Rocket Mail
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Photograph of Stephen H. Smith with one of his rockets, and a Christmas greeting signed by him. (X’mas 34)
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BY ROCKET / PAR FUSEE etiquettes in 5 different colours.
Origin unknown, and may not have been printed by Smith. However, these are seen to have been used by him on covers flown on his later experiments.
Origin unknown, and may not have been printed by Smith. However, these are seen to have been used by him on covers flown on his later experiments.
Sep - Oct 1934 Experiments
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JC 1a: Vignette (green and red) - 400 printed
JC 1 - Date: 30th September, 1934
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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The First Indian Rocket Mail experiment had taken place at sea, from Ship to Shore, off Saugor Island on 30th September, 1934. The Rocket used was locally manufactured by the first of The Orient Fireworks Co. of Calcutta. The fuse of the rocket was ignited by Mr. Charles Potten, the Captain of the Despatch vessel "Pancy", without success; as his second effort failed, the Chief officer of the Ship, Mr. E.T. Day tried his hand at igniting the fuse but he also failed, which led Mr. S.E. Woolman, the Chief Engineer to try, again with no sucess. Finally, the experimenter was himself successful in igniting the fuse of the Rocket, which rose and burst in mid-air. It carried 143 letters, which owing to the mid-air burst, scattered in many directions. 140 letters were saved and 3 werelost. The salvaged letters were handed over to Mr. W. Shenton, the Lighthouse Keeper of Saugor Island, who cancelled the letters with a postmark Saugor Island: 30 SE 34 on both sides. The flown covers have a vignette in green and red affixed on them, and have a single line strike of First Firing. Ship to Shore cachet in violet. On the Verso, the cover is autographed by Stephen H. Smith. The envelope bears Rocket Fee Rs 2/- violet cachet on the reverse.
No 1: Flown Cover - 140 carried
(a): Vignette (green and red) - 400
(b): Vignette proofs
No 1: Flown Cover - 140 carried
(a): Vignette (green and red) - 400
(b): Vignette proofs
JC-1. Extract from the Diary of Stephen Smith. Perhaps a clipping form a book or other publication contemporaneous with the event.
JC 2 - Date: 30th September, 1934
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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The First Land Rocket experiment had taken place on the same day as the sea experiment, and the rocket was fired across a small creek by Mr. Walter Shenton, the Kepper of the Lighthouse at Saugor Island. For this experiment, the rocket used was manufactured by Messrs. James, Pain & Sons.
This rocket carried 220 covers, which included 3 covers franked with Dutch Rocket Stamps and 8 covers which had been carried in the first experiment, Sea to Shore. The Flown covers are cancelled Saugor Island 30 SE 34 on both sides and have a vignette in blue and red affixed on them. They also have a strike of First Indian Rocket Despatch cachet in red-purple. On the Verso, the cover is autographed by Stephen H. Smith. The envelope bears Rocket Fee Rs. 2/- violet cachet on the reverse.
No 2: Flown Cover - 209 carried
(a): Flown cover with Dutch Rocket Stamp - 3
(b): No. 1 carried again - 8
(c): Vignette (blue and red) - 400
(d): Vignette proofs
This rocket carried 220 covers, which included 3 covers franked with Dutch Rocket Stamps and 8 covers which had been carried in the first experiment, Sea to Shore. The Flown covers are cancelled Saugor Island 30 SE 34 on both sides and have a vignette in blue and red affixed on them. They also have a strike of First Indian Rocket Despatch cachet in red-purple. On the Verso, the cover is autographed by Stephen H. Smith. The envelope bears Rocket Fee Rs. 2/- violet cachet on the reverse.
No 2: Flown Cover - 209 carried
(a): Flown cover with Dutch Rocket Stamp - 3
(b): No. 1 carried again - 8
(c): Vignette (blue and red) - 400
(d): Vignette proofs
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JC-2. Extract from the Diary of Stephen Smith. Perhaps a clipping form a book or other publication contemporaneous with the event.
Sep - Oct 1934 Experiments
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Jc 3a: Vignette (red and green) - 400 printed.
JC 3 - Date: 3rd October, 1934
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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The First Shore to Ship experiment was made on 3rd October, 1934 from Saugor Island to the Survey vessel Guide. The task was firing the rocket was entrusted to the head Semaphore attendanr of Saugor Island, Mr Rashon Alo, and the rocket used was again supplied by James, Pain & Sons. The rocket did not reached to its destination, the deck of the Survey vessel Guide and after travelling about the thousnad yards, pluged into the sea. The 135 letters carried by the rocket were salvaged by the boat kept ready for such an emergency and were handed over the next day at Muriganga post office, where they were cancelled by the post master, who applied a psotmark Muriganga B.O. 4 Oct 34: 24 Pargs. (B.O. stands for Branch Office, Pargs for Parganas) The letters have the red and green vignette with date 3 Oct. 1934 impressed by a rubber-stamp in purple, and also have a black strike of From Saugor Island cachet. On the verso, the cover is autographed by Stephen H. Smith. The envelope bears Rocket Fee Rs 2/- violet cachet on the reverse. The two postmarks Kakdip 5 Oct 34 and Park Street Dely 7 Oct 34 Calcutta can also be seen.
No 3: Flown cover - 135 carried
(a): Vignette (red and green) - 400
(b): Vignette proof
Note: A single-line rubber cachet, reading First Firing Shore to Ship was to be applied on these covers, but after applying it on only one cover, the rubber lettering slipped off the wooden handle and thereafter, this cachet was not applied on the other covers.
No 3: Flown cover - 135 carried
(a): Vignette (red and green) - 400
(b): Vignette proof
Note: A single-line rubber cachet, reading First Firing Shore to Ship was to be applied on these covers, but after applying it on only one cover, the rubber lettering slipped off the wooden handle and thereafter, this cachet was not applied on the other covers.
JC-3. Extract from the Diary of Stephen Smith. Perhaps a clipping form a book or other publication contemporaneous with the event.
JC 4a - Date: 4th October, 1934
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JC 4a: Vignette (black and white) - 150 printed
JC 4 – Date: 4th October, 1934
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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This experiment was carried out from a Hilsa fishing boat lying about 75 yards from the shore in Diamond Harbour. The rocket used was supplied by the Orient Fireworks Co., and 75 letters were carried by it. Though the rocket has reached the shore when fire from the boat, it bust before landing and the letters got scattered all over the beach.
The covers have a vignette, black and white, reading Rocket Despatch Diamond Harbour Ship to Shore in three lines, which is cancelled by a purple cachet Ship to Shore. The postmark reads Diamond Harbour 4 Oct 34 1-15 P.M. On the verso, the cover is autographed by Stephen Smith.
No.4: Flown Cover – 75 Carried
(a): Vignette (black and white_ - 150
(b): Vignette proof on yellow paper.
The covers have a vignette, black and white, reading Rocket Despatch Diamond Harbour Ship to Shore in three lines, which is cancelled by a purple cachet Ship to Shore. The postmark reads Diamond Harbour 4 Oct 34 1-15 P.M. On the verso, the cover is autographed by Stephen Smith.
No.4: Flown Cover – 75 Carried
(a): Vignette (black and white_ - 150
(b): Vignette proof on yellow paper.
JC-4. Extract from the Diary of Stephen Smith. Perhaps a clipping form a book or other publication contemporaneous with the event.
December 1934 Experiments
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JC 5a: Vignette in black - 500 printed
JC 7c: Vignette in red - 500 printed
JC 5 - Date: 15th December, 1934
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Miniature pafe of The Statesman carried in the cover bearing the autograph of Stephen Smith.
JC 5 - Date: 15th December, 1934
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This was the first experiment carried out from the Ship tp Shore at night when two rockets manufactured by the Orient Fireworks Co. of Calcutta, each carrying a Miniature page of Calcutta's leading daily, The Statesman, in specially Orineted covers, were fired. Both the rockets had safely landed on Saugor Island and were retrieved from the jungles by the Keeper of the Lighthouse on the Island. The letters carried were 220 and they were franked with a black and white vignette, showing a night scene of two bats flying in mid-air and a rocket with the words Ship to Shore, flying towards a full moon. They were also impressed by the date stamp Semaphore Station of Saugor Island and a single cachet, By Rocket Mail in deep purple. The Postmark reads Part Street, Calcutta 16 Dec. 34 9-5 A.M.
On the reverse, the dely. Postmark reads Park Street, Dely. 16 Dec, 34 11-A.M., Calcutta.
No 5: Flown cover - 220 carried
(a): Vignette in black - 550
(b): Vignette proofs
On the reverse, the dely. Postmark reads Park Street, Dely. 16 Dec, 34 11-A.M., Calcutta.
No 5: Flown cover - 220 carried
(a): Vignette in black - 550
(b): Vignette proofs
JC - 6 Date: 15th December, 1934
A missive with the crest of The Devonshire Regiment, and printed Greetings by Rocket. Perhaps used as an insert in the JC 6 covers fired from the Lighthouse, Saugor Island. The flight was meant to carry Christmas greetings.
Unrecorded in JC.
Unrecorded in JC.
JC 6 - Date: 15th December, 1934
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On the same night, two more rockets, each containing 125 X'mas Greeting from the First Battalion of the Devonshire Regimentm were fired by Miss Mary Shenton, the daughter of the Keeper of the Lighthouse, from Semaphor Station on Saugor Island to the Lighthouse. The rockets used were supplied by the same company as in No.5. Botht the rocket fail to land of the Lighthouse and they landed at a distance of 300 and 500 yards repectively from the firing rack. The cover bears the autograph of Mary Shenton.
All the letters have an imprinted vignette in black showing a light house by night and the words First Firing to Lighthouse. They bear a purple blue cachet, reading Lighthouse Saugor Island 16-12-1934 and a second cachet by Rocket Mail in depp purple. The postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 16 Dec. 34 9-5 A.M.
On the verso, the cover bears the delivery stamp Park Street, Dely, 16 Dec 34, Calcutta.
No. 6: Flown Cover - 250
All the letters have an imprinted vignette in black showing a light house by night and the words First Firing to Lighthouse. They bear a purple blue cachet, reading Lighthouse Saugor Island 16-12-1934 and a second cachet by Rocket Mail in depp purple. The postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 16 Dec. 34 9-5 A.M.
