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United States Aerophilately

"VIN FIZ" FLOWN COVERS AND CARDS
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
1 c imageCrash of the "Vin Fiz" at Middletown, NY on September 18, 1911, photographic post card showing Rodgers and his mechanics rummaging through the wreckage of his Wright Model EX after having crashed in Middletown, NY following his attempted take-off, inscribed "Wreck of Roger's [sic] Aeroplane, Middletown, N.Y. 1911", address side franked with 1c Green Franklin and tied by "Middletown, N.Y./Sep 18, 1911" wavy line machine cancel, no message written on card, however it has been initialed by three individuals, including James Dunn, the chauffer to C. Meekel of Armour & Co., the sponsors of the "Vin Fiz" flight, very fine; the only recorded card postmarked on the day of the Middletown crash; an amazing same-day-produced picture post card "commemorating" the crash; Rodgers continued his flight on September 21 after making the necessary repairs. (imagea) (Image) Est. 1,000-1,500

SOLD for $800.00
Will close during Public Auction
2 c image1911/Aerial/Rodgers/Post/1911" Type 1 circular handstamp, well struck on address side of photographic post card illustrating the wrecked "Vin Fiz", noted in his own hand on the picture side "Part of wrecked machine" and "C.L. Wiggin" (mechanic), with arrow drawn pointing out himself and other mechanics examining the wreckage, 1c Green Franklin tied to card by "Salamanca, N.Y./Sep 25, 1911" waving flag machine cancel, addressed by Wiggin to L.A. Wiggin in Atlanta, with his brief message "Salamanca, N.Y. Sept 24th, C.L.W.", card with minor toning and light creases, fine; believed to be the only example known of the Type 1 circular handstamp from this famous transcontinental flight (the only one used alone - see next lot). (imagea) (Image) Est. 5,000-7,500

SOLD for $4,250.00
Will close during Public Auction
3 c image1911/Aerial/Rodgers/Post/1911 Type 1A circular handstamp, used in conjunction with straight line "RODGERS AERIAL ROUTE" handstamp in matching ink on the reverse of a lithographic picture post card of Rodgers at one of his wreck scenes, franked with 1c Green Franklin and tied by "Springfield, Ill./Oct 9, 1911" machine cancel (actually an important day in the history of the "Vin Fiz" stamps created by Rodgers' wife, Mabel, who on that day reportedly received a telegram from the Postmaster General Hitchcock appointing her an official postmistress - giving her stamps potentially more of an "official" status - but a copy of the telegram has never been found), message written by C.L. Wiggin "Springfield Ill. Oct 9th 1911. Arrived all OK from Peoria at 5:25 PM, C.L. Wiggin. Leave for Kansas City tomorrow" and addressed to M.S. Wiggin in Atlanta, very fine; the only recorded example of the Type 1A handstamp on cover. (imagea) (Image) Est. 5,000-7,500

SOLD for $6,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
4 c CL2 image#CL2, 25c Black, Rodgers "Vin Fiz" semi-official air post, cut close as always, affixed over top left edge of the address side of a flown souvenir post card (stamp was originally folded over on to the back side of the post card) and tied by by clear "San Antonio, Tex./Oct 22, 1911/8 PM" wavy line machine cancel, cancel also ties 1c Green Franklin, addressed to Dallas, Tex., minor creasing to card not affecting the "Vin Fiz" stamp, overall very fine.The message on the card (reported to have been written by Rodgers' wife Mabel) reads "McGinley and Estes Aviators To Be Mailed From San Antonio." and addressed to the Dallas News. This remarkable card began its journey on the "Vin Fiz" somewhere in Texas (probably Waco, Granger, Austin or Kyle) and made stops in Kyle and San Marcos, Tex, both on October 22, and arrived in San Antonio on the same day. From there it was forwarded by ground transportation to Dallas.One of only eight recorded flown covers bearing the famous "Vin Fiz" semi-official air post stamp, which was used during the first successful transcontinental flight. In addition, this is the only example used from San Antonio, Tex. An important artifact from one of the most pivitol events in aviation history; ex-McCoy, Goodkind, Lettick and O'Sullivan. (Image) Est. 40,000-50,000

