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181
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MERMOZ Jean
See original version (French)
181
-
MERMOZ Jean
See original version (French)
Estimate €700 - €800
Voluntary lot
Description
MERMOZ Jean
Autograph letter signed ‘Jean’, Buenos Aires, 6 January 1929, to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 2 pages, in-4, on Via Aeropostal paper (the bottom of the letter is slightly frayed).
Warm wishes for 1929. He is due to embark on the liner Lutetia on 1 February. ‘My sponsor is in Paris; he has raised some capital and believes he can provide me with the aircraft I requested. Now we are awaiting authorisation from the Minister of Aviation, who has banned transatlantic flights until further notice. My sponsor has requested an audience with him. I think things are going to take off. My Director here is urging me to undertake this flight, as are all my colleagues, arguing that I have all the professional and other assets I need. But in Paris they’re doing everything they can to stop me from going ahead with my project, as they’re so afraid that I’ll leave the company for good if I succeed, and I’m running into a whole host of difficulties that are being created for me at the Ministry and at the manufacturer’s. If I manage it, what a feat!! And I’m confident of success!! What a magnificent achievement it would be if I manage to realise this dream! In the meantime, the work here remains intense. I’ve sent out correspondence every eight and a half days. But the Germans and the Americans are gearing up. At last, a good year has come to an end, and another good one is beginning. In 1928, I covered another 112,000 km – nearly three times round the world. Now, if I haven’t wasted my time, I haven’t wasted my money either. I earned 220,000 francs this year and managed to put 180,000 francs aside. I’ve worked my fingers to the bone, as they say, but I’m glad to have this little nest egg and not to have worn myself out for nothing’…
Source: - 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
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