Lot 2946

Description

Great Britain, first rare original postcard used in Great Britain, the post card was used during the United Kingdom's first aerial post in September 1911. This postcard was flown between Hendon (London) and Windsor on 9th September 1911. It is one of the cards specially produced to be used during this historical event. The front is printed with an attractive image of a Bristol "Boxkite" aeroplane flying over Windsor Castle and bears the following inscription, "Coronation - A.D. 1911 - First U.K. Aerial Post - By Sanction of H.M. Postmaster General - For Conveyance by Aeroplane from London to Windsor - No responsibility in respect of loss, damage, or delay, is undertaken by the Postmaster General. It has it's original two halfpenny KGV stamps and is franked with the official "Aerial Post" hand stamp. The left hand side of the reverse is printed with the relevant information and instructions. This postcard was sent to Mr and Mrs. A Neale, of 117 Barker Road, "Subiaco" in Western Australia, length 140mm. Edge folds and damage on one edge, otherwise fine and rare.

This event was to be the U.K.'s first official aerial post and was inaugurated to celebrate King George V's coronation. It was masterminded by Captain W. G. Windham who was one of the pilots involved in the world's first air mail service at Allahabad in India in February of 1911. The pilots chosen to fly the mail were Gustav Hamel and C.H. Greswell both flying Bleriots, the French pilot C.L.A. Hubert and the South African E.F. Driver, both using Farmans. The first flight was made by Hamel on Saturday 9th September 1911 the date stamped on the above post card.