Very rare Airplane Model League of America (AMLA) contest check, 8.5 x 3.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Richard E. Byrd as honorary president, "R. E. Byrd," and countersigned vertically in the left margin by "Orville Wright" as chairman of the contest committee, made payable to Milton Wollman for $50, July 3, 1928. The check is also signed by American Boy Magazine editor Griffith Ogden Ellis, with the check indicating that Wollman came in "Fourth Place" in the "Stout Indoor Class B Event." In fine condition. Accompanied by an original transmittal letter from The American Boy magazine, addressed to Wollman and dated August 6, 1928, which notes: "Here's your prize check, duly cancelled. You'll probably want to keep it for some time!" The check is encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder. The first national indoor AMLA contest conducted by American Boy Magazine was held in Detroit in June with boys from all parts of the country vying to win the William B. Stout Trophy.
According to a 1929 Aero Digest article, AMLA was conceived and organized in September of 1927 by Griffith Ogden Ellis, then-editor of The American Boy magazine, with membership soaring to 200,000 in the first year. From a letter from Mitchell Charnley of The American Boy ‘s Editorial Department, dated May 29, 1929: ‘During the eighteen months since the League was organized by The American Boy, under National Aeronautic Association auspices, to further youthful interest in and knowledge of aviation, it has enrolled more than 300,000 members; it has distributed millions of plans for building scientific flying models; it has answered 400,000 letters from enthusiastic young model builders. It is conducting the national contests for the second time this year, and for the second time sending the winners to Europe, as well as offering more than 300 prizes in cash, medals, cups, trophies, scholarships and other awards. It has the cooperation and backing of Commander [Richard] Byrd, William B. Stout, Clarence Chamberlin, William P. MacCracken and other leading figures in 1929 aviation.’
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