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 Summary

Lawrence Burst Sperry (1892-1923) was a pilot and inventor who is best known for creating the first autopilot and artificial horizon, as well as other aircraft instruments and developing landing gear for use on flying boats. This collection consists of a passport issued to Lawrence Burst Sperry by the US Department of State.

 Biographical / Historical

Lawrence Burst Sperry (1892-1923) was a pilot and inventor who is best known for creating the first autopilot and artificial horizon, as well as other aircraft instruments and developing landing gear for use on flying boats. Sperry had over 20 patents to his name and also served as a flight instructor in the US Navy during World War I. Sperry was killed in 1923 when a plane he was piloting went down over the English Channel.

 Identifier

NASM.XXXX.1181

Creator

United States. Department of State

Date

1915-1916

Provenance

Unknown, Found in Collection, NASM.XXXX.1181

Extent

0.05 Cubic feet (1 folder)

Archival Repository

National Air and Space Museum Archives

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a passport issued to Lawrence Burst Sperry by the US Department of State, dated September 1915 and numbered 7201. The passport has fold lines and measures approximately 12 by 17 inches unfolded. The passport lists Sperry's intention to travel to England, France, and Italy for the purpose of "testing aeroplane devices." At the top left corner is a small (2.75 by 3 inches) head and shoulders portrait of Sperry and his signature. The document includes a physical description of Sperry; a red Department of State seal which has had a piece removed; stamps and marks of various consulates in the countries listed; as well as an amendment permitting Sperry to travel to Switzerland, "for health." The stamps are dated 1915 through 1916.

Arrangement note

Collection is in original order.

Rights

Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests

Restrictions

No restrictions on access.

Citation

Lawrence Burst Sperry Passport, NASM.XXXX.1181, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Topics

Aeronautics

Type

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Passports