Henry Gitner Philatelists, Inc.

France Ballon Monte:Le “Torricelli” folded mourning letter (black border stationery), Jan 23, 1871 Paris cancel, sent to Department of Vienne (faint backstamp), carried 230 kg of mail. Aeronaut flew solo and except for the cold, the flight was smooth. Upon landing. Locals told him the Prussians were close. Thanks to a local guide, he evaded search parties looking for him and eventually got the mail to safety. (BM65 €600)