest for you to get away from your office? Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Christie's, June 14, 2018, $1750.
1923 July 16 OW to Earl N. Findley, 2pg, hand written, Orville Wright letterhead from Lambert Island. Sold by Christie's, December 14, 2016, $3250.
1923 November 28 OW to Lester D. Gardner, 2pgs, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Gardner: Your letter of November 26th enclosing copy for a proposed article 'The story of Mechanical Flight, by Orville Wright' was received yesterday but I did not have an opportunity to examine it until last evening. After looking through I telegraphed you that I could not let the article go out under my name as I have consistently refused to sign articles not written by myself. But aside from this there were other reasons why I could not have signed the article. The greater part of the copy furnished is taken from 'Aeronautics' of May 36th and June 23rd, 1915. In reading over the last night for the first time this part I was surprised with a number of statements which did not appear to me to be Wilbur's because they did not properly represent his or my idea. I found this morning in examining the original of his deposition in the case against Curtiss that the article in 'Aeronautics' is a mutilated copy of it, and that the heading 'The Story of Flight' was one furnished by the editor of the paper and not by Wilbur. Wilbur's deposition did not purport to give a history of flight excepting in the one particular which was involved in the suit. I further notice that the editor speaks of this 'Story of Flight' as a 'series of articles' (which is entirely misleading) in which 'the late Wilbur Wright .....sets forth in full the origin and sequence of his experiment', which is again untrue and a statement for which Wilbur was in no wise responsible. The attempt was made to conceal that this was a court document, by dropping out these parts which indicated the fact, though the style and the general nature of the statement are still those of a legal controversy......(second page continues.....) Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, December 1, 2022, $16,250.
1924 July 5 OW to B. Russell Shaw, 2pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead. Sold by Christie's, December 18, 2003, $5975.
1925 February 4 OW to Alexander N. Smith, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Smith: I thank you for your kindness in sending me the clipping from the New York Times Magazine. I am pleased to have it. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auctions, October 16, 2024, $656.
1925 October 14 OW to Mrs. Wohlgemuth, 1pg, typed, on Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mrs. Wohlgemuth: I thank you for your letter of October 12 honoring me with an invitation to be the guest of the Cincinnati Woman's Club on the occasion of Captain Roald Amundsen's visit to Cincinnati. I regret that another engagement for November second prevents my acceptance. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Main Galleries, May 27, 2023, $650 plus 26% BP. Resold by University Archives, November 29, 2023, $1100 plus 28% BP.
1926 April 14 OW to C. F. Schory, 2pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead. Sold by Christie's, December 18, 2003, $4870.
1927 June 15 OW to C. F. Schory, National Aeronautic Association, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Schory: A trial for World's record for load carrying, speed and endurance is to be made at Wright Field within the next few weeks. As there will be but one machine in the air, and as we have a stop-watch with a certificate less than a year old, I see no necessity of bringing Porter here. Is Luzern Custer's name on the list of timers? Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, May 15, 2013, $1675.
1928 February 23 OW to Rev. H. Randel Lookabill, 1pg, typed, on Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Lookabill: I thank you for your letter of recent date, and for the kindly sentiment expressed in it. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, December 6, 2017, $530.
1928 March 1 OW to General Sherrill, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear General Sherrill: I have your letter of February 29th. I remember very well crossing of the channel with the hat boxes. I am afraid you were giving us too much credit in speaking of the 'brotherly manner' in which we carried them. My recollection is that we imposed them upon an English friend who was traveling across with us. The Kitty Hawk plane arrived in England the 21st of last month, so that it is not possible to send it to New York University as you suggest. The plane was not sent to England to punish America, but as a means of self-protection in overcoming propaganda in disparagement of us broadcast by the Smithsonian at Government expense. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Bonhams Skinner, November 18, 2012, $2600 plus 23% BP.
1928 March 10 OW to Earl Findley, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Earl: I received your telegram yesterday. I think it would be proper, since Dr. Abbot requests it, that you publish his statement. In case you do so I am sending a short reply to it which you may use if you wish. I am also enclosing some clippings of editorial comments which may interest you. You may already have seen these. In fact I would see very little that appears in the newspapers if it were not for you. I am also sending a copy of a letter by H. H. Clayton to Dr. Abbot. This is strictly confidential. Clayton is the man who has been working with Dr. Abbot for several years in his measuring of the radiation of the heat from the sun. Formerly Clayton was connected with the Blue Hill Observatory, founded by Professor Rotch. It is interesting in showing what at least one of Abbot's close friends thinks of the past course of the Smithsonian. I am also enclosing a copy of a form letter that I have been sending out to people deploring the loss of the machine to America, and expressing the hope that 'I will not punish the American people' by letting it remain permanently abroad. I have marked a paragraph in this letter which while not very well expressed, may furnish you an idea for use at some future time. I would like to have all of the above mentioned papers and clippings, excepting the form letter, returned when you are through with them. I do not have extra copies. As a result of this new outburst, I have had so many visitors that I have not been able to take care of my correspondence. When I can get time for a few thousand words I will try to tell you how much I appreciate what you have been doing for me. With kindest regards, Sincerely, Orv" Sold by RR Auctions, March 6, 2019, $3625. Previously sold by Christie's, June 14, 2018, $3750, which included February 24, 1928 OW to Findley letter.
