According to the "Signal Corps Specification No.486" each bidder was required to furnish a certified cheque representing 10% of the cost price. All the failed bidders had their cheques returned. In the case of the Wrights cheque, being the winner, the $2,500 cheque became a bond and kept until the aircraft was completed and handed over to the corps. Well, that's how I read it.
So, $25,000 plus $5,000 for exceeding the specification with regards to speed...
That's better than pulling teeth Simplex!
a prize no greater than the revenue a dentist made in 10 years.
