In 1929, Santos Dumont wants 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 condition of conservation.
• Unique piece.

French transcription

Cher Tissandier

Now it's time to see that the Compagnie de Deauville is starting new actions at 600 francs; une par une existent; le prix des ? en Bourse est de 800. Voulez vous dire à notre ami de demander si on trouve des acheteurs pour quelques centaines de droits aux nouvelles actions et combien on paye. ll ne faut pas qu´on sache que c´est moi qui vend. Merci de l'ami Santos Dumont 12.3.29

Portuguese translation

Dear Tissandier,

I have already learned that the Deauville Company is going to issue new shares at 600 francs; one for each existing one; 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? are paying? It shouldn't be known that I'm the one selling.

Thanks,
from friend Santos Dumont 12.3.29

Compagnie de Deauville is a French company specializing in the luxury hotel and casino sector. 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, racecourse 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, in which he asks Tissandier not to disclose that he is selling, is mysterious. The financial crisis of 1929 began on October 24, 1929, a date that became 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 have a premonition that this would happen, 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.