Pen nib of gold. Marked on top is "MABIE / TODD & CO / NEW YORK / 4". This company had roots in the 1840s, but established as Mabie, Todd & Co. in New York around 1907. They were known for their gold nibs, pencils and pens.
Taped to card with "See Minutes" in pencil. Accompanying cut envelope is addressed to LCHS with postmark from Seattle, Washington 26 Sep 1976. In pen is written "Gold Pen Point Box 23." Crossed-out name below is "Ann Hoeck(?)".
Provenance
A present from Thaddeus Steven to Eli Lybe--with memorandum "Thaddeus Stevens pen. Presented to Eli Lybe by young Thad."
Cast-iron toy tri-motor Fokker aquaplane, painted yellow. Made of multiple castings fitted and securred with screws. Three wire spring cables are fitted to pulleys under plane, allowing the 4 rubber wheels to turn the 3 propellers and activate a noisemaker. Raised letters atop wings spell "FRIENDSHIP". "NX4202" is on tail and "Fokker" is on left side of fuselage. All letters painted blue. Inside hollow fuselage is "HUBLEY." Gold seal on left end of wing reads "It's a Hubley Toy". Profile of Earhart is cast into one of the two rear windows on left side.
The Friendship was flown across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Wales, on June 17, 1928, with Amelia Earhart aboard. She was only a passenger, but this event won her immense fame, including a ticker tape parade in New York City, and started her career as a major celebrity. (see Notes on why this plane was made.)
Provenance
Plane was given to donor by his friend Charlie Reiger (sp?).
Moderate overal loss of paint; rust on exposed metal; cracking rubber on wheels.
Object ID
G.88.9
Notes
Hubley Mfg. Co. was commissioned by Pittsburgh industrialist Arthur E. Braun (1876-1976) to make 22 yellow aquaplanes modeled on Earhart's Friendship. Earhart signed each one and Braun gave the planes out as gifts at a reception in honor of Earhart, held at his own residence in Pittsburgh in June of 1929. This plane is unsigned, suggesting perhaps that this example may have been a factory extra.
In 1932, Earhart flew solo across the Atlantic, again achieving acclaim as the 2nd person and 1st woman to do so. She received the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, the gold medal of the National Geographic Society and the Cross of the Legion of Honor from France.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Gift of Samuel S. Snyder, Heritage Center Collection
