Description
This is an original 1926 Contract Air Mail (CAM-9) First Flight cover marking the historic inauguration of airmail service between Chicago and the Twin Cities corridor. Postmarked Milwaukee, Wis., June 7, 1926 at 6:30 AM, it carries the official dark blue “First Flight Inauguration” stamp cancel and is addressed to Eugene J. Fuch in La Crosse, Wis. It also features the receiving postmark of La Crosse, Wis., June 7 at 11:30 PM on the back, confirming its complete journey on the very first day of CAM-9 service.
The front bears a classic printed “Via Aerial Mail” design with wings and a U.S. flag shield emblem, underscoring its purpose as early promotional airmail. Franked with two 5-cent Scott 628 stamps (the then-standard airmail rate), these retain a partial plate number imprint (18597) still attached-a nice detail sought by specialists.
This inaugural cover is a direct product of the Kelly Act of 1925, which privatized U.S. airmail carriage and ushered in the era of commercial airline contracts. The CAM-9 route included Milwaukee, Madison, and La Crosse before reaching Minneapolis-St. Paul, becoming a cornerstone of early Midwest air service.
Condition is typical of period airmail covers, with clear legible postmarks, intact original franking, and standard handling wear consistent with genuine postal use. Please view all photos for details on cancellation sharpness, ink color, and envelope condition.
A rare, authentic artifact of U.S. postal and aviation history, perfect for collectors of first flight covers, airmail, or CAM contract routes.
