Signed letter from Jean Batten (1935)
Signed letter from Jean Batten (1935)
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Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Digital Warranty ©
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On a visit to Brazil in 1935, shortly after crossing the South Atlantic, Jean Batten thanked an admirer for his compliment.
- Letter signed by Jean Batten to an admirer.
- Rio de Janeiro, November 21, 1935.
- In English.
- One page.
- 24.7 cm x 18.7 cm.
- Good condition of conservation.
- Unique piece.
When we talk about “aviation pioneers,” we forget about female pioneers. In fact, there were women involved and decisive in all inventions, directly or indirectly. Genius and courage have no gender, and in the coming months and years I intend to introduce you to even more glorious women who were underestimated and deserve our attention.
Today I want to tell you about one of them, who fascinated me a lot: Jean Batten . In her time, she was very famous and attracted crowds. The reason for her fame? A mix of audacity, beauty (she was called “Garbo of the Skies”) and above all her many records for distance and flight time, at a time when airplanes were still unreliable and there were very few female pilots, due to machismo.
After her first flight from Britain to Australia, she set a world record on November 13, 1935, by flying from Britain to Brazil in thirteen hours and fifteen minutes. It was on this occasion that she wrote and signed this short letter in Rio de Janeiro. Jean was awarded the National Order of the Southern Cross, becoming the first person - other than a member of the Royal Family - to be honored for this record. She then performed another incredible feat by flying from England to her native New Zealand.
In 1938, Jean was the first woman to receive the Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the highest honor in aviation. However, the Second World War put an end to her flying adventures. Although gradually forgotten, the international terminal at Auckland Airport is named after her. And she will forever be part of the exclusive club of aviation pioneers (pioneers!)
This simple letter caught my attention for several reasons. First, it deals with the beginning of aviation, a fascinating subject that I learned to explore with Santos Dumont. Second, it is about an exceptional woman, whom I admire. And third, this letter was written in Brazil, a week after one of her greatest achievements, the crossing of the South Atlantic. I make this trip several times a year, comfortably seated in my seat on the enormous Airbus, and I am sure that next time I will think of Jean who made this journey alone, in her small plane.

Frequently asked questions about the GLÒRIAS COLLECTION
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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.
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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.
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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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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 certification, direct sale, consignment, or a specialized auction.
Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?
Behind every rare document lies a unique trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited by families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were misidentified or undervalued, or came from collectors, antique dealers, or autograph document merchants.
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