SOLD for $47,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
5 c CL2 image#CL2, 25c Black, Rodgers "Vin Fiz" semi-official air post, cut close as always, trivial nick at top, affixed to reverse of flown cover and tied by "Oakland, Cal./Nov 6, 1911/8:30 AM Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco 1915" receiving machine cancel, address side with 1c Green Franklin tied by "Imperial Junction, Cal./Nov 4, 1911 A.M." c.d.s., envelope with Deming, N.M. grocer's printed corner card, addressed to a Miss Rosa Benicia Stone in Oakland, Cal., cover opened roughly at right, small tear at bottom and faint water stain, none of which affects the stamps or markings, overall very fine.This cover started its journey on the "Vin Fiz" on October 30 at Deming, N.M., and made multiple stops in: Lordsburgh, N.M. (October 30), Willcox, Ariz. (October 31), Tucson and Maricopa, Ariz. (November 1), Phoenix and Stoval, Ariz. (November 2) and finishing in Imperial Junction, Cal. (November 3). At Imperial Junction it was forwarded to Oakland by ground transportation.A most spectacular usage of the famous "Vin Fiz" semi-official air post stamp, being one of only eight recorded pieces of mail bearing this adhesive . In addition, this is the only "Vin Fiz" stamp known on an envelope - the other seven are on cards - unique in this regard. This cover also has the distinction of having realized the highest price of any of the eight known pieces of mail bearing the "Vin Fiz" stamp, when last offered at auction in March 2002 (Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc.). It realized $105,000.00, plus the buyer's premium, for a total of $115,500.00; ex-Mack. (imagea) (Image) Est. 75,000-100,000

SOLD for $70,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
6 c CL2 image#CL2, 25c Black, Rodgers "Vin Fiz" semi-official air post, cut close as always, affixed neatly to the top left portion of the address side of a picture post card depicting the "Vin Fiz" Flyer, along with an inset photo of Rodgers, used in conjunction with a 1c Green Franklin which is tied by clear strike of "Imperial Junction, Cal./Nov 4, 1911/A.M." c.d.s., addressed in blue crayon to a Mrs. Wharton M. Knight in Allegheny, Pa., backstamped "Pittsburg, Pa./Nov 8", trivial edge wear, very fine.The message on the card reads "Calbraith carried this in his Wright model Ex racing aeroplane from Tucson to Phoenix. Keep it as a souvenir." This handsome and amazing flown card began its journey from Tucson, Ariz., on November 1, 1911, with stops in Maricopa (November 1), Phoenix and Stoval, Ariz. (November 2), before finally arriving in Imperial Junction, Cal. on November 3. From there it was forwarded by ground transportation to Pennsylvania.One of only eight flown covers bearing the famous "Vin Fiz" semi-official air post stamp, as well as being one of the nicest quality examples available. In addition to the eight recorded covers, there are only four off cover "Vin Fiz" stamps known. A cover of extraordinary philatelic and historical significance. (imagea) (Image) Est. 40,000-50,000

SOLD for $60,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
7 c CL2 image#CL2, 25c Black, Rodgers "Vin Fiz" semi-official air post, cut close as always, minor scissor cut at upper right, affixed neatly (and upright) to top left corner of 1c McKinley postal card, additionally franked with a 1c Green Franklin, which is tied by a neat strike of "Pasadena, Cal./Nov 8, 1911/8-PM" machine cancel with Panama-Pacific slogan, addressed to an Otto Hunter in Cologne, Germany, slight creasing at card corners, overall very fine.On the reverse of the postal card is a message from C.F. Threle to his brother-in-law in Germany and reads "Willcox, Arz. Nov. 1, 1911. Dear Otto, As the first Transcontinental Rogers Aeroplane (Atlantic to Pacific Coast) passes through here to-day, I'll use these means of conveyance to send you a few lines, which please attach to your stamp collection. With kind regards to all, Your a.b.i.l [affectionate brother-in-law] C.F. Threle." This card had quite the journey on the "Vin Fiz", beginning in Willcox, Ariz. on November 1, 1911 and making numerous intermediate stops (Tucson and Maricopa, Ariz. on November 1, Phoenix and Stoval, Ariz. on November 2, Imperial Junction, Cal. on November 3, Banning, Cal. on November 4, and Beaumont and Pomona, Cal. on November 5) before arriving in Pasadena on November 5.Of the eight recorded examples of the "Vin Fiz" stamp on flown covers, this cover is perhaps the most remarkable and desirable of all for three unique reasons. First, this is the only stamp known on a flown card that reached the intended west coast destination of Pasadena. Second, this is the only one used on a United States postal card. And, finally, it is the only one used on mail to a foreign destination. A fabulous United States and air post rarity. (imagea) (Image) Est. 50,000-75,000

