16 June 1914 (AAMC.1) Melbourne - Bendigo - Ballarat real photograph postcard, flown by Maurice Guillaux, signed and endorsed by him [in French] with a greeting to the mayor of Ballarat. Superb condition. The card is accompanied by a letter to Nelson Eustis from the Ex Mayor of Ballarat, dated September 1936. It is clear from that correspondence that Eustis already owned the signed card at that time. He had sold it in London in 1946, together with the rest of his Australian Air Mail collection and, unknown to him, it was sold shortly afterwards. The buyer was an American soldier who took it home and put it in his safe where it was forgotten until early 1992. Much to my surprise, the American ex-soldier, by then a retired Professor of Tropical Medicine and a great friend and client, showed me the "little collection of Aussie flight covers" he had bought in London in 1946. We were sharing a fine bottle of California red wine when he brought out the two volumes. I only needed to see the first page (where this card was displayed) to realize I had rediscovered Nelson's pre-War collection. Intact! I brought the collection back to Melbourne for auction, which took place in December 1992. Nelson attended the auction in person and was delighted to be able to re-purchase his long lost and much beloved "Number 1" as well as a number of the other pieces which are now re-offered in this catalogue. CL.   (2 items)

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$30000

Estimate: $15,000 - $17,500 

June 1914 (AAMC.2) Melbourne - Sydney proposed flight by Wizard Stone; postcard bearing 1d Kangaroo tied by Sydney 24 August 1914 roller postmark and with manuscript message "Hope the Stone will have sufficient impetus to carry this to you." Superb condition.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$625

Estimate: $600 - $800 

June 1914 (AAMC.2) Another example of the Wizard Stone cards, similarly postmarked but bearing the KGV 1d Engraved. The message reads "The first post card by Aerial Mail. I hope many will follow. 23.5.1914". [The proposed flight was cancelled following a crash on June 1st as result of which Stone was injured].  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$1200

Estimate: $600 - $800 

June 1914 (AAMC.2) A Wizard Stone postcard with short manuscript message dated "18/5/14", well in time for the first proposed date for the flight, May 23rd. Unusually, although postmarked in Sydney on August 24th, the 1d Kangaroo is tied by a circular date stamp of that date. Two vertical creases.  

Symbols: PC

 

Minimum Bid: 

$375

Estimate: $500 - $600 

June 1914 (AAMC.2a) An "unused" Wizard Stone postcard, which has been addressed and with an uncancelled 1d Engraved affixed.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$380

Estimate: $350 - $400 

July 1914 (AAMC.3) A special postcard carried by Maurice Guillaux on AUstralia's first official air mail flight, from Melbourne to SYdney. The 1d and 5d Kangaroos are tied by a special oval Melbourne datestamp (16 July) and there is a fine Sydney (18 July) cds at top left. The card is additionally postmarked (21 July) on delivery to POWLETT RIVER, its' final destination.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$800

Estimate: $500 - $750 

July 1914 (AAMC.3) Another example of the Guillaux card, postmarked and addressed as above. Unusually, the franking includes a ½d New Zealand adhesive in addition to a First Watermark 1/- Kangaroo.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$400

Estimate: $500 - $750 

July 1914 (AAMC.4b) A forged cover, purported to have been carried on the Guillaux flight. There are minor differences in the oval violet cachet, the Sydney backstamp is a long obsolete type and the 2d Kangaroo is a Third Watermark, not issued until November 1915, more than a year after the flight!  

Symbols: C F

 

Realized: 

$280

Estimate: $300 - $400 

July 1914 (AAMC.4b) A forged postcard, purported to have been carried on the Guillaux flight. There are minor differences in the oval violet cachet and the Sydney backstamp is a long obsolete type and shows the wrong date. Guillaux did not reach Sydney until July 18.  

Symbols: PC F

 

Realized: 

$360

Estimate: $300 - $400 

Feb.1917 (AAMC.10) Mt.Gambier - Melbourne special postcard flown by Basil Watson. With message "....May Aviation succeed in Peace as it has in helping to down our enemies." [371 flown]  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$575

Estimate: $500 - $600 

Feb.1917 (AAMC.11) Warrnambool - Melbourne special postcard flown by Basil Watson. [326 flown]  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$525

Estimate: $500 - $600 

Feb.1917 (AAMC.12) Hamilton - Melbourne special postcard flown by Basil Watson. Entensive message includes "....Basil Watson arrived here this evening; came from Warrnambool in about 59 minutes. It was too windy to land at the show grounds, had to go out to the Mill...." [299 flown]  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$550

Estimate: $500 - $600 

Feb.1917 (AAMC.13) Casterton - Melbourne special postcard flown by Basil Watson. [269 flown]  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$525

Estimate: $500 - $600 

Feb.1917 (AAMC.14) Camperdown - Melbourne special postcard flown by Basil Watson. [66 flown].  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$2000

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250 

Oct.1917 (AAMC.14d) WAR LOAN leaflet ("Our boys will deliver if you buy War Bonds") dropped over Melbourne. Imprint at base "H.J. Green, Acting Govt. Print., Melb." Mss notation on reverse "...Note 'Our Boys" that is us. The plane is a De Havel type."  

