ROCKET MAIL COVER : FIRST OFFICIAL SWISS ROCKET MAIL FLIGHT (1961)

 

On November 5, 1961, the city of Bellinzona hosted a remarkable event in philatelic history: the "Erster amtlicher SCHWEIZER POSTRAKETENFLUG" (First Official Swiss Rocket Mail Flight). This experiment sought to prove the viability of using rocket technology for rapid mail delivery across the Swiss Alps. The envelope features striking visual evidence of its journey, including the bold red text "Befördert mit 'Z.-Rakete'" (Carried by 'Z-Rocket') and the green Italian inscription "ESPERIMENTI DI POSTA PER RAZZO ESPRESSO".

The historic importance of this document is cemented by the distinct circular cancellations from Bellinzona, dated 5.XI.1961, which depict a rocket soaring upward. Adding to its rarity is the blue ink signature of Gerhard Zucker, the renowned German rocket pioneer behind the "Z-Rocket" series. These marks signify a time when engineers and postal authorities looked to the stars to solve earthly logistical challenges.

BALLOON MAIL : MAIDEN VOYAGE OF D-GRAF ZEPPELIN (1967)

This vintage postcard commemorates the 21st German Children's Village Balloon Flight, a charitable event held on March 7, 1967. It documents the maiden voyage of the free balloon "D-GRAF ZEPPELIN," which carried this specific card (No. 1370) from Friedrichshafen. The flight reached a maximum altitude of 1900 meters and travelled a distance of 16 km before landing in Güttingen, Switzerland.

The card is a philatelic treasure, featuring a special Friedrichshafen postmark dated March 8, 1967, marking the 50th anniversary of Count Zeppelin’s death. It boasts a "Froschkönig" welfare stamp and a teal "Bordstempel" cachet. Notably, it bears the signature of pilot Wolfgang von Zeppelin, adding significant historical value for collectors.

Proceeds from such flights supported the Pestalozzi Children’s Village, blending aviation history with philanthropy. Addressed to Hermann E. Sieger, a famous philatelic dealer, this document serves as a precise record of 1960s aeronautics.

METER FRANKLING : INDIA 1967