Lot 978, 1930 Maryland Free State first flight, Calcutta to Alameda California

Worldwide Postal History is on offer in today’s auction sessions.

Lot 978, 1930 Maryland Free State first flight, Calcutta to Alameda CaliforniaLot 978 1930.MAR.9 “Maryland Free State” First Flight from Calcutta to Alameda California, piloted by Geysendorffer and Scholte, franked with 1a KGV definitive and a USA 2c cancelled at Alameda on MAY.12. Handstamped “AIR LINER / MARYLAND FREE STATE” and signed by pilot Scholte. Addressed to Stephen Smith, with his signature on back. The cover has small toning spots else very fine. A rare cover, with only 26 covers flown, from the Pont Collection. This was the example Mr. Pont exhibited in the early 1930s. Estimate $1,000.

Lot 1453, 1930 First Flight Cover from Calcutta to Alameda California

Lot 1453, 1930 First Flight Cover from Calcutta to Alameda CaliforniaLot 1453, 1930 First Flight Cover from Calcutta to Alameda California (back)Lot 1453 1930.MAR.9 “Maryland Free State” First Flight from Calcutta to Alameda, California, piloted by Geysendorffer and Scholte, franked with 1a KGV definitive and a USA 2c cancelled at Alameda on MAY.12. Handstamped “AIR LINER / MARYLAND FREE STATE” and signed by pilot Scholte. Addressed to Stephen Smith, with his signature on back. A rare cover, with only 26 covers flown. From the Leon Victor Pont Collection of early India First Flight postal history. Estimate $1,000.

Lot 1567, India 1930 cover from Calcutta to Alameda California, sold for C$1,404

Lot 1567, India 1930 cover from Calcutta to Alameda California, sold for C$1,404Lot 1567 India MAR.9.1930 “Maryland Free State” First Flight from Calcutta to Alameda California, piloted by Geysendorffer and Scholte, franked with 1a KGV definitive and a USA 2c cancelled at Alameda on MAY.12. Handstamped “AIR LINER / MARYLAND FREE STATE” and signed by pilot Scholte. Back has Stephen Smith signature. The American stamp fell off due to humid storage and has been replaced with a hinge, still rare, with only 26 covers flown. From the The Leon Victor Pont Collection of Early India, New Zealand and Worldwide Pioneer Flight Covers. Estimate $400, sold for C$1,200.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.