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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". Due to his competitive nature, Curtiss entered in and won many races for both motorcycles and airplanes. The Kelly Cup was won by Glenn H. Curtiss for breaking world's quick starting record with an airplane, at the San Antonio Aviation Meet April 23, 1910, San Antonio, Texas.

Display Status

This object is on display in Early Flight at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Early Flight

Object Details

Date

1910

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

AWARDS-Trophies

Physical Description

This cup trophy with a round base has two unique handles connected to either side of the cup body. The handles have a squared shape where they connect with the top of the cup and decorative elements where they connect with the bottom of the cup. The engraved text on the front: The Kelly Cup won by Glenn H. Curtiss for breaking world's quick starting record with airplane, time: 5 1/5 seconds; at the San Antonio Aviation Meet April 23, 1910, San Antonio, Texas. Presented by W.B. Kelly.

Dimensions

3-D: 27.5 × 17 × 28cm (10 13/16 × 6 11/16 × 11 in.)

Materials

Overall: Silver

Inventory Number

A19730604000

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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