46

Dayton-Wright Company.

Photo album of wartime production at the company's plants.

Ohio, February to July 1918 and undated
84 photographs, each about 7¼ x 9½ inches and mounted on linen, most captioned in negative and/or with typed caption labels on verso, mounted on stubs and bound, with 3 additional unmounted photographs laid in (similar size). Oblong 4to, limp calf wrappers gilt-stamped "The Dayton Wright Airplane Co." on front, moderate wear; a least one photo excised, slight curling, a few with moderate edge wear. 

  • Notes: As World War One began to draw the United States closer to participation, the Dayton-Wright Company was launched in 1917 to help meet demand for military aircraft. They had three Oho plants, in Moraine, Miamisburg, and Dayton. Orville Wright served as a consultant, and the company made use of the old Wright factory buildings for one of its three plants, but the main drivers of this company were investors Charles F. Kettering and Edward A. Deeds. They were one of several companies producing the DH.4 biplane, churning out about 3,000 over the course of the war. 

    This album shows production and facilities at all three Dayton-Wright plants. Many show male or female workers in the act of assembly, with dozens of fuselages lined up on the factory floor. The plant's women worked on wing assembly, in the motor department, sewing canvas, and other tasks.  Many show the company's experimental station. One photograph shows the plant's large staff of uniformed guards standing at attention; two show a recreational outing of the company's Foreman's Club. In a group of managers standing in front of a completed plane, Orville Wright can be seen at center. 
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000