1909 Orville Wright Model A Fort Myer VA July 1 Original Bain Press Photo Type I
$ 290.4
Description
1909 Orville Wright Model A Fort Myer VA July 1 Original Bain Press Photo Type I. Subject: Orville Wright in the Wright Model A in flight over Fort Myer. Location: Fort Myer, Virginia. The Fort Myer trials were aturning point in aviation history, proving the practical military use of powered aircraft. Up for auction is an Original early aviation photograph depicting a Wright Brothers Wright Model A in flight over Fort Myer, Virginia, with "O. Wright - Fort Meyer 7/1/09" inscribed in the negative. This was taken during the U.S. Army signal corps trials that ultimately led to the first military aircraft contract in history . This photograph is an authentic George Grantham Bain press photograph, bearing the original Bain News Service stamp on the reverse, along with period annotations, including the date stamp of July 2nd, 1909. Bain was the most important American news photo agency of the early 20th century, supplying images to major newspapers nationwide. The image shows the Wright Flyer airborne near Fort Myer, where Orville Wright demonstrated controlled, sustained powered flight for U.S. military officials. These demonstrations directly resulted in the Army’s 1909 purchase of a Wright aircraft, marking the formal birth of U.S. military aviation. This photograph has been professionally authenticated by PSA and is accompanied by a PSA Letter of Authenticity, confirming it as an original press photograph from the period. 📷 Photograph Details Subject: Orville Wright in the Wright Model A in flight over Fort Myer Date: July 1st 1909 Photographer / Agency: George Grantham Bain News Service Location: Fort Myer, Virginia Format: Original press photograph (Type I) Size: approx. 4¼ × 6½ inches Authentication: PSA Letter of Authenticity included Reverse: Bain News Service stamp, period notations including "July 2 - 1909." Since the negative bears a July 1, 1909 inscription, corresponding to the date of the flight, while the Bain News Service stamp is dated July 2, 1909, this time stamp on the back more than likely reflects the photograph’s release to the press—an entirely typical sequence for period news photography. 📜 Historical Significance The Fort Myer trials were a turning point in aviation history, proving the practical military use of powered aircraft. The Wright Brothers’ success here led directly to the first airplane purchased by the U.S. Army, making this image a document of one of the most consequential moments in early flight. The date of July 1, 1909 inscribed on the negative was one of the first days of the Wrights’ renewed Fort Myer testing in 1909 , after the 1908 trials ended in the fatal crash that killed Lt. Thomas Selfridge. A detailed historical account of the Fort Myer testing notes that on Thursday, July 1, Orville Wright made three flights, with the longest only around nine minutes—early “shake-down” flying before the later longer, qualifying runs This original Bain photograph tied directly to these early flights would be a perfect addition to the collections of aviation historians specializing in the Wright Brothers and early photography. 📌 Condition Original vintage condition Expected handling wear, toning, and edge wear consistent with age. One small pinhole to one side, see date stamp image. No modern reproduction or later copy (Please review all photos carefully for exact condition, and ask me for additional photos.) Smoke-free home, buyer to pay shipping (USPS Priority Mail within the US and overseas bidders as well). Check out my other Bain photograph auctions and my eBay store. If you are interested in purchasing several Bain photographs, I will combine them for shipping, and a signature confirmation upon delivery will be required due to the rarity of these photographs. Thanks for browsing!
