Description:

JAMES V. MARTIN
(1885 - 1956) American aviator and inventor. Founded the Martin Aeroplane Company on the strength of nine aeronautical patents, including his automatic stabilizer and retractable landing gear. During World War II he commanded a troop transport in the Pacific. Afterwards he tried to raise interest in a large catamaran flying boat, the Martin "Oceanplane" but could not compete. Fine lot of three T.L.S.s (two on Martine Aeroplane letterhead, one on Dart Automobile letterhead), each 1p. 4to., 1921-26, to Henry Woodhouse. In 1922 Martin sued the government and Manufacturers Aeronautical Association, claiming that they conspired to monopolize the aviation industry. In these letters, he blasts various parties to the "vicious conspiracy of McCook Field officials...to retain control of American Aviation...the brave but fruitless efforts of the pilot to control a type of plane antiquated in design and dangerous...the possibility of a Japanese war with aviation in the hands of worse than foreign enemies...". In the last letter, Martin laments his loss in the suit: "...this is a dreadful climax...". Very good.

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February 11, 2015 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000