The Raymond Orteig $25,000 Prize: Paris - New York -- New York - Paris

New York: Aero Club of America, 1919. Broadside. 8.5" x 14". Printed both sides. Near fine, with two fold creases and a tiny chip to a lower corner.. Scarce entry form for the $25,000 Ortieg Cross-Atlantic Flight Prize, which was ultimately won by Charles Lindbergh in 1927. Augustus Post of the Aero Club of America approached hotelier Raymond Orteig to sponsor the prize, which he did. The prize was to be awarded to any aviator who completed a non-stop flight between New York and Paris, in either direction, within 5 years of the announcement of the prize in May, 1919. <br /> <br /> When 5 years passed without a serious attempt, Orteig renewed the prize for another 5 years. This time several prominent and well-financed competitors emerged--several of whom were killed, crashed, or lost at sea. None was successful until the obscure and under-funded Lindbergh touched down outside of Paris after a 33 1/2 hour solo flight from New York's Roosevelt Field.<br /> <br /> This entry form has not been filled out, though someone apparently considering entry has marked a couple of points in blue pencil. A $250 Entrance Fee was required. The contest was to be conducted under the rules of the Federation Aeronautique International and the Competition Rules of the Aero Club of America.