2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
Absentee bidding for this session ends on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST.
The live portion of this session begins on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST
James B. Taylor (born James Blackstone Taylor III on December 14,1921), also known as Jim Taylor was an American aviation executive known for his work in corporate jet marketing, specifically the Pan Am Falcon, the Cessna Citation, the Canadair Challenger, and the Gates Learjet. Taylor served as President at Canadair (1976-1985) and President & CEO at Gates Learjet Corporation (1985-1988).Aviation Hall of Fame. Jim Taylor was selected for the Aviation Week & Space Technology Laureates Hall of Fame, now housed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. He received the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, the National Aeronautic Association’s Elder Statesman of Aviation Award,[9] and the Gathering of Eagles Program’s Man of the Year Award. An insightful archive of James Taylor’s received letters. The 60 signed letters were written from a wide range of National leaders; Airplane experts, Politicians, Publishers, and Celebrities. Value: This archive, unlike most archives, is worth MORE as a group rather than being sold as individual letters. The archive does provide insight into the small jet business. 001 Neil Alden Armstrong (1930-2012) Astronaut. Typed Letter Signed "Neil" on personal letterhead 12/16/1985, in small part "I suggest that compensation be at standard board member rate rather than my professional appearance fee which is exorbitant" 002 Neil Alden Armstrong (1930-2012) Astronaut. Typed Letter Signed "Neil" on personal letterhead 2/16/2000 regarding First Equity Outing ..." 003 George Bush (July 6, 1946-) President. Typed Letter Signed "George Bush" on Campaign letterhead, 1/10/2000 regarding his presidential campaign. 004 Richard Gavin Gardiner Casey, (1890-1976), 16th Governor-General of Australia, 1965-1969. Typed Letter Signed, "Richard" 7/4/1967 on Governemnt letterhead. Discussing jets, in part "The Falcon that you mention is, I gather , the same as what we call the Mystere ..." 005 Richard Gavin Gardiner Casey, (1890-1976), Typed Letter Signed, "Richard" 8/10/1967 on Governemnt letterhead. Discusses Taylor's son Jim. 006 Mario Matthew Cuomo (1932-2015) Governor of New York, Typed Letter Signed, Mario M. Cuomo" on government letterhead, 12/5/1991. Cuomo writes a diddie ... "The Taylors of Westport Ct, Write of flying with obvious glee. And Mario Cuomo, New York's majordomo, Is grateful to choppers and planes and to thee." 007 Robert Joseph Dole (1923- 2021) United States Senator, Typed Letter Signed "Bob" on United States Senate letterhead, 1/4/1972. In part, "It was good meeting you on the flight to Witchita ...While we did get there, we did make it which would not have been possible without your help..." 008 James Harold Doolittle ( 1896-1993) Medal of Honor for personal valor and leadership as commander of the Doolittle Raid. Typed Letter Signed, "Jim" on Shell Oil Corporation letterhead, 12/9/1946. In small part, "Thanks for your note of December 5 offering to give me some dope on the Navion. I'll be very pleased to have you demonstrate it for me as I would like to learn more about the flying characteristics of this excellent little airplane." 009 James Harold Doolittle (1896-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Jim" on his personal letterhead, 4/12/1968. In part, "I had a hop in the new Falcon and felt the controls. It is a dandy." 010 James Harold Doolittle ( 1896-1993),Typed Letter Signed, "Jim" on his personal letterhead, 4/17/1973. In part, Thanks for your kind invitation to the dedication of the Citation Service Center and Cessna demonstration ..." 011 Malcolm Stevenson (Steve) Forbes Jr. (1947-) Editor-in-chief of Forbes, a business magazine, and grandson of that publication's founder B.C. Forbes. Typed Letter Signed by Malcolm Forbes' five children "Steve", "Bob", "Kip", "Tim, and "Moira" on Forbes Magazine letterhead, 4/5/1990. In small part, "What Pop meant to the five of us, we tried to express at his memorial service. ... We hope you fully realize how much your generous words .. are appreciated..." 