China Clipper

China Clipper (NC14716), first Martin M-130 four-engine flying boat used during the first commercial transpacific air service from San Francisco to Manila in November of 1935, vintage photograph featuring Postmaster James A. Farley delivering a letter from President Roosevelt to be transported to President Manuel Quezon of the Philippines during the inaugural flight.

Sheet affixed to verso reads: "Official greetings from the President of the United States to the President of the Philippines Commonwealth, via the China Clipper, in the first flight of the California-Manila Transpacific Airmail. Photo taken while mail was being loaded on the giant Pan American Airways plane at Almeida, Calif. Shows Capt Edwin Musick, Commander of the China Clipper receiving President Roosevelt's letter, addressed to President Manuel Quezon, from James A. Farley, Postmaster General...11-22-35." Verso also bears Acme News Pictures, Inc. stamp.

Measuring approximately 7 x 9, this photograph is in very good condition, with some surface dings and scattered rippling.