October 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, October 23rd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2012
Unique typed letter signed by aeronautic pioneer Howard Hughes. ''Letter of credit'' in Russian Cyrillic is from the Russian-American Amtorg Trading Corporation, which helped Hughes in preparation for his historic 1938 flight around the world that he completed in just 91 hours. As one of his refueling spots was in Russia, this letter, signed by both ''Howard R. Hughes'' and company representatives, enables him to land there. Also included in lot is an Amtorg letter of instruction, dated 9 July 1938 and written in English, explaining that Hughes must present four copies of the enclosed letter to Russian authorities upon landing at any airdome in Moscow, reading in part: ''My dear Mr. Hughes: We are enclosing herewith Letter of Credit, together with four (4) copies translated in Russian, which you will present to the authorities at the airdromes whenever you make a landing in the U.S.S.R...You are to keep one Russian copy and the English copy with you...'' The very next day, 10 July 1938, Hughes and a crew of four took off from Floyd Bennett Field in Long Island, N.Y., and circumnavigated the globe in a Lockheed L-14 in less than four days. Accompanied by original 9.5'' x 4'' envelope, postmarked from New York on 10 July 1936, reading: ''Howard Hughes Goodwill Flight / To Whom it May Concern / Airdome / Moscow, U.S.S.R.'' A Russian airmail stamp has been placed beneath two canceled U.S. stamps. Letter of credit measures 8.5'' x 11'' on one page with staple hole at top left and two minor horizontal folds, though not affecting Hughes' signature. Instructional letter on one page measures 8.5'' x 11'' with ''Howard keep these all'' written across letter in red pencil. Also included is a 12'' x 8'' folded American flag. Presumably, all items were flown with Hughes on the historic journey. Near fine overall.
Scarce Howard Hughes Typed Letter Signed -- Regarding His Historic 1938 Round-the-World Flight -- Letter Enables Him to Land and Refuel in the U.S.S.R. During the Flight
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