Symbols: D

 

Realized: 

$1000

Estimate: $800 - $1,000 

Oct.1917 (AAMC.14e) LIBERTY LOAN leaflet ("This is not an air raid") dropped over Melbourne. Imprint at base "Albert J. Mullett, Govt. Printer, Melb.  

Symbols: D

 

Minimum Bid: 

$600

Estimate: $800 - $1,000 

Feb.1917 (AAMC.14a) An unused Basil Watson postcard.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$200

Estimate: $200 - $250 

27 Oct.1917 (AAMC.15a) A recruiting leaflet dropped over Adelaide by R. Graham Carey: "This leaflet, dropped from a friendly 'plane, is intended to TOUCH YOUR HEART, NOT MUTILATE YOUR BODY!"  

Symbols: D

 

Realized: 

$900

Estimate: $500 - $750 

23 Nov.1917 (AAMC.16) Adelaide - Gawler special postcard carried by R. Graham Carey in his Bleriot 60 monoplane. This was the first official air mail within South Australia. Addressed to Gawler and with KGV 1d Red tied by 23NO17 cds. [100 cards carried on the outward flight]. A few peripheral creases, etc.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$2300

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500 

23 Nov.1917 (AAMC.17) Adelaide - Gawler cover, flown and signed (at a later date) by R. Graham Carey in his Bleriot 60 monoplane. [10 covers flown].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$2625

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,500 

26 Nov.1917 (AAMC.18) Gawler - Adelaide special postcard carried by R. Graham Carey in his Bleriot 60 monoplane on the return flight. With KGV 1d Red tied by 24NO17 cds of GAWLER. Signed at a later date by the pilot.[67 cards carried on the return flight]. A few peripheral creases, etc.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$3250

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500 

Nov. - Dec.1918 (AAMC.18ab) Bandar Abbas - Mussoree (Delhi) cover carried by General Borton and Major General Salmond on their RAF Survey flight from Cairo to Calcutta. With fine strike of the circular "CARRIED BY FIRST AERIAL MAIL CAIRO - DELHI / DECR. 1918" and arrival cds on reverse. Signed by Salmond. The all Australian crew comprised of Ross Smith, J.M. Bennett and Wally Shiers. Before they had left Cairo, Smith had written to his mother that they intended to fly to Australia in a Handley Page but first would survey the landing strips between India and Darwin. This cover is accompanied by the original contents, a hand-written letter from Major Hubert Carroll at Bandar Abbas to his wife at Mussoorie, "....Gnls Salmond & Bolton are living with me in my little cottage & are very grateful for everything done - all three officers are absolute "Toppers".....In 10 days or so we shall be visited by a much larger machine coming all the way from England to India.....I have squared the Pilot Capt. R. Smith to take this letter with him tomorrow & post it in Karachi. A wonderful "forerunner" to the Smith brothers' successful flight from England to Australia.   (2 items)

Symbols: C D

 

Realized: 

$8500

Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000 

4 Aug.1919 (AAMC.19) Major Norman Brearley in an Avro biplane dropped a batch of advertising postcards for Charles Moore & Co over Perth and suburbs. [This example is one of 6 known.]  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$2800

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,250 

6 August (AAMC.20) Adelaide - Minlaton, special postcard [#35] carried by Captain Harry Butler in his Bristol monoplane, the "Red Devil"; reverse with photo of Butler, printed message and printed signature.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$360

Estimate: $450 - $550 

6 August (AAMC.20) Adelaide - Minlaton, special postcard [#110] carried by Captain Harry Butler in his Bristol monoplane, the "Red Devil"; reverse with photo of Butler, printed message and printed signature.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$525

Estimate: $450 - $550 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21a) Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler flown special postcard with private hand-written message.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$525

Estimate: $500 - $600 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21a) Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler flown special postcard with printed message from Chas. Moore & Co.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$800

Estimate: $500 - $600 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21b) Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler flown special postcard with "Advance Australia" message from H.V. McKay.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$460

Estimate: $500 - $600 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21b) Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler flown special postcard with "Progressive Farmers" message from H.V. McKay.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$480

Estimate: $500 - $600 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21c) Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler flown special postcard with message from Cornell Limited.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$575

Estimate: $500 - $600 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21d) Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler flown special postcard with message from G. Wood Son & Co.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$850

Estimate: $600 - $750 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21e) Unused Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler special postcard with printed message re. Unley Aviation Day at Unley Oval.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$600

Estimate: $500 - $600 

6 Aug.1919 (AAMC.21f) Adelaide - Minlaton Harry Butler flown special postcard with message from The United Insurance Company Ltd. [Eustis says "This is the rarest of the cards from commercial houses."].  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$625

