This 1909 Gordon Bennett plaque was presented to Glenn Curtiss for winning the first international air race held on the Betheny plain in Reims, France. Curtiss completed the 20 kilometer circuit 15 minutes, 50 3/5 seconds at an average speed of 47.65 mph (73.6k/h) in a 50hp Curtiss bi-plane.
Display Status
This object is on display in Early Flight at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
1909
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
AWARDS-Trophies
Physical Description
On the James Gordon Bennett silver plaque is a relief depicting Icarus standing on top of a rock formation with a Wright Model A flying overhead. The text on the plaque consists of relief text reading "Coupe Internationale D'Aviation, James Gordon Bennett" and engraved text on the base reading "Betheny 28 Aoul 1909, Glenn H. Curtiss, 20 kils. 15 m. 50 3/5 des".
Dimensions
3-D: 22 × 1 × 39cm (8 11/16 × 3/8 × 15 3/8 in.)
Materials
Overall: Silver
Inventory Number
A19640679000
Credit Line
Donated by the National Aeronautic Association
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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