(Aeronautics) Professor James K. Allen Balloon in Flight, illustrated corner card of aeronaut James Allen featuring an eagle & shield adorned balloon in flight, franked with 1857, 3¢ dull red guideline single tied by "Paid" in circle handstamp, red "Providence R.I., Aug 30, 1858" cds at right, Very Fine and rare, a very early and possibly unique James K. Allen illustrated balloon cover, ex Piller. Scott No. 26  Estimate $1,000 - 1,500. James K. "Professor" Allen was a professional balloonist from the Providence, Rhode Island family of Aeronauts whose patriarch - James A. Allen - flew an Observation Balloon during the Civil War as a member of Union Army's "Balloon Observer Corps" (March 23, 1862 to Jun. 1863). James K. began flying in Balloons with his father at the age of 8 years and continued as a Professional balloonist until 1907completing an estimated 400+ ascensions. $0 (Image)