A view of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat going on an unscheduled test run in San Pedro, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat going on an unscheduled test run in San Pedro, California.

Trascribed from attached press release: " Howard Hughes (wearing hat) talks over details of tomorrow's initial taxi testing of his 24,000 horsepower flying boat, Nov. 1, 1947." Hughes is standing between Chal Bowen(?) (left) and Gale J. Moore (right).

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "New York hails heroes of World Flight, New York City --- In the greatest reception since Lindbergh's, Howard Hughes and his gallant companions paraded up Broadway today, almost smothered beneath New York's ticker-tape accolade recognizing their record-smashing world dash. Here's Hughes, (center back, seat), gazing up the tons of torn paper fluttering down on him and his comrades, following in the car behind. Beside Hughes on the left is Grover Whalen, head of the New York World's Fair, 1939. Credit Line (ACME) 7/15/38."

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "As Hughes Visited Washington To Thank Cordell Hull, Washing, D. C. -- Police escorting Howard Hughes holding hat, through the admiring throungs at the Washington Airport as the intrepid flyer and his four companions on his Round-The-World flight came to the Capital, July 21st, to personally thank Secretary of State Cordell Hull for his cooperation in clearing their take-offs on their flight. Credit Line (ACME) 7/21/38."

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules at Terminal Island, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules at Terminal Island, California.