On the verso, the cover bears the delivery stamp Park Street, Dely, 16 Dec 34, Calcutta.
No. 6: Flown Cover - 250
JC 7 - Date: 17th December, 1934
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As Ship to Shore night Rocket firings (No.5) were successful, it was decided to experiment a similar firing, this time from Shore to Ship. This was done on 17 December, 1934 and two rockets supplied by the Orient Fireworks Co., were fired by Mr. Walter Shenton, Keeper of the Lighthouse at Saugor Island, from Ship to S.S. Kutsang. As the steamer was very far away from the rocket firing site, both the rocket fell into the sea and after being salvaged were sent to Calcutta by Sir Fedrick Dumayne, a survey vessel of the Calcutta marine service.
The two rockets had carried 260 letters: 110 of these contained miniature news - sheet of the Evening Chronicle, News of the World, Punch and the Times of India. All covers have a red vignette showing a rocket fired from Shore to Ship and bearing the words Shore to Ship by Rocket. This vignette is tied with a purple cachet of Semaphore Station, Saugor Island. The covers also bear a second cachet in deep purple by Rocket Mail. The Postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 18 Dec, 34 3-45 P.M., on the reverse, the dely. Postmark reads Park Street, Dely. 18 Dec, 34 5- P.M., Calcutta. It also bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No.7: Flown cover - 150 carried.
a): Flown cover with miniature news-sheet - 110
b): Complete copies of miniature newspaper - 3
c): Vignette in red - 500
d): Vignette proofs
The two rockets had carried 260 letters: 110 of these contained miniature news - sheet of the Evening Chronicle, News of the World, Punch and the Times of India. All covers have a red vignette showing a rocket fired from Shore to Ship and bearing the words Shore to Ship by Rocket. This vignette is tied with a purple cachet of Semaphore Station, Saugor Island. The covers also bear a second cachet in deep purple by Rocket Mail. The Postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 18 Dec, 34 3-45 P.M., on the reverse, the dely. Postmark reads Park Street, Dely. 18 Dec, 34 5- P.M., Calcutta. It also bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No.7: Flown cover - 150 carried.
a): Flown cover with miniature news-sheet - 110
b): Complete copies of miniature newspaper - 3
c): Vignette in red - 500
d): Vignette proofs
JC 7 - Date: 17th December, 1934
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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As Ship to Shore night Rocket firings were successful, it was decided to experiment a similar firing, this time from Shore to Ship. This was done on 17 December, 1934 and two rockets supplied by the Orient Fireworks Co., were fired by Mr. Walter Shenton, Keeper of the Lighthouse at Saugor Island, from Ship to S.S. Kutsang. As the steamer was very far away from the rocket firing site, both the rocket fell into the sea and after being salvaged were sent to Calcutta by Sir Fedrick Dumayne, a survey vessel of the Calcutta marine service.
The two rockets had carried 260 letters: 110 of these contained miniature news - sheet of the Evening Chronicle, News of the World, Punch and Times of India. All covers have a red vignette showing a rocket fired from Shore to Ship and bearing the words Shore to Ship by Rocket. This vignette is tied with a purple cachet of Semaphore Station, Saugor Island. The covers also bear a second cachet in deep purple by Rocket Mail. The Postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 18 Dec, 34 3-45 P.M., on the reverse, the dely. Postmark reads Park Street, Dely. 18 Dec, 34 5- P.M., Calcutta. It also bears the autographed of Stephen Smith.
No.7: Flown cover - 150 carried.
a): Flown cover with miniature news-sheet - 110
b): Complete copies of miniature newspaper - 3
c): Vignette in red - 500
d): Vignette proofs
The two rockets had carried 260 letters: 110 of these contained miniature news - sheet of the Evening Chronicle, News of the World, Punch and Times of India. All covers have a red vignette showing a rocket fired from Shore to Ship and bearing the words Shore to Ship by Rocket. This vignette is tied with a purple cachet of Semaphore Station, Saugor Island. The covers also bear a second cachet in deep purple by Rocket Mail. The Postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 18 Dec, 34 3-45 P.M., on the reverse, the dely. Postmark reads Park Street, Dely. 18 Dec, 34 5- P.M., Calcutta. It also bears the autographed of Stephen Smith.
No.7: Flown cover - 150 carried.
a): Flown cover with miniature news-sheet - 110
b): Complete copies of miniature newspaper - 3
c): Vignette in red - 500
d): Vignette proofs
JC 7a – Date: 17th December, 1934
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The miniature sheet of The News of the World.
JC 7a - Date: 17th December, 1934
The News of the World
The News of the World
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No 7 (a): Flown cover with miniature news-sheet - 110
JC 8a - Date: 27th February, 1935
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JC 8a: Vignette in maroon and black - 400 printed.
JC 8a - Date: 27th February, 1935
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Rocket Firing Test
Owing to the various reports published in the local press about the successful rocket experiments carried out by the Mr. Stephen Smith., the journalist in Calcutta wanted one experiment firing to be made in their presence. This was done on 27th February, 1935 at Khakuria, near Calcutta, by firing three rockets, the first a small sized one containing 130 letters. This rocket, after successfully going over tall trees, burst in mid-air and the letters came down scattered all over the ground. Two large - sized rockets, each 18 feet long, perished immediately after ignition and thus these demonstrations before the journalists proved complete failures.
The 130 letters carried by the first press rocket have a maroon vignette, overprinted in black as Rocket Testing Firing At Dhakuria / 27th February, 1935 / Made at the special request of the CALCUTTA PRESS.; the vignette is tied to the cover by a violet cachet of a rocket. The postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 27 Feb. 35, 3 - 45 P.M.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on the front side and the delivery stamp reading Park Street Dely. 27 Feb 35 5 - P.M. Calcutta. On the reverse.
No.8: Flown cover - 130 carried
(a): Vignette in maroon and balck - 400
(b): Vignette proofs
Owing to the various reports published in the local press about the successful rocket experiments carried out by the Mr. Stephen Smith., the journalist in Calcutta wanted one experiment firing to be made in their presence. This was done on 27th February, 1935 at Khakuria, near Calcutta, by firing three rockets, the first a small sized one containing 130 letters. This rocket, after successfully going over tall trees, burst in mid-air and the letters came down scattered all over the ground. Two large - sized rockets, each 18 feet long, perished immediately after ignition and thus these demonstrations before the journalists proved complete failures.
The 130 letters carried by the first press rocket have a maroon vignette, overprinted in black as Rocket Testing Firing At Dhakuria / 27th February, 1935 / Made at the special request of the CALCUTTA PRESS.; the vignette is tied to the cover by a violet cachet of a rocket. The postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta 27 Feb. 35, 3 - 45 P.M.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on the front side and the delivery stamp reading Park Street Dely. 27 Feb 35 5 - P.M. Calcutta. On the reverse.
No.8: Flown cover - 130 carried
(a): Vignette in maroon and balck - 400
(b): Vignette proofs
March 1935 Experiment
JC 9a: Complete Sheet
JC 9 - Date: 23rd March, 1935
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection.
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection.
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The Silver Jubilee of the King George V's reign was celebrated throughout the British Empire and India was no exception. The Orient Fireworks Co. presented two rockets to Mr Stephen Smith on this occasion and he fired them on 23rd March, 1935 from a Ship in Diamond Harbour to the Shore. Each rocket carried 100 letters franked with a special 2 rupee stamp, in blue and yellow colours, and the sale proceeds of these stamps anbd covers were to be handed over by Mr SMith to the Royal Silver Jubilee Fund. The stamp was lie to the cover by a diamond shaped cachet reading Royal Silver Jubilee 1910 - 1935 and the word Recketgram between two crowns. Though 1500 of these rockets stamps were printed, 700 of them had to be destroyed owing to faulty printing. Later on, 31 of these stamps were found to be double printed, 11 unused and 20 used on covers. Some of the flown covers have been signed by Mr. D C King, the Customs Officer of Diamond Harbour. The postmark reads Diamond Harbour, 23 Mar. 35. The cover bears the autograph of Mr Stephen Smith.
No.9: Flown cover - 180 carried
(a): Flown cover with stamp rpinted double - 20
(b): Unused stamp - 789
(c): unused stamp, printed double - 11
(d): Proofs of stamp
No.9: Flown cover - 180 carried
(a): Flown cover with stamp rpinted double - 20
(b): Unused stamp - 789
(c): unused stamp, printed double - 11
(d): Proofs of stamp
JC 9C – Date: 23 March, 1935
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No.9(c): Unused stamp printed double – 11 Printed.
June 1935 Rocket Stamps
JC 10a: Stamps-600 printed
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JC11a: Stamps- 640 Printed
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JC12a: Stamps- 400 Printed
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JC13a: Stamps- 240 Printed
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No Mail Flown 400 Printed.
JC 10 - Date: 6th June, 1935
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R. No.60
Roopnarain Kolaghat
By now the rockets tested by Mr. Stephen Smith had numbered 59 and therefore, when the demonstrated two more rocket firing in aid of the Quetta Earthquake Relief Fund - a disaster in which over 30000 lives were lost in on night, he numbered them Rockets Nos. 60 and 61 was fired over the river Roopnarain from Kolaghat bank and carried packets of cillies, cloves, grains, rice, salt, turmeric and Indian cigarettes besides 150 printed white missives giving particulars of the items carried in the rocket, shown on the reverse. For this test also, 750 speical stamps of the 2 rupee value were printed in blue and red and affixed to the printed missive.
All the missives have two cachets: (1) Large circular date cachet of Kolaghat Station Manager, B.N. Rly. and (2) A three line cachet of R. No 60 over river Roopnarain, Kolaghat, on both sides. The entire proceeds of the sale of these flown missives and unused stamps were handed over to the Private Secretary of the Voceroy, who was in charge of the special earthquake fund.
