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1907-08, Original Document & Photo Archive A historic archive of documents, photos and news clipp...

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
1907-08, Original Document & Photo Archive A historic archive of documents, photos and news clipp...
1907-08, Original Document & Photo Archive A historic archive of documents, photos and news clippings relating to one of the first successful dirigibles built in the United States by A. Roy Knabenshue. A noted balloonist, Knabenshue flew some of the earliest steerable balloons and dirigibles in exhibitions and races throughout the country. He later went to work for the Wright Bros., arranging aerial exhibitions. This grouping, still in its original notebook, was put together by Earl Hess, Knabenshue's pilot. It includes five mounted albumen photos of his 1908 three-man airship which made its first flight in his hometown, Toledo, Ohio. The 6.5x4.25" black and white photos show the three-man crew at the start of the flight and three photos show the airship in flight (one of which shows Knabenshue scaling the catwalk under the balloon in an attempt to restart the engine which stopped in mid-flight). The last photo shows the result - the balloon crashing into the bleachers at a baseball game in Toledo. Amazingly no one was hurt and the balloon was intact. There are handwritten notes written by Earl Hess on the reverse of the photo. ALSO included is the original contract in which Hess agrees to work for Knabenshue "as an aeronaut to operate an outfit known as the 'Knabenshue Air Ship No. 3' for the sum of $25 per week." The collection also includes Hess' business card for Knabenshue Air ship, contemporary mounted news clippings saved by Hess about various flights, etc. A fascinating first-hand glimpse into the early days of aviation in the U.S. Mixed condition but remarkably preserved for its age. Unique. Estimate: $ 3,000 - 4,000