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an old letter written in cursive handwriting on a piece of paper
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Estimate €800 - €1,000
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MERMOZ Jean L.A.S. ‘Ton Jean’, Buenos Aires [late December 1928], to his ‘Beloved Mum’; 2 pages, in-4, on Via Aeropostal paper. Frustration at having to give up his flight. He has finally received his letters, “after a month and a half without any news… you’ll understand that I can’t accept that. I’m starting to think I’m quite the character, because here’s a series of three letters I’m sending you in quick succession, whilst you’ve let me down, and how! Especially as I’m feeling really down in the dumps! Exchanging telegrams with the boss in Paris. In the end, I’ve been refused any authorisation or funding for this year, on the grounds that it’s my duty to stay in South America for the time being, where they can’t do without me! They reckon I’ll soon be obliged to go to Bolivia, the West Indies and the south of North America—in Florida—to study the routes for new lines linking up with the North American networks. Therefore, they say, I must abandon my Paris–New York project for next spring; they assure me that, when I take my first leave in France, this idea will certainly be taken up. I have nevertheless been promised a flight later this year, in one of the Company’s seaplanes, from Marseille to Buenos Aires. I shall go to France to spend a month there and then attempt the crossing. In short, I am seething and am almost resolved to go ahead regardless. My sponsor has left for France. If everything works out as I hope, I’ll hand in my resignation. As they’ll refuse to accept it, I’ll simply have to do things my way. All this is causing delays. I should have been on my way by now. Anyway, now I’m waiting for a telegram or a letter from my sponsor. If things go ahead, I’ll organise my trip in less than eight days and get out of here. I have an opportunity to attempt and achieve something unique. So, I won’t hesitate’... He thanks his Mum for her good wishes. ‘It had to be you who reminded me that I was 27. It’s true, now I realise I’ve grown a year older. It’s a shame and it’s rather nice at the same time. A shame for aviation, but as far as I’m concerned, so much the better. It’s good that life passes quickly without us even realising it, and as I’ll know how to grow old, so what???”… Correspondence, no. 156. Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Passed down through the family
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About the sale Historical Memories
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Auction time 11/03/2026 at 11:00 AM
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