1928 March 14 OW to C. F. Schory, National Aeronautic Association, Washington, D.C., 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Schory: I have read over the proposed rules for the Inter-Collegiate Air Race for the Loening Trophy. They seem to me pretty satisfactory unless it be the paragraph headed 'Planes and Engines'. If the entries are to be limited to 'standard stock planes' then the club happening to have the best make of plane will have a tremendous advantage, since the contestants will have no right to modify their planes to improve their climbing qualities. I do not understand why ground revolutions shall not be less than 1350. And again I do not see the necessity of requiring a license from the Department of Commerce, as this contest will be carried out over a flying field where the public safety is not jeopardized. I think it is a great mistake to handicap sport with unnecessary regulations of this kind. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, April 13, 2011, $943.
1928 March 24 OW to Senator Hiram Bingham, 2pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Senator Bingham: I have your letter of March 20th asking whether I still think the passage of the McSwain Association is needed in view of the action taken by the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution on March 15th. It makes me believe more than ever that it is needed. The resolution indicates that the same policy is going to be pursued in the future as has been in the years past. It is apparent that the resolution, passed just as the eve of the hearing of the McSwain Resolution, was purely for the purpose of having this investigation dropped; and it seems to have had the desired effect. The resolution gave the impression to many throughout the country that the Smithsonian Regents had made an important concession in an endeavor to smooth out the differences between that Institution and myself. The statement evidently was intended to give this impression. You seem to have been one of those so misled. The resolution made no concession whatever and did not touch on any point at issue. The point as to whether my brother and I were the first to fly had never been questioned by the Smithsonian. The present label on the Langley machine clearly states this. The important point at issue is as to who was the inventor of the first successful flying machine. The Smithsonian for the past seventeen years has kept up a constant propaganda to take the credit for this away from my brother and myself. It has done this partly through some actually false statements and partly through statements so cunningly worded as to give a false impression without actually being false in themselves. This last resolution is a fair example. It certainly can not be considered ingenuous by one understanding the situation. Such practice as this is beneath the dignity of a scientific institution, such as the Smithsonian purports to be, and such conduct on the part of an institution administering government bureaus with government funds certainly needs investigation by the Government. A good many people do not seem to grasp the differences between the first man-carrying flying machine and the first man-carrying machine to fly. There may be a big difference. Our pride was in producing the first man-carrying flying machine rather than in producing the first man flight. Wilbur and I did not take nearly so much pride in the fact that we were the first to fly as we did in the fact that we were the first to have the scientific data from which a flying machine could be built. I have never thought for an instant that I was entitled to more credit than Wilbur because I made the first flight. There were thousands of men who could have taken our 1903 machine into the air for the first flight; but I believe there was no one else in the world at that time beside Wilbur and myself that had the scientific data for building a machine that would fly. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Christie's, December 8, 2015, $8125.
1928 March 28 OW to Gordon Dorrance, President of Dorrance & Company, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Dorrance: I have your letter of March 20th asking for a few words of comment on Chamberlin's 'Record Flights'. I would not want to make any comment without first reading the book, and I am so far behind in my reading now that I would not be able to read it for month to come. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, June 19, 2013, $1675.
1928 March 31 OW to F. H. Hooper, The Encyclopedia Britannica, NY, NY, 1pg, typed on Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Hooper: Please pardon my delay in acknowledging your letters of February 24th and March 5th. For the past three months I have been head over heals in work, but I now hope within a few days to be able to prepare the article on 'Wilbur Wright' for the Encyclopedia Britannica. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Goldberg Coins July 1, 2018, $900.
1928 October 30 OW to G. F. Schory, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Schory: I am enclosing herewith the release forms form the Dallas Trust and Savings Bank for the Easterwood prize. I see your signature is required. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Early American History Auctions, April 29, 2017, $2200. Also included was October 29, 1928 document concerning prize money with Orville's signature. This letter had previously been sold by Early American History, December 10, 2016, $2000.
