Amelia Earhart remains famous worldwide as a pioneer of flight, and a feminist icon.
Fascinated with flying from an early age (following a chaotic 'first flight' in a wooden box on a homemade rollercoaster) she was fearless in her flights, especially on her beloved 'Old Bessie' with which she crossed the Atlantic. She was the founder of the Ninety-Nines - a club of female pilots which exists to this day.
One of her more significant flights took place on January 11 1935 when she became the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California - a journey which had claimed the lives of others in 1927. Two and a half years later, she was to mysteriously disappear whilst attempting a round the world trip.
Earhart memorabilia has retained its significance over the years, and much is preserved in museums, such as the Museum of Women Pilots in Oklahoma City.
On occasion, a piece has been used as a talisman. A scarf of Earhart's was taken into space by Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot the space shuttle and another is expected to be taken up this spring along with her wristwatch.
 Signed photo of Amelia Earhart |
Certainly, the memorabilia which have been made available for auction have commanded substantial prices, which the recent film based on Earhart's life will not harm. In October, Earhart's goggles sold for a startling $141,600, whilst even a signed photo achieved $6,300 at a Bonhams auction.
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Images: Bonhams
