Expert Insight from David S. Ball: Taking Postal History to New Heights in Our Frontiers of Flight Auction

Aerophilately documents the exciting frontier of flight. From pioneer aviation at the dawn of the 20th century, to the roaring 20s, the war years, supersonic flight, and beyond. Many of the items offered in this sale were actually carried on record flights and daring missions. Successful bidders can own an envelope on the first flight over the North (1926) or South Pole (1929), carried on General Balbo’s Air Armada from Rome to Rio de Janeiro (1931), winged its way with Charles Lindbergh (its autographed) to Dutch Guiana (1929), lofted into the stratosphere with Navy pilots (1961), accompanied Howard Hughes around the world (1939) or flew on Voyager’s nonstop (and unrefueled) world flight (1986). You can even own an envelope postmarked on the Soviet space station Mir (and signed by 4 cosmonauts) in 1992.

Aerophilately Highlights Co-Curated by David S. Ball, President American Air Mail Society 

Charles Lindbergh – FAM 6 Extension Cover Flown & Autographed on Dutch Guiana–Miami Flight (1929)

First Official Missile Mail – Flown in Regulus I Cruise Missile Launched from USS Barbero in 1959

Unlike First Day Covers, anniversary envelopes, or commemorative items, the collection here has been there. Most were carried, many are autographed, and all are special. - David S. Ball

David S. Ball is the author of American Astrophilately: The First Fifty Years, which was nominated for a national book award.He is an exhibitor, nationally accredited philatelic judge, and serves on the American Philatelic Society Expertizing Committee. He is the President of the American AirMail Society and serves as the US Delegate for Astrophilately to the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP).


FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT AUCTION