Lot
275 
Australia, 1919 Ross-Smith First Aerial Post, tied by "First Aerial Mail, Great Britain to Australia, 26 Feb. 1929" oval flight datestamp on large piece, also with lightly struck violet "Per Vickers Vimy Aeroplane to Australia" handstamp, extremely scarce and Very Fine; with 1991 E. Diena certificate. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
On November 12, 1919, Ross Macpherson Smith, Keith Smith, J. M. Bennett and W. H. Shiers left London in a Vickers Vimy aircraft and arrived in Darwin on December 10, Smith telegraphed the Australian prime minister requesting a commemorative stamp be issued, and this commemorative label was designed by A.I.F. war artist Lieutenant Benson, a total of 576 labels were made 346 of which were attached to incoming mail carried on the trip.
Realized: $2,100