RARE 1944 Vincent Bendix Helicopter Press Kit Archive & Original Printing Mat Flong

Authentic WWII-Era Aviation Ephemera & Newspaper Stereotyping Publishing History

Up for sale is a remarkably rare, museum-grade archival lot detailing the December 4, 1944 announcement of the Bendix Helicopter, Inc. Four-Passenger "Sedan / Limousine" concept.

This is an original mid-WWII media distribution package sent directly from the company’s offices at 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York.

Most importantly, this archive features an incredibly scarce industrial artifact: the original, reverse-embossed composition advertising flong (newspaper dry mat) used by media houses to cast the metal printing plates for local news publications.

What’s Included in This Historical Lot:

1. Original Newspaper Stereotype Dry Mat (Flong): Measuring approximately 6 inches wide, this thick composition printing matrix features a deeply debossed, reverse-image rendering of the Bendix Helicopter and its matching promotional text block. The reverse side features the classic brick-textured reinforcement pattern and bears the red stamped hallmark of the historic "CERTIFIED" Dry Mat Corporation of New York.

2. Original Illustrated Promotional Spec Paper: The direct, forward-facing print counterpart matching the matrix, titled "Vincent Bendix's Helicopter," detailing the 300-horsepower radial air-cooled engine, 140 mph top speed, and counter-rotating rotor design.

3. Full 4-Page Typewritten Press Release: Complete and clean typewritten document dated "For Release December 4, 1944". Features comprehensive engineering concepts, quotes from Vincent Bendix regarding safety, automatic autorotation (two-lever control), and grand plans for post-war mass production of flying automobiles.

4. Large-Format 3-View Technical Illustration Print: Measures approximately 8.5" x 11" showing the top-down, profile, and front-facing technical views of the coaxial helicopter.

5. Separate Profile Illustration Print: A high-gloss promotional presentation sheet focusing solely on the sleek, futuristic aerodynamic fuselage side-profile.

Historical Context:

Vincent Bendix (famous for the automotive Bendix starter drive and aviation components) founded Bendix Helicopter, Inc. independently from Bendix Aviation Corp. to pursue a "flying automobile" for the masses. This design features a highly ambitious coaxial counter-rotating rotor assembly meant to eliminate the tail rotor completely. This piece captures a pivotal moment of WWII-era optimism for a post-war aviation boom. The inclusion of the Certified Dry Mat makes it a spectacular crossover piece for both aviation buffs and letterpress/printing history collectors.

Condition Report:

• Printing Mat / Flong: Structurally sound with exceptionally sharp, crisp debossed detailing. Reverse text and graphics remain perfectly legible. Backing has nice color retention with the "Certified" stamps clear and intact. Minor expected handling wear at the margins.

• Paper Ephemera: Excellent vintage condition given its 80+ years of age. Light natural toning/age-darkening to the typewritten sheets. Minor edge wear or light handling crinkles present. No major tears, heavy stains, or distracting modern ink marks.

• Please review all high-resolution photos with the included tape measure to assess specific dimensions and condition details.

Shipping & Handling:

Packaged with professional care. This entire archive will be secured flat with heavy archival-safe backing boards and shipped inside a rigid, impact-resistant mailer to prevent any bending, crushing, or moisture exposure during transit. Tracking included.

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