The C.A. Stillions Collection of Washington D.C. Postal History

Airmail, 1918, 16¢ green, tied by purple "Air Mail Service, Wash. N.Y., Phila., Washington, Jul 13, 1918" duplex on legal-size National Aerial Coast Patrol Commission imprint cover to New York City, purple "Aerial Mail." straightline cachet, held for May 15th flight, New York (7.15) arrival backstamp, Very Fine.

Scott No. C2   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $800.

Airmail, 1918, 16¢ green, tied by purple "Air Mail Service, Wash. N.Y., Phila., Washington, Jul 13, 1918" duplex updated in ms. to "15", on buff cover to Philadelphia Pa.

Scott No. C2   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $800.

Airmail, 1918, 24¢ carmine rose & blue, tied by "Air Mail Service Wash. N.y. Phila. 'Washington' May 16, 1918" duplex on 3¢ entire to New York City, autographed by " Ruth Law " noted aviatrix of the day; vertical fold, F.-V.F. use on second day of airmail service.

Scott No. C3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $200 - 300.

Airmail, 1918, 24¢ carmine rose & blue, used with 1¢ green (498) and 2¢ carmine (499) tied by purple "Air Mail Service Wash. N.Y. Phila. 'Washington' May 15 10AM First Trip" duplex on first flight cover from Washington D.C. to New York City, F.-V.F. AAMC $500.

Scott No. C3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $750.

The airmail rate effective May 15, 1918 to July 14, 1918 was 24¢ per ounce. This was overpaid by 3¢, as airmail rates were frequently misunderstood since the 24¢ rate included special delivery service and ground leg if any.

This was posted at Washington D.C. on May 15th 1918 the First Day of Air Mail Service. When pilot went the wrong way and crash, the mail was held over and sent on the next day as indicated by backstamps.

Airmail, 1918, 24¢ carmine rose & blue, tied by "Air Mail Service, Wash. N.Y. Phila., Washington, Jun 4, 1918" duplex on multicolor Whitehouse picture post card to Seattle Wash., Philadelphia (6.4) transit cds, Very Fine.

Scott No. C3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  Estimate $100 - 150.

Airmail, 1918, 24¢ carmine rose & blue, tied by bold "Air Mail Service, Wash. N.Y., Phila., Washington, 'First Trip' May 15, 1918" on legal-size Aero Club of America imprint cover to New York City, purple "Aerial Mail. Via New York" straight cachet; 24¢ small tear, otherwise Very Fine.

Scott No. C3   ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦  $750.

The world's regular air services opened with the 218 miles route between Washington, Philadelphia and New York by the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps. Lieut. George L. Boyle left the Polo Grounds, Washington on May 15, 1918 but followed the wrong railway line, lost himself and broke his propeller in a forced landing at Wardorf Md. about 25 miles from Washington D.C. The mail was brought back to Washington and was flown to Philadelphia by Lieut. J.C. Edgerton and on to New York by Lieut.Torrey H. Webb the next day.