Australia – Scott # 491-92, hinged

Description

Australia — Qantas 50th Anniversary, Aviation History (Scott 491–492)

This unused hinged two-stamp commemorative set from Australia, cataloged as Scott #491–492, was issued in 1970 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Qantas, Australia’s national airline and one of the world’s oldest continuously operating carriers.

Scott #491 (6c) contrasts early aviation with the jet age, depicting a pioneering biplane above a modern Qantas jet aircraft. Scott #492 (30c) focuses on the airline’s formative years, showing early aircraft and ground crew activity alongside later long-haul aircraft imagery. Together, the designs trace the evolution of Australian civil aviation from its experimental beginnings to international prominence.

Designed by George Hamori and printed by the Reserve Bank of Australia, the stamps feature bold color blocking and strong silhouettes typical of late 1960s and early 1970s Australian commemoratives.

Both stamps are offered unused with original gum and hinged, showing light hinge evidence on the reverse consistent with careful album mounting. Fronts remain clean with strong color, sharp detail, and intact perforations. A solid matched pair for collectors of Australia, aviation history, or airline-themed stamps.