🛩️ Circa 1910 Early Aviation Glider Photo – Public Flight Demo, Culver Pictures Archive

An extraordinary glimpse into the birth of flight—this rare photograph captures a pioneer-era glider in action, soaring above a crowd during the early 20th century’s golden age of experimentation in aviation.

This historically rich photo shows an early glider (circa 1910) in flight during a public demonstration, surrounded by spectators. Labeled "LESH GLIDING," it may reference early aviation figures such as William Lesh or Augustus Herring, both known for their pre-WWI gliding trials.

The reverse features stamps from Culver Pictures, Inc., a respected archival licensing agency, and Jay Parrino’s The Mint, LLC, known for high-quality historical photograph curation.

🕰️ Historical Significance

• Pioneer Flight Era: This image likely predates WWI and is part of the Chanute-Wright Brothers-Herring era of aviation.

• Public Demonstration: The crowd visible in the photo highlights the early fascination with manned flight.

• Archival Provenance:

  • Culver Pictures sticker confirms it was part of a licensed photo archive.

  • Jay Parrino’s The Mint further authenticates its origin and collector appeal.

• Labeled "LESH GLIDING": Suggests a rare visual of a figure from the very beginning of aviation history.

📄 Condition Report

✅ Photograph:

• Strong clarity and composition

• Light fading consistent with age or archival duplication

• No creases, tears, or major blemishes

⚠️ Backside Notes:

• Archival licensing stickers intact

• "Circa 1910" handwritten note included but not dated on front

• No direct identification of glider pilot or location (research opportunity)