Edwardian 15ct Gold & Silver Brooch set with Diamonds & Garnets Attributed to Blériot’s XI Aeroplane

A rare model of a bi-plane attributed to Blériot’s XI aeroplane.

Blériot was born in Cambrai, France and studied engineering in Paris.

His interest in aviation started in 1900, building an ornithopter, (flapping wing device) which failed. After this he devoted his time to more practical aeroplane designs.

In 1903 he teamed up with Gabriel Voisin, another aeroplane designer, to form the Blériot-Voisin Company. They built a floatplane glider, which flew in 1905 and a biplane powered by an Antoinette engine.

The company broke up in 1906 and Blériot began to design, build and fly aeroplanes of his own. His early designs were of box kite and canard (tail first) types, the Blériot V was claimed to be the world’s first successful monoplane, this got airborne, but crashed and was abandoned.

He is best known for making the first flight across the English Channel on July 25^th1909 in his Blériot XI aeroplane. It was his first truly successful monoplane and made the crossing in 37 minutes.

A AED 4,900 prize had been offered by the Daily Mail for the first successful flight across the English Channel.

This 15ct gold and silver brooch is a more than likely a special commission of a model of his plane. Even the propeller turns!  It has been set with diamonds that have an approximate weight of 1.32 carats and garnets.