Collecting the Wright Brothers, Right or Wrong?

Most philographers (autograph collectors) who collect the autographs of the Wright Brothers know that there were more than just Orville (1871-1948) and Wilbur (1867-1912). Reuchlin Wright (1861-1920) and Lorin Wright (1862-1939) were Wilbur and Orville's older brothers. There was even a sister, Katharine Wright (1874-1929).

In "The Sanders Autograph Price Guide 7th edition" published in 2009 (I co-wrote Chapter 1 "Authentication"), a bank check signed by Orville is valued at $500-$700. One signed by Wilbur is listed at $1930-$2795. The values depended upon how the check was signed. A bank cancellation hole almost always obliterates part of the signature on early Wright checks. The signature of the payee if endorsed on verso may also increase the value. For example, a check payable to and endorsed by Charles E. Taylor (1868-1956), the builder of the Wright Flyer's engine, is especially desirable.

Early checks were signed by Orville "Wright Cycle Co./ow"

and by Wilbur "Wright Cycle Co./ww." At times, Wilbur's "W" resembled Orville's "W."

Later, Orville would sign "Wright Brothers/ow"

and Wilbur would sign "Wright Brothers/ww" with his usual "W" which differed greatly from Orville's.

As the company's business manager, Lorin would sign business checks "Wright Brothers"

and "Orville Wright/L."

It's not difficult to spot a Lorin Wright check.
Lorin's "W" differs greatly from Orville's "W" and Wilbur's "W."
A loop at the start of the initial stroke of the "W" is always present when Lorin signs.

This is an Orville Wright signature signed by Orville.

This is not a remarkable discovery or breaking news to which autograph collectors have recently been alerted ... and a check signed "Orville Wright" by Lorin is not a check signed by a secretary, it is signed by a Wright Brother, albeit Lorin, not Orville.

One more very important word to the wise: When a writer of an autograph article or study alerts you that an autograph is not authentic, saying that he has compared a questioned signature to "known genuine examples," who has authenticated those "known genuine examples"?

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