Lot 688 Great Britain 1911 (February 18), First Aerial Post registered postcard to Calcutta, 1a stationery uprated with 4a adhesive, tied by neatly-struck rose “First Aerial Post / U.P. Exhibition Allahabad” cachet, registration etiquette alongside, Allahabad despatch and Wellesley Street Calcutta c.d.s. (2½2 Feb) c.d.s. on front, some light edge wear and trivial marks at lower left, a fine and rare registered card, and a desirable example from the world’s first official air mail flight. Estimate C$1,500, sold for C$3,200 plus 17% buyer’s premium.
Allahabad
Lot 726, India 1911 World’s First Official Air Mail Flight, Allahabad to Naini Junction
Day 2 of Sale 49 continues today with Postal History.
Lot 726 India FEB.11, 1911 World’s First Official Air Mail Flight, Allahabad to Naini Junction, a registered cover with large magenta First Aerial Post cachet canceling the 2R stamp, plus a second free strike, addressed to “Local”, with Allahabad registration label. Back has two Allahabad receivers (FE 18 and FE 20). Wrinkles and light staining from label at top, else fine and rare. Estimate C$500.
Lot 1386A, 1911 World’s First Official Air Mail Flight, Allahabad to Naini Junction then Calcutta, sold for C$4,680
Lot 1386A 1911.FEB.11 World’s First Official Air Mail Flight, Allahabad to Naini Junction, then to Calcutta, with Allahabad and Bombay datestamps on front. A large size post card with large magenta First Aerial Post cachet canceling stamp, plus a second free strike, reverse depicting the biplane used for this historical air mail flight. The card is signed on back by the pilot Henri Pequet (only 40 recorded) and on front by Stephen H. Smith. Tears at bottom, still a rare and desirable flight. From the Pont Collection. Estimate $1,000, sold for C$4,000.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.