SOLD for $60,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
8 c image#AAMC #2c, Crash of Calbraith Rodger's "Vin Fiz" Flyer at Compton, Cal. on November 12, 1911, lithographic post card picturing Cal Rodgers and his "Vin Fiz" Flyer, on the address side is special five-line purple cachet for the flight, plus well struck three-line "Machine wrecked/at Compton/Aviator Injured handstamp, card franked with 1c Green Franklin and tied by bold "Long Beach, Cal./Nov 16, 1911/10 AM" machine flag cancel, addressed to a Mrs. T.E. Peters at Long Beach, bottom of card scuffed (damaged in crash?), otherwise fine.The five-line flight cachet was applied to mail intended to be carried by the "Vin Fiz" on the final leg of the flight, from Pasadena to Long Beach. However, the plane crashed upon takeoff from the stop at Compton, California, leaving Rodgers seriously injured and the plane completely wrecked. The three line "crash" handstamp was then applied. One month later Rodgers had recovered enough to complete the last leg to Long Beach in a totally rebuilt plane.One of only seven recorded covers from the wreck of the "Vin Fiz" at Compton, California. A perfect cover to accompany one of the four "Vin Fiz" covers offered in this auction bearing the special stamp prepared for this first successful transcontinental flight - completing the story of this historic event in early aviation history. (imagea) (Image) Est. 7,500-10,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction
9 image"Greetings from the Sky" original "Vin Fiz" promotional slips, a remarkable trio (different versions) of small slips dropped from the plane during its promotional flights across the U.S., according to some sources Rodgers' was none too pleased to have participated in the promotion, one slip in particular has been annotated and dated (September 27, 1911) as having been dropped on a leg from Canisteo to Salamanca, another with pencil note "saw the first one fly Sept. 30 1911", very fine. (imagea) (Image) Est. 2,000-3,000

SOLD for $3,750.00
Will close during Public Auction
10 imageCharles E. Taylor and R.P. Richardson autographs on two separate cards, each being an important figure involved with Rodgers' record-breaking journey, Taylor being the master mechanic at the Wright Brothers factory which built the Wright Model EX (and Taylor was assigned to the Rodgers flight by the Wrights); and Richardson was the first manager to Rodgers; perfect collateral for exhibition. (Image) Est. 500-750

SOLD for $350.00
Will close during Public Auction
11 Outstanding accumulation of "Vin Fiz" collateral, photographs and a piece of the "Vin Fiz" plane, a binder filled with several dozen largely contemporary photographs of the plane, crowds at various landings, wreck scenes, etc., including a very rare stereocard depicting the plane, plus a wealth of clippings and printed material, and concluding with a sliver of wood dated "Nov. 12 1911 Vin Fiz", reputed to be a piece of the plane from the wreck at Compton, Cal.; an essential group if one ever wishes to prepare an exhibit. Est. 1,000-1,500

SOLD for $1,150.00
Will close during Public Auction
CHARLES LINDBERGH SIGNED LETTERS
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
12 c imageCharles A. Lindbergh - a remarkable cover and original letter enclosure carried personally by Lindbergh on his historic non-stop transoceanic flight from New York to Paris, May 20-21, 1927, aboard the "Spirit of St. Louis"; cover with red and blue "Air Mail" printed design and with corner card imprint of "Wright Aeronautical Corporation, Paterson, N.J.", typewritten address to "Mr. Joseph T. Hartson/% Wright Aeronautical Corporation/Paterson, New Jersey/U.S.A.," personally signed "New York to Paris/Charles A. Lindbergh" and additionally marked "Register" in his own hand at top right; original letter enclosure accompanies, which is a typewritten letter signed "Charles A. Lindbergh" on Wright Aeronautical Corporation stationery which reads: "This letter, written in New York before my take-off for Paris, was carried in my plane 'Spirit of St. Louis' on the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris. My mailing this letter from Paris indicates the successful attainment of that goal toward which we have have all spent our thought and energy", cover and letter were mailed back to the U.S. in a larger diplomatic pouch envelope with French postage (which does not accompany this lot), very fine.Lindbergh was accustomed to carrying fairly large quantities of mail on his many famous flights within the U.S., flying under contract for the United States Post Office Department. But his planned non-stop flight from New York to Paris was different. He was well aware of the risks and hazards of such an unheard of attempt. Lindbergh was quite concerned over the weight of his aircraft, the "Spirit of St. Louis", as he had to conserve fuel at all costs, including sacrificing his own personal comfort and safety. This included the removal of even his forward window for the flight, as well as leaving behind almost all equipment that was not determined to be absolutely essential. Therefore, the carrying of any kind of quantity of mail was completely out of the question. To date, only four pieces of mail have been recorded to have been personally carried on this historic flight, this particular cover and letter to his colleague, Joseph T. Hartson, being one of the four. In addition to these four pieces of mail, he is reported to have also carried six letters of introduction and a business card.The historical significance of this cover and original enclosure cannot be overstated. Together they clearly represent one of the most important postal history artifacts of the 20th century, as well as being one of the most important pieces of Americana not already housed in a museum. (imagea) (Image) Est. 75,000-100,000

