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Lot# 422 - Auction 227-233

  • Lot# : 422 Egypt Kingdom

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    Wreck Cover 1937: Cover from Zagazig to Greece, carried on the ill-fated Imperial Airways Short S. 23 'C' Class Flying Boat 'Courtier' which Crash-landed in Phaleron Bay, (Oct 1), striking the water with such force that the hull burst on impact sinking the Flying Boat, the propellers kept working hindering the rescue and thus 2 passengers drowned and five were seriously injured (interestingly, seatbelts for passengers were introduced as compulsory in British planes after this crash). The mail was recovered but soaked. Cover struck with bilingual "De l' ydravion coulê" cachet in blue, and resealed at base, addressee not found with three PARTI SANS LAISSER ADRESSE cachets in black. Returned via Piraeus (Oct 15) and resealed with three green wafer seals cancelled at Athens Airport and returned to sender (Oct 18). Remarkable cover Nierinck 371001. Sandford pages 131-134.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 170 CHF