012 Malcolm Stevenson (Steve) Forbes Jr. (1947-) In full, "Great Piece! You're so right about Congress!" 013 Malcolm Stevenson Forbes (1919-1990) was an American entrepreneur and politician most prominently known as the publisher of Forbes magazine, which was founded by his father B. C. Forbes. Typed Letter Signed "Malcomb" on Forbes letterhead, 11/20/1980. In large part, "What a fantastic treasure you have presented The HIGHLANDER ..You shall see the blueprints and your letter hanging for all to enjoy ..." 014 Malcolm Stevenson Forbes (1919-1990) Typed Letter Signed, "Malcomb" on Forbes Magazine letterhead, 8/27/1984. In part, "Of course anything that so joltingly reminds us of the wee balance by which we hang is disconcerting! In the case of my recent separation from my motorcycle, one happy result has been to truly enjoy such thoughtfulness as your ...." 015 William Henry Getty France, AKA Bill France Sr. (1909-1992) was an American businessman and racing driver. He is best known for founding and managing NASCAR. Typed Letter Signed "Bill Sr" on International Speedway letterhead, 3/11/1981. In part "It was a fun week I thought everything came out pretty well with nobody badly hurst. Considering the rain, we did a lot of business...." was an American businessman and racing driver. 016 William Henry Getty France, AKA Bill France Sr. (1909-1992). Typed letter Signed "Bill Sr" on his personal stationary, 12/29/1981. In part, "Enclosed is a schedule of our activities ... Hope you can join us at Daytona. ..." 017 William Henry Getty France, AKA Bill France Sr. (1909-1992) Typed letter Signed "Bill Sr" on International Speedway letterhead, 4/9/1982. In part, "Thanks for the excellent shots you made of the activities during the 500. ... I would like to borrow the negatives to have a few enlargements made ...." 018 William Henry Getty France, AKA Bill France Sr. (1909-1992) Typed letter Signed "Bill Sr" on International Speedway letterhead, 4/19/1982. In part, "Thanks for sending the negatives from the photographs you took at the Daytona 500. Sorry you won't be able to join us in Talladega. ..." 019 Eva Gabor (1919-1995) was a Hungarian-American actress and socialite. Typed Letter Signed "Gabor" on her personal stationary, 5/3/1982. In full, "I shall be eternally grateful to you for letting me ride in your beautiful plane." 020 Barry Morris Goldwater (1909-1998) United States Senator. He successfully urged president Richard Nixon to resign in 1974 when evidence of a cover-up in the Watergate scandal became overwhelming and impeachment was imminent. Typed Letter Signed "Barry" on his personal stationary, 10/27/1992. In part, "The good you have done for aviation is impossible to measure. I've known you almost all of my flying life which goes back 60 years and God knows how many airplanes ...." 021 William Barron Hilton (1927-2019) The second son and successor of hotelier Conrad Hilton, he was the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Hilton Hotels Corporation. Hilton, a notable pilot and outdoorsman, was also a founder of the American Football League as the original owner of the Los Angeles Chargers. In addition to his single-engine and multi-engine ratings, Hilton eventually earned glider, lighter than air (balloons) and helicopter ratings as well. He maintained a small fleet of aircraft at his Flying M Ranch east of the sierras in northern Nevada that includes sailplanes, tow planes, aerobatic aircraft, hot air balloons and classic, restored biplanes. Typed Letter Signed "Barron" on Hilton letterhead, 3/7/1988. In part, "Thank you for your letter advising that you have resigned as chairman and CEO of Gates Learjet ..." 022 William Barron Hilton (1927-2019) Typed Letter Signed "Barron" on Hilton letterhead, 6/29/1988. In part, "There is no question that corporations would be able to reduce the cost of their aviation ... if they were to buy time as needed ... There is however a status problem, as alot of CEO's take pride in having it known that they are flying in their own personal aircraft ...." 