(AVIATION) WELLS IRVIN Irvin E Wells Commercial Pilot inked

Sale 2308 - Lot 183

Unsold

Estimate: $ 700 - $ 1,000

(AVIATION.) WELLS, IRVIN. "Irvin E. Wells Commercial Pilot", inked title below the image. Halftone from a photograph 11 x 8-1/2 inches, printed on heavy cardstockinscribed and signed by wells next to his image: "to miss chrystalle from Irvin e wells." Np, circa 1930's

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Irvin Wells was part of the "Negro Formation Flying Group" that performed at the Los Angeles Labor Day Air Circus in 1931. Wells who had gotten his pilot's certificate through the Bessie Coleman Aero Club, flew together with Coleman and William Powell, a World War I veteran. Together the three flew in formation before 15,000 spectators. Powell had survived a gas attack in WWI that left him with permanent damage. The group grew to become the "Five Black Birds" and performed at various air shows throughout the 1930's until Powell's death in 1942.