Auction Name: 2025 December 11 - 12 Space Exploration Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 50248

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6326*50248

Auguste & Jean Piccard's 1933 Planned Stratosphere Balloon Flight: Flown Cover with the Century of Progress Cachet, Canceled August 5, 1933. An Airmail cover bearing two 3¢ George Washingtons and one 2¢ Harding Memorial stamp with a hand cancelation from the U.S. Ry. Postal Car Exhibit. Chicago. The stamped cachet depicts an inflated balloon with a gondola highlighting the sponsors: the Chicago Daily News and the National Broadcasting Co. Below is "The Settle Expedition". Handwritten address. Very fine.

The Piccard balloon launch at the Century of Progress exposition in Chicago took place early on August 5, 1933, drawing significant public and scientific attention as part of the city's world fair celebrations. Originally planned to be piloted by Swiss physicist Auguste Piccard, who was known for his pioneering stratosphere ascents in Europe, the flight was eventually taken over by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander "Tex" Settle due to last-minute regulatory and licensing issues for Jean Piccard, Auguste's twin brother working at the University of Chicago. The balloon, named "The Century of Progress," featured a cutting-edge magnesium-alloy gondola and was the largest balloon constructed at the time, filled with hydrogen and designed to reach the stratosphere for scientific study of cosmic rays and ozone. The launch from Soldier Field at around 3 a.m. captivated large crowds, but it was cut short when a malfunction in the gas release valve caused the balloon to descend within an hour, landing in a nearby railroad yard where it swiftly drew a crowd seeking souvenirs from the historic attempt. This event marked a milestone in American high-altitude ballooning and contributed to transatlantic competition in stratospheric exploration.

After the failed launch, Settle made a second attempt from Akron, Ohio, on November 20, 1933. This time, he was joined by Marine Corps officer Major Chester L. Fordney. The flight was a success, with Settle and Fordney becoming the first Americans to reach the stratosphere and setting a new world altitude record of 61,237 feet. The same gondola was flown again by Jean and Jeannette Piccard in 1934. From the Family Collection of Jacques Bracke

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