Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19015 - The Philatelic Collectors' Series Sale
Lot: 2109

(x) South Africa
1929 (23 Feb.) Verneuk Pan Flight
1929 (23 Feb.) envelope from Field Post Office at Verneuk Pan on the occasion of Capt. Malcom Campbell's unsuccessful attempt on the world land speed record in Bluebird, addressed to Woodstock, Cape Province and bearing Ship 1d. with neat "vernuek pan/v p n" skeleton datestamp with another strike below and marked "Eric Penny (Pilot)" at foot, Brandvlei transit datestamp (25.2) on reverse; carried by Penny, with Capt. Campbell on board, which crashed after take off from Clanwilliam. Very rare with only twelve items of mail given to them by Mr. Grey, the postmaster who arranged the postal facilities. Also a contemporary photograph (200x160mm.) with Malcom Campbell and a group of engineers/spectators standing next to his car at the pan and signed "Malcolm Campbell". Nierinck 290224 and illustrated on page 207 of his handbook. Photo

Note: After the record attempt, Penny flew Capt. Campbell to Clanwilliam. After an overnight stay the following morning upon take off their Avian aircraft struck a tree and crashed. The pilot was seriously injured and Capt. Campbell suffered minor cuts. The recovered items of mail were recovered and taken to Brandvlei Post Office and the mail was forwarded to Cape Town by rail

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£650