Early Aviator Cecil Peoli 4pp ALS on Rausenberger Motor, Ten Days Before His Tragic Death
Cecil Peoli
Washington, DC, April 2, 1915
Early Aviator Cecil Peoli 4pp ALS on Rausenberger Motor, Ten Days Before His Tragic Death
ALS
An exceedingly rare autographed letter from pioneer aviator Cecil Peoli (1894-1915), discussing the specifications of his bi-plane and motor that ultimately failed in a test flight, leading to his death. 4pp on stationery from the historic Raleigh Hotel, 6" x 9.25", Washington, D.C., April 2, 1915. Signed at the conclusion as page 4, "Cecil Peoli", and dated just ten days before the fatal flight. Within, he offers detailed information on the Rausenberger motor which powered the plane, and praises the company's reputation as a seasoned manufacturer. Expected wear including even toning, scattered soiling, and handling marks throughout. Isolated staple punctures in the upper left of each page. Otherwise, very good.
In part:
"Please find enclosed some photos of the new Rausenberger 12 cylinder 150 H.P. aerial motors that I am using in my new planes. As to plane, haven't any good photos yet, but soon as we have some will mail them to you.
Motor is a 12 cylinder style of 150 h.p. Bore 4 1/8" stroke 6", two Bosch magnets, two Schebler carburetors. Motor overall 5' 10", width 23 1/2" overall…
… L. E. Rausenberger is one of the oldest builders of aerial motors in the country. Bringing some main bearings, and an extra bearing in extension making eight. Thrust bearing is a S.K.F. Radial ball bearing of two direction…
Weight of motor 575 pounds & the new 12 cylinder is on same lines as the 8 cylinder, only larger in size and the cylinders set at a different angle.
If the above will be of any interest to you and readers, I am pleased to furnish some and the photos would ask that you return them at your earliest possible convenience."
Considered the youngest aviator in the world at the time of his death, Peoli first learned to fly in 1912 under the tutelage of Thomas Scott Baldwin (1854-1923). At seventeen, he qualified to fly at the Mineola airfield in Long Island, racing alongside Harriet Quimby before her own death in a similar plane accident that July. In January 1915, he formed the Peoli Aeroplane Company with a group of investors, and bid successfully on a U.S. Navy contract to supply nine hydro-aeroplanes. During a test flight for this contract on April 12, 1915, Peoli's aircraft collapsed and crashed at the edge of an airfield, killing him instantly. His design notably used a 150 hp motor produced by Rausenberger, who also supplied the motor for the Wright brothers modified "Model B" flyer.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
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Cecil Peoli
Washington, DC, April 2, 1915
Early Aviator Cecil Peoli 4pp ALS on Rausenberger Motor, Ten Days Before His Tragic Death
ALS
An exceedingly rare autographed letter from pioneer aviator Cecil Peoli (1894-1915), discussing the specifications of his bi-plane and motor that ultimately failed in a test flight, leading to his death. 4pp on stationery from the historic Raleigh Hotel, 6" x 9.25", Washington, D.C., April 2, 1915. Signed at the conclusion as page 4, "Cecil Peoli", and dated just ten days before the fatal flight. Within, he offers detailed information on the Rausenberger motor which powered the plane, and praises the company's reputation as a seasoned manufacturer. Expected wear including even toning, scattered soiling, and handling marks throughout. Isolated staple punctures in the upper left of each page. Otherwise, very good.
In part:
"Please find enclosed some photos of the new Rausenberger 12 cylinder 150 H.P. aerial motors that I am using in my new planes. As to plane, haven't any good photos yet, but soon as we have some will mail them to you.
Motor is a 12 cylinder style of 150 h.p. Bore 4 1/8" stroke 6", two Bosch magnets, two Schebler carburetors. Motor overall 5' 10", width 23 1/2" overall…
… L. E. Rausenberger is one of the oldest builders of aerial motors in the country. Bringing some main bearings, and an extra bearing in extension making eight. Thrust bearing is a S.K.F. Radial ball bearing of two direction…
Weight of motor 575 pounds & the new 12 cylinder is on same lines as the 8 cylinder, only larger in size and the cylinders set at a different angle.
If the above will be of any interest to you and readers, I am pleased to furnish some and the photos would ask that you return them at your earliest possible convenience."
Considered the youngest aviator in the world at the time of his death, Peoli first learned to fly in 1912 under the tutelage of Thomas Scott Baldwin (1854-1923). At seventeen, he qualified to fly at the Mineola airfield in Long Island, racing alongside Harriet Quimby before her own death in a similar plane accident that July. In January 1915, he formed the Peoli Aeroplane Company with a group of investors, and bid successfully on a U.S. Navy contract to supply nine hydro-aeroplanes. During a test flight for this contract on April 12, 1915, Peoli's aircraft collapsed and crashed at the edge of an airfield, killing him instantly. His design notably used a 150 hp motor produced by Rausenberger, who also supplied the motor for the Wright brothers modified "Model B" flyer.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
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