Estimate: $500 - $600 

11 Aug.1919 (AAMC.22a) Minlaton - Adelaide Harry Watson flight special postcard, signed by the aviator, and with hand-written message. Postmarked at Adelaide on August 12.  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$1300

Estimate: $700 - $800 

4 Sept.1919 (AAMC.23) Hobart - Launceston cover, flown by E.D. Cummings in a War Loans plane, a Sopwith Pup. With two-line cachet "FIRST TAS. AERO MAIL / D.P.M.G." and LAUNCESTON 5SE19 arrival backstamp. This was the first aerial mail in Tasmania. [6 covers are believed to survive].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$3500

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000 

Oct. - Nov.1919 (AAMC.25a) Bandar Abbas - Karachi cover carried by Poulet and Benoist in their Caudron G4 "La Mouche" on their flight which originated in Paris, bound for Australia. The journey was abandoned at Moulmein in Burma. The cover bears a 3-line cachet in French and a 2-line cachet in English "BY AERIAL POST THRO M. POULET" and with a KARACHI 13NOV19 arrival backstamp. The cover is accompanied by a RP postcard of the aviators and their aircraft prior to departure. [8 covers known].   (2 items)

Symbols: C PC

 

Realized: 

$6000

Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000 

Oct.- Nov.1919 (AAMC.25a) Chahbar - Karachi cover carried by Poulet and Benoist in their Caudron G4 "La Mouche" on their flight which originated in Paris, bound for Australia. A manuscript endorsement reads "By Aerial Post (M. Poulet) 10.11.19". The INDO-EUROPEAN TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT logo is printed on the reverse, together with the KARACHI arrival cds. The cover is signed at lower left by "M. Haig A(cting) S(upervisor) Chahbar". [Only 4 covers are known].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$6000

Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000 

Oct.1919 - Mar.1920 (AAMC.26a) Baghdad - Bombay cover, carried by Campbell Matthews & Thomas Kay on their ill-fated attempt to fly from England to Australia. The Sopwith Wallaby crashed at Bandar Abbas on 3 Feb.1920, departing after repairs on 24 Feb. They arrived in Karachi on 3 Mar. and the cover was snt by surface to Bombay, with 7 Mar. arrival backstamp. The aviators continued their flight from India but crashed again in Bali on 17 April, where the flight was abandoned. Very few covers have survived.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$4500

Estimate: $3,000 - $3,500 

Nov.1919 - Feb.1920 (AAMC.27) England - Australia flown cover bearing a fine example of the Ross Smith vignette, tied by one of 2 strikes of the oval datestamp. Self addressed by Ross Smith to his address at Stephen Tce, Gilberton, South Australia. [RS.298 in the AAMC listing]. One of only 3 covers self addressed by Ross Smith.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$4250

Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000 

Nov.1919 - Feb.1920 (AAMC.27) England - Australia flown cover bearing a fine example of the Ross Smith vignette, tied by one of 2 strikes of the oval datestamp. Addressed to the Manager of the South British Insurance Co. in Sydney [RS.292 in the AAMC listing], the cover is dated "6/12/19" in the same hand and is thought, therefore, to have been sent by an employee of the South British Insurance Co. in Singapore. Signed at a later date by Wally Shiers, engineer on the flight. (only 6 covers are known with his signature).  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$3000

Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000 

Nov.1919 - Feb.1920 (AAMC.27a) Syria - Australia cover bearing the Ross Smith vignette, attractively tied by one of 2 strikes of the oval "FIRST AERIAL MAIL" handstamp. With faint 3-line cachet in violet and endorsed "Per first aerial flight to Australia by favour of Capt. Ross Smith." Addressed to Mrs. R. Power, this is cover RS.257 from the AAMC listing. The insignia printed on the reverse of this cover is that of the 19th Lancers, also known as "19th King George's Own Lancers". The regiment served in Egypt, Palestine and Syria 1918-21. They occupied Damascus on 21 October 1918 and it became a popular leave destination. It is assumed that this cover was handed to the crew of the Vimy by a member of the 19th Lancers during the stop of the aircraft in Damascus on 19/20th November 1919.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$4000

Estimate: $5,000 - $6,000 

27 Nov.1919 (AAMC.27a) Calcutta - Melbourne cover, bearing a Ross Smith vignette, one of four in the official mail, from the Postmaster, Calcutta Post Office, addressed to The Deputy Postmaster General, Perth. (The others were similarly addressed to Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane.). With CALCUTTA despatch cds on reverse and together with the original enclosure, a "Christmas & New Year Greetings" card to "The Deputy Postmaster General, Perth, and officers of his staff." The envelope with tape stain at top (not affecting adhesive) and with boxed "CALCUTTA-G.P.O." h/s at lower left. It is signed on the back by Jim Bennett. Extremely rare. [The cover is RS.85 in the AAMC listing].   (2 items)

Symbols: C D

 

Realized: 

$7500

Estimate: $6,000 - $7,500 

Nov.1919 - Feb.1920 (AAMC.27b) The "Ross Smith" vignette, printed by the Commonwealth Stamp Printer on Crown A watermarked paper; with full original margins and gum, very lightly mounted in the side margins. With [1963] Bolaffi certificate. A superb example.  