On the reverse, the contents of the rocket can be seen. It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.10: Flown Missives - 150 carried
(a): Unused stamp - 750 quantities
(b): Proof of stamps
Roopnarain Kolaghat
By now the rockets tested by Mr. Stephen Smith had numbered 59 and therefore, when the demonstrated two more rocket firing in aid of the Quetta Earthquake Relief Fund - a disaster in which over 30000 lives were lost in on night, he numbered them Rockets Nos. 60 and 61 was fired over the river Roopnarain from Kolaghat bank and carried packets of cillies, cloves, grains, rice, salt, turmeric and Indian cigarettes besides 150 printed white missives giving particulars of the items carried in the rocket, shown on the reverse. For this test also, 750 speical stamps of the 2 rupee value were printed in blue and red and affixed to the printed missive.
All the missives have two cachets: (1) Large circular date cachet of Kolaghat Station Manager, B.N. Rly. and (2) A three line cachet of R. No 60 over river Roopnarain, Kolaghat, on both sides. The entire proceeds of the sale of these flown missives and unused stamps were handed over to the Private Secretary of the Voceroy, who was in charge of the special earthquake fund.
On the reverse, the contents of the rocket can be seen. It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.10: Flown Missives - 150 carried
(a): Unused stamp - 750 quantities
(b): Proof of stamps
JC 11 - Date: 6th June, 1935
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Rocket No.61 was tested immideately on the same day and from the same place across the river as No.60. It carried besides 110 orange missives, various srticles like small bottles of Haliverol, Iodex, Lucaspirin, Rolls of bandages and packet of Lint and Epson salt! Again, 750 special 2 rupee stamps were issued in blue with a Red Cross in the centre, and affixed to all the flown missives. The stamp is tied with the Kolaghat Station Masters' date cachet and also a second cachet reading R.No.61 over river Roopnarain, Kolaghat was also applied to all the missves. The sales processds in this case were also handed over to the Red Cross Relief Fund.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.11: Flown Missive - 110
(a): Stamp - 750
(b): Prrofs of Stamp
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.11: Flown Missive - 110
(a): Stamp - 750
(b): Prrofs of Stamp
No. JC 12 - Date: 29th June, 1935
Press cutting from The Star of India, July 1, 1935, writing about the first time in the world that livestock was carried rocket on board the David Ezra, Rocket No. 65 on 29th June, 1935.
Rocket Parcel Despatch
29 June 1935 - Live Stock - David Ezra
29 June 1935 - Live Stock - David Ezra
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R.No. 65 Live Stock Comple Sheet
JC 12 - Date: 29th June, 1935
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Rocket No. 65
David Ezra
India made history when Mr. Stephen Smith conveyed safely in a rocket for the first time in the world, - a live cock and a hen! Rocket No. 65, named David Ezra after the millionaire business magnate of Calcutta was fired from the Damoodar Bank over the river Damoodar to the Ramkanali Bank of the opposite side, carrying these two live birds and 189 specially printed white missives. A special orange stamp of the 2 rupee value, overprinted R.No.65, Live Stock in balck in 2 lines was affixed to each missives and 400 of these stamps were printed. After the experiment, the cock and hen were presented to Sir Dadiv Ezra at Calcutta.
All the missives have a four line cachet reading By Rocket "David Ezra" R.No.65, Live Stock. The Postmark reads, Burnpur, 29 Jun. 35.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.12: Flown Missive - 189
(a): Stamp - 400
(b): Proof of Stamp
David Ezra
India made history when Mr. Stephen Smith conveyed safely in a rocket for the first time in the world, - a live cock and a hen! Rocket No. 65, named David Ezra after the millionaire business magnate of Calcutta was fired from the Damoodar Bank over the river Damoodar to the Ramkanali Bank of the opposite side, carrying these two live birds and 189 specially printed white missives. A special orange stamp of the 2 rupee value, overprinted R.No.65, Live Stock in balck in 2 lines was affixed to each missives and 400 of these stamps were printed. After the experiment, the cock and hen were presented to Sir Dadiv Ezra at Calcutta.
All the missives have a four line cachet reading By Rocket "David Ezra" R.No.65, Live Stock. The Postmark reads, Burnpur, 29 Jun. 35.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.12: Flown Missive - 189
(a): Stamp - 400
(b): Proof of Stamp
JC 13 - Date: 29th June, 1935
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A second rocket, No.66, carrying a small parcel of bread, butter and packets of Prtal tablets, etc. was fired successfully on the same date from the same place. It also carried 160 missives, franked with a special blue and red stamp of the 2 rupee value, over printed R. No. 66, 400 of this stamp were printed. The missives bears an oval small cachet with R. No. 66 Parcel, words in two lines. The postmark reads Burnpur, 29 Jun. 35. It is autographed by Stephen Smith. The reverse copy shows the contents of Rocket.
No.13: Flown Missives - 160 carried
(a): Stamp - 400
(b): Proofs of stamp
No.13: Flown Missives - 160 carried
(a): Stamp - 400
(b): Proofs of stamp
JC 15 - Date: 7th May 1936
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Immediately after the successful experiment of Rocket Np. 124, a second trial of the "Telescopic" rocket was made by Rocket No. 125 at the same place on the same day, but to distinguish this experiment, 33 orange missives were carried by it. They all have the same cachet as No. 14 but with the words, "Rocket No. 125" and all are numbered and signed by experimenter. These two were not posted, and therefore do not have any postmarks.
No. 15: Flown Missives - 33 carried
No. 15: Flown Missives - 33 carried
June – September 1936 Experiments
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JC 16a: Label printed in black on yellow – 150 printed.
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JC 17a: Vignette – 200 quantities.
JC 16 - Date: 9th June, 1936
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R. No 126
Teh Star of India
A large flooded area near Muktapur gave an oppostunity to test the use Rockets for relief purpose on 9th June, 1936, when set off another "Telescopic" Rocket No. 126 named Star of India from Muktapur to Dhapa. It carried 80 covers, each franked with a yellow label Flood Rocket Despatch / Carried by R. No. 126 "The Star of India" from Matpukur to Dhapa. The label is tied to the cover with a cachet, reading Telescopic Rocket 126 in two lines. The postmark reads intally, Calcutta 9 Jun 36. 3.45 P.M.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on the front side and the delivery stamp reading Park Street Dely, 10 Jun 36, 7.30 A.M. Calcutta on the reverse.
No.16: Flown cover - 80 carried
(a): Vignette in black on yellow - 150
(b): Proofs of label
Teh Star of India
A large flooded area near Muktapur gave an oppostunity to test the use Rockets for relief purpose on 9th June, 1936, when set off another "Telescopic" Rocket No. 126 named Star of India from Muktapur to Dhapa. It carried 80 covers, each franked with a yellow label Flood Rocket Despatch / Carried by R. No. 126 "The Star of India" from Matpukur to Dhapa. The label is tied to the cover with a cachet, reading Telescopic Rocket 126 in two lines. The postmark reads intally, Calcutta 9 Jun 36. 3.45 P.M.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on the front side and the delivery stamp reading Park Street Dely, 10 Jun 36, 7.30 A.M. Calcutta on the reverse.
No.16: Flown cover - 80 carried
(a): Vignette in black on yellow - 150
(b): Proofs of label
JC 16(a) - Dated: 9th June, 1936
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No.16: Flown covers - 80 carried.
JC 17 - Date: 21st Sepmtember, 1936
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. No. 127
John Winteston conveying Miss Creepy (A snake), an apple and mail.
On 21st Sepmtember, 1936 a second successful test under flood conditiond was made by Rocket no. 127 named John Winterton which carried 106 covers, an apple and a live snake! the rocket was fired in the flooded area from Chingripota to Malikpur. All the covers were affixed with a deep-purple vignette which was tied to the cover with a black cachet Rocket Despatch/Chingripota to Malikpur, as illusrated. no both sides. The postmark reads Sonarpur, 21 Sep.36, 2 P.M. The Cover bears the autograph of Stephen Smith. On verso, the cover is postmarked Park Street Dely 22 Sep 36 Calcutta.
No.17: Flown Cover - 106 carried
(a): Vignette - 200
(b): Proofs of vignette
John Winteston conveying Miss Creepy (A snake), an apple and mail.
On 21st Sepmtember, 1936 a second successful test under flood conditiond was made by Rocket no. 127 named John Winterton which carried 106 covers, an apple and a live snake! the rocket was fired in the flooded area from Chingripota to Malikpur. All the covers were affixed with a deep-purple vignette which was tied to the cover with a black cachet Rocket Despatch/Chingripota to Malikpur, as illusrated. no both sides. The postmark reads Sonarpur, 21 Sep.36, 2 P.M. The Cover bears the autograph of Stephen Smith. On verso, the cover is postmarked Park Street Dely 22 Sep 36 Calcutta.
No.17: Flown Cover - 106 carried
(a): Vignette - 200
(b): Proofs of vignette
The Indian Air Mail Society Quarterly Bulleting of 3 February 1937.
JAMBOREE DAILY
JAMBOREE DAILY
The is the most authentic and contemporaneous account of the Rocket experiments at the Jamboree. Smith himself was the Secretary of the IAMS, and the Editor of the journal. He was also responsible for all the rocket experiments at the Jamboree. This document has full details of the firings, material carried and other related information.
Jamboree Rocket Experiments, February 1-3, 1937
Press cutting from The Start of India, February 6, 1937, writing about the Jamboree Rocket Experiments carried out between February 1-3, 1937 at Delhi.
Press cutting from The Start of India, February 6, 1937, writing about the Jamboree Rocket Experiments carried out between February 1-3, 1937 at Delhi.
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Print out of defaced plates of the 1937 Scout Jamboree labels
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Smith took are to deface plates once the intended print run was completed, and kept a print of the defaced plate for his record. This is an example of the defaced plates for the 1937 Scout Jamboree labels.
JC 18 - Date: 1st February, 1937
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R.No. 134
Dr. R. Paganini
Stamps printed in Red, Green and Blue in quantities of 2000 each. The Red Stamp is signed by Stephen Smith on the reverse.
Dr. R. Paganini
Stamps printed in Red, Green and Blue in quantities of 2000 each. The Red Stamp is signed by Stephen Smith on the reverse.
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
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Proof on glossy paper, signed in pencil by Smith on verso with ‘Proof’ annotated.
