Balloons, Zeppelins, Airships, Aeroplanes, Air Planes,Aviation, Blimps, Space and Flight at Valhalla Aerostation

3. Allen, High. The House of Goodyear. A Story of Rubber and Modern Business. 1943 ed. Cleveland, 417 pp., indexed, ill. Fine in original DJ. Previous owner’s bookplate inside front board.Sections on LTA, Akron, Macon, balloon racing and WW II applications. $25

4. American Heritage, ed. The American Heritage History of Flight. NY, 1962. 416 pp., indexed, ill. Fine in slipcase, gilt stamped spine. While one expects top shelf content, the photo selection is what really makes this book! Good bathroom reading…keep it handy. $25

5. Ayres, Leonard. The War With Germany. A Statistical Analysis. Wash. 1919.Ex-lib. HQ American Forces in Germany. 154 pp., indexed, ill. Many graphs, charts. Also shows maps for various stages, campaigns of the land war in Europe. Quite insightful, a lot of info packed into this title. $25

8. Bethuys, G. Les Aerostatiers Militaires. Paris, 1891. 319 pp., ill. All edges gilt, in handsome gilt stamped pictorial binding. Hinges cracked. Rare. VG interior, paper slightly toned. Book has 4 sections: Military operations under Coutelle, the Siege of Paris, beginnings of navigable flight and the French military aeronautics school at Chalais. $185

10. Block, Eugene. Above the Civil War. The Story of Thaddeus Lowe; Balloonist, Inventor, Railway Builder. Berkeley, 1966. 188 pp., indexed, ill. Fine in DJ, previous owner’s name blindstamped on half title. Ill. endpapers. $75

11. Boyd, Dean. Lighter Than Air. 1961. 1st and mercifully only edition of this book. 249 pp., in original DJ; very scarce thus. Penned by a retired Navy Blimp pilot, the book is true to its era; i.e. chauvenistic. But, entertaining. $30

12. Brewer, Griffith. Theory of Ballooning. A Course of Four Lectures on the Theory of Ballooning. Wash., 1918. 69 pp., w/diagrams, in printed gov’t. wraps. Fine. 3rd ed.4 lectures by the author on: the science of ballooning, the trail rope, instrument and kite balloon flying. Rare, highly useful. $100

13. Burchard, Peter. Balloons From Paper Bags to Skyhooks. NY, 1960. 48 pp., copiously ill. In pictorial cloth binding. $20

14. Capelotti, P.J. By Airship to the North Pole.: An Archeology of Human Exploration. Rutgers U. Press, 1999. 209 pp., indexed, ill. As new in DJ. A study of Wellman’s polar airship flight project, fresh scholarship. $25

15. Chagman, Charles W. Joint Indo-Unites States Balloon Flight Porgram 1961. Air Force Cambridge Research Labs. Space Physics Lab., Dec. 1962. 201 pp., ill., appendices. Fine, save for tear on front wrap. Bound in black taped strip. Printed wraps. Scientific report Feb-April 1961, for extended series of high-altitude balloon flights carrying a variety of scientific instruments to probe the tropical stratosphere. $35

16. Chatley, Prof H. The Forces of the Wind. 2nd ed., London, 1919. 83 pp., indexed, diagrams. Blind ruled red cloth w/gilt stamped spine. Fine. Discusses airflow and turbulence, and factors affecting what we now know as the Reynolds number (a variable which measures the ratio of viscosity to inertia in movement of airflow around obstacles). Very readable, sections on affect of wind on water and its scouring affect(wind erosion). Scarce. $15

17. Countryman, Barry. Helium for Airships and Science; The Search in Canada 1916-1936. Privately printed, 1992. 96 pp., ill., as new in stiff pictorial wraps. Unique, scholarly study of the Canadian helium program for the British Empire. One of about 300 copies printed. $30

18. Crouch, Tom. The Eagle Aloft. Two Centuries of the Balloon In America. Wash., 1981. 770 pp., indexed, ill., biblio, notes. As new in DJ.Magnificent title! Single best book on American LTA. $50

19. Dallison, Ken. When Zeppelins Flew. NY, 1969. 52 pp., indexed, ill. Fine in DJ. Part of the Spotlight on History series. Good cutaway diagrams. $10

20. Deighton, Len and Schwartzman, Arnold. Airshipwreck. NY, 1978. 73 pp., profusely ill, w/diagrams on endpapers. As new in DJ."The book is intended as a tribute to the master builders and their aluminum marvels. This generation of engineers dared to build their cathedrals in the sky…" $10

21. Dyer, Allen and Tamera. Powerline Excerpts. The BFA Handbook. Published for the BFA, 1976. 27 pp., ill., in stiff pictorial blue wraps. 3-hole punched, footnotes. VF.Highly useful even today, this was the first work produced for balloonists based upon personal experiences of balloon pilots gathered together and analyzed for safety instruction. Previous owner’s name/address on back, original mailing label. $15

22.Fonvielle, Wilfred de. (translated by John Keltie). Adventures in the Air; Being Memorable Experiences of Great Aeronauts. London, 1877. Vi., 304 pp. Ill. w/30 pp. Ads in back. In handsome gilt stamped dark green cloth, gilt pictorial binding and spine. $285

23. Gamble, C.F. Snowden. The Story of A North Sea Air Station. Neville, Spearman, 1967. London. 446 pp., indexed, ill. biblio. Fine in DJ. "The book is without doubt the final record of the early days of the Royal Naval Air Service, and the struggle for air supremacy over the North Sea during WW I." Details of tactics, operations, and personalities, etc. Scarce. $65

24. Gardiner, Leslie. Man In the Clouds. The Story of Vincenzo Lunardi. Edinburgh, 1963. 184 pp., indexed, ill. as new in DJ. Excellent, detailed account of the aeronaut’s career. 1st ed. $25

25. Gillespie, Charles C. The Montgolfier Brothers and the Invention of Aviation. Princeton, 1983. 210 pp., indexed, ill. Notes. As new in DJ. Excellent scholarship, one of the few which is available in English. Much background on the family and the political situation at the time. $40

26. Gilman, Rhoda. A Yankee Inventor’s Flying Ship. St. Paul, 1969. #51 of 2,000. 51 pp., as new in DJ. The two pamphlets by Rufus Porter, reprinted together, with intro! $20

27. Girard, E. et Rouville A de. Les Ballons Dirigeables. Paris, 1907. Ex-Lib. Copy, 307 pp., diagrams, charts. French text. Marbled edges, in marbled boards. VG+. Covers construction, propulsion, propellers, stability, wind resistance, and description of prominent types; Severo, Santos-Dumont, Lebaudy, Zeppelin, etc. Rare. $125

28. Goldsrom. John A. A Narrative History of Aviation. NY, 1942. 39 pp., indexed, ill. VF in DJ, scare thus.With sections on the air mail, polar flights and women in aviation. Biblio, appendix of current world records. $20

