Howard Hughes Congressional Gold Medal

Howard Hughes personal 1939 Congressional Gold Medal recognizing his achievements in advancing the science of aviation. The Congressional Gold Medal for Howard R. Hughes was approved by the U.S. Congress August 7, 1939 for recognition of his achievements in "advancing the science of aviation and thus bringing great credit to his country throughout the world." Measuring 2.75 in. diameter, the medal's obverse depicts a profile portrait of Hughes with inscription "Howard R. Hughes Medal of the Congress Act of Aug.7, 1939 United States of America"; the reverse captures a rendition of the global route Hughes flew his Lockheed 14 Super Electra twin-engine monoplane for his record-setting round-the-world flight with the circumscribed text "Around the World In 91 Hours 14 Minutes 10 Seconds July 10-14th, 1938".

Hughes' medal was ready for presentation in 1941, but Hughes never traveled to Washington, D.C. to formally receive the medal from Franklin D. Roosevelt. Hughes' Congressional Gold Medal was mailed to him years later during President Truman's administration. Medal comes with its original blue, leather-covered presentation case. In fine condition. From the personal collection of Howard Hughes. $4,000 - $6,000

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Howard Hughes personal 1939 Congressional Gold Medal recognizing his achievements in aviation.(https://www.icollector.com/Howard-Hughes-personal-1939-Congressional-Gold-Medal-recognizing-his-achievements-in-aviation_i37622381)

Amelia Earhart Medal

Howard Hughes personal Amelia Earhart medal presented by aviator Viola Gentry and artist Felicity Buranelli. (1941/1963) A 1.25 in. diameter medal depicting a relief profile portrait of legendary pilot Amelia Earhart with her name in relief lettering. Designed by sculptor Felicity Buranelli for the Medal of the Month Club and issued in 1941. The verso is engraved from the sculptor and pioneering female aviator Viola Gentry to Howard Hughes, "To Howard Hughes In Appreciation From Viola Gentry and Felicity Buranelli 7-24-63".

Gentry set the first endurance non-refueling record for women, flying 8 hours, 6 minutes, and 37 seconds. Buranelli was connected to the word of aviation through her brother, Vincent J. Burnelli [he dropped the "a" from his name], an aeronautics engineer who made significant contributions in the areas of lifting body and flying wing. She created numerous medal designs honoring individuals who helped mankind conquer the skies. Light handling. In generally very good condition. From the personal collection of Howard Hughes. $300 - $500

For more information, or to bid, see:
Howard Hughes personal Amelia Earhart medal presented by aviator Viola Gentry & artist Buranelli.(https://www.icollector.com/Howard-Hughes-personal-Amelia-Earhart-medal-presented-by-aviator-Viola-Gentry-artist-Buranelli_i37622406)

Spruce Goose Medal

Howard Hughes personal Famous Flights medallion commemorating the Nov. 2, 1947 test of the Flying Boat. (ca. 1969) Famous Flights series metal coin medalion. The front features a relief image of the Hughes H-4 Hercules "Flying Boat" (Spruce Goose) against an ocean backdrop. The verso bears relief text, "Famous Flights First flight of the giant Hughes flying boat at San Pedro, Calif. Powered by eight 3000 h.p. P&W engines and with a wingspan of 320 ft. it was the world's largest airplane. Pilot: Howard R. Hughes Nov. 2, 1947" and pilot wings and garland graphics. Measures 1.5 in. diameter.

Presented in the brown felted 2.25 x 2.75 x 1.5 in. jewelry box. The H-4 would become the plane with which Howard Hughes was most closely associated in the public mind. Intended as a troop transport for use in World War II, the Hercules wasn't completed until 1947 and flew only once. Because of wartime restrictions on aluminum, the plane was constructed entirely of wood-mostly birch-leading the media to dub it the "Spruce Goose". The H-4 remains the largest flying boat ever built and has the second longest wingspan (320 ft. 11 in.) of any plane ever flown. Exhibiting some edge tarnish, light soiling, and faint pitting. In very good condition. From the personal collection of Howard Hughes. $300 - $500

For more information, or to bid, see:
Howard Hughes personal Famous Flights medallion for the Nov. 2, 1947 test of the Flying Boat.(https://www.icollector.com/Howard-Hughes-personal-Famous-Flights-medallion-for-the-Nov-2-1947-test-of-the-Flying-Boat_i37622392)