Castle, Vernon. (1887 - 1918) & Castle, Irene. (1893-1969). Autograph Signatures on Calling Card. An exceedingly rare example of the signatures of the popular ballroom dancers credited with invigorating the popularity of modern dancing. Dated February, 1914. Inscribed by famous dance team Vernon and Irene Castle. Ink on card measuring approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Light toning and edgewear. Very good.
After serving with distinction as a pilot in World War I, Vernon was posted to Canada to train new pilots, and then promoted to Captain and posted to the U.S. to train American pilots. On February 15, 1918, on a peaceful flying field at Benbrook Field, near Fort Worth, Texas, he took emergency action shortly after takeoff to avoid a collision with another aircraft. His plane stalled, and he was unable to recover control in time before the plane hit the ground. Vernon was the only casualty. He died soon after the crash, on February 15, 1918 (aged 30).
Castle, Vernon. (1887 - 1918) & Castle, Irene. (1893-1969). Autograph Signatures on Calling Card. An exceedingly rare example of the signatures of the popular ballroom dancers credited with invigorating the popularity of modern dancing. Dated February, 1914. Inscribed by famous dance team Vernon and Irene Castle. Ink on card measuring approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Light toning and edgewear. Very good.
After serving with distinction as a pilot in World War I, Vernon was posted to Canada to train new pilots, and then promoted to Captain and posted to the U.S. to train American pilots. On February 15, 1918, on a peaceful flying field at Benbrook Field, near Fort Worth, Texas, he took emergency action shortly after takeoff to avoid a collision with another aircraft. His plane stalled, and he was unable to recover control in time before the plane hit the ground. Vernon was the only casualty. He died soon after the crash, on February 15, 1918 (aged 30).