1928 December 29 OW to Isabel L. Alcorn, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Miss Alcorn, I have your letter of December 14th in regard to the stock of the Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation. I am sorry that I am not able to give you the information you seek, as I was never an owner of any of this stock. The Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation was the successor to The Wright Company, of which at one time I was the principal stockholder; but I sold all of my stock in The Wright Company to New York capitalists in October, 1915. A year or two later The Wright Company was merged in the Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation. My understanding is that after the war the assets of The Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation were taken over by two separate companies- The Wright Aeronautical Corporation of Paterson, New Jersey, which now manufactures the Wright motor, and the Mack Truck Company, of New Brunswick, New Jersey. You may be able to get better information by addressing either one of these two companies, or some stock broker in New York who has handled the stock. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Flying Pig Auctions, May 4, 2013, $1100 plus 20% BP.
1929 February 7 OW to J. E. Kauffman, Secretary, Ohio Single Tax Association, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Kauffman: I have your letter of January 26th. I am in Dayton most of the time, and will be glad to see you any time at your convenience. As I have to be out of the city occasionally for a few days, if you are making a special trip over, it would be better to advise me a day or so in advance so that my office can inform you if I happen to be away. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auctions, August 10, 2011, $764.
1929 March 23 OW to Ella Phillips Grandall, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Miss Grandall: I thank you for your letter of February 26th, and also for the copy of the poem by Oren Root, Jr. which I thought most interesting. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, September 14, 2011, $508.
1929 November 21 OW to Mr. Algic, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Algic: Many thanks for the monogram in memory of my brother, Wilbur Wright, which I am pleased to receive. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Dreweatts 1759 London England, September 25, 2014, $948.
1930 March 22 OW to Mr. Johnson, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Johnson: Please pardon my long delay in answering your letter of February 11th inviting me to attend the ceremonies at the Colonnade of the Hall of Fame at New York University on May 8th. Travel is difficult for me. As a result of an old injury, the vibration of railroad travel brings on attacks of sciatica. For this reason I can not tell in advance whether or not I would be able to make the trip. I thank you most heartily for the invitation to be present at these distinguished ceremonies. With best regards, Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, July 13, 2016, $593.
1930 December 6 OW to Luke Christopher, Secretary, Contest Committee, National Aeronautic Association, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Christopher: I have signed and returned the Sporting Glider Licenses, but have withheld the Class A and Class B licenses until I know that there is authority for such. In looking through the F.A.I. rules I have failed to find more than one class. Will you please give me the F.A.I. ruling authorizing these other licenses? Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, May 23, 2012, $1038.
1931 March 16 OW to Hiram Bingham, President, National Aeronautic Association, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Senator Bingham: I have given your letter of February 23 considerable thought; but I can not bring myself to accepting the chairmanship of the committee on the historical exhibit of aircraft for the forthcoming Chicago Exposition. I am becoming more and more loath to accept appointments where I will not be able to be present to take an active part. I have had several experiences in the past few years which have brought home to me the folly of accepting membership on boards in which I can not be active, but for whose foolish acts I receive a good deal of credit. I shall be interested in the aeronautical exhibit, and will be willing to do what I reasonably can to help in making it a success, but I do not wish to appear in a capacity which I really can not occupy. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, March 13, 2013, $1521.
1931 March 25 OW to Mr. J. F. Victory, 3pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, ".......Our first flight accomplishing a closed circuit was made on the 20th of September, 1904. The only witnesses on the field at the time this flight was made beside Wilbur and myself were Mr. A. I. Root, now deceased....and Charles E. Taylor, our mechanic and helper. Mr Root told of this flight in the January 1, 1905 issue of 'Gleanings in Bee Culture'......This first closed circuit flight is mentioned in a letter dated March 2, 1906, addressed by Wilbur and myself to the Aero Club of America....published in the Aero Club of America bulletin of March 12, 1906. I find a clipping from the 'Dayton Press' of December 17, 1904, which says that twenty circles were made during that year. From an examination of our note books I do not feel certain that more than thirteen circuits were fully completed. The oldest record of the flight is a record made on September 20, 1904, in the field note-book kept by Wilbur and myself. I am sending enclosed a photostat of the two pages on which this record appears. The record for the 51st flight at the top of the first page is in Wilbur's hand. The record on the first page on the 52nd flight (the first complete circuit) is in my handwriting, excepting the last sentence, which is in Wilbur's. The drawing and the writing of the second page is all in Wilbur's hand.......The total distance of flight No. 52 measured with a wheel following... the course flown by the machine was 4080 feet. My time for the flight was 1 minute, 35-2/5 seconds taken with a stop-watch and counting from the time the machine left the rail until it touched the ground. C. E. Taylor caught the time 1:35-1/5. The stop-watch on the Richard anemometer recorded 1505 meters as the distance traveled through the air.....Wilbur shut off the motor and anemometer about three seconds before touching the ground. You will note that the bottom of the second page Wilbur recorded the fact that Root was present......" Sold by Christie's, December 18, 2003, $15,535. Included with letter was photostat of the two pages from the Wright's flight log that OW had enclosed.