29. Higham, Robin. The British Rigid Airship 1908-1931. London, 1961. 426 pp., w/foldout diagrams and schematics in back. Maps on endpapers. Indexed, ill., appendices, biblio. Author’s intent – "to indicate the type of problems and difficulties into which any new weapon is likely to be plunged…" scarce title but highly useful read. $85

30. Hoehling, A.A. Who Destroyed the Hindenburg? Boston, 1962. 2nd ed. 241 pp., indexed, ill. VG in DJ. $10

31. Hogg, Gary. Airship Over the Pole; the Story of the Italia. NY, 1969. 1st ed., 160 pp., ill., as new in DJ. $15

32. Keller, C.L. USS Shenandoah. Boston, 1965. 24 pp., ill. in stiff wraps. Fine. Good selection of scarce images showing construction, fabrication and rigging of the airship and some operations. $15

33. Kirschner, Edwin. Aerospace Balloons From Montgolfier to Space. TAB Books, 1985. 2nd printing. 120pp., ill., appendices. As new in stiff wraps. Bottom spine slightly scuffed. Good discussion of modern scientific ballooning and hot air ballooning beginnings, and space exploration applications. $22

34. Kirschner, Edwin. The Zeppelin In the Atomic Age. Urbana, Ill. 1957. 80 pp., ill, biblio. Fine in DJ. Scarce title which sketches LTA to the present, then extrapolates to evaluate its viability as a modern technology. Similar presentation to Rosendahl’s prospectus. $30

35. Lardner, Rev. Dionysius. The Cabinet of Natural Philosophy. A Treatise on Hydrostatics and Pneumatics. Phila., 1832. 237 pp., indexed, ill. 1st American Ed.A scholarly study of the physics of matter and air and their respective properties. Chapters on ballooning. ¾ calf binding, wear to extremities. Ex-lib copy. $40

36. Larson, George. The Blimp Book. Mill Valley, Ca., 1977. 96 pp., profusely ill., pictorial wraps. Q&A section in the back. $10

37. Lea, John. Cruisers In the Clouds. Edinburgh, circa 1912. Missing title page, half title. 167 pp., plus 32 pp. Ads in back. Larger type. Very worn to extremities, 1st couple of pages separated. In pictorial boards, showing a Santos-Dumont airship aloft. Blue cloth spine. Interior pages lightly toned, else Good +. Rare. Scuff to text p. 72, tear bottom p. 118, top p. 141. $55

38. Lecornu, J. Aerial Navigation. 2003 translation of 1903 original. 147 pp., ill. as new is stiff pictorial wraps. It took 100 years, but there is finally an English translation of this classic! Highly abbreviated, but still of great use to the historical reader. $22.50

39.Lougheed, Victor. Vehicles of the Air. Chicago, 1909. 479 pp., copiously ill., miscellany, glossary in back, patents registered, etc. Chapter cover LTA and HTA seperately, HTA the focus – construction and materials goes into great depth on different hardwoods, metals, cordage, paints/varnishes, etc. The different manufacturers and instruments, etc. are also covered in depth. In gilt stamped pictorial blue cloth. Back hinge separated, else Fine condition. Scarce. $65

40. Mabley, Edward. The Motor Balloon America. Brattleboro, Vt. 1969. 94 pp., ill. w/DJ. Fine.Long out of print, tells some intriguing anecdotes including what inspired the first wireless air-to-ground communication: "Roy, come get this goddam cat"! $15

41. McCarry, Charles. Double Eagle. Boston, 1979. 278 pp., ill. As new in DJ. Maps on endpapers. Still one of the best written accounts of ballooning ever produced. $20

42. Meager, Cap’t. George. Leaves From My Logbook. 97 pp., pictorial cover. #63 of 99 copies, soft wraps. Privately printed, 1961. Rare. Highly sought after title; personal memoir of Britain’s leading airshipman. $225

43. National Geographic Society. US Army Air Corps Stratosphere Flight of 1935 In the Balloon Explorer II. Wash., 1936. 277 pp., ill. in stiff card wraps. Fine. W/original photo/posted showing first image taken showing the curvature of the Earth!The original summary report of the Explorer II flight w/all the scientific experiments, data and conclusions. A landmark piece of scientific ballooning literature. $75

44. Norwood, Amogene. Taming the Gentle Giant. A Guide to Hot Air Ballooning. Privately published, 1986. 113 pp., ill charts and diagrams. VF ion stiff pictorial wraps. Focus is on FAR’s, reading sectional charts, weather and reading aviation weather forecasts. Also medical info, etc. A major help for studying for the written. $45

45. Peterson, Houston. See Them Flying. His Air Age Scrapbook 1909-1910. NY, 1969. 261 pp., ill., chronology. VF in DJ. Terrific read – besides contemporary accounts of the first couple of years of fixed-wing flying, the presentation allows short articles to be absorbed one at a time. All the pioneers are in here… $20

46. Poeppelman, Kevin and Mullen, Maureen. Landowner Relations. Privately printed, 1985. 51 pp., ill in stiff pictorial wraps. As new. Still the best reference for preventative maintenance of your landing places, and a valuable section on dealing with angry landowners. $10

47. Poole, Lynn. Ballooning In the Space Age. NY, 1958. 160 pp., indexed, ill. VG in worn DJ., ex-lib copy. Written for the student, this title goes into greater depth on the modern stratospheric flights of StratoLab, Man High, etc. $15

50. Report On Airship Rescue Operations. By R.F. Tyler, Capt. US Navy. Commander, Fleet Airships, Atlantic. Sept., 1945. 31 pp., profusely ill., large format in stiff printed wraps w.comb binding. "To promote better understanding of what airships can do and are doing in Air/Sea Rescue by presenting a record of what they have done." Quite rare. $150

51. Robinson, Douglas. Giants in the Sky. A History of the Rigid Airship. Seattle, 1973. 3rd ed., 376 pp. Indexed, ill. appendices, notes, biblio. As new in DJ. Fresh out of an airshipman’s library, probably the single best title on the subject, certainly the most comprehensive! $40

52. Robinson, Douglas. The Zeppelin in Combat. A History of the German Naval Airship Division 1912-1918. London, 1962. 417 pp., indexed, ill., biblio, notes, foldout diagrams of German airships in back.VF in DJ (latter missing bottom part of spine). $45

53. Robinson, Douglas and Keller, Charles L. Up Ship! US Navy Rigid Airships 1919-1935. Naval Institute Ppress, 1982. 236 pp., indexed, ill. As New in DJ. Excellent research, copious diagrams plus internal memorandum from Settle to new commanding officer on the status of affairs at Lakehurst and causes; most insightful. $50

55. Shafto, Dene. Trailblazing In the Skies. Akron, 1943. 78 pp., plus photos. Ill. endpapers. Fine in DJ. $15

57. Simons, Col. David. Man High. NY, 1960. 262 pp., ill., no DJ. Fine in stamped blue cloth. Becoming harder to locate copies – 1st one we’ve had in stock in a few years. $20

59. Smith, Anthony. Jambo. African Balloon Safari. NY, 1963. 1st ed. 272 pp., ill. appendices. Clean VF w/DJ, a good section at end showing lift calculations and why it was determined hydrogen made the most sense for the expedition. $20

