More than 200 lots of personal effects belonging to Jean Mermoz will be sold by the Artcurial auction house on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The collection includes flight logs, a parachute, and dozens of private letters addressed to the pilot’s mother, France 3 Régions reported.
Artcurial presents Mermoz archives
The auction features a comprehensive collection of items spanning the life of the pilot born in Aubenton in 1901. Among the exhibits is a long leather aviator’s coat displayed alongside a life-size photograph of Mermoz. Auctioneer Maxence Miglioretti described the assembly as exceptional because the items remained together rather than being dispersed over time.
The items originated from relatives in the maternal branch of Mermoz’s family. Mermoz was raised by his mother following her divorce from his father and maintained a close relationship with her throughout his career. Miglioretti noted that the aviator kept his mother in his thoughts even while stationed at the ends of the earth.
Did you know? Jean Mermoz was a colleague and friend of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Private letters reveal intimate history
While official flight documents are part of the sale, the collection is highlighted by letters where Mermoz detailed his illnesses, romantic life, and emotional state. These documents track his experiences up until his disappearance over the Atlantic in December 1936.
Frédéric Robert, an amateur, stated that these personal records allow researchers to move beyond standard biographies and historical documentation to access the intimate life of the pilot. Jean-Claude Nivet of the Latécoère foundation—the predecessor to Aéropostale where Mermoz flew—described the gathering of these letters and objects as emotional.
Estimates for the individual lots range from 100 euros to 12,000 euros.
Mermoz Collection Value
| Lot Category | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Minimum Estimate | 100 Euros |
| Maximum Estimate | 12,000 Euros |
Jean Mermoz Auction Details
Who: Artcurial auction house
What: 200+ lots including letters, photos, and flight gear
When: Tuesday, Nov. 3
Where: Paris, France
Common questions about the Mermoz sale
Where did these items come from? The collection was held by parents from the maternal side of Jean Mermoz’s family.
What specific items are being sold? The sale includes photos of Lebanon and Syria, flight logs, a parachute, a lock of hair, drawings, and an aviator’s leather coat.
When did Jean Mermoz disappear? The pilot vanished over the Atlantic Ocean in December 1936.
The public exhibition of the items began Friday, Oct. 30, leading up to the auction on Nov. 3.
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