Symbols: *

 

Realized: 

$9375

Estimate: $12,500 - $15,000 

Nov.1919 - Feb.1920 (AAMC.27b) The "Ross Smith" vignette, printed by the Commonwealth Stamp Printer on Crown A watermarked paper; with full original margins and gum, lightly mounted in the top margin. With [1983] Downie certificate. A superb example.  

Symbols: *

 

Realized: 

$9375

Estimate: $12,500 - $15,000 

A forged "Ross Smith" cover; one of 4 known. A genuine vignette has been affixed to an envelope, tied with a forged oval cachet and with typed flight details and address so as to pretend it is a genuine cover. It is an attempt to replicate cover RS.109 from the Australian Air Mail Catalogue listing - see Appendix I  

Symbols: C F

 

Realized: 

$1875

Estimate: $2,500 - $3,000 

18 Dec.1919 (AAMC.32a) French Red Cross Appeal leaflet dropped by Harry Butler from his Bristol monoplane, "Red Devil" over Adelaide. The blank reverse endorsed in manuscript "Souvenir from the clouds dropped by Cap. Harry Butler into our garden..". [Eustis says "Only known copy"].  

Symbols: D

 

Realized: 

$1200

Estimate: $750 - $1,000 

1 Jan.1920 (AAMC.33a) Victor Harbour - Adelaide cover, flown by Harry Butler in the "Red Devil" and postmarked on arrival. Endorsed at top left "Per Butler's Aerial Post." [3 covers are known].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$3000

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,750 

Jan.- Mar.1920 (AAMC.34c) A 1a postal card carried by Ray Parer and J. C. McIntosh on the Charbar to Manora (Karachi) leg of their flight from England to Australia; eventually arriving in Darwin on August 8. Following the Ross & Keith Smith flight, this was the second aeroplane to successfully fly this long route. Signed by McIntosh, this card and one other known to survive are the only items now in existence from this epic journey. [2 known].  

Symbols: PS

 

Realized: 

$7500

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,000 

26 Jan.1920 (AAMC.35) Adelaide - Jamestown cover flown by Harry Butler in an Avro 504 biplane, the "Red Devil"; with oval "The Harry J. Butler & Kauper Aviation Co. Ltd. AERIAL MAIL SERVICE" cachet at left. Neatly repaired, mainly evident on reverse. [Eustis says "Only 5 covers are known from this flight"].  

Symbols: C

 

Minimum Bid: 

$1315

Estimate: $1,750 - $2,250 

26 Jan.1920 (AAMC.36) Jamestown - Adelaide KGV 1½d Postal Card carried by Harry Butler on his return flight of the same day. It is a hurried reply from Ellen Ryan to the letter sent in the Adelaide - Jamestown cover (above). [Eustis says "This is the only piece reported to exist from this flight."]  

Symbols: PS

 

Realized: 

$2400

Estimate: $2,250 - $2,750 

28 June 1920 (AAMC.39a) Casino - Lismore cover, flown in a 504K Avro and signed by the pilot, Frank Roberts on his experimental flight for Lynn Brothers and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce. This was the first airmail handled in Australia by the P.M.G's Department. Accompanied by an original letter (July 1963) from Roberts to Eustis confirming the circumstances of the flights.   (2 items)

Symbols: C D

 

Realized: 

$3500

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500 

30 July 1920 (AAMC.46) Melbourne - Morwell cover, flown by Captain E. W. Leggatt for "The Herald & Weekly Times" with special purple on yellow "By HERALD AERIAL DELIVERY" vignette tied on reverse. As the plane did not land at Morwell, the mail was dropped by parachute. [84 reported for Morwell, but Eustis says "Only 2 for Morwell are known.].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$2625

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,500 

30 July 1920 (AAMC.47) Melbourne - Traralgon cover, flown by Captain E.W. Leggett for "The Herald & Weekly Times"; with special purple on yellow "By HERALD AERIAL DELIVERY" vignette attractively tied on the front of the envelope. [Eustis says "This cover is wrongly taxed 3d as it appears the postal authorities considered the Victoria State stamps were not valid."]. [266 flown, but few appear to have survived].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$4250

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000 

July 1920 (AAMC.47a) "By HERALD AERIAL DELIVERY" vignette, Unused with full gum. Small gum thin from previous hinge removal. Extremely scarce.  

Symbols: *

 

Realized: 

$1100

Estimate: $750 - $1,000 

July 1920 (AAMC.47b) "By HERALD AERIAL DELIVERY" vignette, fine used and affixed to part envelope.  