60. Smith, Richard K. The Airships Akron and Macon. Flying Aircraft Carriers of the US Navy. 1st ed., 1965. Scarce, VF in original DJ. The 1st scholarly study of the Akron and Macon as aircraft carriers. Essential for the LTA library. $70

61. Starkweather, George. The Secret of Wings. "The Principles…Set Forth." Wash., 1881. 54 pp., 1 frontis photo, in stiff card wraps w/label laid down on front board showing a stylized eagle. 2 newspaper clippings laid down on inner front board, birds subjects. VG+. Rare. Intelligent discussion of winged flight; Marey and Pettigrew’s studies both cited. Bird flight, insect flight, movement of fish etc. all covered. Author was a Civil War balloonist under Thaddeus Lowe. $400

62. U.S. War Dep’t. Technical Manual; Aerostatics. TM-325. Wash., Oct. 1940. 92 pp., indexed, many charts, graphs in back for calculating adiabatic rate, pressure altitude, lift of hydrogen, etc. Math formulas render this a meaty volume, but one must assume also they’re accurate if it’s a War Dep’t publication… $60

63. Walker, Frederick. Aerial Navigation. London, 1902. 151 pp., indexed, ill. 32 pp. Ads in back. In handsome gilt and black stamped brown cloth. Ex-lib but clean copy. Cracked hinge. A scarce but significant title, treats LTA and HTA craft in different chapters. MEDALS.....

64. Small bronze medal w/loop. Horseshoe shaped, obverse shows image of old balloon and boat vessel, and supporting ribbon reads "Buenos Aires ….aya 1 de 1852." Lowest left corner has faded lettering "Mattuzo Plaza"? Reverse shows laurel branch(?) w/surmounted ribbon bearing engraved "A. Dickman" and "1922" in bottom border. Rare. Very worn, fair condition $45

65. Sparrow token, circa 1823. Very worn, Malpas #27. Rev: Ironmonger Bishopsgate/London, Green’s balloon in center. Milled edges, 23mm diameter. Fair-Good condition. $20

PRINTS........

66. Original Cruikshank print – "Modern Balooning(sic). Or, the Newest Phase of Folly." Cruikshanks was a prominent satirist, who did a number of ballooning caricatures. This 6.5"x4.25" print shows one ass astride another a horse (in a parody of Poitevin’s ascents on horseback). An enthusiastic crowd of asses watches from below. Perfect for framing! $65

67. Original Charles Green Handbill! Approx. 5" x 7.5" size, "Accident to Mr. Green and His Balloon!" at Cremorne Gardens. "…in consequence of the disastrous results of Mr. Greens last night ascent from Vauxhall, viz the entire destruction of the Albion balloon and the severe bodily injuries sustained by Mr. Green, he will not, at present, attempt another ascent after dark…" the ascent on Wed. Aug. 27, 1845 was moved up to 6pm from 10:30. Dry mounted, matted. Ex-Schoendorf collection. $100

MISCELLANY..........

68. Keystone stereoview. Very worn, of a cacquot balloon being readied for tether observation work. Image #18077 "Preparing to reconnoiter the Enemy’s position – Officers entering the cradle of a captive balloon." Wear to extremities, image clear but some soiling. One horizontal crease left image. $5

69. Keystone Stereoview "Zeppelin wrecked and burned – Ruins being inspected by French troops." #18632 image. Beautiful condition, crisp, glossy images and mounting board – as new! On both this and #67, on back are details of military zepps given, and war stats. Adds their primary service will be in peacetime, and that Kipling’s "Night Mail" book will become a reality. $10

72. 1971 LTA Reunion at Lakehurst NAS NJ. Booklet of the Naval Airship Servicemen, with dinner program Friday evening June 25th, and events June 26-27. (including a Blue Angels performance!) A concise history of the Lakehurst NAS is given along with illustrations of the types of airships operated from the Naval Base, and names of reunion committee members. $10

73. 19th Century autograph book, small 16mo size, w/embossed decoration on cover comprising birds, butterfly, skiff at sea, fence and balloon, etc. Inscribed on fly from teacher, dated Jan. 1, 1890. Subsequent scripture quotes throughout. Worn, but interesting item for the collector… $8

74. 11"x9" B&W image of a K-ship at sea escorting naval vessels. Later printing of the famous image, believed circa 1960’s. $25

76. American Aviation Historical Society Journal Vol. 8 #1-4, 1963. 302 pp., total. Includes articles on LTA; control of airships, kite balloons, etc.Scarce publication as it has small distribution list, peer-reviewed type. Includes academic and field experienced-based articles. $25

77. Inside the Control Car. Sept. 1978 #14 to 29 except for #16. Each issue about 22 pp., 16 issues in all, or a rare publication – limited press run/circulation. Articles focus upon technology and personalities, modern engineering projects, etc. $100 the set

78. Magazine article circa 1890, detailing flight made by author in Prof. Silas Brooks’ balloon in 1885 from Connecticut. PP. 671-679, ill. by Alfed E. Moore. With article "Balloon Experiences of a Timid Photographer. Pp. 679-694, w/photos, by a John G. Doughty. Bound together in a clear report cover. $6

79. Contemporary publication supplement from Dec. 1, 1783, 4pp., w/account of first manned flight! French text "The aerial voyage of de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes made their goodbyes and launched. The wind was from the northwest, which carried them near the great river. The 2 men worked to heat the air and built up the fire; reaching a great height…Several prominent citizens and crowds followed the balloon to its landing spot, the aerial travelers returned w/great honor…etc." $50

80. Excerpt from an encyclopedia on "Aeronautics." Pp. 148-155. Circa 1905, focus is upon recent efforts to develop an HTA craft. This article attributes the Montgolfiers’ idea to reading Cavendish’s book "Different Kinds of Air"! $5

81. Bookseller’s Catalog: 3 Paris Booksellers issued a joint reference "Locomotion Aerienne et Terrestre," Paris, n.d. "Precurseurs et Pioniers" w/forward by Charles Dollfus. Near Fine. Descriptions of 443 items, indexed. French text, many wonderful, rare items described. $5

82. 1976 BFA publication, "Welcome to the Balloon Federation of America." 20 pp., in pictorial wraps, an introduction/orientation to the BFA’s scope, programs and history/plans. With the original cover letter to pilot members from then-BFA President Don Kersten. Scarce - $10

83. Original Giffard Captive Balloon Poster, 2-sided! 7.5" x 9", double-matted under glass, also glass backed to allow back to be seen. Beautiful image of the Grand Ballon Captif of the Universal Exposition of 1889. Front image shows balloon on tether, with list of daily prices for ascent tickets (to go to 1,200 feet) and admission into the grounds. On the back is printed advertisement for Henri LaChambre, builder of the Captive Balloon. Sheet has several small tears on edges (3) and 1 lowest left corner; the one noticeable is between the lines of pricing at right edge. A rare, attractive piece! $185

84. Large print framed, matted under glass. Ken Marschall’s "The Final Moments" showing LZ-129 Hindenburg on final approach for landing at Lakehurst NAS the evening of May 6, 1937 just prior to the disaster. This is signed, numbered print #68. Print 25" x 19", shipping at cost (US domestic only for this one, due to the glass) - $45

85. Set of 4 pins/brooches, balloon motif. Splendid little stocking stuffers, see illustration! 2 gold color pins, one with suspended basket on chains, one with holiday motif, the other fine quality pewter. The four as a group - $15

PHILATELY.........

