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Lot# 10596 - Auction 291-297

  • Lot# : 10596 Australia

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    1919: First Aerial Post blue perforated vignette, used on First Flight cover from GB to Australia flown by Ross and Keith Smith, the cover addressed to P.E. Deane, private Secretary to the PrIme Minister (Billy Hughes) in Melbourne, tied by oval "FIRST AERIAL MAIL / GREAT BRITAIN TO AUSTRALIA / RECEIVED" datestamp (26 Feb 1920) with information strike at right and three line "PER / VICKERS "VIMY" AEROPLANE / TO AUSTRALIA" in blue. Slight soiling as ever but of great scarcity. Signed Kessler.rnNote: In 1919 the Australian government offered a prize of £A10,000 for the first Australians in a British aircraft to fly from Great Britain to Australia. Smith and his brother Keith, Sergeant James Mallett Bennett and Sergeant Wally Shiers, flew from Hounslow Heath Aerodrome, England on 12 November 1919 in a Vickers Vimy, eventually landing in Darwin Australia on 10 December, taking less than 28 days, with an actual flying time of 135 hours.The four men shared the £10,000 prize money put forward by the Australian government.
    Starting bid : 2,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,200.00 CHF