"The Problem of Seaplanes Intended for Non-stop Aerial Crossing France-United States" - INSCRIBED TO SIKORSKY and with his Autograph Notations

Paris: J.-B. Baillière et fils. Le Problème Des Hydravions Destinés A La Traversée Aérienne Sans Escale France États-Unis D'Amérique. Extrait de la Science Aérienne Janvier-Février 1938.  An extraordinary copy of this publication by the French aircraft designer and builder, one of the early aviation pioneers especially known for his development of reconnaissance aircraft used by the French in World War I and through the 1920s,  inscribed to fellow pioneering aviation engineer Igor Sikorsky, who developed the first four-engine airplane and the first modern helicopter to be put into widespread use.  A separately issued offprint extract of this article by Breguet from a 1938 issue of the aeronautical journal Science Aérienne, inscribed on the front cover in ink "A Monsieur Sikorsky / hommage trés sincere - / Louis Breguet" and additionally inscribed by Igor Sikorsky to the inside cover "This paper was discussed with Mr. L. Brequet on the way from Paris to Villacoublay on Nov. 16, 1938." and signed "I.S." With numerous annotations throughout in pencil, including small drawings, underlinings, mathematical notations etc. likely the hand of Sikorsky. 4to. 44 pp. Pale green cardstock wrappers. 7.25 x 10.5 inches (18.4 x 26.7 cm.).  Mild wear and spotting to exterior cover, toning to pages; overall in fine condition.  An extraordinary association copy.

The Villacoublay plateau has played an important role in the development of French aviation ever since artist and photographer Nadar took the world's first aerial photographs from a balloon here in 1858. Louis Breguet set up an aircraft factory and flying school in July 1911 and in 1914 expanded his workshops, moving into old Michelin works nearby. It became a main manufacturing base until in 1936 when Breguet and the works were taken over by the government-owned Arsenal de l'Aéronautique.  Activity continued unabated during World War I, and during the 1920s and 1930s many air shows and flying events were held at the airfield, and there particularly big shows in 1937 and 1938, the year of the present inscription.  (21444)

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Autograph Document

Science & Technology

History & Historiography

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