87. World’s first Top Ride Balloon mail! One of 45 carried aloft by Sean Emer on commemorative flight to recreate top ride done by pioneer hot air balloonist Al Emer on Sept. 21-23, 2001. Sean carried these 45 covers in a pouch duct-taped to his shirt under the body harness. These a fundraiser for Sean Emer College Fund. $50

88. Recreation of the Nazca balloon flight of the 1970’s, one of 500 covers flown (none carried on the original flight). With postmark of 6 Nov., 2002, Nazca Plain. Signed by pilot with photo card insert carrying piece of fabric from the balloon! $35

89. Private USPS Post FDC cover! #12 of 20 made, this is a 39-cent custom design US postage stamp with design commemorating the Sioux Falls Ballooning Association. First Day of Issue cancel, pmk dated June 8, 2006. No balloon mail FDC exhibit complete without this – only one of these available - $50

90. Cable and Wireless unflown Round-The-World flight attempt from 1999. Unflown cover, one of 10 signed by both pilots, complete with flight details. All flown covers were lost in the Sea of Japan when the capsule sunk after ditching at sea. This is the closest one can get to a flown cover from this RTW project. $75

91. Original 1973 FDC flown aerogramme from Albuquerque Fiesta/First World Hot Air Balloon Championships. WITH an Original Program from the event AND original PILOT’s registration pack! Very rare, few of these sent out and fewer available to the world market. Cover flown by William Malpas in the French entry, signed by pilot. Also an unflown special overprint designed aerogramme (ArtCraft design for the event). All as a special set - $75

92. Flown 1973 World’s First Hot Air Balloon Championships balloon mail, British entry. #10 envelope with custom cachet repeating the design of the event’s program cover. #39 of an unknown number carried on board both "Carousel" Feb. 16, 1973 and another balloon w/different pilot Feb. 17. Has Carousel bordstempel, also circular vignette of event. Vertical crease, else fine, address label missing. $30

93. Flown Gordon Bennett qualifier mail 2006. U.S. America’s Challenge gas balloon race from Albuquerque, flown by Richard Abruzzo – team landed in Holt, Florida covering 1191 statute miles in 44:30 hours. Postmark is from Pensacola, Fla. Oct. 13, 2006 after landing. #55 of 125 covers carried on board. $50

ADDENDA.........

94. Jahn, Joh. Freidrich. Technischer Nachlass Johan Schutte. Oldenburg, 1978. 58 pp., small 8vo, ill. As new in blue buckram binding. German text. Original stiff blue wraps bound in. A brief study of the man, his engineering, and his airships. Schutte-Lanz airships and Parseval airships were being designed, built and flown at the same period as the early Zeppelin airships. $20

95. Marsh, Lt.-Col. W. Lockwood. Aeronautical Prints and Drawings. London, 1924. 36 pp. Text, 87 pp. Of plates, reproducing numerous significant prints illustrating the history of aeronautics. In beautiful gilt stamped, ruled royal blue cloth, gilt image of Henson’s Aerial Steam Carriage on front cover. Large format, 4to, beveled boards. Boards slightly bowed. Author’s presentation copy to Hodgson, inscribed thus – a rare association copy, and an important one as this book was intended as an accompaniment to Hodgson’s History of Aeronautics in Great Britain. $400

96. Delacombe, Harry. The Boys’ Book of Airships. NY, 1909. 244 pp., indexed, ill. In beautiful pictorial binding, VF condition. Its name belies the intelligent content. Amongst other photographic nuggets is a shot of the Conqueror bursting in mid-air during the 1908 Gordon Bennett after a launch in a balloon with a neck much longer than the standard gas balloon (gas couldn’t escape fast enough for the ascent rate). $50

97. Means, James. Manflight. Boston, 1891. 29 pp., diagrams. In plain printed blue wraps. Means’ original publication, which was followed by The Aeronautical Annual which came out for several years, during the pioneer phase of HTA flight development. Scarce. WITH – Five Patents Relating of Aviation, also by Means. Boston, 1909. 7 pp., lists those patents awarded to Means on May 25, 1909. The 2 publications - $115

98. Real Photo Post Card of Hindenburg exploding. Produced by the Garraway Company, Rutherford, NJ. Unused, excellent condition. Crisp image, these were produced shortly after the accident. We have a used copy of this card, sent by an airshipman 4 days after the crash. $40

99. A Memorial Card for the crew lost on the R101 airship. Folding card, with image of the R101 on left of inside, and on right "In Sacred Memory of the Officers, Crew and Passengers of the British Airship R.101... May their souls rest in peace." On the back is a list of those who died. $75

100. Flown 1930 Gordon Bennett balloon mail! Airmail postal stationary, with cachet "Carried on the Barmen" and signed by both pilots, with Oneonta, NY postmark cancel Sept. 3, 1930 on a beacon 5-cent stamp. Arrival backstamp to recipient of Sept. 4, also event cachet applied in violet to back. Airmail postal stationary with cachet "Carried on Goodyear the 7th" and signed by pilot Ward Van Orman. With postmark of Boston, Mass. Sept. 3, 1930 over beacon stamp. Also with an arrival cancel on back. Airmail postal stationary, with cachet "carried on City of Cleveland" and signed by pilot R. J. Blair. Postmark of Watertown, NY Sept. 3, 1930 on beacon and arrival postmark on back, next to a violet event cachet applied. $80 each, or all for $200

101. LaChambre, Henri and Machuron, Alex. Andree’s Balloon Expedition In Search of the North Pole. NY, 1898. 1st American ed. 306 pp., ill. 12mo, in pictorial blue cloth, some soiling to boards, wear to extremities. Short inscription on fly. Light soiling on a few interior pages. Still a handsome, tight copy ready for the next reader… $225

102. Signed , framed photo of Double Eagle II, 16"x 20". All 3 pilots’ signatures, to a "Pearl." Inset post card/photo of the 3 men walking in a ticker tape parade, lower left. Shipping at cost. Beautiful image of the balloon! $175

103. Group of 7 vintage balloon pins. 3 Adirondack balloon festival circa ‘80’s, a St. Niklaas 1988, and vintage Budweiser(1974?), Jack’s Steakhouse(?) and Calgary ’88 Winter Olympics – all for $35

105. Large model kit of the Graf Zeppelin! Testors Hawk, oversized box (40"x12"x3"), kit #301. Original box, worn, tear at 1 corner taped, both ends tape sealed, some dinks. Strong graphics. "This kit is specially designed for the experienced modeler. Children may need adult supervision." Scale 1/245,shipping at cost - $45

106. Vintage Goodyear Blimp model kit! Revell, circa 1977, In original box. Opened, as far as we can see all model parts there, but missing the black sheets for making up your own signs for the sides. Instructions, decals included. Finished blimp 13.5" long. Wiring present. Some soiling to box. Shipping at cost - $25

107. Pene du Bois, William. The 21 Balloons. 1st Ed., NY, 1947. The Viking Press. 180 pp., ill. VF in DJ, a scarce 1st ed. Copy of this classic of childrens’ literature! $75

PREVIOUS OFFERINGS---STILL AVAILABLE 1. Allen, Hugh. The Story of the Airship. 7th ed., 1931. 84 pp. Ill. In embossed pictorial cloth. Fine.