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Red Label signed by Smith on the reverse.
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Green Label authenticated by Jal Cooper with his initials on the reverse.
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Blue Label signed by Smith on the reverse.
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Lighter impression of the Blue Label signed by Smith on the reverse (Bigger signature).
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
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Rough Proof on Coarse Cream paper of the single label
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Rough Proof on Coarse Cream paper of the block of four. Only twenty five sets of these labels were printed in each colour.
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
The block of four in Red. Only twenty five sets of these labels were printed in each colour. Signed by Smith with the venue annotated as Jamboree Camp and dated 2/2/37. Numbered 4/25.
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
The block of four in Green. Only twenty five sets of these labels were printed in each colour. Signed by Smith with the venue annotated as Jamboree Camp and dated 2/2/37. Numbered 4/25.
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
The block of four in Blue. Only twenty five sets of these labels were printed in each colour. Signed by Smith with the venue annotated as Jamboree Camp and dated 2/2/37. Numbered 4/25.
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
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The block of nine in Red. Each Label is signed by Smith and dated 2/2/37.
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
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The block of nine in Green. Each Label is signed by Smith.
JC 18 – 1 February 1937
Rocket Mail Labels
Rocket Mail Labels
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The block of nine in Blue. Each Label is signed by Smith and dated 2/2/37.
JC 18-22 - Date: 1 - 3 February, 1937
All India Scouts Jamboree - Delhi
Complete sheet of labels in Red. 2000 printed.
Complete sheet of labels in Red. 2000 printed.
All India Scouts Jamboree - Delhi
Complete sheet of labels in Blue. 2000 printed.
Complete sheet of labels in Blue. 2000 printed.
All India Scouts Jamboree - Delhi
Complete sheet of labels in Green. 2000 printed.
Complete sheet of labels in Green. 2000 printed.
Jamboree Diary of the Bombay Presidency Contingent.
Ephemera related to the Jamboree, and makes for interesting reading. A rare survivor of a rather fun event.
JC 18 - Date: 1st February, 1937
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In February 1937, an All - India Boys Scouts Jamboree was held and Mr. Stephen Smith was invited to demonsrate his rocket experiments at this camp, which he did on the 1st , 2nd and 3rd February. On the first day, Mr Smith fired three propaganda rockets, carrying various leaflets and 2500 messages of layalty (printed in red) from the Indian Scouts and addressed to the late Emperor of India, King George VI and to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth (now the Queen Mother). An additional rocket was fired numbered R 134 and named Dr. R. Paganini, which carried 87 letters. The rockets were fired from the Jamboree Camp; after the firing the letters were affixed with a postage stamp and then posted at the Jamboree Post Office, where they were cancelled with a special large cachet. All India Jamboree Post 2 Feb 37 Office Delhi, Dr. R. Paganini. All the propaganda leaflets, messgaes of loyalty and the letters bear a special circular rocket despatch cachet; the 87 letters were also affixed with a special Scout stamp in blue. These stamps were printed in blue, green and red in quantities of 2000 each. On the letters and postcards, these stamps were tied with the special circular cachet All India Boy Scouts Jamboree Rocket Despatch 1 feb Delhi 1937.
No. 18 - Flown cover carried by R. No 134 - 87 carried
carried by propaganda rockets:
(a) Jamboree Railway Timetable - 63
(b) Scout's Equipment list in Blue - 200
(c) Scout's Equipment list in Red - 200
(d) Scout's Equipment in Violet - 200
(e) Letter of Sir John Anderson, Governor of Bengal - 200
(f) Message of Loyalty - 2500
No. 18 - Flown cover carried by R. No 134 - 87 carried
carried by propaganda rockets:
(a) Jamboree Railway Timetable - 63
(b) Scout's Equipment list in Blue - 200
(c) Scout's Equipment list in Red - 200
(d) Scout's Equipment in Violet - 200
(e) Letter of Sir John Anderson, Governor of Bengal - 200
(f) Message of Loyalty - 2500
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Registered Letter addressed to Stephen H. Smith from Mr. Robert Paganini, Zweisimmen, Switzerland, cancelled ZWEISIMMEN / N-1.XII.32-8.
Paganini was a friend and later benefactor of Smith. They conducted extensive correspondence.
(Gifted to me by Mr. Om Kedia, Indore, February 2021.)
Paganini was a friend and later benefactor of Smith. They conducted extensive correspondence.
(Gifted to me by Mr. Om Kedia, Indore, February 2021.)
JC 18a – Jamboree Railway Timetable – 63 carried.
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Timetable Printed by the East Indian Railway, and carrying the crest on the reverse E.I.R. Publicity. Only 63 of these were carried on R.134 and each was numbered. This is number 41/63 and is signed by Stephen H. Smith and bears a magenta cachet with the date.
JC 18a – Jamboree Railway Timetable – 63 carried.
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Timetable Printed by the East Indian Railway, and carrying the crest on the reverse E.I.R. Publicity. Only 63 of these were carried on R.134 and each was numbered. This is number 6/63 and is signed by Stephen H. Smith and bears a magenta cachet with the date. Authenticated on reverse by Jal Cooper.
JC 18a – Jamboree Railway Timetable – 63 carried.
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Timetable Printed by the East Indian Railway, and carrying the crest on the reverse E.I.R. Publicity. Only 63 of these were carried on R.134 and each was numbered. This is number 40/63 and is signed by Stephen H. Smith and bears a magenta cachet with the date.
JC 18b - Date: 1st February, 1937
Scouts Equipment list in Blue - 200
JC 18b - Date: 1st February, 1937
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #912
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #912
Scouts Equipment list in Blue - 200
Note: "400 carried" not endorsed on this leaflet
Note: "400 carried" not endorsed on this leaflet
JC 18c – 1st February 1937
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Scout’s Equipment List in Red (200)
JC 18c – Scout Equipment List in Red on Yellow Paper – 200 carried on 1 February 1937.
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Different sized leaflet.
JC 18d – 1st February 1937
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Scout’s Equipment List in Violet (200)
JC 18e – 1st February 1937
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Letter of the Sir John Anderson, Governor of Bengal - 200
JC 18f and JC 19a - Message of Loyalty
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A rare example of a this document flown on two different rocket firings, twice signed by Stephen H. Smith and with the rocket dispatch cachet dated 1 February 1937 and 2 February 1937. This was obviously something special that Smith kept for himself as is established by the note on the reverse, ‘Discovered by me while going through a number of old papers of Mr. Smith’s on Apr. 22nd, 1944. (More than seven years after the experiments were conducted.)
JC 18f – 1st February 1937
In February 1937, an all-India Boys Scouts Jomboree ws held and Mr Stephen Smith was invited to demonstrate his rocket experiments at this camp, which he did on 1st, 2nd and 3rd of February. On first day, Mr Smith fired three propaganda rockets carrying various leaflets and 2500 messages of loyalty (printed in red) from the Indian Scounts and addressed to the late Emperor of India, King George VI and to Her Majesty Elizabeth (now the Queen Mother). An Additional rocket was fired numbered R 134 and named Dr. R. Panganini, which carried 87 letters. The rockets were fired from the Jamboree Camp; after the firing the letters were affixed with a postage stamp and then posted and the Jamboree Post Office, where they were cancelled with a special large cachet. All the propaganda leaflets, messages of loyalty and the letters bear a special circular despatch cachet; the 87 letters were also affixed with a special Scout stamp in blue. These stamps were printed in blue, green and red in quantities of 2000 each. On letters and postcards, these stamp were tied with special circular cachet.
No. 18; Flown cover carried by R. No. 134 – 87 carried.
Carried by propaganda rockets:
(a): Jamboree Railway Timetable – 63
(b): Scout’s Equipment List in Blue – 200
(c): Scout’s Equipment List in Red – 200
(d): Scout’s Equipment List in Violet – 150
(e): Letter of Sir John Anderson, Governor of Bengal – 200
(f): Messages of Loyalty – 2500
No. 18; Flown cover carried by R. No. 134 – 87 carried.
Carried by propaganda rockets:
(a): Jamboree Railway Timetable – 63
(b): Scout’s Equipment List in Blue – 200
(c): Scout’s Equipment List in Red – 200
(d): Scout’s Equipment List in Violet – 150
(e): Letter of Sir John Anderson, Governor of Bengal – 200
(f): Messages of Loyalty – 2500
JC 19a – Date: 2nd February, 1937
On 2nd February, 1937, Mr Stephen Smith fired three rockets, the first gain being a propaganda rocket carrying leaflets, and the second and the third carrying mails. The second rocket, No. 135 was named Dr. M. Lronstein and carried 176 Jamboree official covers, all bearing the special Scout stamp in red.
All the letter bear the two special cachets, as illustrated, and the circular cachet is dated 2 FEB 1937.
No. 19: Flown Cover – 176
Carried by propaganda rocket:
(a): Messages of loyalty – 500
(b): Scout’s equipment list in blue – 200
All the letter bear the two special cachets, as illustrated, and the circular cachet is dated 2 FEB 1937.
No. 19: Flown Cover – 176
Carried by propaganda rocket:
(a): Messages of loyalty – 500
(b): Scout’s equipment list in blue – 200
JC 19 - Date: 2nd February, 1937
R. No. 135
Dr. M. Kronstein
On 2nd February, 1937, Mr. Smith fired three rocket, the first again being a propaganda rocket carrying leaflets, and the second and the third carrying mails. The second rocket, No. 135 was named Dr. M. Krondtein and carried 176 Jamboree official covers, all bearing the special Scout Stamo in red.
All the letters bear the two special cachets, as iilusrated, and the circular cachet is dated, 2 Feb 1937.
No.19: Flown cover - 176
Carried by Propaganda rocket:
(a): Message of Loyalty - 500
(b): Scout's Equipment List in blue - 200
Dr. M. Kronstein
On 2nd February, 1937, Mr. Smith fired three rocket, the first again being a propaganda rocket carrying leaflets, and the second and the third carrying mails. The second rocket, No. 135 was named Dr. M. Krondtein and carried 176 Jamboree official covers, all bearing the special Scout Stamo in red.
All the letters bear the two special cachets, as iilusrated, and the circular cachet is dated, 2 Feb 1937.