SOLD for $70,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
13 imageCharles A. Lindbergh, five-page letter signed, a wonderful letter dated "Sept. 18, 1927" and written completely in his own hand on Hotel Senator stationery from Sacramento, Cal., the letter reads, in part, The 'Whirlwind' in my plane just completed 260 hours and is working perfectly. You people certainly have a right to feel proud of your engines. We have never had the slightest mechanical difficulty with either plane," accompanied by original cover franked with a 10c Map stamp (#C7) which is addressed to Joe Hartson in care of the Wright Aeronautical Corporation, very fine and handsome; this letter was written by Lindbergh during his goodwill tour of the U.S. following his famous New York to Paris flight. (imagea) (imageb) (imagec) (imaged) (Image) Est. 3,000-4,000

SOLD for $2,100.00
Will close during Public Auction
14 imageCharles A. Lindbergh two-page letter signed, a fascinating and important two-page handwritten letter dated "Feb. 1, 1928" on stationery from the Government House in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, the letter reads Dear Joe: Mr. Voorhees changed the valves in my engine as you suggested and the new ones are giving as good service as the old. The motor has just completed 446 hours in the air and has never caused me a moment's worry. As you know, a large portion of the 35 to 40,000 miles I have flown in the 'Spirit of St. Louis' has been over mountains, forest, water and jungle where motor failure would be unusually dangerous. I expect to be in St. Louis on February 13th and will fly to New York sometime later. With best regards, Charles A. Lindbergh., very fine; also accompanied by original cover addressed to Joe Hartson at Wright Aero Corp. (cover with wear); an exceptional handwritten letter by Charles A. Lindbergh, discussing the "Spirit of St. Louis", written during his goodwill tour of Latin America. (imagea) (Image) Est. 7,500-10,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction
15 imageCharles A. Lindbergh, single page typewritten letter signed, his signature C.A. Lindbergh on letter dated July 22, 1931, accompanied by a cover addressed to Joe Hartson in Madison, Wis., cover postmarked "Hudson Terr. Annex N.Y., Jul. 22, 1931", letter folded only slightly affecting signature, very fine. (Image) Est. 500-750

SOLD for $500.00
Will close during Public Auction
JOSEPH HARTSON AIR MAIL CORRESPONDENCE
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
16 c Joseph T. Hartson air mail correspondence, a marvelous assemblage of covers and letters from the correspondence of Hartson, who was a sales manager for Wright Aeronautical Corporation, as well as a longtime colleague and friend of Charles Lindbergh, dozens of items, many of which are quite unusual and fascinating, includes first flight covers, thank you letters, etc., an excellent reference lot for the air mail and Lindbergh specialist. Est. 750-1,000

SOLD for $475.00
Will close during Public Auction

Worldwide Zeppelin Posts

ALBANIA
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
17 c Sieger #207 imageSieger #207, 1933 Italian Flight, attractively franked card for this popular Italian Flight with seven adhesives tied by "Shkoder/Posta Aerore/22. 5. 33" c.d.s., posted on the flight around Rome through the Italian post office (should be Sieger #208) with blue green Italian flight cachet, backstamped with Rome machine cancel, very fine; this is probably the rarest of the Albania treaty-state postings, Sieger lists this under the general number 207 for the Italian Flight but this did not connect through Friedrichshafen at the beginning of the flight, but in Rome for the flight around Rome which Michel prices as rare for any of the few treaty states that posted covers on this leg of the flight (Sieger €650 as #207; Michel #303A; €2,500 for this specific posting). (Image) Est. 1,500-2,000

