FR EN
two old papers with handwriting on them, one of which is written in curs
Premium Artcurial

Estimate €600 - €800
Sale commission
Description
MERMOZ Jean L.A.S. ‘Ton Jean’, Buenos Aires, 6 September [1928], to his ‘Beloved Mum’; two and a half pages, quarto, on Aeroposta paper. He wrote to her and sent a telegraphic cheque… ‘Now three successive consignments from the ships that ran aground in the Atlantic have been seized by the Moors. Out of 350 kg, only 12 kg have been recovered’… She must not doubt his deep affection: ‘My little Mum, this separation does not drive a wedge between us… […] it’s just that I am far away… very far away, and I cannot write to you as often as I would like. America is not yet criss-crossed by commuter flights as it is in Europe. When I am in Chile, for example, on a study trip, my only means of communication is my aeroplane. I may well be setting off for Peru and Bolivia. Well, for a month or a month and a half, I won’t be able to write to you. […] My role here is to be constantly on the move… naturally… this often forces me into oversights or situations I cannot avoid. But as for my affection for you diminishing because I am far away, that certainly won’t happen… […] I love you just as I always have… absolutely…’ He advises his mother to settle temporarily in Lille whilst awaiting his return. ‘In any case, I’ll certainly be going to France in late October or early November to carry out my aircraft test flights. I’ll stay there for at least a month. That way I’ll have time to sort out your accommodation. If I were to undertake my flight around that time, heading for Buenos Aires, I’d arrange for you to come here at the same time; as I’ve been granted four months’ leave for March, we’d return to France together… And that way you’d get to meet my fiancée and her family, who are returning to Europe around the same time. […] I’ve spoken to her father, who’s all for it, provided I fly a bit less and am no longer obliged to fly. In a year’s time, I couldn’t ask for anything better… since I’ll be able to take up a job, having realised my aeronautical ambitions. Anyway, everything’s sorted out [...] My dear little mum, you must have faith in your son’s love… you see, and forgive him for all the hurt he has once again caused you unintentionally’... Correspondence, no. 146. Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Passed down through the family
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale Historical Memories
Auction location
Auction time 11/03/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like