MERMOZ (Jean) - Lot 411

Lot 411
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Estimation :
3000 - 4000 EUR
MERMOZ (Jean) - Lot 411
MERMOZ (Jean) Signed autograph telegrams. Natal [Brazil], June 11 and 12, 1930. Set. 8 p. in-8 (19.7 x 22.2 cm) of "Cia. Auxiliar Radio-Emissora do Brasil" letterhead, black pencil. Important set of 4 autograph telegrams signed by Jean Mermoz to the famous Aéropostale pilot Didier Daurat (1891- 1969) who inspired Saint-Exupéry's main character of Vol de nuit, called "Rivière". These telegrams relate to the difficulties encountered by Mermoz to start the return flight of the Comte de la Vaulx, the plane with which he had just linked Saint-Louis-du-Sénégal to Natal. 11 June, 22:50: "Mermoz Ramade Urvoy are here. Made twelve attempts even total load St Louis plus 37 kgs and four attempts with about 5,300 kgs. [...]. Perfectly ripped off, propeller, consumption tests. Left float gauge plus right float causes side load petrol. Standing wind at takeoff, effect barely felt. Ignore if propeller deformed. Don't think so. [...]» ; 23 h 30 : «[...]. Fuel consumption tests with 600 l petrol 100 kgs oil and eight passengers. Have not discovered anything else that could help us. Tomorrow Thomas Ramade will recognize Macau region then by boat or iron Parayba or Macau. [...].» June 12, 8:45 a.m.: "Tomorrow will make trials according to your instructions and will keep you informed. Crossing with the next amfranc will force us to make five and six hours of scabrous dark night. Halt. Have made reconnaissance four hours this morning Parayba and North Natal. [...]"; 8:50 a.m.: "Hydro is in hangar. Drying was done with a harbour crane that can be used at high tide. Touch-ups bitumastic paint were made floats that are not oxidized and behave admirably without taking on water. Ripolin wings come off everywhere. [...] Crew wants to come back and rest sooner France. Morale good. But Brazil not well suited for a complete rest. [...]" PROVENANCE : Sale in Paris, October 11, 2008, n° M48. Some slight stains and browning.
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