Lot 1587 India Rocket Mail Group of Four Different First Rocket Despatch Covers, includes the very first firing, ship to shore on SEP.30.1934 (with red and green rocket label, 140 were carried, 3 were lost when the rocket exploded over the sea), the first land rocket experiment on SEP.30.1934 (with red and blue label, 209 were carried), a first shore to ship experiment on OCT.4.1934 (with red and green label, postage due marking in Calcutta, 135 were carried) and a land rocket experiment cover that was carried twice on SEP.30.1934 (with two different labels and cachets, only 8 were carried twice). Each cover is duly signed by either the lighthouse keeper, commander of the ship, are addressed either to Mr. Pont or Mr. Smith, and all are signed by Stephen Smith. Very fine. From the The Leon Victor Pont Collection of Early India, New Zealand and Worldwide Pioneer Flight Covers. Estimate $400.
Calcutta
Lot 514, Canada 1945 registered cover Vancouver to China, War Issue, franked $10.60, sold for $402
Lot 514 Canada #257/262 1945 Vancouver Registered to China, War Issue Franking, mailed Vancouver BC on MAR 3.1945 (several blackout c.d.s. cancels, plus blank registration box) and addressed to China (Chungking) through Eastern route of Montreal, then Miami and West Africa (no markings for these except a MAR.6 Montreal c.d.s. on back, still endorsed via this route). Also endorsed “By C.N.A.C. from Calcutta”. Medium sized cover is franked with ten $1 Destroyers, one 50c Munitions and a 10c Parliament, all from the War issue set, paying a total of $10.60. Censor tape from DB / 196. A few opening tears at left and some light creases, still a great cover for the War issue collector, wartime postal historian, etc. Estimate C$200, sold for $350 plus buyer’s premium.
Lot 514, Canada 1945 registered cover Vancouver to China, War Issue, franked $10.60
Lot 514 Canada #257/262 1945 Vancouver Registered to China, War Issue Franking, mailed Vancouver BC on MAR 3.1945 (several blackout c.d.s. cancels, plus blank registration box) and addressed to China (Chungking) through Eastern route of Montreal, then Miami and West Africa (no markings for these except a MAR.6 Montreal c.d.s. on back, still endorsed via this route). Also endorsed “By C.N.A.C. from Calcutta”. Medium sized cover is franked with ten $1 Destroyers, one 50c Munitions and a 10c Parliament, all from the War issue set, paying a total of $10.60. Censor tape from DB / 196. A few opening tears at left and some light creases, still a great cover for the War issue collector, wartime postal historian, etc. Estimate C$200.