Before Charles Lindbergh made history as the first pilot to fly non-stop from New York to Paris in 1927, he was an air mail pilot. In the early 1920s, this service we take for granted today was a harrowing job. Unpredictable weather, demanding timetables and primitive airplanes cost the lives of many intrepid pilots. Lindbergh himself survived two crashes when he flew the St. Louis to Chicago route for the U.S. Mail. A year after his heroic flight, “Lucky Lindy” took to the skies one last time for the U.S. Mail, a publicity flight in which he duplicated his old St. Louis to Chicago.

The February 20, 1928, inscription on the front and the St. Louis photographer stamp on the reverse of this magnificent Type 1 photo suggests it was taken before he began his flight to Chicago. This image clearly captures Lindbergh’s cool confidence as he leans easily against the outside wall of a building, hand in his pocket, legs crossed, patiently answering questions from the press. Best of all, the Lone Eagle has signed and dated this Type 1 photograph with, “Chas. Lindbergh Feb. 20, 1928” in blue fountain pen. The Type 1 photo has taken on a warm golden hue from age. There is wear present on its white border edges along with some chipping, though none affect the image. Lindbergh’s blue fountain pen signature is clear and strong against the warm tones of the photo. The back of the photo carries a Mario Cavagnaro credit stamp. This photo has been encapsulated and graded a Type 1 with an autograph grade 8 by PSA/DNA.