5c Buffalo Balloon imperforate vertical pair, 1877. Creator: Unknown

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5c Buffalo Balloon imperforate vertical pair, 1877. Creator: Unknown

5c Buffalo Balloon imperforate vertical pair, 1877. Perhaps the most enigmatic of all American stamps, the Buffalo balloon stamp is certainly among the premier rarities in aerophilately. Since it was privately issued for use with a standard U.S. postal service 3-cent stamp to pay for air handling of a mailed piece, it was (if one includes both private and government issues) the worlds first airmail stamp. The stamp is an accurate representation of the enormous 92, 000 cubic foot " Buffalo" balloon of Professor Samuel Archer King (1828-1914), and was designed by John B. Lillard, a clerk in the Wheeler firm and a passenger on the great flight. Interestingly, the engraver of the stamp was John H. Snively, a scientist who provided apparatus for experiments on the flight. The stamps were printed tete-beche format--that is, they are shown right side up and upside down below on one sheet. It is likely that in printing the stamp, one side was printed, and then the sheet was taken out and turned round and fed back in the press to produce a mirror image of the first row

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Media ID 23866793

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a rare and enigmatic piece of American history - the 5c Buffalo Balloon imperforate vertical pair stamp from 1877. Considered one of the most sought-after treasures in aerophilately, this stamp holds great significance as it is believed to be the world's first airmail stamp. Designed by John B. Lillard, a clerk in the Wheeler firm who was also a passenger on the momentous flight, this stamp accurately depicts Professor Samuel Archer King's colossal "Buffalo" balloon, which boasted an impressive volume of 92,000 cubic feet. The intricate engraving work was carried out by John H. Snively, a scientist who provided equipment for experiments conducted during the flight. What makes this particular stamp even more intriguing is its tete-beche format - meaning that it features two stamps positioned right side up and upside down on one sheet. It is speculated that during printing, one side was completed before flipping the sheet and feeding it back into the press to create a mirrored image. As we gaze upon this remarkable artifact captured in time through Heritage Images' expertly printed photograph, we are reminded of the pioneering spirit and ingenuity that marked America's early ventures into aerial transportation.

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