Amelia Earhart's '$40,000' goggles glide into Clars' 'landmark auction

Each September, Clars hosts its landmark sale of the year and this September may likely be its richest, according to the firm.

Internationally important historic memorabilia collections, fine art from Old Masters and contemporary icons, museum quality Asian offerings plus investment quality jewellery, decoratives and antiques will draw bidders from around the world.

Turning first to the important historic collections to be offered is a most captivating collection of Amelia Earhart memorabilia with provenance directly to the famed aviator.

This collection comes to the block from three different consignors and all items have been privately held until now. This collection includes over twenty unpublished gelatin silver photographs and a pair of her Luxor No. 6 flying goggles.

The goggles that will be offered come with impressive provenance. Earhart was reportedly wearing these goggles when she experienced her first crash in July 1921 in her Airster while learning to fly with instructor Neta Snook.

Memorabilia with provenance directly linked to Amelia Earhart has sold
for tens of thousands at auction

Sporting evidence of the mishap, the goggles are complete with a crack from the crash and will be offered with their original aluminum storage case.

The July 1921 crash is written about by Snook in her book I Taught Amelia to Fly. A signed copy of her book will be offered with the goggles. The goggles and case were given by Snook to a relative who has consigned them to Clars. The pre-sale estimate on this lot is $20,000 to $40,000.

However, if the unexpected price achieved on a pair of Earhart goggles at the Profiles in History auction in 2009 is any indicator, these goggles could likely go for much more.

In 2009, a pair of flight goggles which she wore on another of her important transatlantic journeys in 1932 soared to a price of $141,600.

Last year in June 2010, a signed letter from 1929 sold at Sotheby's for $3,125.

Watch this space for more news on Clars' sale.