Fam 5-1 Lindbergh Cover

wt1's penchant for digging up interesting details about covers has got me going back through some of my covers and paying more attention to whom they were addressed. Here are two "Lindbergh covers" I purchased without paying any attention to whom they were addressed:



So I was quite amazed to learn who Hugh M. Clark was. Quick, before wt1 tells us, how many of you know off the top of your head?

I cannot read the name on the bottom cover. The addressee's location is "Bible House {something} Place, N. Jr." Does anyone else happen to recognize the name? Using the American Air Mail Catalog I determined that this was carried on the first leg of the 1927 Guggenheim tour. But if the addressee is someone interesting, it would nice to know that too.

Basil

Those are great looking and interesting covers. blcjr, you seem to be a knowledgeable person, what, in your opinion is the best reference source for early flights and covers?

To be honest I had not heard of Mr. Clark, but here is a link from ASDA website about him.

https://www.americanstampdealer.com....aspx?id=265

regards, Theron.

Hugh Clark was still well known when I was a boy; like many important philatelists they are unknown today unless searched for.

Without a doubt, the American Air Mail Catalogue, issued in three volumes (Vol. 1 in 1947, and Vol. 2 in 1951) and a Supplement (also called Vol. 3, 1959) are the standard reference works for early air mail. The bulk of the first volume documents the early contract air mail flights, and the second volume the foreign air mail flights. But airport dedication flights, interrupted flights (crash covers), first flights in the US territories and possessions, trans-oceanic records, balloon and Zeppelin flights, as well as some information on early flights in Canada, Cuba, Newfoundland and other places are documented as well.

You found the same link about Hugh M. Clark that I did. So at the time he serviced the Lindbergh cover, he was not just the manager of Scott Publications (which he later purchased), but president of the ASDA (1927-1933).

Basil

The place location for the second cover is NY, not NJ: Bible House, Astor Place, NY.

http://www.evtransitions.com/2010/1...ook-row.html

So it would be somebody associated with the American Bible Society most likely.

There have been several newer editions of the American Air Mail Catalog since the 1947/1951/1959 versions. The newer editions include a great deal more information and corrections from the early editions such as the 1947/`951/1959 one. The newest one, the 7th edition, is in the process of being issued now. Volume 1 was just released and it includes U.S. Contract Air Mail (CAM) Routes 1-34, Philippine Islands, and Foreign Flag U.S. Flights. It is 690 pages and hardbound, and weighs about 5 pounds. It is in full color with many illustrations and has up to date pricing. The next two Volumes in the 7th edition are expected to be released in the coming year. Or you can still buy the three volumes of the previous edition, the Sixth, though the pricing in those is now out of date since they were released in 1998, 2003 and 2005 respectively. You can buy all of these by going to the American Philatelic Society website at www.stamps.org and going to the publications page. APS is now handling the sales of the American Air Mail Society's publications. And, if you are interested in collecting first flights, you will likely want to join the American Air Mail Society. Their website is www.americanairmailsociety.org They are a great group of collectors.