Description
Offered here is a scarce and historic First Flight Airmail Cover postmarked April 4, 1927, commemorating the inauguration of air mail service from Ponca City, Oklahoma as part of the CAM-3 (Contract Air Mail Route 3), operated by National Air Transport. This cover was flown on the extended Chicago-Dallas route and addressed to Mr. B. H. Camp in New York City.
What makes this cover particularly collectible is the presence of:
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A clear 10:30 A.M. April 4, 1927 Ponca City, OK circular postmark
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The official green circular flight cachet reading: “First Flight Inaugurating Air Mail Service – Ponca City Okla. – Chicago-Dallas Route”
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A well-centered 10¢ blue U.S. Airmail stamp (Scott C10) canceled cleanly
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Patriotic red, white, and blue border strip design
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Printed name of Fred T. Kirby, Postmaster, with assistant’s signature
This piece captures a critical moment in U.S. postal aviation history: the expansion of CAM-3 to include stops like Ponca City. Covers from this stop are far less common than those from major cities like Chicago or Dallas.
Overall condition is very good with mild toning and edge handling consistent with age. Please see all photos for details and condition. A must-have item for any serious collector of U.S. airmail, pioneer aviation, or postal history.
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