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Auction: 12013 - The Collector's Series sale
Lot: 501

Newfoundland Airmails 1919 (12 April) The "Hawker" Attempt Mr. Harry Hawker and his navigator Commander Mackenzie Grieve, commenced their attempt at the first non-stop transatlantic crossing in the afternoon of 18 May, 1919. After many problems Hawker decided to ditch in the sea and he and Grieve were rescued by the Danish ship "Mary". The aeroplane "Atlantic" and the precious bag of mail were salvaged by the S.S. Lake Charlottesville on 23 May. The water-soaked mail was dried, stamps placed back on the envelopes, and handed to the postal authorities on 29 May, reaching London the next day. 1919 (12 Apr.) envelope to London, marked "By Aeroplane", bearing 3c. brown lightly tied by St. John´s machine d.s. and, on reverse, Found Open and Officially Secured label (torn through on opening) cancelled with London c.d.s. for 30 May on arrival. A rare and attractive example of this outstanding pioneer airmail flight. Photo Estimate £ 6,000-8,000

Sold for
£7,500