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Lot# 34 - Auction 291-297

  • Lot# : 34 Australia

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    First Transpacific Flight USA - Australia 1928: Signed original photograph of Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm, dedicated: "to C.C. Maidment from 'Smithy' and 'Charles' (1928)". Rare, cert. Robert Eaton, R&R Autograph Auctions, USA.

    Charles Kingsford Smith (known as ‘Smithy’) served as a pilot in the First World War. After the war many record-breaking flights took place around the world, and Smithy wanted to be the first person to cross the Pacific Ocean by plane. At the time many thought a transpacific flight was impossible, as no plane could fly far enough. Smithy formed a partnership with Charles Ulm, who had also served in the war and shared Smithy’s enthusiasm for a transpacific flight.
    Smithy bought a three-engined plane in the United States called a ‘Fokker’ that could fit four people, which he called the Southern Cross. He and Ulm hired two Americans, Harry Lyon and James Warner, to navigate and work the radio on the Southern Cross.
    Starting bid : 200.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold