United States First Flight Cover – Toledo, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois (I)

Description

United States First Flight Cover – Toledo, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois (Overnight Airmail, 1928)
Franked with Scott #C10 (10¢ Lindbergh Airmail)

This authentic U.S. First Flight Cover documents overnight airmail service from Toledo, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois, flown on June 4, 1928. The cover bears a clear Toledo, Ohio Jun 4, 1928 (3:20 AM) postmark and a bold circular FIRST FLIGHT / AIR MAIL / NEW YORK – CHICAGO cachet with airplane design, indicating its role in early overnight airmail operations.

The envelope is properly franked with Scott #C10, the celebrated 10¢ Lindbergh airmail stamp, depicting the Spirit of St. Louis. Use of the C10 on flown first flight and early overnight airmail covers is especially desirable and directly tied to the rapid expansion of long-distance U.S. air service in the late 1920s.

A red-white-and-blue VIA AIR MAIL etiquette is affixed across the center. The cover is addressed to Mr. Ellsworth Lumley, Chicago, Ill., and shows normal handling wear consistent with genuine flown mail. The reverse bears a Chicago Jun 4, 1928 receiving postmark, confirming same-day overnight delivery.

Overnight first flight and early airmail covers represent a key transition point in U.S. postal history, when aviation began to dramatically reduce delivery times between major Midwestern and Eastern cities. This example combines a clear Toledo origin, Chicago destination, strong cachet, and the iconic Lindbergh airmail stamp, making it an attractive and historically meaningful piece.