AUSTRALIA, 1919, Ross-Smith First Aerial Post. Mint N.H. with full sheet margins, deep rich color and detailed impression, beautiful centering

EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1919 ROSS-SMITH ENGLAND-TO-AUSTRALIA FIRST AERIAL POST ISSUE. A WONDERFUL AIR POST RARITY.

On March 19, 1919, the Australian government offered a £10,000 prize to the first Australian aviator to fly from England to Australia in 30 days or less. On November 12, 1919, Ross Macpherson Smith, Keith Smith, J. M. Bennett and W. H. Shiers left London in a Vickers Vimy aircraft. They arrived in Darwin on December 10; their final destination was Melbourne.

On arrival in Darwin, Smith telegraphed the Australian prime minister requesting a commemorative stamp be issued. The commemorative label was designed by A.I.F. war artist Lieutenant Benson, and was printed in Melbourne on Crown over "A" watermarked paper.

A total of 576 labels were made. Of these, 346 were attached to incoming mail carried on the trip. It is reported that 150 were destroyed, and that some of the 87 unused labels were presented to officials and the four crew members.

This issue is described in Linn's Philatelic Gems II on pp. 13-15.

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