Annotated photograph of a flight by Alberto Santos Dumont (1904)
Annotated photograph of a flight by Alberto Santos Dumont (1904)
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"Santos standing atop the military parade on July 14, 1904."
- Handwritten letter from Louis Bereau to Albert Tissandier, with a period photograph in postcard format and text about Alberto Santos Dumont.
- July or August 1904, Paris.
- 14 cm x 9 cm.
- In French.
- Excellent condition conservation.
- Unique piece.
We often wonder who invented the airplane. The Wright brothers, say the Americans. The French speak of Clément Ader. Brazilians claim it was Santos Dumont. In reality, like most great inventions, there isn't a single inventor but several people who thought, experimented, failed, and achieved small victories so that finally – one day – the dream would become reality. The same is true for the invention of the automobile, the telephone, the internet, the conquest of space, etc.
Louis Bereau , the author of this letter, was well known in the aeronautical world. An influential person who frequented and supported most aviation adventurers. He had already made many flights in balloons and had an impressive collection of objects related to this subject that so inspired inventors. And in 1900, he was asked by France to present the collection at the Universal Exposition in Paris.
Albert Tissandier was the brother of Gaston Tissandier and uncle of Paul Tissandier, whom I have already introduced in other documents. The Tissandier family was famous and decisive in the world of balloons and engines, and for Santos Dumont. They were passionate about mechanics and are responsible for a series of patents and records, including the world speed record for an airplane (Paul, May 25, 1909). In fact, the pioneers of aviation were mechanics and were interested in the automobile, a recent invention. For example, the French brand Peugeot – which Brazilians know well – later financed the work of the Frenchman Etienne Oehmichen, who contributed greatly to the invention of the helicopter along with Breguet, Cornu, Pescara (a Spaniard), and others.
But the magic of rare documents often lies in the details. This is once again the case here, with this short phrase written by Louis Bereau at the top, just above the photo:
"Santos (Dumont) standing on the military parade ground on July 14, 1904."
Indeed, in this photograph we see Santos Dumont on July 14, 1904, at what appears to be number 14, in the suburbs of Paris, in St. Cloud or Bagatelle, participating in the French national holiday, the day of the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution (July 14, 1789).
The story of Santos Dumont is linked to July 14th, France's National Day. On July 14, 1903, for the first time in the world, a flying machine participated in a military parade. And the author of this feat was Santos Dumont, with dirigible number 9, the most popular of his balloons.
One can imagine that Bereau , the Tissandiers, the French military, many important personalities, including the President of the Republic, as well as thousands of curious onlookers, would have gathered there, elegant and with their heads held high, to admire the audacity of this little Brazilian. In the letter, Bereau adds that his health was not good and, in fact, he died only a few months later, without having seen Santos Dumont fly "for real".
The document I present today is the kind of rarity I love to discover. It's a vibrant testament to this era, the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals alike, were interested in mankind's oldest dream: to fly. Primarily in Europe and America.
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No. Glórias operates exclusively online because we serve collectors throughout Brazil and also abroad. If you wish to examine an item before purchase, we will be happy to send high-resolution photographs or additional information. Our team is located in Belo Horizonte (MG).
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Yes. All items available at Glórias have been carefully selected, studied, and certified before being offered for sale. Each purchase comes with a digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee, which we send via email. It is signed and stamped by Mathias Meyer, a French autograph expert since 2010 and a member of the ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers).
Who selects and certifies the items sold?
All items are selected and certified by Mathias Meyer, a French specialist in autographs, manuscripts, and historical documents since 2010. Throughout his career, he has studied thousands of pieces related to Brazilian history, sports, science, literature, and arts, and is now a member of ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) and founder of Glórias.
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You can purchase directly from the Glórias website, 24 hours a day, quickly and securely. If you prefer personalized service or have questions before purchasing, you can also contact us by email at contato@glorias.com.br or by WhatsApp at +55 (31) 98221-5758.
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We accept payment via Pix or bank transfer, both with a 3% discount for upfront payment, as well as credit card in up to 3 interest-free installments, offering convenience and security for customers across Brazil.
Can I pay for my purchase in installments?
Yes. You can pay in full via Pix or bank transfer with a 3% discount, or pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card, with immediate shipping after payment confirmation. It is also possible to pay in up to 10 installments via Pix; in this case, shipping will be carried out after the full payment of the purchase.
Can I ask for a discount?
We offer a 3% discount for payments made in full (via Pix or bank transfer) or the option to pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card. Furthermore, the prices of our pieces are carefully determined based on international market supply and demand, the specific characteristics of each item, and sales results of similar pieces. For this reason, we typically do not grant additional discounts. However, if you wish to purchase multiple pieces or make an exceptionally high-value purchase, we would be pleased to consider a special commercial arrangement.
How is delivery made? What will I receive?
Delivery time varies approximately from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the recipient's location. In Brazil, we mainly use SEDEX, and for international shipments, FedEx. The document is placed in an elegant laid paper folder and sent in completely discreet packaging. The digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee is sent by email, in PDF format, for security reasons. Shipping is free throughout Brazil. For international shipments, the shipping cost is a fixed R$ 500.00.
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Yes. For online purchases, the Consumer Protection Code guarantees the right of withdrawal within 7 days of receiving the item. If you are not satisfied, simply contact us and we will respond promptly to find the best solution, which may include a full refund after the return and verification of the item.
What warranties come with the items?
All items sold by Glórias have a permanent guarantee against eventual certification errors, provided that such error is subsequently demonstrated and confirmed by Mathias Meyer. In this event, the buyer will be fully reimbursed. To date, this situation has never occurred. The guarantee does not cover natural alterations or damage caused by improper storage, exposure to light, humidity, insects, or any other external factor that may compromise the preservation of the paper or ink.
Can I resell this piece in the future?
Yes. Should you wish to sell your piece in the future, please contact us. We will be happy to guide you and help you find a new collector, either through a direct sale or through a specialized auction organized by Glórias.
How can I add value to my collection?
If your goal is to go beyond an isolated purchase, the ideal is to build a coherent collection around a theme, a personality, or a historical period, such as aviation pioneers, women who made history, love letters, old photographs of Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer, Pelé, or Ayrton Senna. Mathias Meyer can guide you in forming a consistent collection, according to your interests, objectives, and budget.
How should I store my document or autograph?
To preserve your document in the best condition, we recommend against laminating it or keeping it permanently framed, as paper needs to breathe and prolonged exposure to light can accelerate its deterioration. Ideally, store it in a dry, dark, and clean place, protected from humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and insects, ensuring its preservation for many decades.
Why aren't these pieces in museums?
Throughout history, much of the world's documentary heritage has been preserved thanks to private collectors and dealers. These enthusiasts of historical documents play a fundamental role in the discovery, study, and preservation of pieces that can later be loaned, donated, or sold to museums and other institutions. In Brazil, where many museums have limited financial resources and staff, this collaboration is even more important. Glórias maintains relationships with public institutions, museums, and researchers, both in Brazil and abroad, sharing discoveries, knowledge, and, in some cases, documents for exhibitions.
Can I offer you a part to buy?
With pleasure. The first step is to conduct a preliminary assessment, which will determine the level of authenticity, market value, and the best strategy for your piece. Depending on the outcome, there are several possibilities, such as direct sale, consignment, or a specialized auction.
Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?
Every document has a unique story. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited from families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were poorly identified or undervalued, or came from antique dealers, collectors, or companies. Behind every rare document there is a singular trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history.
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