1931 December 10 OW to Earl N. Findley, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Earl: The photographs I am sending are the best that I have of Wilbur at Governor's Island. So many of the Governor's Island photographs were not properly fixed and have faded out. I also am enclosing a cartoon evidently made by some newspaper reporter-inventor. As none of Wilbur's features are recognized in the cartoon, the card would be of no interest to your readers, but I thought it might be to you, as you, no doubt, will know some of the newspaper men who were on the spot while you were being escorted off of the island by the guards! Hope you are feeling much better. Sincerely yours, Orville" Sold by Christie's, December 14, 2016, $3000. Included period photo of Wilbur in flight at Governor's Island.
1932 January 20 OW to Earl N. Findley, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Earl: Your 'IMPORTANT--MOST IMPORTANT' letter of January 15th was received in Monday's morning mail. Uncle Sam takes a vacation Saturday afternoon and Sunday. I was busy all day Monday with Dr. Lewis, Mr. Ide and some New York lawyers. Yesterday--I don't know what I did. Well, this is a pretty prompt answer, anyway. If Pickering had been considering as airship when he stated that 'the resistance of the air increases as the square of the speed and the work as the cube' he would have been right. His statement is equally true of what is called 'parasite resistance' in flying machines, but it is not true of the resistance of the wings. In our 1908 flying machines, to which he evidently was referring, the parasite resistance at 40 miles an hour was only 27 per cent. of the total resistance of the machine. Seventy-three per cent. of the resistance was consumed by the planes to which his formula did not apply. In 'Navigating the Air', put out by the Aero Club of America in 1907, was an article entitled 'The Relations of Weight, Speed and Power of Flyers, by Wilbur and Orville Wright'. I wrote the article, so it should not be trusted too far. I estimated there that a machine with a total weight of 750 pounds should require only 60 to 75 h.p. for a speed of 120 miles per hour. In spite of my knowing who was the author of that prediction I still think it better than Pickering's. Another great astronomer, Simon Newcomb, also made predictions. (See U.S. Air Service, Jan. 1923, pg 39). Astronomers seem to be given to rash predictions. Sincerely, Orville Wright" Sold by Christie's, June 15, 2017, $3000.
1932 July 31 OW to Senator Hiram Bingham, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, ".....some additional delay in answering....is due to my general inability to get writing done. I am sorry that I will not be able to be in Washington for the N.A.A. meetings.....These come at an awkward time of the year for me. I have not been able to attend any of the meetings, nor race meets, since the time of holding them has been changed to August and September. My name has appeared as chairman of the contest committee this year, though I have not been present at a single meeting. My absence from meetings has been due to inability to be present, not from lack of interest. In a talk with you....I explained my attitude with regard to letting my name appear as a member of committee whose meetings I can not personally attend. At that time I agreed to let my name remain on the list of members of the contest committee until the next annual meeting of the Association, with the understanding that it would then be dropped without attracting the attention of certain enemies of yours and the Association's as might be attracted by a resignation. In appointing the next committee please omit my name entirely....." Sold by Christie's, December 18, 2003, $2390.
1932 December 23 OW to Reverend H. Randel Lookabill, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Lookabill: Many thanks for your very nice letter of congratulations on the 29th anniversary of our first flight. I have always appreciated the friendly spirit and interest you have shown in our work. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Cowan's Auctions, September 8, 2017, $550 plus 23% BP. Resold by Alexander Historical Auctions, August 1, 2018, $440.
1933 January 7 OW to Earl N. Findley, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Earl, I am greatly pleased to find one man that understands why the Kitty Hawk plane can not be placed in an American museum other than the National Museum. Your proposed letter to Senator Bingham needs no change except the substitution of 'National Museum' for 'Smithsonian' when Smithsonian is used in referring to the National Museum. The National Museum, as I understand it, belongs to the people of the United States. "The Smithsonian Institution is a private foundation, the ward of the United States'. (Smithsonian Report, 1927, p. 143). The Smithsonian administers the affairs of the National Museum for the United States Government......" Sold by Christie's, December 14, 2016, $30,000. Included October 16, 1934 OW to Earl letter, and another 10 OW to Earl Findley letters, January 1933 through October 25, 1942, with additional correspondence from Hiram Bingham, Mabel Beck, and others. Complimented with numerous enclosures and supporting documents.