Symbols: ^

 

Realized: 

$725

Estimate: $600 - $800 

Aug.1920 (AAMC.47c) "Velvet Soap" advertising postcard dropped over Melbourne by R. Graham Carey in his Maurice Farman Shorthorn biplane, as depicted on the card. The reverse of the card shows Carey in the cockpit and an aerial view of the soapworks fo J. Kitchen & Sons, the manufacturers of Velvet soap. [Eustis says "Only four cards known.].  

Symbols: PC

 

Realized: 

$4000

Estimate: $2,500 - $3,000 

4 Aug.1920 (AAMC.47d) A shield-shaped Second Peace Bonds leaflet dropped over Brisbane by Aeroflight Company of Bulimba, Qld. The pilot was Captain Snell.  

 

 

Realized: 

$950

Estimate: $500 - $750 

10 Aug.1920 (AAMC.48) Melbourne - Hamilton cover, flown by Captain E.W. Leggatt for The Herald & Weekly Times. A special "Herald Air Mail" vignette in brown was issued; unusually (and possibly uniquely) this cover bears 2 examples of the vignette; one tied by the Post Office re-sealing tape used in conjunction with a boxed "UNCLAIMED AT HAMILTON' h/stamp. [700 flown, but it is believed only about 50 now exist.].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$2300

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,750 

August 1920 (AAMC.48a) "Herald Air Mail" vignette in brown, Unused, with large part o.g.  

Symbols: *

 

Realized: 

$140

Estimate: $150 - $200 

27 Aug.1920 (AAMC.50) Serpentine - Melbourne cover, endorsed "For Peace Loan Aerial Mail" and carried in the aerial derby organised by the Australian Government. The cover (which lacks rear flap) bears the large boxed "CARRIED BY SECOND PEACE / LOAN AERIAL MAIL" handstamp in violet.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$675

Estimate: $600 - $800 

27 Sept.1920 (AAMC.51) Melbourne - Longreach - Melbourne self-addressed cover, flown by R. Graham Carey for The Herald & Weekly Times, to publicise their "Pals" boys magazine. With special red "Pals Air Mail" vignette tied by MELBOURNE roller datestamp. This is the only known "Pals" flight cover.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$8000

Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000 

23 Sept.1920 original typed letter on The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd. letterhead, from the News Editor, S. Kingsbury, to Graham Carey, the pilot; "...In connection with the flight of the "Pals" aeroplane.....if there is anything really good send up to 200 words, but do not use urgent wires unless news is sensational..."  

Symbols: D

 

Realized: 

$400

Estimate: $250 - $500 

Sept.1920 (AAMC.51b) Leaflet dropped by Graham Carey during a flight in the "Pals" aircraft; depicts the aircraft on one side with "A MESSAGE FROM THE CLOUDS" and on the reverse, advertising for Melbourne Air Service, Carey's company. [Eustis says "Only three leaflets known."].  

Symbols: D

 

Realized: 

$1000

Estimate: $500 - $750 

Sept.1920 (AAMC.51ba) Small format leaflet for "Pals" Aeroplane Tours - Passenger Flights from £2/2/- dropped by Carey from the aeroplane [Eustis says "Only 3 known"] together with an example of a "Pals" Aeroplane Flight Ticket, with vignette affixed and the name of the passenger and fee paid (W. Cunningham, £2/2/-) written in. [Eustis says "Only piece known."].   (2 items)

Symbols: D

 

Realized: 

$1700

Estimate: $500 - $750 

Sept.1920 (AAMC.51d) "Pals Air Mail" vignettes, in red; Unused examples.   (2)

Symbols: *

 

Realized: 

$200

Estimate: $250 - $300 

27 Sept.1920 (AAMC.51e) "Pals Air Mail" labels, mint sheetlet comprising 4 units surrounded by selvedge on all sides; as issued. Some perf. re-inforcement. Extremely scarce thus.  

Symbols: *

 

Realized: 

$3000

Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000 

May 1921 (AAMC.52a) A "Palm Car" advertising leaflet dropped by Graham Carey, "Special Aerial Representative of Palm Cars", printed by Riall Bros, Port Melbourne.  

