Description
This is an original first flight airmail cover postmarked July 17, 1928, from South Bend, Indiana, commemorating the inaugural flight of Contract Air Mail Route #27 (CAM-27) between Bay City, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. What makes this cover truly special is the bold signature of J.N. Hunter, the official Postmaster of South Bend, who held the role beginning in 1920.
The illustrated cachet on the front highlights the full flight path and marks South Bend clearly as one of the key stops. This specific cover is addressed to Louis Sinise of Altoona, PA, and features the 10¢ U.S. airmail stamp (Scott #C10), issued in 1927 and widely used on early airmail flights. A receiving backstamp confirms its arrival in Muskegon, Michigan, on the same day, further verifying it was flown.
Covers like this were prepared and postmarked only for the inaugural flight and are a key part of early U.S. airmail history. The inclusion of the Postmaster’s authenticated signature elevates its desirability among both aviation and postal history collectors.
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Genuine flown cover from the historic CAM-27 route, July 17, 1928
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Signed by Postmaster J.N. Hunter of South Bend, Indiana
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Features original red-white-blue airmail envelope with clear cachet and cancel
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10¢ airmail stamp (Scott C10) with light, clean cancel
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Addressed to Altoona, PA; received in Muskegon, MI (backstamp present)
Condition is excellent for its age with strong postmarks and cachet, no major creases or tears, and excellent legibility. Please view all the photos to evaluate overall condition.
This is a rare and authentic piece of early airmail history, perfect for a specialist in postal flights, Indiana postal history, or signed covers.
#20