The classic! It’s all stuffed in here – classes of airships, history of zepps, Goodyear’s role, free balloons, blimps as air yachts, the Air Dock, new airship design, helium and duralumin, handling, operations, mooring masts, winners of National Balloon Races for the Litchfield Trophy, Americans placing in the Gordon Bennett, etc.! $30

2. Allen, Hugh. The Story of the Airship (Nonrigid). Akron, 1943. 74 pp., Indexed, ill. In decorated stamped blue cloth. VF, 2nd ed.

The less common sequel to Story of the Airship, this title focuses on the development and contributions of blimps, culminating in the US Navy’s fleet of K-ships. Highly useful for the price! $35

3. Ballantyne’s Miscelany. Up In the Clouds or Balloon Voyages. London, 1872. vi.,126 pp., ill. In black stamped green cloth. Gilt Stamped spine. Small 8vo, scarce.

Wonderful frontis ill. of Nadar’s Geant! $60

4. Bourgeois, David. Recherches sur l’Art de Voler Depuis la Plus Haute Antiquite Jusqu’a ce Jour. Paris, 1784. Vii, 143 pp., errata note back page. Untrimmed, in original marbled wraps, wraps worn, edges chipped. Interior near fine.

"To serve as a supplement to M. Faujas de Saint-Fond’s Description des Experienes des Aerostatiques." Rare, this work ranks in relative value (according to Bill Lewis’ Maggs compendium) as equal to both Faujas de Saint-Fond’s Description and its companion Premiere Suite. In its original unbound state, straight from the printers. Brockett 2071. $1100

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6. Blanchard, Jean P. An Exact and Authentic Narrative of Blanchard’s Third Aerial Voyage, Accompanied by M. Boby. 1998 reprint of 1784 original, by Valhalla Aerostation. Viii, 17pp. 1 frontis ill. As new in marbled stiff wraps, one of 100 numbered copies.

Can’t find an original? No problem! Ours is much more affordable, too - $32.50

7. Burden, William. Bibliography, 1933. Privately produced volume, in chestnut cloth w/gilt stamped spine. 142 pp., of what looks like carbon copies of a typed listing of books. Alphabetical tabs. Some duplicate listings; thus we suspect this is a listing of William Burden’s personal library of the time. Burden a prominent figure in aeronautical circles. Likely one of 5 or less copies. Extremely rare, important. $650

Charnley, Mitchell. Boys’ Life of the Wright Brothers. NY, 1928. 291 pp., ill. Fine in original DJ.

Author acknowledges the assistance of Katherine Wright, Orville Wright, and other central figures. $25

8. Clement, Pierre. Montgolfiers. Paris, 1982. 193 pp., ill., biblio. In stiff Pictorial card wraps. English translation of Clement’s scholarly work on the Montgolfers and their work in aeronautics. VF condition, inscription on fly to a young lady - from descendents of the Montgolfiers! $35

9. Collins, A. Frederick. The Boy’s Airplane Book. NY, 1919. 253 pp., indexed, ill. In pictorial blue cloth. Previous owner’s bookplate in front, else near fine.

Intelligent diagrams and cross sections of hardware and components make this title particularly instructive. Shows reader how to make his own Wright glider, Bleriot, or other flying (model) airplane. 1st copy we’ve seen! $45

******************* Orville Wright’s Personal Copy!************************

10. Darrow, Karl K. The Renaissance of Physics. NY, 1936. 306 pp., indexed, ill. in gilt stamped black cloth. VF.

On title page of the co-executor’s stamp signed "H.S. Miller" within a circle of dots enclosing a Wright Flyer outline. "From the private Library of Orville Wright." A special keepsake. $125

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11. Dupuis-Delcourt. Nouveau Manuel Complet d’Aerostation; Ou, Guide Pour Servir a l’Histoire et la Practique. Paris, 1850. 292 pp., in glassine encased original printed wraps w/all 16 folding plates in back! Balloon on cover, 88 pp. Ads in back. Small, 12mo size.

VG+ condition, but untrimmed pages. A rare, valuable and comprehensive volume. P. 222 commences a chronological list of all known aeronauts from the beginning to time of publication. Noteworthy is his mention under 1783 of James Wilcox, a carpenter in Philadelphia (drawn from a hoax appearing in print in a contemporary Paris newspaper, and not challenged until the early 20th C. $375

13. Fairbanks Michael. Down One Diamond. Privately Printed, 1979. 150 pp., profusely ill. #734 of 1200 copies. Fine in VG DJ.

Another elusive title for the gas balloonist’s library – long out of print!A history of the Balloon Club of America, gas ballooning group in Philadelphia area from the 1950’s to today $50

Gillespie, Charles Coulson. The Montgolfier Brothers and the Invention of Aviation. Princeton, 1983. 210 pp., ind., ill., notes. As new in DJ.

Best English reference available on the Montgolfier Brothers and their work with the invention of the balloon. $40

16 Goodwin, John. Twenty Feet From Glory. Privately printed, 1970. 240 pp., indexed, ill. As new in shrinkwrap!.

A scarce title today, it tells the story of the 1928 Gordon Bennett balloon race entry Brandenburg. Launching from Ford Airport in Dearborn, Mich. On June 30th, the balloon flew to a rough mountaintop landing in West Viginia. $26

Gugelberg, H. L. von Das Parseval-Luftschiff. 12 pp., ill. German text. Offprint of an article from "Schweizerischen Bauzeitung," circa 1929. Fine.

Includes much on the technical specs of the Parseval Airship. Excellent selection of photos, including close-up of the airship ready for launch Oct. 3, 1909. $30

Heard, Gerald. Exploring the Stratosphere. London, 1936. 98 pp., il. In plain beige cloth. Fine.

A scarce title in the stratospheric literature. Part 1 covers description of it; part 2 the history of its exploration; part 3 considers useful applications of exploration; part 4 the region’s significance. Bookplate on fly. $90

Hearne, R.P. Zeppelins and Super-Zeppelins. London, 1916. 159 pp., indexed, ill. Red lettering on blind-stamped grey cloth. VG, a couple of bumps to extremities. Rare title.

Author describes a future with Great Britain as the hub for a network of airship services connecting the British empire. Chaps. On zepps, principles, history, construction, scope and limitations, warfare, air raid defenses ands precautions. $115

19. Landauer, Bella. Bookplates From the Aeronautical Collection of Bella Landauer. NY, 1930. Privately printed. Gilt stamped beige cloth. Uncut copy, unpaginated. 26 pp of text (2) and bookplates tipped in or reproduced; an additional 10 pages bound in, for additions to be mounted. This copy #52 of 60 published. Small rust mark from a paper clip on lower left, else VF. Rare. $295

Lecornu, J. Aerial Navigation. A Documentary and Anecdotal History. 2003 reprint of the Paris 1903 classic, this ed. Published by Intaglio Press Translated by Rene Terlet. 147 pp. In Stiff pictorial wraps, as new. Ill.

This new publication is the first English translation of a classic in aeronautical literature. The original magnificent gilt pictorial binding is is faithfully reproduced on cover. Only the major sections are translated and provided here, but they cover the precursor section, Montgolfiers, the 2 schools (gas and hot air), the siege, aerial sports, and large airships. A final section on the development of HTA flight. $22.50

Lehmann, Capt. Ernst. and Mingos, Howard. The Zeppelins. NY 1927. 329 pp., ill. in gilt stamped black cloth.

"The narrative is …the experience of a naval architect who joined Count Zeppelin’s staff early in 1913, captained zeppelins prior to and during the war…" $95

Le May, Late. Memories of Montana. Palmdale, Fla. 1925. 91 pp., in stamped red cloth. Some discoloration to binding (a few spots), rubbing to extremities, else VG+. Profusely ill., w/tissue guards on photos.

Written by Montana’s father, this is a tribute to a woman killed in a smoke balloon accident at the age of 29. She was performing a triple parachute drop when the 2nd and 3rd chutes failed, and she fell to her death. Rare. $75

22. Litchfield, Paul. And Allen, Hugh. Why? Why Has America No Rigid Airships? Privately printed, 143 pp. Indexed and profusely ill. in pictorial silver stamped grey cloth.

Scarce title, published as a challenge to the US gov’t on its withdrawal from rigid airship operations. Litchfield was head of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. $40

Moffett, Cleveland. Careers of Danger and Daring. NY, 1926. Later printing of 1900 original. 419 pp., ill. Ex-lib copy, in black stamped red cloth. 1 corner bumped, else VG.

Prominent title for its 2 sections of "The Balloonist" – Carl Myers and Leo Stevens. Original material; direct interviews with both! $35

25. Muller, Major Hollis L. Manual of Military Aviation. Menasha, Wisc. 1917. 308 pp., appendices, ill. VG+ in gilt stamped green cloth. Printed on very thin paper, a small military biplane graces the corner under the title. Scarce, a couple of discoloration light spots on binding. Noffsinger #1059 $95

Nielson, Thor. The Zeppelin Story. London, 1955. 239 pp., ill. VF in DJ.

Well penned, highly readable history of the German zeppelins, told through Hugo Eckener’s viewpoint. Published the year after his death. $35

Norwood, Amogene. Taming the Gentle Giant. A Guide to Hot Air Ballooning. Privately published, 1986. 113 pp., ill. VF in stiff pictorial card wraps.

Top shelf training manual for student balloon pilots. Known for its emphasis on sectional maps and meteorology, FAA navigation. $45

Ponton d’Amecourt, Vicomte. Le Conquete de l’Air par Helices. Paris, 1863. 40 pp., bound in chestnut cloth over marbled boards. Paper label laid on spine. Bound with original printed wraps, 3 other wraps cover tucked in back (covers only), one with manuscript note from the author on it. Also, another cover in back encases a manuscript note in the author’s hand to a correspondent, French text.

According to Dollfus, this is the first publication describing a helicopter project. Ex-Malfanti collection. $375

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Robert, M. Memoire Presenta a l’Academie des Sciences, Arts et Belle-Lettres de Lyons. Dijon, 1784. 10 pp., in contemporary sewn marbled wraps. With bookplate of Charles Dollfus inside front wrap! Also ex-libris Bereau de Villeneuve.

Extremely rare but of great importance, this is M. Robert’s report to the Academy at Lyons after his experience w/Prof. Charles on the first gas flight Dec. 1, 1783. This report is his proposal for a design by which to navigate gas balloons – it is dates Jan. 2, 1784, one month later. Lacking a plate called for in Maggs. Brockett 10411, Tissandier p. 33. Not in Gamble. $2250

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Scamerhorn, Howard. Balloons to Jets:1855-1955. A Century of Aeronautics in Illinois. 271 pp., indexed, ill. Fine in DJ. Chicago, 1957.

Well researched, focused study on the development of aeronautics in Illinois, tracing it back to LTA activities of the 19th C. $18

Spanner, E.F. About Airships. London, 1929. 1st ed. 206 pp., ill. In stamped blue cloth, wear to extremities, else a tight VG+ copy.

Spanner was a longtime critic of rigid airships being built at public expense; he viewed HTA as superior. In this, he says "I consider that such highly speculative ventures as ‘rigid airship passenger services’ should be left to private enterprise." $150

Talbot, Frederick A. Aeroplanes and Dirigibles of War. London, 1915. Vi., 283 pp. Indexed, ill. In dark red black stamped cloth. Some wear to extremities, else VG+. A few pencil marks on fly.

Intelligent commentary on weapons use in aerial warfare: bomb throwing, armored airplanes, anti-aircraft guns, wireless, etc. $95

Time Life, ed. The Aeronauts. Alexandria, Va. 1980. The Epic of Flight Series. 176 pp., indexed, lavishly ill. As new in the deluxe, gilt stamped faux leather binding!

Top shelf – lots of photos, images fresh to the publishing field, very well researched. Great fun to read through and savor… $24

USAF Academy, Friends of. The Genesis of Flight. The Aeronautical History Collection of Colonel Richard Gimbel. Privately printed, 2000. 372 pp., indexed, lavishly ill., appendices, notes, biblio. As new in DJ, silver stamped decorated blue cloth.

A gorgeous publication, and visual treat for the collector and historian alike! As important as the copious listings and descriptions of the collection’s highlights, however, is the intro which describes and explains who Gimbel was, and how and why the collection came into existence – and how it found its way to the Air Force Academy. As new, complete with a CD in the back with more material. $45

USGPO. Army Extension Courses. Theory of Flight, Lighter Than Air. Washington, 1934. 115 pp., ill. No Wraps, 2 heavy staple bindings. Part 1, Glossary; 2 Aerostatics, 3 Aerodynamics.

"Published …by order of the Secretary of War. Douglas MacArthur." Oct. 15, 1934. A military training booklet on the essentials of LTA operations. $75

Vaeth, Gordon. Graf Zeppelin: The Adventures of an Aerial Globetrotter. NY, 1958. 235 pp., indexed, ill. Fine in DJ, previous owner’s bookplate on front ill. endpapers.