Symbols: D

 

Realized: 

$1300

Estimate: $600 - $800 

30 Sept.1921 (AAMC.55) Alice Springs - Adelaide cover, flown by Francis Birtles and Lieut. F.S. Briggs in a De Havilland 4 on series of survey flights. Endorsed "Per favour Lieut Briggs. By aeroplane Alice Springs to Adelaide." Accompanied by a RP postcard fo the aircraft, andorsed and dated on reverse, probably in Briggs' hand: "...The first Aeroplane to arrive in Alice Springs Oct. 5th 1921..." [3 known].   (2 items)

Symbols: C PC

 

Realized: 

$3500

Estimate: $3,000 - $3,500 

4 Dec.1921 (AAMC.56) Perth - Geraldton cover, flown by Western Australian Airways on their inaugural service, Australia's first regular air mail service. With fine strike of the circular "PERTH DERBY AERIAL MAIL" cds and GERALDTON backstamp of the same date.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$725

Estimate: $750 - $850 

4 Dec.1921 (AAMC.56a) Perth - Broome cover, carried by WAA and per the S.S.Bambra to Broome, with arrival backstamp of 19th Dec. and "PERTH DERBY AERIAL MAIL" handstamp on front.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$1250

Estimate: $800 - $1,000 

4 Dec.1921 (AAMC.56b) Perth - Roebourne cover, carried by WAA to Geraldton and per the S.S. Bambra to Roebourne, with arrival cds of 22nd Dec. and "PERTH DERBY AERIAL MAIL" handstamp on front.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$1200

Estimate: $800 - $1,000 

4 Dec.1921 (AAMC.56b) Perth - Carnarvon cover, carried by WAA to Geraldton and per the S.S.Bambra to Carnarvon, with arrival backstamp of 14nd Dec. and "PERTH DERBY AERIAL MAIL" handstamp on front.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$1050

Estimate: $800 - $1,000 

4 Dec.1921 (AAMC.56b) Perth - Onslow cover, carried by WAA to Geraldton and per the S.S.Bambra to Onslow, with arrival cds of 24th Dec. and "PERTH DERBY AERIAL MAIL" handstamp on front.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$900

Estimate: $800 - $1,000 

4 Dec.1921 (AAMC.56b) Perth - Port Hedland cover, carried by WAA to Geraldton and per the S.S.Bambra to Port Hedland, with arrival backstamp of 17th Dec. and "PERTH DERBY AERIAL MAIL" handstamp on front. Franked with a pair of 3rd Wmk 2½d Indigo Roos, the left-hand unit showing "Heavy shading to WA Coast" variety."  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$850

Estimate: $800 - $1,000 

20 Dec.1921 (AAMC.57b) Broome - Perth cover (addressed to Melbourne) carried on the flight which force-landed 70 miles from Broome en route for Port Hedland. The further flight to Perth was cancelled, the aeroplane dismantled and, together with the mail, transported to Perth aboard the S.S. Bambra. [Eustis says "Six covers flown Broome to Perth".]. Accompanied by the original hand-written letter, "This is a souvenir of the first Aerial Mail from Broome to Perth.....Broome is aeroplane MAD. Major Brearley arrived here yesterday morning at 9am from Port Hedland and did 18 joy rides at £9/9/- per trip of 3 passengers....."   (2 items)

Symbols: C D

 

Realized: 

$1600

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250 

17 April 1922 (AAMC.63,64a) Melbourne - Geelong cover, flown by Captain Roy King or Captain A.W. Vigars for The Herald & Weekly Times; with special blue vignette "Herald Air Mail" affixed and postmarked on arrival together with the 1d postage stamps. Accompanied by an unsed example of the vignette.   (2 items)

Symbols: C *

 

Realized: 

$1450

Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500 

2 Nov.1922 (AAMC.65) Charleville - Cloncurry cover, flown by P.J. McGinness and Hudson Fysh on the first Qantas regular air mail service on this route. The first vignette for an air service in Australia, produced by QANTAS, is affixed at upper left and is tied by the KGV 1d adhesive and postmark. Extremely scarce and a "foundation" piece in any serious collection of Australian pioneer aerophilately. Only the 3rd example we have handled in 35 years.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$11000

Estimate: $10,000 - $12,000 

The pre-payment of postage for the use of airmail services in Australia and the United States was authorised in the 1924 Australian Post Office Guide. (See AAMC.67a & 67b). The arrangement between the postal authorities allowed mail to be carried by domestic air mail services in each country provided stamps of the receiving country were affixed to the covers in advance. US stamps could be bought in Australia, and vice versa, for this purpose. A Sept.1929 cover from Perth to New Jersey franked 4½d plus 5c; also, a May 1930 cover from Wyomissing, PA to Mount Lawley, W.A. franked 9c plus 3d Air. [The combination airmail arrangements were terminated in 1937].   (2)

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$1800

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250 

April 1924 (AAMC.70a) Wing Commander Goble souvenir stamps, printed by the Herald & Weekly Times for "Pals" readers; in blue, brown, red & bluish-green (2 Mint, 2 Unused). [Goble & McIntyre were the first aviators to encircle AUstralia by air].   (4)

Symbols: ** (*)

 

Realized: 

$575

Estimate: $600 - $800 

2 June 1924 (AAMC.71) Adelaide - Sydney cover, flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on their inaugural service via Mildura, Hay, Narrandera and Cootmundra.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$300

Estimate: $400 - $500 

2 June 1924 (AAMC.71) Adelaide - Sydney cover signed by pilots Butler and Briggs, flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on their inaugural service via Mildura, Hay, Narrandera and Cootmundra.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$500

Estimate: $500 - $600 

7 June 1924 (AAMC.72) Sydney - Adelaide cover signed by pilots Butler and Briggs, flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on their inaugural service via Mildura, Hay, Narrandera and Cootmundra.  

