Premium Artcurial
115
-
DENAIN, Victor (1880–1952), General; he served as Minister o…
See original version (French)
115
-
DENAIN, Victor (1880–1952), General; he served as Minister o…
See original version (French)
Estimate €800 - €1,000
Voluntary lot
Description
DENAIN, Victor (1880–1952), General; he served as Minister of Aviation
4 letters, 1927–1928, to Jean MERMOZ; 5½ pages, in-8 format, 3 on letterhead of the Presidency of the Republic (tears at the folds).
Regarding Mermoz’s planned air raids.
1927. – 4 March. He would like to be able to help Mermoz with his project, ‘but unfortunately there is little I can do since you are now a civilian’…
– 8 May. ‘I do not believe there is anything that can be done for you on the military side. You seem to think that active-duty pilots are clinging to raids carried out with military aircraft. It is rather through the manufacturers (of aircraft or engines) that you would have a chance of attempting a raid, and I would gladly recommend you to Potez, Breguet or Renault. […] Do you not think it would be better, for the sake of your future, simply to continue your career as a commercial pilot, at which you excel so admirably? Mr Latécoère and Mr de Massimy hold you in very high regard. The fame that a successful flight would bring you will not secure you a better position’…
– Montigny-les-Metz, 17 September. “I shall be very pleased to present you with the Knight’s Cross of the Legion of Honour, which you have so richly deserved through your military and civilian achievements”…
– Paris, 16 March 1928. He is touched by this kind gesture…
An autographed New Year’s card (1925) is enclosed.
Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936);
- Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955);
- Then passed down through the family
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like