Excellent reading! Read on p. 119 why Eckener turned east at the 82-degree latitude rather than fly the Graf on to the North Pole in perfect weather! $45

Author covers the history of Navy balloon activity in LTA training and competition from beginning to the wrap-up of the LTA program in the 1950’s. Includes stratospheric flight projects like Helios. $27.50

Woodworth, Francis C. The Balloon and Other Stories. NY, 1859. Clark, Austin and Smith. 96 pp. In blind stamped red cloth. Very worn binding, wear to cloth hinges. Lower corners bumped, wear to extremities. Foxing throughout, inscription on fly.

Rare children’s book, Randers-Pehrson and Renstrom # . $45

Other Publications, Books

41. Original Airship Pilot’s Log Book, Lt. W.B. Griffin. Dirigible Pilot. Log starts Oct. 4, 1917 as student at Akron, Ohio. 7 flights to Nov. 21 to qualify for free balloon pilot (about 15.5 hours). # of aircraft listed as S-10 to S-19 assorted (spherical?). Next flight is from Pensacola Feb. 5, 1918 as pilot I airship. After 2 flights, training in kite balloons, then more airship flights, through the end of June, 1919. Includes one mission to search for "the body of Lt. Ostbridge" and an accident in which he later notes "No responsibility attached to pilot. No disciplinary action taken." (a P.B. Eaton wrote this notation in the log book). There appears to be another section tipped in back – possibly another pilot’s log. A great item! $

42. K-ship Blimp pilot’s log book. Dated from June 7, 1943. To Aug. 1944. 1400 K-ship hours logged. Then, John Paul Sharer of the Navy "found himself" as the log book notes and left squadron and started effort to board carriers. Operated in Key West, Trinidad, Guantanamo Bay, Memphis, San Diego and more. $

43. Small archive of early aviation pilot’s materials. Circa 1928-1930. These comprise a small booklet "Glider Flying" published by United States Aviation Underwriters, NY, 1930. 45 pp., Also a pilot’s log book w/student name "Jack Morris." The remainder belong to a Paul McElheny. Two Mechanics ID cards, 1 Mechanics License, 2 Pilot ID cards, a Pilot’s License. All issued by Commonwealth of Pa. Except Mechanics License – US Dep’t of Commerce. With a Dep’t. of Commerce Directory of Licensed Pilots dated July 31, 1928. 52 pp., taped spine, chipped wraps. Also 2 pilots’ directory supplements of Oct. 1, 1928 and Nov. 1, 1928. All for $100

44. British Patent Application #4016. Feb. 18, 1907. Accepted Feb. 13, 1908. 3 pp., 1 foldout diagram. A4 page size.

Application by George Wallace of London for a balloon design comprising a nacelle w/metal chambers for extra hydrogen gas to top off the balloon in flight. $30

47. The Annual Register, or a View of the History, Politics and Literature for the years 1784 and 1785. London, 1787. Ex-lib. Syr. Public Library, else fine in brown institutional buckram w/black label on spine.

Excerpts include accounts of Blanchard’s flight across the English Channel (pp. 323-326), de Rozier’s fatal flight (328-331). $175

Stereoviews

50. WWI Observation balloon: Preparing to reconnoiter the enemy’s position. Officers entering the cradle of a captive balloon. More text description on back. Worn, some scuffing to extremities, and some soiling, wear to image $17.50

51. Stereoview, Balloon Ascension July 20, 1896. Geneva, Switzerland. Copyright 1897, by Underwood and Underwood. Some soiling to surface, lower left has corner worn away, not affecting image. $40

52. Stereoview of R-34 British airship at Mineola, L.I. near Roosevelt Field. Keystone View Co., excellent condition. This one has text on back, in image 2 foreground sentries seen, keeping airship secure. $17.50

Medals

58. Original Kinetascope movie of a balloon race! "Kinora Co., Ltd. London" and "58" on this one, with original round card storage box and lid. Shows one gas balloon launching in front of another, appears to be turn of the 20th century. Large crowd near the balloons, a monument off to the right. A rare item! $200

59. Space Shuttle patch. This one a mission patch, as opposed to flight/crew patch. "Spacelab 3" for study of microgravity. See image. $5

60. Fabulous German Beer Stein, balloon shaped . Domed top w/polychrome portrait medallions each, both of Count Zeppelin. Below, "Gut Flug" (happy flying). Pewter thumb piece. Straw coloring, about 9.5 inches high. No bottom markings. One tiny chip just below lip, bottom half 1 side. Hefty. About 1905-1915 our best guess. $600

61. Matted Pair of Balloon Prints, 1783. The two, measuring 7.5" x 4.5" each bear publishing dates of Nov. 1 and Dec. 1, 1783. Published by J. Fielding, of London. These were amongst the first images of the new air balloon. In exellent condition, they are matted and shrink wrapped w/an intro paragraph of text matted below, all from the European Magazine, where they first appeared in print. The pair - $250

62. Large 18th C print of Blanchard’s triumphant return to Lille after a flight. "Entre de Mr. Blanchard et du Chevalier Lepinard cing jours apres leurs Ascension Aerostatique, dans le Ville de Lille, le 26 Aout, 1785. A contemporary large print w/original wide margins, soiling and foxing throughout. Plate image measures about 18" x 14". Shows the citizens of Lille marveling at the safe, triumphant return of the two men arriving in a procession of carriages with the balloon packed in one. Printer, L. Watteau, engraved by Helman. Of modest condition, but a rare image.

While most early prints show the ascent or launch of a balloon, few show the successful landing – and fewer still show a triumphant return! Check out the close-up of Blanchard making his greetings to the society types… $

Philately

61. Double Eagle V flown transpacific cover! #828 of 1,000 carried, w/signatures of four crew members. 2 different launch date cancels: original of March 1, 1981 (scrubbed launch) and Nov. 9, 1981. Arrival pmk of Corelo, Ca. Nov. 12, 1981.

Balloon lauched from Nagashima, Japan Nov. 9, landed in Ca. 84 hours, 31 minutes later. Custom printed cachet of DE V balloon aloft over an ocean, w/Japanese flag left, USA flag right. Though 1,000 carried, most sold en block, thus hard to find today, and pricey. This one offered for: $175

62. Commemorative transatlantic cover, Karl Thomas by balloon. Blue and Red Cachet printed on cover, w/lettering "Atlantic balloon crossing attempted in ‘Spirit of ’76 ." Circular pmk "Lakehurst, NJ Jun 25 PM 1976". Also w/4-line cancel across the embossed 13-cent postage image of Liberty Tree (postal stationary). Cancel reads "Navy Lakehurst Bicentennial Air Show July 24, 1976." $10

64. Set of 5 different FDC’s for C-54 "Jupiter" 7-cent balloon stamp. Cachet maker’s include Fleetwood , Artcraft, Artmaster, Stephen Anderson and a stamped text cachet w/ill. of letterhead for Balloon Club of America. Last item possibly flown. The set - $25

