Balloons used to carry mail out of a sieged city.

During the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71 the city of Paris was completely cut off from the outside world by the Prussian army. Balloons were used to carry refugees and mail from the besieged city.

From 19^th September, 1870 to 28^th January, 1871, 66 balloons were used by the Parisians to carry 155 refugees, 354 carrier pigeons and over 2.5 million letters out of Paris. Each piece flown required a notation "Par Ballon Monte" indicating that it was a manned balloon. Balloon montes are relatively expensive and prices can vary according to specific balloons and markings.

Covers flown out of Paris were then forwarded to the addressees through normal mail channels.

Special balloon postcards 10 x 7 cm were manufactured of thin green paper subject to a maximum weight of 4gm.

The address side of a balloon postcard from the siege of Paris, 1870. Postage of 20 centimes was imprinted on the card.

Women Air Pioneers

Several women pilots were among the early pioneers of the air:

Air Routes on stamps

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Some air routes on stamps



This one actually shows merchant nave routes but was overprinted for inauguration of an internal airmail

The Royal Air force (RAF) came into existence on 1st April, 1918 when the personnel and resources of the Royal flying corps and the Royal Naval air service were combined to become the 'Third Service'. The new service proved its worth when it was able to make a major contribution to the ultimate victory in WWI in November, 1918. It ended the war with a strength of 300,000 personnel and 23,000 aircraft. But post-war budget cuts saw a dramatic decline in its strength. Moreover the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sir Hugh Trenchard was engaged in a fierce debate as both the Army and the Royal Navy demanded that Air Power be under their control. Ultimately, the uprising in Somaliland in 1920 settled the issue as the Air force was able to bring the situation under control in weeks whereas it would have taken ground forces months to do so.

Tristan da Cunha souvenir sheet shows Air Marshal Sir Hugh Trenchard, father of the RAF.



FDC of stamps issued by Tristan da Cunha to commemorate the event depicting the various aircraft of the RAF.

Stamps issued by Ascension Is to commemorate 90 years of the RAF.

RAF 90th Anniversary

Stamps issued by Isle of Man to commemorate 90th Anniversary of the RAF.










Air Display stamps issued by Great Britain.

History of Flight II

It is only in the 15th century that we pass from the realm of mythology to that of fact in the person of Leonardo da Vinci. He was a genius who concluded that man could fly with suitable wings based on his study of flights of birds. He, however, was more interested in the theory of flying rather than actual application of his ideas. But it is reported that a follower of his did construct ribbed wings with which he was able to undertake some successful glides. However, like most pioneers his experiments came to an end with a crash. Italian set of 1932 depicts his flying machine and the 3l stamps shows his protrait.

Tere have been numerous experiments in flying from the time of Leonardo da Vinci but none have found a place in the stamp album. The exception is Friar Bartholomew de Guzmao, who flourished in early 18th century in Portugal. However, his designs were more in his imagination than reality. He can be seen on the 200 reis stamp issed by Brazil in 1929. The 50 reis stamp depicts his monument.


Portugal honoured him on a 1983 stamp along with Mongolfier, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the conquest of flight.