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High hopes for Wright Brothers brand

Amanda Wright Lane, a great grandniece of Wilbur and Orville Wright, in Orville’s mansion.TY GREENLEES/DAYTON DAILY NEWS

OAKWOOD, Ohio — Want a Wright Brothers-brand bomber jacket or aviator sunglasses? They might soon be available to buy, as the aviation pioneers’ descendants try to generate revenue to keep up the mansion where Orville Wright lived for decades.

The Dayton Daily News reported that branded possibilities under potential consumer goods licensing deals could include high-end clothing and accessories, aviation chronographs, watches, and more.

‘‘I think some of things we’re looking at are really classy,’’ said Amanda Wright Lane, a great grandniece of Orville and Wilbur Wright. She said licensing their name for consumer goods will help maintain the 6,000-square-foot home and 3.4 acres. The Hawthorn Hill mansion is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

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The family has had earlier deals with media companies to raise funds to support aviation heritage causes and Wright State University.

Dayton-based Visual Marketing Associates is working on licensing agreements with a goal of merchandising the Wright Brothers brand for a continuing revenue stream for the family.

Kenneth Botts of the company said they will be careful to ‘‘guard’’ the brand. For example, a beer deal would be unlikely because the brothers did not drink.

One of the first agreements was with Revell Inc., a maker of plastic modeling kits.