Description:

RICHARD E. BYRD
(1888 - 1957) American aviator and explorer, first to fly over the South Pole and established the base "Little America". A group of five letters spanning 1937-1945, each to Glenn Whitham in Wollaston, Mass., includes: T.L.S. 1p. 4to., Boston, Dec. 21, 1937, sending "…a box of Stayman Winesaps [apples] from the Shenandoah Valley…" for Christmas, "Dick Byrd"; A.L.S. 1p. 8vo., Milton, May 1, 1938, in part: "…I was fixing up a sort of collection of automobile nameplates, photographs, adds, and books…my mind wandered over to you and the help you have given me….I also realized that my best car, the old Dodge Touring, was one you got me…I sure appreciate all you've done…"; T.L.S. 1p. 4to., Washington, Dec. 19, 1942, on Navy Department Bureau of Aeronautics letterhead, in part: "…It looks as if it would take more than a world war to prevent the Stayman Winesaps from coming your way for Xmas. And may we add that there is nothing the Four Horsemen could do that would prevent our affectionate thoughts from turning towards you…"; T.L.S. 2pp. 4to., Washington, June 23, 1943, on United States Fleet Commander in Chief letterhead, in part: "…I sent you a clipping on a new fresh-water making machine…There has, since 1939, been developed a solar still which would produce about the same amount as the breath-condense…The recent development…is a method of turning salt water into fresh water. Each cigarette-package sized package contains enough chemical to make a quart of water…The trouble with such a device as this…is that the pilots will not bother to take them, or will forget them in abandoning their plane in a hurry…So I am working on a belt which is worn beneath the shirt. If a man wears this, he will always be supplied. I have based the equipment to be stowed in the belt upon logic, imagination…and three books concerning Rickenbacker's 21 day venture and an aviation chief machinist's mate's 34 day cruise…"; T.L.S. 1p. 8vo., Boston, Dec. 20, 1947, ending Christmas apples and adding: "…Now for the first time in many years it looks as if I am going to be home without wars or expeditions…". With an additional T.L.S. by Byrd's son, Richard, sending news of his father in 1945. Six pieces in all, very good condition.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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