A ca. 1910s photograph restrike developed from an original negative depicting American aviator Wilbur Wright (1867-1912) operating the Wright Brothers' third test glider above Kill Devil Hill, North Carolina on October 10, 1902. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified authentic as an example of a Type II photograph; and also furnished with a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA Authentication Services, photograph certification 84636177, dated July 8, 2022. The sepia-colored photograph has a glossy surface. The reverse was printed with a press caption as: "Wilbur Wright in the Wright glider, the prototype of the present day aeroplane. The Wright brothers made over one thousand gliding flights to perfect the stability and directional controls of their glider before they equipped it with a motor and produced the first successful aeroplane. Photo Scientific Age Co., N.Y." Expected wear including isolated loss and wrinkles to the upper right corner, else near fine. The photograph measures 6.125" x 4.75" while the slab measures 10.125" x 6.625."

The photograph shows Wilbur Wright suspended in a push-up position above the muslin fabric-covered spruce framework of the Wright Brothers' third test glider. This photograph was originally taken on October 10, 1902 during air trials at Kill Devil Hill, North Carolina.

The National Air & Space Museum calls the Wright Brothers' third test glider the "world's first fully controllable aircraft." The Wrights' third prototype featured several significant modifications to the glider's airfoil, wings, and rudder, enabling it to be controlled in three spatial dimensions by the operator/pilot. After it was assembled from September 8-19, 1902, the improved third test glider underwent a battery of test glides. According to the Library of Congress, the Wright Brothers completed between 700-1,000 glides during the testing period from September 19-October 24, 1902, achieving a maximum gliding distance of over 620 feet. On October 2, 1902, Wilbur Wright enthused: “Our new machine [the third test glider] is a very great improvement over anything…anyone has built. Everything is so much more satisfactory that we now believe that the flying problem is really nearing its solution.”

Understanding glider technology paved the way for the development of airplanes. Wilbur and younger brother Orville Wright (1871-1948) are generally credited with flying the first manned and engine-powered airplane near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903. The brothers revolutionized aviation engineering with the development of new flexible wing technology. They began their Kitty Hawk trials in 1900, and after three years of conducting on-site and wind tunnel experiments, they took to the air in sustained flight in mid-December 1903. The brothers continued their trials well into the 1910s, eventually incorporating their own company and flying school.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!