Stephen H. Smith Signed Letters — India’s First Pigeongrams & Early Airmail, 1931–1932

A remarkable pair of letters from Stephen H. Smith, a pioneering figure of Indian airmail and the first Indian pigeon mail, typed on official Indian Air Mail Society stationery and signed in ink.

The first, dated 18 February 1931, addresses Lady Ezra and recounts the inaugural pigeongram flight in India, when 42 pigeons — half military, half civilian — carried messages from Asansol to Calcutta. Each missive bore the name of its pigeon, and Smith describes his painstaking efforts to ensure the flight’s success, even arranging photographs for publication.

The second, 18 April 1932, sends two airmail covers from New Guinea, noting the Bird of Paradise stamps and their appeal to Sir David and Lady Ezra, reflecting Smith’s connections to the leading collectors of the era.

Both letters exhibit horizontal folds and gentle toning consistent with age, yet remain in excellent collector condition, with clear typed text and bold ink signatures. They are a rare, tangible witness to the birth of Indian pigeon mail and early international airmail, offering a direct glimpse into the world of pioneering aerophilately.