No.19: Flown cover - 176
Carried by Propaganda rocket:
(a): Message of Loyalty - 500
(b): Scout's Equipment List in blue - 200
JC 20 - Date: 2 February, 1937
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The third rocket fired on 2nd February, 1937 was rocket No. 136 named Dr. H. Radash and it carried 132 Jamboree official postcards, as illustrated. unlike Noc 18 and 19, these were not posted, and therefore, do not bear any postage stamp nor a postmark.
They too have red Scout stamp, tied with the circular cachet, dated 2 Feb. 1937, as illustrated.
No.20: Flown cards - 132 carried.
They too have red Scout stamp, tied with the circular cachet, dated 2 Feb. 1937, as illustrated.
No.20: Flown cards - 132 carried.
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The third rocket fired on 2nd February, 1937 was rocket No. 136 named Dr. H. Radash and it carried 132 Jamboree official postcards, as illustrated. unlike Noc 18 and 19, these were not posted, and therefore, do not bear any postage stamp nor a postmark.
They too have red Scout stamp, tied with the circular cachet, dated 2 Feb. 1937, as illustrated.
No.20: Flown cards - 132 carried.
They too have red Scout stamp, tied with the circular cachet, dated 2 Feb. 1937, as illustrated.
No.20: Flown cards - 132 carried.
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The third rocket fired on 2nd February, 1937 was rocket No. 136 named Dr. H. Radash and it carried 132 Jamboree official postcards, as illustrated. unlike Noc 18 and 19, these were not posted, and therefore, do not bear any postage stamp nor a postmark.
They too have red Scout stamp, tied with the circular cachet, dated 2 Feb. 1937, as illustrated.
No.20: Flown cards - 132 carried.
They too have red Scout stamp, tied with the circular cachet, dated 2 Feb. 1937, as illustrated.
No.20: Flown cards - 132 carried.
JC 21a – Jamboree Daily newspaper – 34 carried.
Jamboree Daily newspaper dated 3 February 1937 and bears two strikes of the Jamboree Rocket cachet dated 3 Feb, and one strike of the By R. No.138 “Princess Elizabeth”. Only 34 of these were carried on R.138 and each was numbered. This is number 4/34 and is signed by Stephen H. Smith.
JC 21a – Jamboree Daily newspaper – 34 carried.
Jamboree Daily newspaper dated 3 February 1937 and bears two strikes of the Jamboree Rocket cachet dated 3 Feb, and one strike of the By R. No.138 “Princess Elizabeth”. Only 34 of these were carried on R.138 and each was numbered. This is number 28/34 and is signed by Stephen H. Smith.
JC 21b – Date: 3rd February, 1937
Messages of Welcome – 1500
JC 21 - Date: 3rd February, 1937
R. No. 138
Princess Elizabeth
On 3rd February, 1937 four rocket were fired, the first being No. R 138, named Princess Elizabeth. It carried 254 Jamboree Official covers and 34 copies of a special Jamboree newspaper, jamboree Daily. The covers all bear the special Scout stamp in green and they have the two cachets, as illustrated. The circular cachet is dated 3 Feb 1937.
On the same day, two propaganda rocktes, each carrying 750 messages of Welcome were also fired successfully.
On the same day, two propaganda rockets, each carrying 750 Messages of Welcome were also fired successfully.
No: 21 Flwon cover - 254
(a): Copies of Jomboree Daily - 34
carried by propaganda rocket:
(b): Messages of Welcome - 1500
Princess Elizabeth
On 3rd February, 1937 four rocket were fired, the first being No. R 138, named Princess Elizabeth. It carried 254 Jamboree Official covers and 34 copies of a special Jamboree newspaper, jamboree Daily. The covers all bear the special Scout stamp in green and they have the two cachets, as illustrated. The circular cachet is dated 3 Feb 1937.
On the same day, two propaganda rocktes, each carrying 750 messages of Welcome were also fired successfully.
On the same day, two propaganda rockets, each carrying 750 Messages of Welcome were also fired successfully.
No: 21 Flwon cover - 254
(a): Copies of Jomboree Daily - 34
carried by propaganda rocket:
(b): Messages of Welcome - 1500
First Day Cover of the Camp officially opened by the Viceroy.
3 February 1937
3 February 1937
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Jamboree souvenir cover with the official crest, and a label on the front concealing a printed message. My best guess is that the Camp inauguration was delayed and new labels were printed to show the revised date. The cover has been franked on the reverse with 1 anna postage and cancelled with two strikes of the large rectangular special postal mark and there is a delivery mark as well of 4 February 1937.
JC 22 - Date: 3rd February, 1937
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R. No. 139
Lord baden Powell
On the evening of 3rd February 1937, one more rocket, No. 139, named Lord Baden Powell was fired and it carried 71 official covers, 90 official cards and one copy of the Pioneer newspaper. All the covers and cards have the blue Scout stamp tied with a circular cachet, dated 3 Feb, 1937. As the cover were posted late in the evening after clearance hours, they all have the postmark of 4 Febm 1937; the cards delivered by hand in the camp, and therefore, have no postal postmark.
It bears the delivery postmark Park Street, 6 Feb 37, Calcutta on the reverse.
No. 22 - Flown cover - 71 carried
(a): Flown cover - 90
(b): Miniature Pioneer - 1
Note: The scout stamps were printed in blue, green and red, 2000 of each.
Proof of the scout stamps
Lord baden Powell
On the evening of 3rd February 1937, one more rocket, No. 139, named Lord Baden Powell was fired and it carried 71 official covers, 90 official cards and one copy of the Pioneer newspaper. All the covers and cards have the blue Scout stamp tied with a circular cachet, dated 3 Feb, 1937. As the cover were posted late in the evening after clearance hours, they all have the postmark of 4 Febm 1937; the cards delivered by hand in the camp, and therefore, have no postal postmark.
It bears the delivery postmark Park Street, 6 Feb 37, Calcutta on the reverse.
No. 22 - Flown cover - 71 carried
(a): Flown cover - 90
(b): Miniature Pioneer - 1
Note: The scout stamps were printed in blue, green and red, 2000 of each.
Proof of the scout stamps
Type JC 22 (a) - Date: 3rd February, 1937
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano Auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #918
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano Auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #918
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R No. 139
Lord Baden Powell
It apperas that this card was flwon, and has no postmark on it. There is an hand endorsement which reads Scout Message Card. THis type of card without postage stamp and postal cancellation it unrecorded in JC. Could it be a proof.
Lord Baden Powell
It apperas that this card was flwon, and has no postmark on it. There is an hand endorsement which reads Scout Message Card. THis type of card without postage stamp and postal cancellation it unrecorded in JC. Could it be a proof.
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R No. 139
Lord Baden Powell
It apperas that this card was flwon, and has no postmark on it. There is an hand endorsement which reads Scout Message Card. THis type of card without postage stamp and postal cancellation it unrecorded in JC. Could it be a proof.
Lord Baden Powell
It apperas that this card was flwon, and has no postmark on it. There is an hand endorsement which reads Scout Message Card. THis type of card without postage stamp and postal cancellation it unrecorded in JC. Could it be a proof.
JC 23 – 2 March 1937
Bengal Girl Guides Rally
Bengal Girl Guides Rally
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The Orange label signed by Smith on the reverse. Fine signature.
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The Orange label signed by Smith on the reverse. Thick signature.
Type JC 23 - Girl Guides Rally :2 March, 1937
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On the occasion of the Girl Guides Rally held in Calcutta during the visit of Lady Baden-Powell on 2nd March, 1937, two propaganda rockets, Nos, 7 and 8 were fired at the rally. Rocket No. 7 was fired by Lady Baden-Powell herself and it carried 30 covers bearing an orange special Scout Stamp, overprinted in three lines: "Bengal Girl Guides rally, 2-3-37" and tied with a circular cachet, as illustrated. The rocket also carried 1,000 messages from Lady baden-Powell, reading:"I am so glad to be here with you all today. I am sure that you will caryy away happy memories to help you to be the best of Guides, and happy, and healthy, and Helpful." The cover are postmarked: "Park Street, Calcutta, 3 MAR 37 7.20 A.M." and bear a rubber-stamped single line cachet:" PROPAGANDA R> No. 7" (There is a spelling mistake in the word "Propaganda", the 'a' being missing between 'G' and 'N').
The propaganda rocket No. 8 was fired by Lady Dorothy Arthur, the local Provincial Girl Guide Commissioner and it carried 35 covers and 1.000 messages, as described above, and has the same spelling mistake in the cachet.
No. 23: Flown cover of Rocket No. 7 carried - 30 Covers
Cherry Stome Auction: July 17 - 18, 2018
British Commonwealth India Rocket Mail
Catalogue: #26C1, Lot No. #566
The propaganda rocket No. 8 was fired by Lady Dorothy Arthur, the local Provincial Girl Guide Commissioner and it carried 35 covers and 1.000 messages, as described above, and has the same spelling mistake in the cachet.
No. 23: Flown cover of Rocket No. 7 carried - 30 Covers
Cherry Stome Auction: July 17 - 18, 2018
British Commonwealth India Rocket Mail
Catalogue: #26C1, Lot No. #566
Type JC 23 (a) - Girl Guides Rally :2 March 1937
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On the occasion of the Girl Guides Rally held in Calcutta during the visit of Lady Baden-Powell on 2nd March, 1937, two propaganda rockets, Nos, 7 and 8 were fired at the rally. Rocket No. 7 was fired by Lady Baden-Powell herself and it carried 30 covers bearing an orange special Scout Stamp, overprinted in three lines: "Bengal Girl Guides rally, 2-3-37" and tied with a circular cachet, as illustrated. The rocket also carried 1,000 messages from Lady baden-Powell, reading:"I am so glad to be here with you all today. I am sure that you will caryy away happy memories to help you to be the best of Guides, and happy, and healthy, and Helpful." The cover are postmarked: "Park Street, Calcutta, 3 MAR 37 7.20 A.M." and bear a rubber-stamped single line cachet:" PROPAGANDA R> No. 7" (There is a spelling mistake in the word "Propaganda", the 'a' being missing between 'G' and 'N').
