Peak season notice: Shipping for this category may take 14–21 business days after cleared payment. Thanks for your patience.
Auguste & Jean Piccard's 1933 Planned Stratosphere Balloon Flight: Flown Cover with the Century of Progress Cachet, Canceled ...
Description
THE FAMILY COLLECTION OF JACQUES BRACKE
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
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid (minimum $49) per lot.
This lot is in: 2 -
Signature® Internet Session - No Floor or Phone Bidding (Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 50228-50665) - 10:00 AM Central Time, Friday, December 12, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
Exhibition Viewing Times, Title Page, Floor Session and License Information
Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
** Lots bearing estimates and without Consignor Reserve shall open at Heritage Auctions' discretion (usually 25% to 60% of the low estimate).