1933 June 5 OW to Willard Dickerson, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Dickerson: I have your letter of June 2nd in regard to prices for corn and oats. I wish you to sell all of our oats, which according to our figures ought to be about 1620 bushels, at 20 cents per bushel or better. I also wish to sell about twelve hundred (1200) bushels of the corn at 35 cents per bushel or better, wherever you can get the best price. We will hold the balance of the corn for a while. Pleas send the proceeds to me in Post Office Money Orders, or certified check. I am not able to travel now, due to a slight attack of sciatica, so I can not get out to the farm before Fall. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, June 19, 2013, $481.
1933 December 21 OW to Miss Florence Bergstrom c/o U.S. Air Services, Wash. D.C., 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Miss Bergstrom: Thanks for your calling to my attention to page 10 of the Literary Digest for December 9th and to the fact that Mr. Findley sometime before had written me the same things there related. Please have Mr. Findley tell you the story of the Englishman on the New York sightseeing bus. From this I think you can figure out how he came to be right in this Tich affair! By the way, tell Mr. Findley also, that Mr. Brewer wrote me that he had tried this story on several English people, as Mr. Findley had suggested, and that he 'found them all react with true American humor. Evidently the story fits the humorous side of both nationalities, and we shall have to find another one which is peculiarly American, to make the test of value.' With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year, Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, September 11, 2024, $1516.
1934 January 25 OW to Miss Rita Swann, 1pg, typed, on Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Miss Swann: Please accept my thanks for your courtesy in sending to me clippings from the 'Baltimore American' for December 17th and January 7th. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, September 15, 2010, $530. Previously sold by Alexander Historical Auctions, June 3, 2010, $300.
1934 October 12 OW to Mr. Boyer, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Boyer: Please extend to the Trustees and Faculty of Norwich University my thanks for the invitation to be present at the inauguration of Mr. Porter H. Adams as President of the University on October twenty-second. I congratulate the University on its securing the services of a man of Mr. Adam's ability, and regret I can not be present at his inauguration. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, February 10, 2016, $1038.
1934 December 19 OW to C. B. Whittelsey, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Whittelsey: I thank you for your telegram of December 17th, extending congratulations, on behalf of the City of Hartford, on the thirty-first anniversary of our first flight. With best wishes, Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, April 4, 2010, $1521. Resold by RR Auction, October 12, 2011, $1142.
1935 December 21 OW to Reverend H. Randel Lookabill, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "My dear Mr. Lookabill: I thank you for your letter of congratulations on the thirty-second anniversary of our first flight. I also thank you for the clipping from the 'Sentinel'. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auctions, November 9, 2016, $1002. Resold by RR Auction, August 7, 2019, $1165.
1937 March 6 OW to Mr. F. L. Black, The Edison Institute, Dearborn, Michigan, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Black: I have your letter of March 3rd inclosing a copy of a letter from Paul Jones. The dog house referred to in Paul Jones' letter was never at 7 Hawthorn Street when we lived there. It was built in 1917 at my home in Oakwood. After the death of my St. Bernard dog, Lottie Jones asked for it for one of her boy's dogs and I gave it to her. It was not given to Paul personally. I don not consider the house of any importance whatever because it was never at Hawthorn Street during the time we were there. If the house did belong to Paul, and not to Lottie, as Paul now claims, he had no right to leave it on your property. I would suggest that you tell Paul that it was no mistake on your part. Everything that was not removed was supposed to belong to the Fords. You may tell Paul that if he thinks he has any claim for the house he should see me; that I have assumed all responsibility for it. I learned from Mr. Cutler that you went to the hospital after you returned from Dayton the last time. I am glad to know that you are out again, and hope that you have fully recovered. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, June 17, 2015, $943.
1937 May 5 OW to F. L. Black, The Edison Institute, Dearborn, Michigan, 1pg , typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Black: Please pardon my long delay in acknowledging your letter of April 1st inclosing photographs of the old shop as reconstructed at Dearborn. I also have your several letters in regard to Mr. Taylor. I will be glad to see you and Mr. Taylor at Dayton when you find it convenient to come down. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by International Autograph Auctions Europe S.L., March 26, 2020, $3368 plus 22.5% BP.
1938 May 28 OW to Dominick Fabian, 1pg, typed on Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Fabian: I thank you for your cards of greetings and for the Air Mail Week Kitty Hawk cachets on the covers containing them. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by American Antique Auctions, March 5, 2017, $410 plus 21% BP. Resold by University Archives April 11, 2017, $700.
