In 1929, Santos Dumont wanted to sell shares anonymously.
- Handwritten letter from Santos Dumont to Tissandier.
- One page.
- In French.
- 26.9 cm x 18.4 cm.
- March 12, 1929.
- Paris, France.
- Perfect state of conservation.
- One-of-a-kind.
French transcription
Dear Tissandier
I have already learned that the Deauville Company is going to issue new shares at 600 francs; one for one existing share; the price on the stock exchange is 800. Would you please tell our friend to inquire if he can find buyers for a few hundred rights to the new shares and how much they are paying? It must not be known that I am the one selling. Thank you, from the friend Santos Dumont 12.3.29
Translation in Portuguese
Dear Tissandier,
I've heard that the Deauville Company is issuing new shares at 600 francs; one for each existing share; the price on the stock exchange is 800. Could you ask our friend to check if there are buyers for a few hundred rights to the new shares and how much they are paying? It shouldn't be known that I'm the one selling.
Thank you,
from friend Santos Dumont 12.3.29
Compagnie de Deauville is a French company specializing in luxury hotels and casinos. Founded in 1927, the company was responsible for the development of Deauville, a prestigious seaside resort located in Normandy, France, known for its casino, luxury hotels, golf courses, racetrack, and cultural events, such as the Deauville American Film Festival.
This letter from Santos Dumont reveals a little-known side of him: his investor side. The last sentence is mysterious, in which he asks Tissandier not to disclose that he is selling. The 1929 financial crisis began on October 24, 1929, a date known as "Black Thursday." On that day, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) suffered a sharp drop, with a large volume of stock sales, marking the beginning of the economic collapse. Did Santos Dumont foresee this happening, or was his decision simply fortunate? An additional interesting detail is the use of the letterhead of the prestigious Aero-Club de France, in Paris.
