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.

Naum Goldmann's Concerns Regarding Ownership Contract Between Israeli and American Companies: A typed letter dated February 22, 1966, authored and signed by Naum Goldmann, addressed to Mr. Zeev F. Estreicher at Rassco. Goldmann acknowledges receipt of a letter from February 17th containing contract copies and raises queries on several paragraphs. He seeks clarification on the transfer of ownership between American and Israeli companies, expresses concerns about individual responsibility in executing the contract, and questions the feasibility of producing 50% of covers in Israel due to quality concerns. Goldmann signs off with hopes for the receipt of counterpart money and swift bond repayment.  

Nahum Goldmann ( 1895 – 1982) was a leading Zionist. He was a founder of the World Jewish Congress and its president from 1951 to 1978, and was also president of the World Zionist Organization from 1956 to 1968.

American Jewish Relief Committee – 1914 Charity Stamp Sheet
Complete sheet of 20 charity stamps, issued by “The Central Committee” in cooperation with the “American Jewish Relief Committee” for the relief of Jews suffering during World War I. Each stamp dated 5675 (1914) and denominated “One Cent”, inscribed for fundraising purposes. These issues are generally regarded as charity/revenue stamps, produced to raise vital funds for Jewish communities in distress.

ISRAEL MARITIME LEAGUE 1946 COMMEMORATIVE SHEET – 48 STAMPS

A remarkable full sheet of 48 stamps issued by the Israel Maritime League, featuring a central imprint dated 27 May 1946. The text emphasizes the League’s mission: “THE LEAGUE AIMS TO FURTHER ALL JEWISH MARITIME ACTIVITIES IN ERETZ-ISRAEL” and includes contact details for the Cape Town Committee and the Head Office in Tel Aviv, then part of Palestine.

Addressed to Jewish youth, the message invites boys and girls to explore the rich maritime history and traditions of the Jewish people—interrupted but now being revived in Eretz-Israel. It encourages engagement with sea cadets, fishermen, shipping companies, and aquatic sports, reflecting the League’s dedication to promoting maritime activities in the Jewish homeland.

JNF 1918,  Arch of Titus, in black .  Design features the relief inside the Arch of Titus, Rome, depicting Roman soldiers parading spoils from the Jerusalem Temple after the 70 C.E. war. Rochlin Ro 10,. MNH, very scarce.