O102

Wright Brothers Orville and Wilbur

Aviation Pioneers

Summer 2024 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 2 0102 — Wright Brothers — 9-23-78

I flew to Dayton, Ohio the day before this stamp was issued. First thing on the morning of the 23rd, I had 24 envelopes canceled with the First Day of Issue postmark from Dayton. Then I took all of the Wright Brothers covers (for 0101 and 0102) to Indianapolis for a super pictorial showing an INDY racecar getting the checkered flag. This incredible second cancel ties both pairs of stamps to the cover. This cancel is a Collins exclusive! A brief story of this trip and illustrations appear on page 201 of my book. I believe this may be the first time this cover has appeared in one of my sales because it is so scarce. It is important to note that this is not the 0101 (also illustrated on page 201). Both have the wonderful Indianapolis cancel, but this hand-painted cover with the First Day of Issue cancel from Dayton is the very rare one with only 24 produced.