Scarce and impressive 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 his co-pilot, Harry Connor. 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. Accompanied by an unsigned vintage photo of Hughes and his fellow crew members riding in a parade. A bit of expected wrinkling and the postmark touching first name of Connor’s signature, otherwise very fine, fresh condition. An exceptional and historic association from the colorful billionaire and aviation legend! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
