Description
You are bidding on a FANTASTIC and 100% ORIGINAL WW1 French Armée de l’Air Bleriot XI “Parasol” Pilot Notes, Blueprints, and Diagrams!
The Blériot XI is a French aircraft from the pioneer era of aviation. The first example was used by Louis Blériot to make the first flight across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft, on 25 July 1909. This is one of the most famous accomplishments of the pioneer era of aviation, and not only won Blériot a lasting place in history but also assured the future of his aircraft manufacturing business. The event caused a major reappraisal of the importance of aviation; the English newspaper The Daily Express led its story of the flight with the headline “Britain is no longer an Island.”[1] The aircraft was produced in both single- and two-seat versions, powered by several different engines, and was widely used for competition and training purposes. Military versions were bought by many countries, continuing in service until after the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Two restored examples – one in the United Kingdom and one in the United States – of original Blériot XI aircraft are thought to be the two oldest flyable aircraft in the world.
In 1913 Lieutenant Gouin and Henri Chazal modified the aircraft with with a parasol wing and split airbrake/rudder, forming the Blériot XI Parasol (or Brevet-Gourin). Similarly, in 1914, the XI-2 version had a similar modification, and was deemed the XI-2 Brevet-Gouin.
Dated August 15, 1913, this is an AMAZING and EXTRAORDINARILY RARE reference for the Bleriot XI Aircraft! It features a total of approx. 22 pages, with various notations, diagrams, and drawings! The is an OFFICIAL publication made by Gouin (he most likely distributed a few), so most pages are period copies. The cover is titled:
The cover page, as well as one addendum page (dated July 30, 1913), are 100% HAND-WRITTEN by Gouin himself! His ORIGINAL signature is also officially recorded on the last page, along with two other signatures (both I am trying to determine at this time). As this is over 100 years old, there are some marks, wear, and tears to the cover page, but it is otherwise quite solid. Appears to have been part of the University of Paris’ Institute of Aerotechnique at one time. A RARE manuscript with HISTORICALLY important signatures and history, this would make a SUPERB addition to any collection or display!
