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The Gordon Bennett International Balloon Race is the world's oldest balloon race. It was first held on September 30, 1906 in Paris, France. James Gordon Bennett, Jr., avid sportsman and owner of the New York Herald newspaper, sponsored the event. In 1929, the Third Gordon Bennett International Balloon Race Trophy was won by Ward T. Van Orman of Akron, Ohio.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date 1929 Country of Origin United States of America Type AWARDS-Trophies Physical Description A bronze statue of intertwined figures emerging from a wave of water with the top figure gripping a balloon overhead pulling him upward. Embosed text on base reads: Front: "In honor of James Gordon Bennett 1841-1918" Right Side: "That the nations of the earth may continue to meet in friendly compettition and the traditions established by the Gordon Bennett race may be perpetuated." Back: "Third International Balloon Race Trophy" Left side: "Presented 1929 by the aircraft bureau of the Detroit Board of Commerce." Dimensions 3-D: 29.8 x 29.5 x 110.5cm (11 3/4 x 11 5/8 x 43 1/2 in.)
 Materials Bronze
 Inventory Number A19720934000 Credit Line Donated by the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences Inc. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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