LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 MAR Grand Format Air & Space Sale #6000  / 

58208

Wright Cycle Co. Checkbook, 2 Cancelled Checks

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:14,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Wright Cycle Co. Checkbook, 2 Cancelled Checks
<B>Wright Cycle Company Checkbook and Two Canceled Checks.</B></I> Used during the critical period between 1904 and 1906, this checkbook reflects the exciting changes occurring in the lives of the Wright brothers of Dayton, Ohio. The account with the Winters National Bank was issued to the Wright Cycle Co., which began operations in 1892 as a bicycle manufacture and repair business. The brothers' interest in aviation eventually led them away from their focus on land-based locomotion, and between 1899 and 1905, the Wrights conducted a series of aeronautical experiments that led to the first successful powered airplane in 1903 and a refined, practical flying machine two years later. <BR><BR>The checkbook measures approximately 7 x 4.25" and is bound in worn blue cloth. The initial blank leaf contains notes and computations and is slightly age toned and soiled. The integral check register records checks made payable to a variety of businesses, including Rike Dry Goods, Dayton Lumber, Cooper Insurance, The New Era Gas Engine Co., and The New Era Iron and Engine Works. Each of these businesses contributed to the development of the Wright Flyer and modern aviation as we know it today. <BR><BR>Most importantly, the register notes a check for $25 payable to H.A. Toulmin, dated January 22, 1904, and a second check to Toulmin for $72.50, dated February 27, 1905 on which Wilbur Wright has penned his initials at the bottom.<BR><BR>As early as 1903 the Wright brothers attempted to patent their aircraft ideas, but their first application, which they wrote themselves, was rejected. On January 14, 1904, Wilbur Wright wrote to Springfield attorney Harry Aubrey Toulmin, Sr. requesting an appointment for advice and assistance with filing a new application. Eight days later, on January 22, Wilbur traveled to Springfield to see Toulmin, who took the Wright brothers' ideas about a patent for a flying machine seriously. Wilbur hired Toulmin that afternoon, writing the $25 retainer check mentioned above, and the Wright's patent case was placed in his able hands. After several years of dedicated effort by both Harry Toulmin and the Wright brothers, on May 22, 1906 they were granted U.S. Patent 821393 for a "Flying Machine." The resulting patent was a document that withstood one of the 20th century's fiercest legal battles over intellectual property rights.<BR><BR>Two canceled checks accompany this important item, both of which are reflected in the check register. The first is the $75, February 27, 1905 check to patent attorney Toulmin mentioned above, which bears his signature on verso. The second is a March 4, 1905 check for $2.50 payable to Louise Murray, also endorsed on verso. Both checks bear circular cancellation punch holes over the "<I>Wright Cycle Co</B></I>." signature and small tears where it appears the checks were impaled on some sort of three-pronged device (the tears on each check line up perfectly).<BR><BR>This awesome trio of items marks the very foundations of modern aviation, and is unique unto itself; it is certain to garner great interest on the part of every aviation collector.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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