Symbols: C

 

Minimum Bid: 

$375

Estimate: $500 - $600 

7 June 1924 (AAMC.72) Sydney - Adelaide cover, flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on their inaugural service via Mildura, Hay, Narrandera and Cootmundra.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$300

Estimate: $400 - $500 

7 June 1924 (AAMC.72) Sydney - Mildura intermediate cover flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on their inaugural service via Mildura, Hay, Narrandera and Cootmundra to Adelaide.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$575

Estimate: $400 - $500 

7 June 1924 (AAMC.72) Sydney - Narrandera intermediate cover flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on their inaugural service via Mildura, Hay, Narrandera and Cootmundra to Adelaide.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$380

Estimate: $400 - $500 

7 June 1924 (AAMC.72) Sydney - Cootamundra intermediate cover flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on their inaugural service via Mildura, Hay, Narrandera and Cootmundra to Adelaide.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$300

Estimate: $400 - $500 

7 Feb.1925 (AAMC.75) Cloncurry - Camooweal cover, flown by Lester Brain on the first Qantas flight which extended their route Charleville - Cloncurry route. The cover is an example of the Qanats stationery of the period.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$4000

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500 

April - May 1925 (AAMC.78a) Calcutta - Australia (Melbourne) cover (half) carried by Francesco de Pinedo and Ernesto Campanelli on the final legs of their flight from Rome in an SIAI flying boat. [1 of 51 for Melbourne]. NB: Due to a disagreement with the promotors in Calcutta, the portion of the envelope bearing de Pinedo's signature was cut off before being handed over to the Italian Consul General in Melbourne.].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$1125

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000 

April - May 1925 (AAMC.78b) Calcutta - Australia (Sydney) cover (half) carried by Francesco de Pinedo and Ernesto Campanelli on the final legs of their flight from Rome in an SIAI flying boat. [1 of 42 for Sydney].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$1125

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000 

16 Sept.1925 (AAMC.79e) Manila - Aparri cover, carried by Francesco de Pinedo on this stage of his Italy - Australia - Asia - Italy planned trip; with cachets front and back.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$420

Estimate: $500 - $750 

21-22 July 1925 (AAMC.82) Sydney - Melbourne cover, carried by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on the occasion of adding several links to their original Adelaide - Sydney route.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$200

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21-22 July 1925 (AAMC.83) Sydney - Broken Hill, cover flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd inaugural flight.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$280

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21-22 July 1925 (AAMC.85) Melbourne - Adelaide cover, carried by Australian Aeral Services Ltd on their new flights via Echuca, Deniliquin, Hay and Mildura.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$260

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21-22 July 1925 (AAMC.87) Melbourne - Sydney cover, carried by Australian Aerial Services Ltd on the occasion of adding several links to their original Adelaide - Sydney route. [122 flown].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$200

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21-22 July 1925 (AAMC.88) Broken Hill - Sydney, cover flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd inaugural flight.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$240

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21 July 1925 (AAMC.89a) Broken Hill - Mildura, cover carried on the new intermediate stage of the Adelaide - Sydney route by Australian Aerial Services Ltd.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$190

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21 July 1925 (AAMC.89a) Echuca - Broken Hill, cover carried on the new intermediate stage of the Adelaide - Sydney route by Australian Aerial Services Ltd.  

Symbols: C

 

Minimum Bid: 

$190

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21 July 1925 (AAMC.89a) Sydney - Deniliquin, cover flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd inaugural flight.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$190

Estimate: $250 - $300 

21 July 1925 (AAMC.89a) Broken Hill - Deniliquin, cover flown by Australian Aerial Services Ltd inaugural flight.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$190

Estimate: $250 - $300 

Sept.1923 (AAMC.90b,90d) A complete sheetlet of 15 "Angel" vignettes, as issued by Australian Aerial Services Ltd for affixing to mail carried by the company by air; also, a complete booklet of 3 panes of 9 (displayed separately from the booklet covers, which are also present.). Mainly fine.   (42 +)

Symbols: * **

 

Minimum Bid: 

$375

Estimate: $500 - $600 

June - August 1926 (AAMC.95) London - Melbourne cover, flown, signed and endorsed by Alan Cobham on the epic flight in his DH50 seaplane; postmarked in Darwin before onwards carriage to Melbourne. Accompanied by a signed note from Cobham, date-lined "New York, 3rd January 1927" explaining the small number of covers carried, etc.   (2 items)

Symbols: C D

 

Realized: 

