Lot 1582 India OCT.18.1932 Madras to Karachi First Flight Sets, With and Without Union Jack Flag, includes two each of all 20 of the flight legs, to and from Ahmedabad, Karachi, Bombay, Bellary and Madras. These colourful covers were designed by Stephen Smith “by Sanction of Messrs. Tata Sons Ltd” with inscription on back reading “A Souvenir of a Great Indian Enterprise” and signed by Stephen Smith. The cover design was originally submitted with a Union Jack, which proved to be less than popular, so most of the stock was destroyed. Those that remained were meant for foreign collectors, and those without the flag for Indian collectors. All of these are addressed to Mr. Pont, care of several people in several cities. Some have staining (mostly on back), still overall fine and a rare offering. Scan only shows one of the 40 covers offered here. From the The Leon Victor Pont Collection of Early India, New Zealand and Worldwide Pioneer Flight Covers. Estimate $400, sold for C$5,200.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.
Bombay
Lot 903, India 1948 Gandhi set on First Day Cover to New York City, postmarked Bombay
Lot 903 India #203-206 1948 1½a – 10r Gandhi Set on First Day Cover, postmarked Bombay G.P.O on 15 August 1948, mailed air mail to New York City, with two different receivers on back, alongside a Bombay registration label. This is the better and scarcer black (mourning) cover, with the 10r stamp being sound (white area below it is a white area for affixing the stamp), very fine, rare and highly sought after. Rsv. Estimate C$3,500.
