Artcurial to Auction Jean Mermoz's Personal Collection in 2026

Artcurial will hold its first-ever auction of personal items and memorabilia from Jean Mermoz (1901–1936) on November 3rd, 2026. The collection, preserved by his family since his death, offers a rare glimpse into the private life of a legendary Aéropostale figure. Among the over 200 lots are his leather coat worn in the Andes, a parachute engraved with his name, aviator’s goggles, and a second lieutenant’s cap. Also up for bid are childhood mementoes like christening clothes and school drawings, along with letters recounting his numerous accidents and a rare inscribed photographic portrait of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry dedicated “to my old friend Mermoz.” Mermoz was one of France’s most celebrated aviators and a key figure in the Aéropostale. This sale traces his extraordinary life and the artifacts that defined his career and personal history.