$2625

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,500 

7 Aug.1926 (AAMC.97) Darwin - Sydney - Melbourne registered cover, carried by Alan J. Cobham on these last legs of his epic flight from England in a DH50 seaplane. With appropriate backstamps and original enclosure from J.C. Buscall at the Government Hospital, Darwin. [only 10 flown].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$1125

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,750 

23 July 1926 (AAMC.99a) Karachi - Calcutta cover, flown by Alan J. Cobham on this leg of his journey from England to Australia in his DH50 seaplane. With 24 July arrival backstamp. [43 carried on this leg.].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$480

Estimate: $500 - $750 

23 July 1926 (AAMC.99b) Calcutta - Rangoon cover, flown and signed by Alan J. Cobham, following the death of his mechanic, Arthur Elliot, who had been shot by a bullet from the ground during the flight between Baghdad and Basra. This cover was created as a memorial to Elliott, with printed text describing the circumstances. With small photographic vignette affixed on reverse and Rangoon arrival cds. Minor spotting. [45 flown].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$525

Estimate: $500 - $600 

Sept.1926 (AAMC.101b) (Akyab) - Calcutta - London cover, with typed label on reverse "CARRIED BY MR. ALAN COBHAM'S DE HAVILLAND MACHINE ON HIS FLIGHT FROM AUSTRALIA", addressed to England and the Indian and English stamps postmarked on arrival (2 OC 26). Accompanied by original enclosed letter date-lined Port House, Akyab, Burma, 6th Sept.26 ".....This letter will go to you all the way by seaplane and I hope you will get it safely...." [Only one item is believed to have been carried from Calcutta to England; this cover probably delivered safe-hand to Cobham on arrival in Calcutta].   (2 items)

Symbols: C D

 

Realized: 

$1500

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500 

27 Sept.1926 (AAMC.101c) Baghdad - London cover, carried by Alan J. Cobham on his return flight from Australia; with Iraqi stamps overprinted "BY AIR/IRAq to Great Britain/with Alan Cobham"; London 2 Oct. arrival backstamp. [110 flown].  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$440

Estimate: $500 - $750 

25 Sept.1926 (AAMC.102) A cover flown and signed by Group Captain Richard Williams on his survey flight from Melbourne to various Pacific Islands in a DH50A seaplane. The intention was to follow the east coast as far as Thursday Island and then via Papua, New Britain and the Solomon Islands to the New Hebrides and New Caledonia before turning east again for Fiji and Samoa. Engine trouble and sickness caused the crew of Williams, McIntyre and Trist to fly no further than Tulagi in the Solomons and they returned to Melbourne, arriving December 7. This cover is addressed to Vila, New Hebrides, but is endorsed by Williams "The flight was terminated at Tulagi (& returned) + this letter was not delivered." With THURSDAY ISLAND 10 OC 26 cds. [Note: the surface postage rate of 1½d applied to mail carried. There was no air mail surcharge.] A superb example and exceptionally rare.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$19000

Estimate: $15,000 - $17,500 

25 Sept.1926 (AAMC.102) Another example of the Williams covers, as above. This one addressed to the Air Board, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne and also signed by Richard Williams. With datestamps of "THURSDAY ISLAND 10 OC 26", "KIETA 31 OC 26" and "SAMARAI 29 NOV 26".  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$23000

Estimate: $15,000 - $17,500 

May - August 1927 (AAMC.103) Dennis Rooke left England on 24 May 1927, intending to fly to Australia. En route, he posted this cover fom Karachi on 22 June, addressed to Rawalpindi. On 4 August, he crashed when taking off in his DH60 Moth "Marjorie" at Aurangabad near Gaya, in Bihar. As a result, the flight was abandoned. The cover is accompanied by a small photo (initialled by Rooke) showing his aeroplane being inspected after the crash. [NB. This intermediate was previously unlisted by Eustis.].   (2 items)

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$850

Estimate: $600 - $800 

1 July 1927 (AAMC.106) Cloncurry - Normanton cover, flown and signed for Qantas by the pilot, Hudson Fysh; with NORMANTON 1 July arrival backstamp, proving it as one of the small number carried on the first flight. Also signed by the postmaster, H.R. Jackson.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$240

Estimate: $150 - $200 

1 July 1927 (AAMC.106) Cloncurry - Normanton cover, flown and signed for Qantas by the pilot, Hudson Fysh; with NORMANTON 1 July arrival backstamp, proving it as one of the small number carried on the first flight. Also signed by the postmaster, H.R. Jackson and with "VISIT NORMANTON FOR BIG GAME FISHING" vignette affixed on front.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$200

Estimate: $200 - $250 

5 August 1927 (AAMC.108) Melbourne - Alice Springs cover (front only) with "Angel" affixed, carried by Australian Aerial Services Ltd for delivery to a passenger on the "Reso" Tour organized by the Victorian Railways; together with small original newspaper report about the flights.  

Symbols: C

 

Realized: 

$225

Estimate: $300 - $350