Information On Lithuanian Cover ...

have this stamp on a recent cover from Lithuania ... would like to know more about the pilots, and am especially curious about the 1933 postmark in the corner ... thanks in advance



*** Edited by Staff to clarify topic title. Titles are important! ***

Hi clifhiker,

American Lithuanians Stephen Darius and Stasys Girenas attempted a non stop flight from New York to Lithuania in 1933. They bought their aeroplane the "Lithuanica", a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, and recieved funding to finance the trip. Sadly, their aircraft was not equipped with parachutes or a radio and when the "Lithuanica" crashed near Soldin the two men were killed. They were only 3 hours from their destination. Worth keeping that cover intact.

Terry

Edit: The replica CDS carries the date of their flight and the "Lithuanica" is in the background. TC.

thanks so much Terence and what an interesting story! The postmark is just a way of commemorating the date I suppose. And yes I'll store this cover in the plastic box with the rest of my covers ... at least until I start my aviation topical collection ;-)

Hi clifhiker,

I thought you might also like to see these.......

Terry

PS. If you want to read more on this just google Lithuanica flight 1933 and you should find plenty about this tragic flight. TC.

it seems likely that the postmark on the stamp is a replica off of this cover autographed by both pilots ...



*found on Wikipedia ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:L...ht-cover.jpg

Yes I think so, too. It would probably have been a special endorsement stamp used by the flight and not a postmark as such as there is also a separate NY postmark on the cover. I would like to have that cover myself.

Terry

yes I would too ... probably under glass in a museum in Lithuania.

I grew up within walking distance of the monument to Darius & Girenas that is located in the city park at 67th. and California ave in Chicago's Marquette Park.You can google the D & G monument to see a picture of it .

Lithuania issued some classic-era airmails back at the time that would make a nice addition to the cover. The above is Sc C82, one of several designs in a set.

thanks Cjd ... located and purchased the set