1938 December 15 OW to Albert T. Bell, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Bell: I thank you for your letter of December 10th. The Dayton Chamber of Commerce has arranged a local celebration on the anniversary of our first flight which will keep me in Dayton on the seventeenth of December. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, October 16, 2009, $1314.
1938 December 20 OW to Dr. Porter Adams, President, Norwich University, Northfield Vermont, 1pg, typed, My dear Dr. Adams: I very much appreciated your telegram of congratulations on the anniversary of our first flight, and I thank you for it. With the best of Holiday Greetings, I am Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by University Archives June 21, 2016, $1600
1938 December 22 OW to W. G. Fountaine, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Fountaine: I thank you for your nice letter of December 17th and for the clipping from the 'Columbus Citizen'. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auctions August 7, 2019, $446.
1939 April 1 OW to Earl N. Findley, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Earl: I am wondering whether your duties as corporal will permit you to take enough time off to go with me by automobile to Kitty Hawk about the 17th. If you can go, I will drive to Washington, instead of taking the train. I am writing this on my new typewriter, all by myself. So far I think it has done a pretty good job ofspelling, though it is inclined to drop out a space once in a while. It tried to put one over on me in writing the date, this being April Fool's day, but I don't mind little things like that! I couldn't get very excited over the WOR broadcast. The only thing about it that worries me is your great distress over WOR paying so little attention to the protests of the exalted potentate of the Institute. I hope it doesn't get you completely down. I don't know how near I am to the bottom of the page, but I will stop before I run clean off. Next time I will try to have a better looking right-hand margin, and use my brackets ( I have some.). Sincerely, Orville" Sold by Christie's, June 14, 2018, $1000.
1939 September 25 OW to John W. Wood, 2pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Wood: I have just returned from my summer vacation and find your letter of August 16th, (inclosing a scale plan of our Simms Station flying field with text), awaiting my attention. The scale plan of the Simms Station flying field seems to be correct. As you suggest I offer some suggestions and corrections of the text. First page, second paragraph: The population of Dayton is given as 180,700 for 1927. Probably this was some one's estimate. I believe there was no official census between 1920 and 1930. The population in 1920 was 152,599 and in 1930 it was 200,961. Beginning near the bottom of page 1 is a record of several flights made in 1904 and 1905, taken from McMahon's book, 'The Wright Brothers'. Almost none of the data for these flights is correctly given. I therefore shall not attempt to correct them, but am sending you a bulletin of the Aero Club of America, March, 1906, which gives a correct account of the more important flights of 1904 and 1905. Not only were McMahon's figures incorrect for the flights of August 22nd and September 15th, 1904, but the nature of the flights were misrepresented. The flight of August 22nd was not even the longest up to that time, nor was the flight of September 15th the first circling flight in which a half circle was described. Page 3: The Wright field of 1904 and 1905 was one mile east, instead of one-half mile west, of today's United States Government Wright Aviation Field. Page 3 under 'Catapult': The weight used was generally either 1200 or 1400 pounds. I believe only one flight was made with a 600 pound weight. Page 4 under 'First Circling Flight': The sentence beginning 'It was his privilege' is incorrectly quoted by McMahon, and would give the impression that Root thought this to be the first successful flight with an aeroplane, while as a matter of fact he was trying to say that this was the first successful attempt to complete a circuit and return to the starting point. The sentence should be as follows: 'It was my privilege, on the 20th day of September, 1904, to see the first successful trip of an airship, without a balloon to sustain it, that the world has ever made, that is, to turn the corners and come back to the starting-point.'--A.I. Root, 'Gleanings in Bee Culture', Jan'y, 1, 1905. I am sorry that you got hold of this McMahon book and would prefer that you make no mention of it. It was an unauthorized publication and is extremely inaccurate. He had no right to publish it. Very truly yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Love Tag Sales, January 29, 2011, $3000. Included with letter was the March 1906 Aero Club of Dayton bulletin sent by Orville Wright to John Wood. (Orville had a number of these bulletins in his inventory. One sold in August 14, 2001 by Cohasco Inc. for $4331.)
