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a letter written in cursive handwriting on a piece of paper
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Estimate €500 - €700
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Description
MERMOZ Jean L.A.S. ‘Jean’, Marseille, 3 April [1933], to his grandparents, the GILLETs; 2 pages, in-8, on Regina Hotel letterhead. Training on the L’Arc-en-Ciel seaplane. He is concerned about their health… He ‘flew the three South American routes from Toulouse to Casablanca in March… I have been in Marseille for eight days. I’ve been training on a heavy-lift seaplane. I obtained my transport seaplane pilot’s licence, then went to collect my speedster [L’Arc-en-ciel] in Perpignan, which has finally passed its official trials. For the past three days I’ve been carrying out numerous full-load and fuel consumption tests; then, on the 6th or 7th, I’ll be attempting to break the world distance records for seaplanes, aiming to extend the range from 2,900 to 4,000 and a few hundred kilometres. If possible, on the closed circuit from Marseille to Toulon, then back to Marseille via Aigues-Mortes. The Ministry requires us to complete 4,000 km non-stop before undertaking any long-haul voyage: this will also mean breaking a record. By then, my engine will have been replaced and I’ll be fully ready to tackle the South Atlantic on 15 April, I hope… under a full moon… “I am absolutely delighted with the seaplane and I fly it as though I’ve done nothing else all my life, much to the amazement of the official and specialist seafarers.” He will try to visit his grandparents before his departure. “Mum must have told you that I’m to receive the Aero-Club’s Grand Gold Medal this year, or rather in the next few days… I’ve also received a gold one from Buenos Aires from a major cigarette brand which, apparently, is to bear my name. I received around forty thousand votes in the competition… so many admirers… and perhaps some female admirers… from Argentina”… Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Passed down through the family
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About the sale Historical Memories
Auction location
Auction time 11/03/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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