Glenn H. Curtiss built the foundation for his airplane engine fame on the knowledge and prestige he gained from building and racing motorcycles. By 1902 he and three other employees were manufacturing motorcycles under the brand name "Hercules". Curtiss entered into a number of motorcycle races over the years, winning first place in many and building a name for himself. At the Second Annual Race Meet at the New York State Fair and Automobile Club of Syracuse in 1905, Curtiss won this first prize trophy in the three mile motorcycle race with a time of 3 minutes and 47 seconds.
Display Status
This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
1905
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
AWARDS-Trophies
Physical Description
Cup with handles. This trophy with a round base, tapering into a thin stem and widening into a cup shape with two side handles is engraved on the front with "Second Annual Race Meet
N. Y. State Fair
and
Automobile Club of Syracuse
Sept. 18th, 1905
First Prize
3 Miles - Motor Cycles
won by
George H. Curtiss
time 3:47"
Dimensions
3-D (Overall): 16.5 × 16.8 × 9.2cm (6 1/2 × 6 5/8 × 3 5/8 in.)
Materials
Sterling Silver
Inventory Number
A19730592000
Credit Line
Bequest of the Estate of Glenn H. Curtiss
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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