1940 May 16 OW to John W. Wood, 2pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Wood: I have your letter of May 13th and have read the copy of the chapter on 'Wright Field 1904-1905' which was inclosed. In looking over some of your former letters I find that I have not answered your letters of February 21st and February 27th. I shall try to do that in this letter. First in regard to "Wright Field 1904-1905': On page 1, last line, the length of the 1901 wind tunnel is given as 8 feet instead of 6 feet. I should have noticed this error in former drafts but failed to do so. Page 2, bottom of page, a quotation from Dr. Lewis' Wilbur Wright Lecture is given, as taken from Aero Digest of August, 1939. The quotation omits several words of the original address as it appeared in the Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, October, 1939. I looked through Aero Digest of August, but failed to find it. The omitted words 'in later years' belong in the last sentence just before 'I need not recount'. I think it best to give quotations verbatim, unless omissions are indicated; and that, when possible, the original source should be given. I assume that your copy of the Aero Club of America Bulletin is correct. I have not proofread it. Page 6, last paragraph: The Wright Memorial at Kitty Hawk was dedicated in November, 1932. Page 7, first paragraph: The statement that Kill Devil Hill has moved about a quarter mile south since the early years of our experiments there is not correct. The base of the hill at that time was a little over 1200 feet from the spot on which the boulder now stands. I can not believe it is more than 1600 or 1700 feet from the boulder now. Maybe the reference to the hill moving had better be omitted. Referring to your letter of February 21st. The weight of the bare motor was 152 pounds; with magneto it weighed 170 pounds. The sixth line below the caption: It might be well to state that the motor was a horizontal one, so that it is not confused with our later four cylinder vertical one. I am sorry that I overlooked returning the inclosure in your letter of February 27th. I am returning it herewith with a couple of suggestions. I am returning inclosed 'Wright Field 1904-1905'. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, June 8, 2010, $1792.
1941 January 14 OW to John W. Wood, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Wood: I thank you for the autographed copy of your book 'Airports'. So far I have been able to glance through it only hurriedly, but that hurried examination brought to my attention a lot of things I had not before thought of in the laying out of an airport. I feel sure your book will be of great use. I also want to thank you for the copy of 'Bird Flight', which came to my office last summer while I was in Canada. I believe Miss Beck acknowledged receipt of it. It looks interesting and I shall read it through as soon as I have the opportunity. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, June 8, 2010, $836.
1943 May 22 OW to Frank M. Flack, 1pg, typed on Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Flack:- I thank you for your nice letter of May 16th, and for the clipping from the Kansas City Star. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction November 9, 2016, $668.
1943, December 11 OW to Major Lester D. Gardner, Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences, NY, NY, 2pgs typed, on Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Major Gardner: I received your letter a few days ago from a friend and neighbor of Carl Dientsbach. This called to mind a letter I received from you last July in which you inclosed a 'copy' of a 'letter of Carl Dientsbach on the 18th' of December, 1903. I do not understand just what this 'copy' is supposed to be. It is not a copy of Dientsbach's letter to us dated December 19th, 1903, and written in longhand. At the time of writing that letter he had read the Evening Telegram of the 18th, which said that we had flown three miles at Kitty Hawk with a machine that had two screws, one for lifting and one for propulsion. He also had read the New York Herald of the 19th, which said we had flown 59 seconds with a machine having two screws, both of which were for propulsion. He was very much impressed with the idea of the lifting screw, and seemed to think it probable that the Telegram's description of the machine was more accurate than that of the Herald. We never had a letter from him written on the 18th. The ideas expressed in the 'copy' you sent, excepting for some omissions, are almost identical with those in the letter of the 19th, though expressed in somewhat different language and order. Either he must have kept a copy of the letter sent us, or he must have kept copious notes on it. I hope Dientsbach has not represented your copy to be the exact copy of the letter sent to us. I consider Dientsbach reliable and trustworthy, one of the most trustworthy among the writers with whom we had experience. Sometimes he has been fooled by people who were not trustworthy as was himself- for example, Herring and Zahm. I remember Chanute told us in 1904 that Dientsbach became very angry when Chanute, in conversation with him, called Herring a 'blackmailer'. Chanute had seen a letter written by Herring to us; Dientsbach had not seen the letter. Fred Kelly stopped over for a few hours in passing through Dayton last week. I let him read the letter I had written to you about the Langley motor. He told me he thought you were inclined to believe we were mistaken about Manly having visited our flying field in 1905. There can be no question about that in my own mind. That is shown in a letter I wrote to Kelly some months ago, a copy of which I enclose. While I am about it I shall inclose also a letter written some weeks ago about one of the two persons named in this letter as having fooled Dientsbach. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Profiles in History, May 30, 2013, $3750. Resold by RR Auction June 28, 2018, $2743.
1943 December 22 OW to Reverend H. Randel Lookabill, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Lookabill:- I was pleased to receive your good letter of December 15th, and I thank you for the kindly sentiments expressed in it. I have always appreciated your interest in our work. I shall be happy to see you whenever you happen to be coming this way. With best wishes, Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by RR Auction, September 22, 2011, $1142.
1944 September 18 OW to W. J. Blanchard, President Dayton Chamber of Commerce, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Blanchard: I have your letter of August 29th. I am sorry that I can not accept your invitation to become an honorable member of the Aeronautical Committee of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. For some time I have been refusing honorary membership in organizations and committees where I can not take an active part in the work. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright" Sold by Heritage Auctions, November 12, 2021, $3500.
