Description:

SAMUEL P. LANGLEY
(1834 - 1906) American aviation pioneer who explored the possibility of flight by heavier-than-air machines and actually succeeded in inventing such a machine which flew over the Potomac for 3,000 feet. T.L.S. 2pp. 8vo., Washington, May 9, 1899, on letterhead of the Smithsonian Institute to Francis Woodbridge, a young man in care of the wife of Otho Michaelis. Michaelis was a US Army Signal Corps officer attached to Langley's 1881 expedition to Mount Whitney, and a close personal friend. In part: "...I am going with another gentleman to Europe, expecting to sail on the seventeenth of this month from Boston, in the 'Canada', and to be gone an indefinite time...I had arranged to take with me a young man connected with the Smithsonian...but I have reflected that I would rather have someone on whom I could better [rely]...telegraph me 'I accept'...". With holograph closing: "Your affectionate Godfather S. P. Langley". Very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer. Client is responsible for arranging shipping for these pieces. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

December 9, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000