Comprises: Typed 1-page letter signed by all 6 "World Fliers," including: Lowell H. Smith, Leslie Arnold, Leigh Wade, Henry H. Ogden, John Harding, Jr., and Erik H. Nelson, to D.E. McDaneld thanking him for letting them use their Packard cars in San Diego and Los Angeles. Dated Sept. 23, 1924 on Hotel Christie, Hollywood, letterhead. 9¼x6". * 2-page autograph letter signed by M.H. Smith to Earle C. Anthony Co., Los Angeles, Sept. 27, 1924, thanking them for the use of their "wonderful cars and the efficient service...to the World Fliers and their families while in San Diego and Los Angeles. The trip to San Diego and back in your luxurious Straight 8 Packards was ideal in every way...". 6¼x5". * 1-page autograph letter signed by Mrs. Roberta Chase Harding to Earle C. Anthony Co., Beverly Hills, Sept. 27, 1924, thanking them for the use of their Packard cars. "The Fliers all were most enthusiastic in their praise of the fine...cars, and I can assure you that our trip to San Diego to welcome home our boys...was one of ease, comfort and speed...". 10¼x7". * And 2 matching 10x8" silver-print albumin photographic broadsides showing portraits all 6 "World Fliers." Together, 3 letters (two with envelopes) and 2 photographic broadsides.
In 1924 four Douglas World Cruisers and eight American crewmen set out from Seattle, Washington, to attempt the first around-the-world airplane flight. One hundred seventy-five days later three of the aircraft and crews became the first to circumnavigate earth. Each aircraft was named after a U.S. city representing a compass point: Seattle, crewed by Maj. Frederick Martin (pilot and flight commander) and SSgt. Alva Harvey (flight mechanic); Chicago, crewed by Lt. Lowell H. Smith (pilot) and 1st Lt. Leslie Arnold; Boston, with 1st Lt. Leigh P. Wade (pilot) and SSgt. Henry H. Ogden aboard; and New Orleans, with Lt. Erik Nelson (pilot) and Lt. Jack Harding in the cockpits.