The propaganda rocket No. 8 was fired by Lady Dorothy Arthur, the local Provincial Girl Guide Commissioner and it carried 35 covers and 1.000 messages, as described above, and has the same spelling mistake in the cachet.
No. 23: Flown cover of Rocket No. 7 carried - 30 Covers
The propaganda rocket No. 8 was fired by Lady Dorothy Arthur, the local Provincial Girl Guide Commissioner and it carried 35 covers and 1.000 messages, as described above, and has the same spelling mistake in the cachet.
No. 23: Flown cover of Rocket No. 7 carried - 30 Covers
- : Flown cover of Rocket No.8 (35)
- : Messages (2,000)
- : Orange stamp (500)
- : Stamp, printed double (1)
- : Stamp, overprint double (1)
- : Stamp. Without overprint (1)
(Provenance: Philauction No.6, 11th April 2021, Lot No. #247)
Type JC 23 (b) & JC 23 (c) - Date: 3rd February, 1937
JC-23(b) message and JC-23(c) orange stamp used on 2 March 1937 with Propaganda Rocket No. 7 and 8.
The British Interplanetary Society
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Hand written letter by Stephen H. Smith from Calcutta dated February 10th, 1937, to the Sunday Inquirer, Philadelphia, U.S.A., about the Rocket Experiments he conducted in Delhi at the request of the Boy Scouts Association. Along with this letter he enclosed a Jamboree Card and Cover, as well as some press cuttings.
It is amazing that when it still took 3-4 days to fly from Calcutta to London: people were already thinking of Interplanetary travel using rockets.
It is amazing that when it still took 3-4 days to fly from Calcutta to London: people were already thinking of Interplanetary travel using rockets.
Coronation Rocket Experiments, May 12, 1937
Press cutting writing about the proposed Coronation Rocket Experiments to carried out on May 12, 1937, and soliciting applications from persons interested in souvenir stamps and flown covers.
JC 24 - Date: 12th May, 1937
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Pilor Rocket No. P. IX
12th May, 1937 was celebrated all over India as the Coronation Day of the late King George VI and consequently two rocket experimentations were carried out at the Calcutta Port Commissioner's reclamation grounds beyodn Alipore in the early morning. For the occasion two special stamps were printed, in blue (1500) and purple and red (1500) and they were affixed to the cards flown in the two rockets. Both the rockets were fired by L.P. Atkinson, the editor of the Star of India, a leading daily of Calcutta. The first Rocket fired was named Pilot Rocket No. P. IX and carried 200 cards with a loayalty message printed on its back. All the cards bear one of the two stamps printed for the purpose with a large sized cachet, as illustrated, and are postmarked Park Street, Calcutta, 12 May 37 9.5 A.M.
On the verso, it bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No. 24l Flown card - 200
12th May, 1937 was celebrated all over India as the Coronation Day of the late King George VI and consequently two rocket experimentations were carried out at the Calcutta Port Commissioner's reclamation grounds beyodn Alipore in the early morning. For the occasion two special stamps were printed, in blue (1500) and purple and red (1500) and they were affixed to the cards flown in the two rockets. Both the rockets were fired by L.P. Atkinson, the editor of the Star of India, a leading daily of Calcutta. The first Rocket fired was named Pilot Rocket No. P. IX and carried 200 cards with a loayalty message printed on its back. All the cards bear one of the two stamps printed for the purpose with a large sized cachet, as illustrated, and are postmarked Park Street, Calcutta, 12 May 37 9.5 A.M.
On the verso, it bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No. 24l Flown card - 200
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Pilor Rocket No. P. IX
12th May, 1937 was celebrated all over India as the Coronation Day of the late King George VI and consequently two rocket experimentations were carried out at the Calcutta Port Commissioner's reclamation grounds beyodn Alipore in the early morning. For the occasion two special stamps were printed, in blue (1500) and purple and red (1500) and they were affixed to the cards flown in the two rockets. Both the rockets were fired by L.P. Atkinson, the editor of the Star of India, a leading daily of Calcutta. The first Rocket fired was named Pilot Rocket No. P. IX and carried 200 cards with a loayalty message printed on its back. All the cards bear one of the two stamps printed for the purpose with a large sized cachet, as illustrated, and are postmarked Park Street, Calcutta, 12 May 37 9.5 A.M.
On the verso, it bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No. 24l Flown card - 200
12th May, 1937 was celebrated all over India as the Coronation Day of the late King George VI and consequently two rocket experimentations were carried out at the Calcutta Port Commissioner's reclamation grounds beyodn Alipore in the early morning. For the occasion two special stamps were printed, in blue (1500) and purple and red (1500) and they were affixed to the cards flown in the two rockets. Both the rockets were fired by L.P. Atkinson, the editor of the Star of India, a leading daily of Calcutta. The first Rocket fired was named Pilot Rocket No. P. IX and carried 200 cards with a loayalty message printed on its back. All the cards bear one of the two stamps printed for the purpose with a large sized cachet, as illustrated, and are postmarked Park Street, Calcutta, 12 May 37 9.5 A.M.
On the verso, it bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No. 24l Flown card - 200
Coronation Rocketgram
Rocket No. 141 - 12.5.1937
Rocket No. 141 - 12.5.1937
On the celebration of the Coronation day of the Late king George VI Rocket No. 141 fired at the Calcutta Port Commissioner's Reclamation ground beyond Alipore in the early morning 350 cards flown.
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Message on back
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Blue - Red - 1 Rs.
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Purple - Red - 1 Rs.
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JC 25 – Date: 12th May, 1937
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Immediately after Pilot Rocket No. P. IX was successfully fired, the second rocket, named Coronation Rocket No. 141 was fired, and carrying 400 similar printed cards as carried by the Pilot Rocket. 350 of these cards were posted franked with postage stamps; as the post offices were closed for the Coronation Day, the balance of 50 cards could not be posted, as Mr. Stephen Smith had run short of the postage stamps. The cards bear one of the two stamps printed and all have same cachet by Coronation/Rocket no. 141, as illustrated, with the same dated postmark Park Street 12 May 37 Calcutta, as in No. 24. The reverse side bears the autograph of Stephen Smith and the message.
No. 25: Flown Card – 350 carried
(a): Flown card without postmark – 50
(b): Stamp (Blur and Red) – 1500
(c): Stamp (Purple and red) – 1500
(c): Stamp, printed double – 2
No. 25: Flown Card – 350 carried
(a): Flown card without postmark – 50
(b): Stamp (Blur and Red) – 1500
(c): Stamp (Purple and red) – 1500
(c): Stamp, printed double – 2
September 1937 Experiments
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JC 26b: Stamp overprinted ERIC SYN – 500 Printed
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JC 27a: Flown stamps – 1000 quantities.
JC 27: Complete Sheet.
JC 26 - Date: 22nd September, 1937
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Pilot. Eric Syn
Rocket Train HERBERT E. BARBER
On this date, two Rocket Train experiments were carried out at Behala, a suburb of Calcutta. On this day also, the first experiment was done by a pilot rocket train named Eric-Cyn having three compartments. It carried 300 specially printed cards. On the obverse side of the cards, the contnets of eac compartment have been entered in ink menuscript. Thses cards were affixed with a spcial blur and red stamp Pilot Eric-Syn, tied with a four-line cachet Carried by the "ERIC-CYN" Pilot Rocket train Behala 22/9/37. Though 1000 of this stamp were printed, 500 of them were later destroyed later on. On the stamp, the overprint reads SYN instead of CYN. The postmark read Park Street, Calcutta, 22 Sep. 37 7.20 A.M.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on the verso.
No.26: Flown cover - 300 carried
(a): Flown card with stamp showing over - print Eric-Cyn double - 3.
(b): Stamp over printed Eric - Cyn - 500
(c): Stamp over printed Eric - Cyn - double - 2
(d): Proofs of stamp
(e): 10 Flown cards had been found used with Rocket Train stamp of Herbert E. barbar without the overprint Eric-Syn
Rocket Train HERBERT E. BARBER
On this date, two Rocket Train experiments were carried out at Behala, a suburb of Calcutta. On this day also, the first experiment was done by a pilot rocket train named Eric-Cyn having three compartments. It carried 300 specially printed cards. On the obverse side of the cards, the contnets of eac compartment have been entered in ink menuscript. Thses cards were affixed with a spcial blur and red stamp Pilot Eric-Syn, tied with a four-line cachet Carried by the "ERIC-CYN" Pilot Rocket train Behala 22/9/37. Though 1000 of this stamp were printed, 500 of them were later destroyed later on. On the stamp, the overprint reads SYN instead of CYN. The postmark read Park Street, Calcutta, 22 Sep. 37 7.20 A.M.
It bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on the verso.
No.26: Flown cover - 300 carried
(a): Flown card with stamp showing over - print Eric-Cyn double - 3.
(b): Stamp over printed Eric - Cyn - 500
(c): Stamp over printed Eric - Cyn - double - 2
(d): Proofs of stamp
(e): 10 Flown cards had been found used with Rocket Train stamp of Herbert E. barbar without the overprint Eric-Syn
JC 27 – Date: 22nd September, 1937
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Rocket Train the Saturn Express – HERBERT E. BARBER
The second firing on this dare was of a rocket train, named The Saturn Express, Herbert E. Barber. The rocket train comprised of four compartments: the first was used to control and as parcel cabin, carrying 100 cards and a small sample bottle of whisky; the second compartment carried two white mice and a small bottle of brandy; the third was used as a dining car and carried cheese, sugar and tea in small packets; the fourth was a mail van and carried 200 cards.
This rocket train was fired by Mr J. L. Winterton, the then President of Indian Air Mail Society. All the cards bear a special stamp, tied with a large circular cachet Created by The World’s First Rocket Train. Though 2000 of this stamp were printed, 1000 of them were destroyed later on.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith and details of the contents
No. 27: Flown cover – 300 carried.
(a): Stamp – 1000
(b): Proofs of stamp.