1946 April 2 OW to Earl N. Findley, 1pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Earl:- What I say here is in the strictest confidence. On Wednesday I wrote a letter to General Spaatz in which I let him know that I would be in Washington the night of April 18th. As he was in Dayton Thursday he could not have received the letter before Saturday. Six o'clock Sunday evening (a most unusual time to send such a telegram) I received a telegram from the 'Officers of the National Aircraft Show of Cleveland' inviting me to attend a 'presentation dinner in honor of the Army Air Forces Aid Society' to be held in Washington in the Sapphire Room of the Mayflower Hotel Thursday, April 18th. This morning I get a telegram from McSurely asking for a telegraphic answer as to whether the Kitty Hawk plane is likely to be returned to this country in six months. I believe it is the National Aircraft Show people of Cleveland that are trying to get the Army Museum located there. It looks to me like the dinner is a bid for the favor of the Army Air Forces in locating the museum in Cleveland. I have not answered their invitation. I said after the 1943 dinner in Washington that that was the last dinner I would ever attend there. I told Gardner that I would never attend the Wright Brothers Lecture and luncheon so long as it is held in Washington. I do not intend to attend this National Aircraft Dinner there. To avoid giving offense to General Spaatz and others I think I shall have to be unable to make the trip to Washington in April as I had contemplated. It looks to me like something is cooking. I don't propose to be the victim of high pressure salesmanship. What can you tell me about all this? Sincerely, Orville Wright" Sold by Christie's, June 15, 2017, $2750.
1947 September 18 OW to John W. Wood, 2pg, typed, Orville Wright letterhead, "Dear Mr. Wood: I have your letter of September 8th asking for information about our early flights. I have no record of the exact altitudes of the 1903, 1904 or 1905 flights. The 1903 flights varied in altitude from several feet up to ten or twelve feet; the 1904 and 1905 flights from several feet up to sixty or more feet as shown in photographs. I am inclosing a report made to the Aero Club of America in March, 1906. From it you will see that the longest flight in 1903 covered a distance of 852 feet in 59 seconds. Two flights each covering a distance of three miles were made in 1904. Six of the 1905 flights are listed--the longest of which was 24-1/5 miles (38,956 meters), as measured by an anemometer mounted on the plane. In the years 1904 and 1905 more than 150 complete circles were made in which the plane returned and passed over the starting point. The first complete circle was made on the 20th of September, 1904. All the flights made in 1904 and 1905, excepting one, were made before the organization of the F.A.I. The last flight in 1905 was on October 16th, just two days after the F.A.I. was organized. I am wondering where you got the list of record flights inclosed in your letter--whether you got it from a book or whether you got it from the National Aeronautic Association by letter. I note under 'Class C, Airplane, Distance, In Closed Circuit, Returning to Point of Departure' that Santos Dumont is credited with such a flight on Nov. 12, 1906. This is absolutely false as will be seen by reading the account of his flight of that day in 'l'Aerophile' of December, 1906, p. 292. He flew strait-away. It is reported that in climbing to a height estimated about 20 feet the machine lost speed, stalled, and turning to the right, landed on one wing. I noticed this same flight is listed for 'Maximum Speed Over a 3-Kilometer Course'. The 3 kilometer is a straight-away measured course, in which the average of flights made in both directions determines the speed. Santos never at any time held a record timed over a 3 kilometer course. The Henri Farman flight of October 26, 1907, is likewise listed as having been made in a straight line and as returning to the point of departure! In a note to the Academic of Sciences, read at its meeting of January 20.1908, Farman said the flight of October 26th covered a distance of 770 meters 'en ligne droite'. He says that after this flight he began practice and study of making turns. On the 12th of January, 1908, he made his first return to the point of departure, and won the Deutech-Archdeacon prize. I was in Paris in October and November of 1907 and saw one of Farman's attempts to make a circular flight. After flying in a straight line about a thousand feet he started a slow turn to the left. His machine immediately began sinking, landed on the ground. The power of the motor at that time was not sufficient to keep the plane up while making a slow turn. Both of these records of Farman's are erroneously listed. What will future generations know about aviation when such 'bunk' is handed out by an official organization like the N.A.A. Its carelessness in handling records and historical facts is a disgrace to our country. Sincerely yours, Orville Wright P.S. Your letter dated Sept. 8th was received here Sept 16th." Sold by Heritage Auctions, June 8, 2010, $5975. This price was for sizable archive of letters sent to John Wood by others, this one from OW, one from Mabel Beck, and four Christmas cards from OW.
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