023 Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (1903-2003) "Thanks for the Memories". Typed Letter Signed "Bob" on his personal stationary, 6/30/1982. In part, "It was a great deal of personal pride that I accepted the Distinguished Citizen Award ... Your part in this success is special to me. ...." 024 Edward (Ted) Moore Kennedy (1932-2009), He is ranked fifth in U.S. history for length of continuous service as a senator. Typed Letter Signed "Ted Kennedy" on his United States Senate letterhead. In part, "Thank you for your recent correspondence and enclosed information. ..." 025 Robert Francis Kennedy (1925-1968). He was considered an icon of modern American liberalism. Typed Letter Signed "Robert F Kennedy" on his United States Senate letterhead, 7/16/1965. In part, "Thank you for your recent letter ... I was most interested in what Pam Am has done with the Fan Jet Falcon ..." 026 Robert Francis Kennedy (1925-1968). Typed Letter Signed "Robert F Kennedy" on his United States Senate letterhead, 6/20/1966. In full, "Thank you for sending me your attractive and interesting brochure describing Napoleon's military carriage." 027 Prince Karim Al-Husseini AKA Aga Khan IV (1936-). Typed Letter Signed "Aga Khan" on his business letterhead, 4/6/1967. In part, "Thank you very much ... for your offer to use Pan American's sevices for my Mystere 20 .... I'm sure you will be happy to know that my Mystere has been functioning impeccably and that it has proved to be a wonderful working instrument." 028 John Sidney McCain III (1936-2018), was an American politician and United States Navy officer who served as a U.S. senator from Arizona. McCain became a naval aviator and flew ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. Typed Letter Signed "John" on official United States Senator letterhead, 10/5/1987. In part, "The Jimmie Taylor Memorial Room .. seems a most fitting tribute to your father who was quoted as being 'one of the greatest test pilots in American History'. 029 Maureen O'Hara ( 1920-2015). Ms. O'Hara was called the Queen of Technicolor, because when that film process first came into use, nothing seemed to show off its splendor better than her rich red hair, bright green eyes and flawless peaches-and-cream complexion. Signed Photo of a sea plane, "Charles and Maureen Blair". 030 Maureen O'Hara ( 1920-2015). In part, "My sincere thanks to you for your kind expression of sympathy on the occasion of Charlie's death. ..." 031 Arnold Daniel Palmer (1929- 2016) was an American professional golfer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most charismatic players in the sport's history. Typed Letter Signed "Arnold" on his personal stationary, 12/26/1973. In part, " I am extremely sorry about the turn of events regarding the Citation. It certainly is a fine airplane -- one which I have very much enjoyed flying ... It is my sincere hope that this situation will clarify itself soon so that we can do some earnest talking about new airplanes. ..." 032 Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Sr. (1926-2012) Sulzberger became publisher of The New York Times in 1963 and chairman of the board of The New York Times Company in 1973. Sulzberger relinquished to his son, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., the office of publisher in 1992, and the board chairmanship in 1997. Typed Letter Signed "Pe" on New York Times Letterhead, 4/18/1994. In part, "We just had our Falcon-50 completely refitted and I am taking it on my maiden voyage this afternoon. ..." 033 Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Sr. (1926-2012) Typed Letter Signed "Pe" on New York Times Letterhead, 5/9/1994. In part, "I have not yet been brought up to date on Connecticut real estate discussions ..." 034 Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Sr. (1926-2012) Typed Letter Signed "Pe" on New York Times Letterhead, 12/14/1994. In part, "With the continuing commuter airplane mishaps, I am beginning to think that I don't wish to fly with anything that has less than six motors. .." 035 Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Sr. (1926-2012) Typed Letter Signed "Pe" on New York Times Letterhead, 6/5/1997. In part, "You will be pleased to know that we remain so enthusiastic about General Aviation that we just ordered a new Falcon 50." 