65. Set of 5 special cacheted covers. National Balloon Races 1929-1933 inclusive. Not flown, this set of four comprises Pittsburgh 1929 w/beacon stamp;Akron, Ohio 1931; Omaha, Neb. 1932 w/5-cent winged globe stamp and Chicago Century of Progress "Balloon Races" cachet w/C of P 3-cent stamp and event cancel.1 cover signed by Babe Smith, believed a female pilot at that event. The set - $35

66.Flown Nazca Balloon flight cover! Carried in the Nazca 02 ascension, beautiful comm color cover photo montage cachet shows balloon being inflated, w/lines of the Nazca Plains behind. Pmk of Pampa de Nazca, Peru dated Nov. 6, 2002. Signed by pilot Julian Nott, this is #167 of 500 covers carried. $25

67. Comm. Cover, USS Akron Christening. Akron, Ohio Aug. 8, 1931. W/a cancelled 5-cent winged globe. Unusual postal stationary border design; see ill. $15

68. Cartoon post card, circa 1908 w/caricature of a lady parachutist descending from a balloon, while being ogled by Pike’s Peak. Tasteless and scarce. Small tear ½ inch lower left. Pmk March 11, no year, to Vermont from Berlin, N.H. Else, VG. $20

69. Cartoon/fantasy post card of chicks disembarking from a stylized airship, bearing Easter greeting. Pmk. NYC April 13, 1911. Cancel a wavy flag with "Station X" on it. Fine, colorful. $15

70. ILA used post card, Frankfort, 1909. Fair; worn edges, scuffs. Card in rough shape, some of msg reverse worn off. But, text msg in German makes reference to the "luftschiff." Stamp missing, took pmk with it. $20

71. Early Aviation RPPC (real photo post card). Image of Curtiss airplane flying, with him at controls, shows it as a montage over water, ship in background. Inset oval portrait of Glenn Curtis. Postally used, pmk Manchester, N.H. Sept 12, 1910. Msg makes reference to having seen flying machines. $

72. British 1913 RPPC, gas balloon inflation at Dudley Castle Fete. Postally used pmk Sept. 11, 1913. Striking image. Photographer Herbert Whitford Dudley. $

73. Early aviation RPPC – "La Conquete de l’Air." The evening of Sept. 21, 1908. Wilbur Wright established a world record of 66 km in one hour, 31 minutes 25 seconds. The memorable image shows a Wright Flyer in the air, just having launched From Camp d’Auvours. Postally used, stamp on front corner,msg on back. Fine.

74. Early aviation RPPC #12 of a series, "Ecole d’Aviation – Experiences de Wright a Pau l’Appereil Devant le Pylone de Lancement." W/5 centime stamp, pmk Toulouse Hte Garonne, 4-6-08. W/signature front, back (aviator?), address on back. Excellent condition.

75. Early aviation RPPC "Grand Semaine d’Aviation de Champagne (Journee du 26 Aout) Paulhau en plein vol(biplan Voisin). Image of the Voisin in flight taken at event Aug. 22-29, 1909. Superb image!

76. Vintage RPPC "Nancy – l’Accident du Ballon (14 Juillet 1908) shows a gas balloon completely deflated, draped over the corner of a building. Postally used, 5-centime stamp on front, back shows trace of an address. Rare.

77. Set of 2 early colored RPPC, gas balloons. Post cards are circa 1912, 1 is postally used, w/ pmk of Nov. 16, 1947. Other unused, both fine condition.

78 1905 World’s Fair PC. Litho of foreign exhibits with old netted balloon on face. Undivided back, w/Sept.25 official Fair cancel. VG. $20

79. F. Meehan art post card, Wright type aeroplane on hinge pulls away to lift off face of card. Flying over Milwaukee. Rose in foreground, fantasy card, deeply embossed, glitter on details. Slight wear to high spots, else VG, beauty of a card! $15

80. Swedish RPPC Goteborgs Airport, one shot of hangar, one of sea plane facilities. Stamps to rear of each for 1923 flight show. $

83. Quantity of older balloon pins! 10 Budweiser balloon pins, also 10 of a balloonist-owned steakhouse motif artwork balloon. With a small adhesive-backed little patch of the steakhouse logo. The Budweiser pins along are worth a premium, as these appear to be vintage 1970’s. The entire batch as a group, terrific for trading! With a couple of patches thrown in - $100

Addenda

85. U.S. War Department. Technical Manual; Aerostatics. TM-325, Washington, Oct. 1940. 92 pp., indexed, many charts, graphs in back for calculating adiabatic rates, pressure altitude, lift of hydrogen, etc. In original plain printed wraps. VG.

Math formulas render this a meaty volume, but one must also believe them accurate if it’s a War Dep’t. publication. $60

86. U.S. War Dep’t. Technical Manual. Theory of Ballooning. TM-305. Washington, 1940. 22 pp., in plain printed wraps. VG.

Concise overview of gas ballooning, more an intro than an operations manual. Herein, false lift is referred to as "false start." It also ID’s the most important instrument in the balloon as the map! $30

87. Zambeccari, Francesco. Descrizione Della Macchina Aerostatica dell Cittadino Franesco Zambeccari. Bologna, 1803. 32 pp., 2 plates (calls for 3, first one is missing). Bound in full leather, gilt bands on spine. Rare. Brockett #13145.

All the titles by Zambeccari are rare, but this is a particularly attractive copy, in handsome full mottled chestnut leather. An additional modern copy of an old print has been tipped in the front, but is not the original. In wonderful state. $500

88. Rosendahl, Charles E. Original Prospectus for commercial airship use. "Some Commercial and Financial Aspects of Airship Operation 2400 Mile Cargo Configuration (Confidential)". 63 pp., inc. some charts in back, indexed. April, 1947. In original blue printed wraps, cloth taped spine. VG. Trace of a dampstain along part of spine, not affecting binding. Scarce. $80.00

After he retired from the military, Rosendahl did consulting work; this appears to be a prospectus/proposal for a feasibility study for a client, unnamed – or prospecting for business. Either way, quite rare – first copy we’ve heard of, and postdates his military career which means there is more candor present here. Gives estimates for expenses, cost-per-mile cargo calculations, potential revenue streams, etc. $75

89. Balloon Ground School Home Study Manual. Revision #9, 1992. Oakland, Ca. 92pp., +73pp appendices, + 8 pp. supplement. In 3-ring binder, produced by Balloon Publishing Co. Fine.

Some slight smudging to cover of binder, else VG-fine copy of their balloon instructors’ manual (as the title page ID’s this as). Highly useful for operations and procedures, which do not substantially change over time. 3-ring format allows for updates and revisions to FAR’s or airspace specs. A handy copy to have on hand! $15

90. Alexander, John. The Conquest of the Air; The Romance of Aerial Navigation. NY, 1902. 160 pp., ill. in pictorial blue cloth, showing a gas balloon on cover. Ex-lib but clean copy, pocket in back. VG+.

The author covers some older history, but also lengthy chapters on the 1900 Paris-to-R=Moscow race with winner the Count de la Vaulx, Santos-Dumont, the Spencer Brothers, airships and the limits of ballooning, Sir Hiram Maxim, more. $80