Rare Early Aviation Scene Pencil Case (H. Farman & H. Latham) c.1909
SOLD
Rare pencil case decorated with an attractive early aviation scene depicting the two pioneer aviators, Henry Farman and Hubert Latham. Dating from around 1909.
Wooden cigarette case with several compartments. It has an upper section which swivels open and has a sliding lid and base. The lid is decorated with a colourful transfer depicting beautiful aviation scene . The central image shows Henry Farman's Boxkite biplane and Hubert Latham's Antoinette IV monoplane circling around a pylon and also bears the caption ,"Farman Flying - Latham Flying". Either side of this image are the portraits of Farman & Latham. Dimensions : 235mm x 55mm x 50mm. Fair amount of wear and tear to case, but most importantly, the transfer is in remarkably good condition.
Henry Farman was born in 1874 to English parents and grew up in Paris, France. After being involved in bicycle, motor cycle and motor car racing, he became interested in flying and in 1907 ordered his first aeroplane from the Voisin brothers. In January 1908 he became the first person to fly a 1 km circuit in Europe (actually covering approx. 1.5km), making him France's leading aviator. In October of the same year he made the first cross country flight in Europe (between Bouy and Reims - 27.4 km). After falling out with Voisin, he built his own Boxkite aeroplane and went on to set many more records. He later joined forces with his brother Maurice to build military aircraft. After W.W.I. they attempted to manufacture luxury cars. Henry Farman died in 1958.
Hubert Latham was born in 1883 and spent most of his life in France. After being diagnosed with tuberculosis, and given only one year to live, he grasped life and threw himself into all kinds of kinds of daring activities. One of these activities was flying. Early in 1909 Levavasseur taught him to fly his Antoinette monoplanes, Latham then bought stocks in the company and went on to become it's chief pilot. On 19th July 1909 he attempted to be the first person to fly across the English Channel but due to engine failure ditched in the sea. Louis Bleriot successfully crossed on 25th July, but this did not stop Latham making another unsuccessful attempt two day later. He was killed in July 1912 after being gored by a buffalo while on safari in Africa.
For more information on Farman & Latham, please click on the links below :
Inventory No. A-19
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