Details:

Elmer Lee Partridge wing fabric relic measuring approximately 6 x 5.5", recovered from the wreckage of his fatal June 7, 1926 U.S. Air Mail crash near Mendota, Minnesota. The fabric bears extensive contemporary handwritten provenance identifying the relic and associating it with Partridge and the accident.

Accompanied by a 5.25 x 3" period handwritten provenance card documenting the circumstances of the crash. In part: "This piece was torn from the dash of the fatal accident in which Pilot Elmer Partradge [sic] was killed about 3-30 P.M. June 7th 1926 - near Mendota - While making his return trip to Chicago with U.S. Mail. This was retrieved shortly after accident by Wll. J. Boles."

Partridge was flying southbound from the Twin Cities toward Chicago on the inaugural day of Contract Air Mail Route No. 9. Shortly after departing Wold-Chamberlain Field on June 7, 1926, his aircraft encountered severe winds and crashed near Mendota, killing him. The mail aboard the aircraft survived and was subsequently forwarded to Chicago.

Very good condition for a recovered aircraft relic, with expected staining, fading, scattered surface wear, small losses, and fraying to the fabric. The contemporary inscriptions are faded but remain legible. Accompanying provenance card exhibits light toning and handling wear.

Elmer Lee Partridge (c. 1884-1926) was an American aviation pioneer, aircraft builder, flight instructor, and early U.S. Air Mail pilot. Active during the formative years of American aviation, he constructed aircraft and was associated with the early Chicago flying community, where he also instructed aviators including Charles "Pop" Dickinson. On June 7, 1926, Partridge departed the Twin Cities carrying mail on the inaugural southbound flight of the Minneapolis-St. Paul to Chicago Contract Air Mail route. Severe weather struck shortly after takeoff and his aircraft crashed near Mendota, Minnesota, killing the veteran pilot. The accident became one of the tragedies associated with the hazardous early years of commercial air mail service in the United States.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11615 1418866-1