036 Lowell Jackson Thomas (1892-1981) was an American writer, broadcaster, and traveler. In April 1945, Thomas flew in a normally single-person P-51 Mustang over Berlin while it was being attacked by the Soviet Union, reporting live via radio. Typed Letter Signed "Lowell Thomas" on his personal letterhead, 12/5/1947. In part, "I've been running around the country ... and your letter of October 31 just tracked me down. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to help you out. .." 037 Lowell Jackson Thomas (1892-1981) Typed Letter Signed "Lowell Thomas" on his personal letterhead, 4/9/1948. In part, "Your idea about a radio program for the entire aviation industry probably has possibilities. ..... " 038 Juan Terry Trippe (1899-1981) Founder of Pan American World Airways. Trippe created the Aviation Corporation of the Americas. Based in Florida, the company would evolve into the unofficial United States flag carrier, Pan American Airways, commonly known as Pan Am....Pan Am's first flight took off on October 19, 1927. Typed Letter Signed "Juan Trippe" on Pan American Airways letterhead, 12/30/1938. In part, "I bought a little Ranger Fairchild 24 which I have put on floats ...I am a confirmed float pilot after the two months experience this summer...." 039 Juan Terry Trippe (1899-1981) Typed Letter Signed "Juan Trippe" on his professional letterhead. In part, "I agree with you that Pan Am and in particular Pan Am's Business Aircraft industry. .." 040 James Harold Doolittle (1896-1993) Medal of Honor for personal valor and leadership as commander of the Doolittle Raid. Typed Letter Signed "Jim" on his personal letterhead, 6/15/1987. In part, "Have your kind note and brochure on the 'Survival of General Aviation'. I read it with interest and find your remarks well taken and presented. ..." 041 Barry Morris Goldwater (1909-1998) United States Senator. He successfully urged president Richard Nixon to resign in 1974 when evidence of a cover-up in the Watergate scandal became overwhelming and impeachment was imminent. Typed Letter Signed "Barry" on his personal letterhead, 8/29/1989. In part, "What is wrong with Aviation manufacturing business in this country, particularly in the general aviation field, is the God awful prices that pilots have to pay to fly. ... I started flying 60 years ago ... I've owned a Navion, a Waco, a Beech Bonanza and a modified Twin Beech. ...." 042 William Powell Lear (1902-1978) Founder of Learjet. He also invented the battery eliminator for the B battery, and developed the car radio and the 8-track cartridge, an audio tape system.Throughout his career of 46 years, Lear received over 140 patents. Typed Letter Signed "Bill" on personal stationary, 1/8/2001, some smudging. In part, "Am now living at Spruce Creek Fly-In at Daytona Beach ... It's an aviation communitty, gated with our own 4,000 foot private runway. ..." 043 Norio Ohga (1930-2011), President and Chairman of Sony Typed Letter Signed "Norio Ohga" on Sony Corporation letterhead, 12/21/1984. In part, " First of all I want to say my heartiest congratulations to you for being awarded 'The 1984 Aviation Man of the Year'award...." 044 Betty Stettinius Trippe "Pan Am's First Lady". Autograph Letter Signed "Betty Trippe" on her stationary, 2/18/1971, discussing airline costs. 045 Betty Stettinius Trippe "Pan Am's First Lady". Autograph Letter Signed "Betty Trippe" on Ten Gracie Square stationary. Invitation to vist. 046Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Son of the founder, the second IBM president. Typed Letter Signed "Tom" with closing hand written note, on his personal stationary, 11/16/1987. In part, " I saw your father fly a number of times during the 30's and his great skill made my mouth water. What a wonderful man he was! ...." 