Impressive and scarce commemorative airmail postal cover, 9.5 x 4, carried by Hughes on his triumphant 1938 around-the-world flight. The cover, issued in conjunction with the 1939 New York World’s Fair, bears several postage stamps, postmarks, and rubber stamps indicating the primary stops on the record-setting journey: Paris, Moscow, Omsk, Yakutsk, Fairbanks, Minneapolis, and the final destination, New York City. The front of the envelope has been boldly signed in fountain pen by Hughes and all four of his crewmen: co-pilot Harry Connor, navigator Tommy Thurlow, radio engineer Dick Stoddard, and flight engineer Edward Lund. By this time, Hughes had become a record-breaking pilot and a national hero, and aircraft (and later, entire airlines) would remain his primary obsession for the next several decades. In fine condition, with subtle wrinkling (typical of the paper used) and some very faint staining along top edge, well away from the signatures and scarcely affecting the appearance. There is a trivial trace of adhesive residue to back panel which is completely invisible from the front and which does not detract in any way. An exceptional and historic association from the colorful aviation legend! LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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