A close up of the control board in a Howard Hughes plane, likely the Lockheed L-14 Super Electra.

Howard Hughes standing in the doorway of his plane and shaking the hand of an unidentified individual amongst a crowd of men at the Grand Central Air Terminal in Los Angeles.

Howard Hughes (second from the right) standing with other unidentified men near his plane in the hangar at the Grand Central Air Terminal in Los Angeles.

Description printed on back of photograph: "Howard Hughes' plane landing at Fairbanks, Alaska, on flight around the world. 7/15/1938"

The exterior of Hughes Research Laboratories where rock bits were test-drilled in Culver City, California in the 1940s. Transcribed from note taped to back of photo: "Rock bits are test-drilled in the laboratory under conditions that duplicate, as far as is possible in the laboratory, those encountered in actual drilling. As a result, rotational speeds, loads, and fluid volume are closely controlled. The rig operator occupies a splash-proof booth above the 'cellar floor.' The instruments on his control panel provide for application and measurement of variable axial loading on the drilling bit up to 100,000 lbs., variable rotational speeds up to 400 rpm, measurement of bit penetration over a total vertical travel of 5 feet at rates up to 180 ft. per hour, and torque. On the panel, also, are several controls for the operation of mud pump and other accessory equipment."

A view of crowds and the press at a parade for Howard Hughes celebrating the flyer's completion of his Round-The-World trip in Chicago.

Postcard back - Sent to Mr. E. S. Giles in Goldfield Nevada, dated 7/3/29. Reads: "Arrived in Salt Lake City to-day. Denver to-morrow. Everything O.K. Rich(?)"