Artcurial
291
-
BALBO, Italo (1896–1940), Italian aviator and minister.
See original version (French)
291
-
BALBO, Italo (1896–1940), Italian aviator and minister.
See original version (French)
Estimate €300 - €400
Voluntary lot
Description
BALBO, Italo (1896–1940), Italian aviator and minister.
L.S., Tripoli, 10 November 1937, to Gabrielle GILLET-MERMOZ; 1 typewritten page, quarto size, on letterhead bearing the title ‘Il Maresciallo dell’Aria Governatore della Libia’; in Italian (translation enclosed).
He would preserve ‘with the utmost care’ the memento she had sent him: ‘Mermoz was one of my dearest friends. I had the deepest admiration for him, and between us a lasting bond of sincere and affectionate camaraderie had developed. We had come to regard each other as two good brothers. I shall never forget him as the years go by. Mermoz’s passing has left a void which, no doubt, cannot be filled in the world of aviation, firstly because of his indisputable and great valour and his heroism, but above all because of the faith and enthusiasm with which he was so deeply imbued for the art of aviation. Jean Mermoz remains a symbol of pride and glory for all aviators’…
Enclosed are: – the telegram of tribute and condolences from Marshal Balbo following Mermoz’s death, Tripoli, 15 December 1936, praising ‘his great merit as a pioneer, pilot, navigator and man’; he remains ‘an example to all aviators’; – and a letter from the Italian chargé d’affaires, Renato Prunas, Paris, 26 January 1938, to Mrs Gillet-Mermoz (1 p., in-4), thanking her for the medals commemorating ‘your Beloved Deceased’ which she had presented to the Duce and Marshal Balbo, who were both deeply moved by them.
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
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