This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/12/2012.
Scarce and impressive flight-flown commemorative airmail postal cover in honor of Howard Hughes’ triumphant 1938 around-the-world flight. In July 1938, Hughes set out from an airfield on Long Island, New York, in a specially designed Lockheed 14N ‘Super Electra’ aircraft to set a new around-the-world record of 3 days, 19 hours, and 8 minutes. The cover, issued in conjunction with the 1939 New York World’s Fair, bears several postage stamps, postmarks, and rubber stamps indicating the primary stops on the record-setting journey: Paris, Moscow, Omsk, Yakutsk, Fairbanks, Minneapolis, and the final destination, New York City. After making stops in the aforementioned cities, he became not only a record-breaking pilot but a national hero. The front of the envelope has been nicely signed in fountain pen by Hughes, his co-pilot Harry Connor, as well as crewmembers Dick Stoddart and Eddie Lund. A bit of expected wrinkling on the cover and the postmark touching first name of Connor’s signature, otherwise very fine, fresh condition. Measures 9-1/2” x 4”, an exceptional and highly desirable item from the colorful billionaire and aviation legend. Accompanied by a LOA from JSA.