SOLD for $1,050.00
Will close during Public Auction
BRAZIL PARAHYBA
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
18 c Sieger #59K imageSieger #59K, 1930 Pan-American Flight, a spectacular example of the Parahyba Provisional, attractive photo card of the Zeppelin just after landing, franked with 20,000r Blue Zeppelin issue with bold "5" handstamped surcharge, tied along with 200r Orange pair by "Syndicato Condor Ltda/Servico Aereo No Brazil/Recife/28 Mai 30" air post c.d.s., large Recife Zeppelin cachet at left and violet American flight cachet, addressed to Friedrichshafen and also bearing a Lakehurst duplex of June 1, 1930 plus the small circular "Round-Trip" cachet, very fine and quite choice.Originally three basic values of the Zeppelin series intended for use on the Pan-American Flight were produced, with some additionally overprinted "Graf Zeppelin/U. S. A.". It soon became apparent that there was a shortage of the lower values, particularly the 5,000r. Therefore 20,000r values and other Condor stamps were surcharged to meet this shortage. In Parahyba (capital of the province of Parahyba) all the 5,000r stamps had been used, so an order was given to surcharge the 20,000r stamp with a large "5" handstamp. Records show that only 13 stamps were so surcharged with some of them being sold in Parahyba and others forwarded to Recife where they were used.Research continues into the disposition of these thirteen examples. To date three examples are known unused, seven items have been recorded on cover or card with usages at both Parahyba and Recife. One used example has been recorded on a piece. The Recife usage offered here is one of the most attractive usages of the seven recorded items and has long been recognized as an authentic usage of this immensely rare provisional. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the world class rarities of Zeppelin philately. The card has been signed by H. W. Sieger and is accompanied by his 1964 certificate as well as a 1964 Robson Lowe certificate; ex-Kofler. (Image) Est. 50,000-75,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction
CANADA
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
19 c Sieger #64I var. imageSieger #64I var., 1930 Pan-American Flight, a most interesting large mixed franking cover with five adhesives of Canada including 20c Carmine special delivery (small perf. faults to one stamp), all tied by "Regina/Sask./AP 24 30" c.d.s., in mixed franking with German 2M South America Flight Zeppelin single tied by "Luftschiff/Graf Zeppelin/19. 5. 1930" c.d.s., flown on the leg from Friedrichshafen to Seville on the outbound portion of the flight, red German flight cachet and backstamped with the Seville machine cancel, returned to Saskatchewan, very fine; this unusual posting is totally unlisted by Sieger or Michel, both catalogs list covers posted from Canada through the United States on the return flight from Lakehurst to Friedrichshafen, either with or without United States Zeppelin stamps, but neither list a cover through Germany on the outbound portion of the flight; this cover came about because the sender addressed it to the Chief Post Master in Friedrichshafen rather than the post office at Lakehurst, his instructions were that it fly by the Zeppelin to Lakehurst and then back home, however the postage he used was insufficient to pay for a cover on even the shortest leg of this flight, so when it was put on the Zeppelin the on-board postmaster gratuitously applied a 2M Zeppelin stamp and flew it as far a Seville (the Zeppelin Company seems to have been generous to collectors who were unaware of how to send their mail on this first important international flight); extremely rare and it may well be unique as we have not seen another (Michel #62c). (Image) Est. 3,000-4,000

SOLD for $1,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
20 c AAMC #Z-462 imageAAMC #Z-462, 1930 Return of the Dirigible R-100 from Montreal (St. Hubert) Canada, an attractive cover with a single and pair of the Canada 5c Brown first air post (nibbed perfs. to the bottom stamp of the pair from being affixed slightly over the edge) neatly tied by "Montreal, Canada/St. Hubert/Aug 13 1930" c.d.s., black R-100 cachet that was applied to souvenir covers of this flight, posted to Basel, Switzerland with "Basel Flugplatz/Luftpost/18. VIII. 30" receiving c.d.s. on the front, very fine; there was no officially sanctioned mail carried on this flight, but despite not being carried on the R-100 this is a very scarce cover. (Image) Est. 400-500

SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction

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