Lockheed Aircraft Company 1929 - signed by founder Allan Loughead RARE

Beautifully engraved uncancelled Certificate from the Lockheed Aircraft Company issued in 1929. This historic document has an ornate border around it with the company's name in a prominent position. This item is hand signed by the company's founder Allan Loughead and is over 77 years old. The certificate was issued to Robert Congdon of Duluth Minnesota. The certificate has been folded in thirds and shows minor seperation on the top 1/4" of the fold.

Founded in 1926 by Allan Loughead and his brother Malcolm, the company was bought by Detroit Aircraft Corporation in 1929, only to have the parent corporation file for bankruptcy in 1932. During that same year, banks Robert and Courtland Gross bought Lockheed's assets and revived the company's business with the Electra, a twin-engined all metal airliner. The advent of World War II began the company's business as a defense contractor by beginning with the P-38 Lightning bomber and continues as a primary contractor for U.S. defense aircraft as Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Allan Loughead (1889 - 1969) legally changed his last name to Lockheed in order that its spelling would match its pronunciation. He worked throughout World War II in aircraft design and development. Once when asked what he did during the early days of aviation, an elderly Lockheed responded "I survived".

This piece offers a rare opportunity to acquire this legendary aviation pioneer on an important stock.

Robert Congdon, was the son of Chester and Clara Congdon. The family built the Glensheen estate in Duluth. Glensheen is known as Duluth's American Castle, as showcased on Art and Entertainment's America's Castles. It is a 7.6 acre estate built between 1905-08 by Chester A. Congdon.