047 Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Tom" on his personal stationary, 11/5/1992. In part, "You've had a terrific career in aviation , and were probably the best of anyone in selling business aviation on the fact that airplanes were the way to go...." 048 Arthur Morton Godfrey (1903-1983) was an American radio and television broadcaster. Autograph Letter Signed "Arthur" on a 7" x 9" B/W photo mounted to thick board stock. The image shows Godfrey in his airplane speaking with Taylor. In full, "NYC 8/19/77, Dear Jim: Thirty years and 12,000 logged hours ago! A good chunk of both our lives and a fabulous period. Both a different ? I don't know; you're a little heavier and I'm forty pounds lighter - but I think we're both still beautiful! Stay well and Happy! Arthur, You're still selling good airplanes and I'm still flying them. Now over 17,000 hours" 049 Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Tom" on his personal stationary, 5/15/1991. In part, "That was a great speech, but it will be a pretty tough idea to fly. If anybody can do it, you can. .." 050 Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Tom" on his personal stationary, 7/27/1993. In part, "Don't be too discouraged about Bill Clinton. ... If Clinton fails and we go back to spend and spend .. we will be bankrupt ..." 051 Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Tom" on his personal stationary, 12/19/1989, In part, "I've always been interested in pooling my plane in a flight service group and simply pay when I use the airplane. The rates you suggest are really below what it costs me to operate my Lear 55. ..." 052 Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Tom" on his personal stationary, 9/8/1989. In part, "... our Knome-Rhone engines very rarely stop. ... I can assure you that I would have never heard the end of it if I hadn't gotten it down safely. ..." 053 Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Tom" on his personal stationary, 8/2/1989. In part, "I was at 1200 feet, but using recently refreshed helicopter techniques, I managed to get the thing into a tiny field undamaged - pilot and airplane. ..." 054 Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993) Typed Letter Signed "Tom" on his personal stationary, 3/24/1988. In part, "Congratulations on a fantastic career. You have indeed had the excitement of the best years of aviation ...." 055 James Vincent Forrestal (1892-1949) was the last Cabinet-level United States Secretary of the Navy. Typed Letter Signed "Forrestal" on The Under Secretary of the Navy letterhead, 7/7/1942. In part, "Thank you for your letter concerning Lieutenant Commander James B Taylor Jr. who lost his life in the act of testing an airplane for the United States Navy. ... We all have the highest regard for Jimmie Taylor ..." 056 Sergei Sikorsky (1925- ) Son of the founder of Sikorsky Aircraft . Typed Letter Signed "Sergei S." on his personal letterhead, 8/28/2001. In part, "Charles Lindbergh's daughter Reeve and I are presenting a joint lecture on the Lindbergh-Sikorsky friendship and its effect on the design of Pan Am's Clippers. ...." 057 John Francis Welch Jr. (1935-2020) was Chairman and CEO of General Electric . Autograph Note Signed "Jack" on the bottom of a letter written to Jack Welch by "Jim" Taylor on JBT letterhead. Jim advises Jack that he "Enjoyed your NBC interview yesterday morning." Welch responds, "Thanks! You were nice towrite. What a huge week for al of us - including your industry which had to suffer more than any indusctry." 058 Gerald Edward Miller (1919-2014) was a vice admiral in the United States Navy. Typed Letter Signed "Jerry" on personal stationary, 10/13/1987. In part, "Your hospitality in including us in the special event for your father was greatly appreciated. I hope you were pleased with the Test Pilot Memorial Room. ..." 059 Russell W. Meyer Jr. (1932-) is the chairman emeritus and former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Cessna. Typed Letter Signed "Russ" on Cessna Stationary, 8/21/1995. In part, "There has been quite a bit of water under the bridge since you and I worked together at Cessna 20 years ago. Can you believe that we have delivered more than 2300 Citations among 71 countries. ..." 060 Betty Stettinius Trippe "Pan Am's First Lady". Autograph Letter Signed "Betty Trippe" on her New York City stationary, 10/27/1970. In part, "The job at the Cotton Bay Club is most certianly open for you and Bernice. I am so glad you want to come back. ..."Cotton Bay is located approximately 9 miles south of Rock Sound. Juan Trippe, founder of Pan American Airways, built the Cotton Bay Club in 1959 as a private enclave for his friends.
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