An exceptionally rare original poster advertising the air sh...

Estimate

£4,000 - £5,000

An exceptionally rare original poster advertising the air show from which the first aircraft to land in Jersey took off on 26th August 1912, "Concours d'Hydro-Aéroplanes organisé par l'automobile-club de France de St Malo, Dinard, Jersey, 24, 25, 26 Aout", French fiscal stamp, 28 x 40in. (71.1 x 101.6cm.), framed and glazed. * This poster is in exceptionally good condition compared to the few others that are known to have survived. ** The air race on 26th August 1912 was the highlight of a three-day air show featuring sea planes, or hydro-aeroplanes, that took place in St Malo from 24th - 26th August 1912. The race followed a 90-mile circular sea route between St Malo and Jersey. Of the five sea planes that entered the competition, one failed to take off but the other four reached the refuelling point in St Aubin's Bay in Jersey. The winner was Charles Weymann (1889-1976), a pioneer American aviator who had a close race with the Frenchman René Labourtet on the return leg but managed to extract a little extra power out of his engine to beat his opponent. The pilots reported having had great difficulty steadying their craft and keeping a straight course but they could be reassured that their route was being patrolled by nine torpedo boat destroyers equipped with wireless telegraphs and were prepared to pick up any unfortunate airmen who ditched their aircraft. Weymann completed the course in 1 hour 40 minutes. The air show was organised by the Automobile Club of France and it was reported that enthusiasts among the spectators expressed the view that before long hydro-aeroplanes would become as common as automobiles and small pleasure yachts. **** Six very light horizontal folds and crease in bottom right corner. Colours strong, little fading.