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1924?First Around-the-World Flight ? Co-Pilot's Commemorative Ring.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:875.00 USD Estimated At:NA
1924?First Around-the-World Flight ? Co-Pilot's Commemorative Ring.
DEMO LOT
1924�first Around-The-World Flight � Co-Pilot's Commemorative Ring. One of the most sensational aviation events of the 1920�s was the around-the-world-flight by a team of U.S. Army Air Service Aviators. Lindbergh had not yet made his historic flight from New York to Paris when in 1924 four Douglas World Cruisers with 8 crewmen set out from Seattle, WA to attempt the first around-the-world airplane flight. 175 days later 3 of the aircraft and crews became the first to circumnavigate earth! It was not an easy accomplishment. Bad weather, engine problems and the distance all took their toll. Two planes crashed though one was replaced. On 9/28/24 three planes touched down in Seattle completing a 26,000 mile journey. The first was flag ship, Chicago followed by New Orleans, and Boston. The Seattle crashed and never completed the journey.

Lt. Leslie P. Arnold was a back-up pilot for this audacious adventure and just several days prior to the flight replaced another crew member as co-pilot and mechanic of the "Chicago". Given the length of the journey and the pressures put on the aircraft Lt. Arnold was kept busy not only piloting when necessary but keeping the aircraft flight ready. To provide just a glimpse30 replacement engines were placed around the world to serve if necessary.

Upon completion of the historic event each of the flight crews were presented with a Commemorative Ring. The ring is 14 karat gold with white gold overlays and a silver mount for the semiprecious stone (The stone is cracked and will require restoration). The design includes U.S. Army Air Service Wings on the left side, American Bald Eagle on the right. The embossed text reads "FIRST ROUND THE WORLD FLIGHT 1924". Of note, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum owns the same ring presented to the Chicago�s pilot, Lt. Lowell Smith. (Unfortunately that ring is missing its stone.)

The ring weighs 36.2 grams with an estimated ring size of 9�. There is an extensive engraving, "Presented to L.P. Arnold participant in the first round the world flight by the citizens of Seattle through their Chamber of Commerce. Started Seattle April 6th Completed Seattle.

Accompany the ring are a very nice section of items relating to the flight. Included are books (Inc. The First World Flight by Lowell Thomas � 2x), Photographs, early magazine editions (and some reprints), videos, commemorative medallions (2 bronze and 1 silver) and a framed piece of fabric from the Chicago Douglas World Cruiser on display in the Smithsonian. (Unfortunately the frame is slightly chipped and the fabric is no longer affixed to the certificate.) Also included is what appears to be a flight panel 24 hour clock (in working condition). Perhaps this too if from a Douglas World Cruiser.

An outstanding ring complete with a trove of documents that provides the story behind the first circumnavigation of the globe. Unique and very historic.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000.