1903 Wright Flyer Fabric Swatch
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GUEST:
My brother and I own this photograph. It's been in our family for decades. Um, my grandfather was the original owner. He passed away in 1977. So we don't know a lot of the history behind the item.
APPRAISER:
This is a piece of fabric from the actual wing of the Kitty Hawk Wright Flyer. It was, after Orville Wright's death, cut up into these very interesting collectibles. Who is Maurice H. Smith? How did he get involved with aviation?
GUEST:
So that's Grandpa. (laughs) He was born in 1905, so I think he grew up in that era where they were ah very interested, and ah excited, and celebrated the first flight. How he got involved in aeronautics I'm not exactly sure.
APPRAISER:
It's not unique. These pieces of fabric were cut up and put in this souvenir arrangement...
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
...for many different people. We don't know how many were actually made.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
They are all hand-signed by Lester Gardner, who was a friend of Orville Wright's, a friend of the family. He was a major figure in aviation. So he's the best person to certify this piece of fabric. Do you have any idea what it's worth?
GUEST:
I've never seen one before. I was gonna guess a couple of hundred dollars.
APPRAISER:
It really is a treasure.
GUEST:
Hm.
APPRAISER:
Um, if we knew more about Maurice Smith...
GUEST:
Mm-hmm.
APPRAISER:
...it would help increase the value.
GUEST:
Mm-hmm.
APPRAISER:
Um, as a collectible, I would put an auction estimate on this of $8,000 to $10,000.
GUEST:
I... Wow. I am shocked.
APPRAISER:
Now, here's the interesting part.
GUEST:
Wow.
APPRAISER:
Neil Armstrong took one of these pieces of fabric to the moon, brought it back, and that piece of fabric sold at auction for $175,000.
GUEST:
Whew! Wow.
APPRAISER:
And it doesn't look any different than your piece.
GUEST:
Thank you so much. I wish I could go back in time and ask more questions about it, um but we're blessed to have it in the family.
Appraisal Details
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