The second firing on this dare was of a rocket train, named The Saturn Express, Herbert E. Barber. The rocket train comprised of four compartments: the first was used to control and as parcel cabin, carrying 100 cards and a small sample bottle of whisky; the second compartment carried two white mice and a small bottle of brandy; the third was used as a dining car and carried cheese, sugar and tea in small packets; the fourth was a mail van and carried 200 cards.
This rocket train was fired by Mr J. L. Winterton, the then President of Indian Air Mail Society. All the cards bear a special stamp, tied with a large circular cachet Created by The World’s First Rocket Train. Though 2000 of this stamp were printed, 1000 of them were destroyed later on.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith and details of the contents
No. 27: Flown cover – 300 carried.
(a): Stamp – 1000
(b): Proofs of stamp.
JC No. 27b - Date: 23 September, 1937
Proof of stamp, autographed by Stephen H. Smith, only 100 produced.
JC 28 – Date: 22 September, 1937
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After the two Rocket Train experiments were carried out, Mr. Stephen Smith fired small rocket plane, called the Tiddler carrying 36 very small sized envelope and a small cigarette lighter. The experiment was unsuccessful as the rocket plane nosedived immediately after taking off. All covers bear a manuscript inscription in red ink. Reading by Rocket Aeroplane, 22/9/37 and a four line cachet, as illustrated. On the reverse side, the cover is franked with a postage stamp and postmarked Park Street, Calcutta, 22 SEP 37 7.20 A.M. with a delivery postmark of the same date but with the time reading 7.30 A.M.
No.28: Flown Cover – 36 carried.
No.28: Flown Cover – 36 carried.
JC 29 - Date: 11th October, 1937
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First Fluke Boomerang Rocket
The rocket train Eric-Cyn after dismantling two of its compartments, was renamed of Boomerang and was fired on 11th October, 1937 at Alipore, Mother Suburb of Calcutta. It carried 170 missives, which were impressed with a large cachet in violet carried by the Boomerang / Late Eric-Cyn / First Fluke Boomerang Rocket / Alipore 11 Oct 1937 / Missive No / Total Carried 170. Each missive was numbered, and carried menuscript inscription in black ink reading.
The world's First Boomerang Rocket Flight and was initialled by Stephen Smith.
It bears the autographed of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No. 29: Flown missives - 170 carried.
The rocket train Eric-Cyn after dismantling two of its compartments, was renamed of Boomerang and was fired on 11th October, 1937 at Alipore, Mother Suburb of Calcutta. It carried 170 missives, which were impressed with a large cachet in violet carried by the Boomerang / Late Eric-Cyn / First Fluke Boomerang Rocket / Alipore 11 Oct 1937 / Missive No / Total Carried 170. Each missive was numbered, and carried menuscript inscription in black ink reading.
The world's First Boomerang Rocket Flight and was initialled by Stephen Smith.
It bears the autographed of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No. 29: Flown missives - 170 carried.
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JPB 3 - 1938 India Stephen Smith Signed Original Photographs from the Rocketmail Postal Firing at Belhala - EV 20,000 CD
JC 30 – Date: 25th April, 1938
Provenance – Lady Ezra Collection.
Provenance – Lady Ezra Collection.
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R. No. 162
Miss Fortune
On this date, Mr Stephen Smith carried out two more experiments at Garia by Rocket no. 162, named Miss Fortune, an all metal rocket aeroplane and no. 163 called T. Kimball, which was a boomerang rocket.
Miss Fortune carried 25 covers and 56 cards, each bearing a large pink label with black printing, tied with an oval cachet reading: Rocket Experiment, Garia 25th April. The postmark reads: Park Street, Calcutta, 25 Apr. 38 7-20 A.M. The card bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.30: Flown cover – 25 carried
(a): Flown card – 56
(b): Pink label – 200
(c): Proofs of label
Miss Fortune
On this date, Mr Stephen Smith carried out two more experiments at Garia by Rocket no. 162, named Miss Fortune, an all metal rocket aeroplane and no. 163 called T. Kimball, which was a boomerang rocket.
Miss Fortune carried 25 covers and 56 cards, each bearing a large pink label with black printing, tied with an oval cachet reading: Rocket Experiment, Garia 25th April. The postmark reads: Park Street, Calcutta, 25 Apr. 38 7-20 A.M. The card bears the autograph of Stephen Smith on both sides.
No.30: Flown cover – 25 carried
(a): Flown card – 56
(b): Pink label – 200
(c): Proofs of label
JC 30b – Date: 25th April, 1938
JC 30b: Pink Label carried by Rocket No. 162 - "MISS FORTUNE" - 200 printed
JC 31 – Date: 25th April, 1938
Provenance – The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance – The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. No. 163
T. Kimball
The Rocket no. 163, named T. Kimball and fired at Garia had also carried 81 items of mail, viz., 25 covers and 56 cards, each bearing a small green label with black printing no. 163 / Kimball, tied with the same oval cachet as in No. 30 i.e. Rocket Experiment Garia 25th April but also with an additional single line cachet, reading Boomerang. The postmark in Park Street 25 April 38 Calcutta.
No. 31: Flown Cover – 25 carried.
(a): Flown card – 56
(b): Green Label – 200
(c): Proof of labels
T. Kimball
The Rocket no. 163, named T. Kimball and fired at Garia had also carried 81 items of mail, viz., 25 covers and 56 cards, each bearing a small green label with black printing no. 163 / Kimball, tied with the same oval cachet as in No. 30 i.e. Rocket Experiment Garia 25th April but also with an additional single line cachet, reading Boomerang. The postmark in Park Street 25 April 38 Calcutta.
No. 31: Flown Cover – 25 carried.
(a): Flown card – 56
(b): Green Label – 200
(c): Proof of labels
JC 31a - Date: 25th April, 1938
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No. 163
T.Kimball
The Rocket No. 163, named T. Kimball and fired at Garia had also carried 81 items of mail, viz. 25 covers and 56 cards, each bearing a small green label with black printing, tied with the same oval cachet as in No. 30 but with an additional single line cachet reading Boomerang. The Postmark is the same as in No.30. The cover is autographed by Stephen Smith.
No.31: Flown Cover - 25
(a): Flown card - 56
(b): Green lable - 200
(c): Proofs of label
T.Kimball
The Rocket No. 163, named T. Kimball and fired at Garia had also carried 81 items of mail, viz. 25 covers and 56 cards, each bearing a small green label with black printing, tied with the same oval cachet as in No. 30 but with an additional single line cachet reading Boomerang. The Postmark is the same as in No.30. The cover is autographed by Stephen Smith.
No.31: Flown Cover - 25
(a): Flown card - 56
(b): Green lable - 200
(c): Proofs of label
JC 32a – Date: 26th June, 1937
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R. No. 164
Marianne Kronstein
32a: Two pairs of Green Labels (with the other label on reverse). One signed by Stephen Smith and Other unsigned.
Marianne Kronstein
32a: Two pairs of Green Labels (with the other label on reverse). One signed by Stephen Smith and Other unsigned.
JC 32 - Date: 26th June, 1938
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. no 164
Marianne Kronstein
On 26th June, 1938 a series of three rocket experiments were successfully carried out at Apilore. The rockets were fired by Mr. J. Pratt-Johnson, the Deputy postmaster-general and Mr M.D. Murtrie, the presidency-postmaster of Bengal.
The first rocket no. 164 named marianne Kronstein was fired by Mr Murtrie and carried 102 cards. it bore a green label, as illustrated, and was tied with two cachets: (1) a circular cachet reading Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle: (2) a single line cachet of Alipore. the postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta, 26 Jun. 38 2.5 P.M.
It is autographed by Stephen Smith no reverse side.
No.32: Flown card - 102 carried
(a): Green Label - 500
(b): Proof of labels
Marianne Kronstein
On 26th June, 1938 a series of three rocket experiments were successfully carried out at Apilore. The rockets were fired by Mr. J. Pratt-Johnson, the Deputy postmaster-general and Mr M.D. Murtrie, the presidency-postmaster of Bengal.
The first rocket no. 164 named marianne Kronstein was fired by Mr Murtrie and carried 102 cards. it bore a green label, as illustrated, and was tied with two cachets: (1) a circular cachet reading Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle: (2) a single line cachet of Alipore. the postmark reads Park Street, Calcutta, 26 Jun. 38 2.5 P.M.
It is autographed by Stephen Smith no reverse side.
No.32: Flown card - 102 carried
(a): Green Label - 500
(b): Proof of labels
JC 33a - Date: 26th June , 1938
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R. No. 165
Gertrude Collins
33a: Pair of Pink Lables printed 500 units, signed by Stephen Smith on the verso.
Gertrude Collins
33a: Pair of Pink Lables printed 500 units, signed by Stephen Smith on the verso.
JC No. 33
Date: 26th June, 1938
Date: 26th June, 1938
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Complete sheet of eight labels signed by Stephen H. Smith, with four on each side.
Rocket No. 165, named “Gertrude Collins” was also fired by Mr. Murtrie and it carried 102 missives. Each missive bears a pink label, as illustrated and is tied with the same circular cachet, and has the same postmark as No. 32.
No. 33: Flown missive 102.
Rocket No. 165, named “Gertrude Collins” was also fired by Mr. Murtrie and it carried 102 missives. Each missive bears a pink label, as illustrated and is tied with the same circular cachet, and has the same postmark as No. 32.
No. 33: Flown missive 102.
JC 33 - Date: 26th June, 1938
Provenance; The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance; The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. No. 165
Gertude Collins
Rocket No. 165 named Gertude Collins was alsi fired by Mr Murtrie and it carried 102 missives. Each missive bears a pink label By Rocket no 165 Gertude Collins Test Firing and tied tiwth same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre. It bears the postmarks Park Street 26 Jun 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith
No.33: Flown missive - 102 carried
(a): Pink Label - 500
(b): Proofs of Labels
Gertude Collins
Rocket No. 165 named Gertude Collins was alsi fired by Mr Murtrie and it carried 102 missives. Each missive bears a pink label By Rocket no 165 Gertude Collins Test Firing and tied tiwth same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre. It bears the postmarks Park Street 26 Jun 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith
No.33: Flown missive - 102 carried
(a): Pink Label - 500
(b): Proofs of Labels
JC 34 – Date: 26th June, 1938
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. No 166
Dick Turpin
Rocket No. 166, named Dick Turpin was fired by Mr. j. Pratt-Johnson and carried 166 missives. All the missives have a rectangular five line cachet in blue impressed in the centre of the missive i.e. This Missive was carried by Test Rocket No. 166. Dick Turpin at Alipore. Each missive is and tied with the same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle in the top left hand corner in red and a postmark in the top-right hand corner reading Park Street 26 Jun 38 Calcutta.
On Verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith
No.34: Flown missive – 106 carried.
Dick Turpin
Rocket No. 166, named Dick Turpin was fired by Mr. j. Pratt-Johnson and carried 166 missives. All the missives have a rectangular five line cachet in blue impressed in the centre of the missive i.e. This Missive was carried by Test Rocket No. 166. Dick Turpin at Alipore. Each missive is and tied with the same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle in the top left hand corner in red and a postmark in the top-right hand corner reading Park Street 26 Jun 38 Calcutta.
On Verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith
No.34: Flown missive – 106 carried.
JC 35 - Date: 24th July, 1938
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. No. 171
Joanna Pratt - Johnson
On 24th July, 1938 one more series of three rocket trials was conducted at Alipore, Calcutta. Two of the rockets, No. 171 named Joanna Pratt - Johnson and No. 172 called Rowland Hill were fired by Mr J.H.E. Cook, the postmaster - General of Bengal.
Rocket Joanna - Pratt - Johnson carried 202 missives, and each bear a yellow lable. tied with a single line cachet Rocket Test At Alipore. The missives also bear same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle, and have a postmark Park Street 24 Jly 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it sis autographed by Stephen Smith.
No 35: Flown missive - 202 carried
(a): Yellow Lable - 1000
(b): Proofs of label
Joanna Pratt - Johnson
On 24th July, 1938 one more series of three rocket trials was conducted at Alipore, Calcutta. Two of the rockets, No. 171 named Joanna Pratt - Johnson and No. 172 called Rowland Hill were fired by Mr J.H.E. Cook, the postmaster - General of Bengal.
Rocket Joanna - Pratt - Johnson carried 202 missives, and each bear a yellow lable. tied with a single line cachet Rocket Test At Alipore. The missives also bear same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle, and have a postmark Park Street 24 Jly 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it sis autographed by Stephen Smith.
No 35: Flown missive - 202 carried
(a): Yellow Lable - 1000
(b): Proofs of label
JC 35a, 36a & 37a – Date: 24th July, 1938
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R No 171
Joanna Pratt-Johnson |
R No 172
Rowland Hill |
R No 173
James H.E. Cook |
35a, 36a & 37a: Yellow Labels printed in 1000 quantities, signed by Stephen Smith on the verso.
Rocket Mail 24 July, 1938
Three Rocket trials was conducted at Alipore, Calcutta on July 24, 1938
Three Rocket trials was conducted at Alipore, Calcutta on July 24, 1938
Rocket No. 171
Name: Joanna Pratt - Johnson, fired by Mr. J.H.E. Cook P.M.g. of Bengal. Missive flown 202 label - 1000 yellow.
Rocket No. 172
Name: Rowland Hill, fired by J.H.E. Cook, Missive flown 194 label - 1000 yellow.
Rocket No. 173
Name: James H.E.Cook, fired by Mr. D. Murtrie, The Presidency Post Master Bengal. Missive flown - 102 label - 1000 yellow.
Name: Joanna Pratt - Johnson, fired by Mr. J.H.E. Cook P.M.g. of Bengal. Missive flown 202 label - 1000 yellow.
Rocket No. 172
Name: Rowland Hill, fired by J.H.E. Cook, Missive flown 194 label - 1000 yellow.
Rocket No. 173
Name: James H.E.Cook, fired by Mr. D. Murtrie, The Presidency Post Master Bengal. Missive flown - 102 label - 1000 yellow.
JC 36 – Date: 24th July, 1938
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. No 172
Rowland Hill
Rocket No. 172; named the Rowland Hill Was also fire by Mr J.H.E. Cook, and it carried 194 missives. They had the same type of yellow label tied with the same single-line cachet Rocket Test At Alipore. The missives also bear same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle, and have a postmark Park Street 24 Jly 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith
No 36; Flown Missive – 194 carried.
(a): Yellow Label – 1000
(b): Proofs of Label
Rowland Hill
Rocket No. 172; named the Rowland Hill Was also fire by Mr J.H.E. Cook, and it carried 194 missives. They had the same type of yellow label tied with the same single-line cachet Rocket Test At Alipore. The missives also bear same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle, and have a postmark Park Street 24 Jly 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith
No 36; Flown Missive – 194 carried.
(a): Yellow Label – 1000
(b): Proofs of Label
JC 37 – Date: 24th July, 1938
Provenance – The Lady Ezra Collection
Provenance – The Lady Ezra Collection
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R. No 173
James H.E. Cook
Rocket No. 173, named the James H.E. Cook was fired by Mr. D. Murtrie. The Presidency – Postmaster, Bengal and it carried 102 missives. They had the same type of yellow label tied with the same single-line cachet Rocket Test At Alipore. The missives also bear same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle, and have a postmark Park Street 24 Jly 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith.
No. 36: Flown missive – 102 carried.
(a): Yellow Label – 1000
(b): Proofs of label
James H.E. Cook
Rocket No. 173, named the James H.E. Cook was fired by Mr. D. Murtrie. The Presidency – Postmaster, Bengal and it carried 102 missives. They had the same type of yellow label tied with the same single-line cachet Rocket Test At Alipore. The missives also bear same circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket around the circle and Rocketgram across the centre of the circle, and have a postmark Park Street 24 Jly 38 Calcutta.
On verso, it is autographed by Stephen Smith.
No. 36: Flown missive – 102 carried.
(a): Yellow Label – 1000
(b): Proofs of label
JC 37 – Date: 24th July, 1938
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JC-37: James H. E. Cook Rocket No. 173, photo of Rocket No.164 Marianne Kronstein flown on rocket no. 173. 16 flown. Rare.
December 1938 Experiments
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Tete - Beche sheet of 4 Yellow labels
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JC 38a: Yellow label - 500 printed
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Indian Rocket Mail
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No. 38, was the last rocket fired, on the 25th December, 1938. Rocket No. 189, named "Martha Paganini" was fired at Alipore, Calcutta, on the 25th Dec, 1938, with a view to donate the processds from the sale of the missives carried by it to the local Christmas relief fund.
Flown Missives - 150
Flown Missives - 150
September 1939 War Experiments
JC 40a: Pink label - 300 printed
JC 39 & JC 40 - Date: 19th September, 1939
Rocket label for Rocket No. 207, The Liar (JC 39) and Rocket No. 208, Grog-Nee-Gin (JC 40) printed on a single piece. There is a Jal Cooper initial on the front of the lables.
JC 39 – Date: 19th September, 1939
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No. 207
The Liar
The first war rocket, No. 207, named The Liar was tried out in the suburbs of Calcutta and it carried 91 missives. The missives bear a pink label, as illustrated, and are tied with a single cachet, reading AU REVOIR. They also bear the circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket 207 in the centre. The post mark reads Calcutta G.P.O. Sorting 19 Sep. 39 11A.M.
On the verso, it reads the message and bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No.39: Flown Missive – 91
(a): Pink Label – 300
(b): Proofs of Label.
The Liar
The first war rocket, No. 207, named The Liar was tried out in the suburbs of Calcutta and it carried 91 missives. The missives bear a pink label, as illustrated, and are tied with a single cachet, reading AU REVOIR. They also bear the circular cachet Stephen Smith Rocket 207 in the centre. The post mark reads Calcutta G.P.O. Sorting 19 Sep. 39 11A.M.
On the verso, it reads the message and bears the autograph of Stephen Smith.
No.39: Flown Missive – 91
(a): Pink Label – 300
(b): Proofs of Label.
JC 40 – Date: 19th September, 1939
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A second rocket no. 208 named Grog-Nee-Gin was fired on the same day at the same place and it carried 82 missives. They all have a pink label and the same cachets and postmarked, as in No. 39 except that no. 208 is in the circular cachet.
No.40: Flown Missive – 81 carried
(a): Pink Label – 300
(b): Proofs of label
No.40: Flown Missive – 81 carried
(a): Pink Label – 300
(b): Proofs of label
JC 41 - Date: 25th June, 1940
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano Auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #941
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano Auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #941
JC 41 - Date: 25th June, 1940
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano Auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #941
Provenance: The Lady Ezra Collection
Romano Auction, 1 December 2016, Lot #941
Rocket No. 228 named the "Fighting Cock" was fired on 25th June, 1940 in the surburbs of Calcutta and it carried 53 missives. The Missives are printed in black and red, as illustrated, and have a single-line cachet, "ROCKET MAIL" impressed on them in purple. The Postmark reads: "Park Street, Calcutta 25 JUN 40."
JC 58 - Date: 4th December, 1944
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Mr. Stephen Smith had planned two experiments in the Naga Hill betwenn April-May, 1944 but the military did not permit them till 4th December, 1944. The first rocket fired was named "Kohima" and carried 78 missives, each bearing two large cachets, as illustrated, besides the date of firing: 4 DEC, 1944 in red. They do not have any Postmark.
Flown Missive (78)
Flown Missive (78)
No record of cachet on piece.
JC 59 - Date: 4th December, 1944
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The last of the Indian and War Rocket experiments was fired on 4th December , 1944 and it carried 68 missives, which have two large cachets, as illustrated, besides the date of firing: 4 Dec 1944 in red. They too do not have any postmark.
The cover bears the autograph of Stephen Smith and on the verso, it bears the message and autographed message.
No.59: flown missive - 68
The cover bears the autograph of Stephen Smith and on the verso, it bears the message and autographed message.
No.59: flown missive - 68
No record of cachet on piece.
Unflown Missive
A Tribute to Independence - 15th August 1947
A Tribute to Independence - 15th August 1947
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the cachet was first used on missives flown on 4th December 1947, but this is an unknow missive.
Quantity produced: 48
Quantity produced: 48