Lot 121
  • 121

Charles Lindbergh's award-winning flight: Two American gold medals, circa 1927

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description

  • the medal stamped at top 18K and ?R&L
  • diameter of medal 1 7/16 in.
  • 3.6 cm
each struck on one side with the Spirit of St. Louis flying over choppy seas, surrounded by Raymond Orteig $25,000 Prize Fund above engraved inscription, and on the other Captain Charles A. Lindberg May 20-21, 1927, surrounded by Non-stop flight - New York to Paris, suspended from a French tricolor ribbon below a chased gold bar

Condition

medals good, some wear to ribbon
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The medals are inscribed Raymond Orteig Donor and Jean Orteig Assistant Treasurer.

Raymond Orteig was the French-born owner of two New York hotels. In 1919 he offered a prize of $25,000 for the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris.  Several pilots lost their lives in the attempt before Charles Lindbergh's successful voyage eight years later. These medals are the examples struck for the donor himself as well as the assistant treasurer, probably his son.