Chapter 4

THE SURCHARGED CURTISS LABELS (22 FEBRUARY AND 4 MARCH 1920)

This chapter includes the famous mixed frankings, the complete set and the fine ‘socked on the nose’ examples. The second multiple set is a major piece and while damaged, it is the largest. When it was sold from the Peinado collection in the early 90s, it was offered at GBP 25,000 and it ended up by selling at GBP 34,500! However, it fetched less in the Corinphila/Goeggel collection.

The history of the two mixed franking items is somewhat uncertain. They appeared in the Peinado auction, and it must be presumed that, like several other rarities, they resided with Colombian collectors, or just came out of the woodwork, so to speak.

Incidentally, the very rare items dealt with later in this chapter are those used after 4 March, which are similarly of little-known origin.

The non-surcharged Condor SG7/C (signed by Herbert Bloch and L W Charlat with a Friedl Certificate dated 1979). This is the sole recorded usage of the un-overprinted multicolored vignette used on letter.

There is an interesting bit of history on the famous non-surcharged Condor. There is a small dealer’s handstamp on the cover stating LW CHARLAT. He was a New York stamp dealer with offices at 180 Broadway in the early 1930s, who specialized in airmails and was therefore one of the pioneer airmail dealers.

This great rarity first appeared in the collection of Dr Philip Cole in the 1930s. After Kessler auctioned his collection in 1939/40, the entire collection realized $5,800. Serabrakian acquired most of it, and in turn, sold his collection some 10 years later between December 1950 and June 1952. The non-surcharged Condor did not appear and it is presumed he sold it privately, possibly to Larsen.

In April 1955, a sale by Harmer included this item (lot 220). Harmer estimated $1,000 but it realized $675.

From there, it ended up with Alex Rendon in the early 60s, who in turn sold his collection intact to Boonshaft. In December 1993, this cover (lot 2077) appeared in the sale of Boonshaft’s collection.

A recorded sale then took place in the Corinphila sale of Goeggel (lot 4421), estimated at 30,000 Swiss Francs and realized at 32,000 Swiss Francs without buyer’s commission. The well-known collector recently sold this priceless item for $49,500 including commission. Will it go to $75,000 next?

The larger mixed franking realized the lowest price ever of 8,200 Swiss Francs in the 2013 sale by Corinphila. It was a real bargain at the time!

NOTES ON THE CCNA ISSUE AS ILLUSTRATED

In 1919, the Compañía Colombiana de Navegación Aérea was formed in Medellin, Colombia. The purpose of this was to operate an internal mail service. The first test flight took place on 14 February 1920 and the company decided to carry mail from 22 February. As was often the case with early airmails flights, no stamps had been issued by the Colombian Post Office for aerial mail.

Compañía Colombiana was granted permission to issue its own airmail stamps. As mentioned in Chapter 3, there was no time to do this, so the company obtained a set of advertising labels called proofs, privately printed by the Curtiss Motor and Aviation Company. They featured a variety of scenes, all of which were most appropriate for an airmail issue.

The labels were overprinted Compania/de/Navegacion Aerea/Porte aereo: $0.10. Although the stamps were semi-official, the mail had to bear Colombian regular issue 3-centavos stamps in addition to the overprints. According to Brian Moorhouse, this was to reach a common weight, but some covers have several stamps to value of 6-centavos or more for undetermined reasons.

The labels were made into postage stamps, as illustrated above, in the printing office of Miguel Araujo, publisher of the newspaper El Porvenir at Cartagena, by cutting off the margins bearing the Curtiss name and slogan. These were then overprinted with the name of the Company and the rate 10-centavos. The printer added his imprint at the lower right hand corner.

There are six settings of the printed CCNA stamps. These are A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 and B3. These settings refer to certain peculiarities in the printing, such as dots before the N in the tilted wing copy, spaces between the letters in the ARAUJO at the bottom right of each stamp, and so on. These are useful for the identification of forgeries. I have several forgeries where the differences are very clear.

Eight of the labels were initially surcharged for airmail use. In March 1920, another label was overprinted showing a flier in a plane watching another biplane.

One bag of mail was carried, franked with the company’s circular stamp and the 3c national stamp, and cancelled with a special postmark reading Correos Aereo, Cartagena, Colombia, 22 February 1920. The return flight only differed by the Barranquilla oval postmark reading Correos Aereo, 4 March 1920, Barranquilla.

RESEARCH INTO THE NUMBERS PRINTED AND USED

Following extensive research, some quite recent and based on documents and records kept by passenger Echavarría on the first outward and return flights, we can establish the numbers printed and then flown. Echavarría’s book is the ideal reference. His excellent account proves the validity of the multicolored CCNA stamps flown.

*Stamps used after the 4 March return flight (more details later).

UNUSED SURCHARGE STAMPS

These are usually collected first by philatelists to make complete sets. It would only be possible for a maximum of 15 collectors to have complete sets, based on the number extant of the fuselage copy above. The order of rarity is indicated in column 4 above. Thus, 1 is the rarest and 9 is the most readily available. However, the condition of some affects value.

USED AND ON COVER STAMPS

To add to interest, we should submit the last column to further examination, as markedly different numbers of covers were sent on the return flight. The outward flight was from Cartagena to Barranquilla, while the return flight was from Barranquilla to Cartagena. Thus, we find the following:

*Stamps used after the 4 March return flight (more details later).

Note that column 4 is empirical in that this is the theoretical total that SHOULD prove that 100 non-surcharged vignettes were acquired. If they were, then many were lost.

COVER ANALYSIS

Whereas overall, the order of scarcity is obvious, this analysis shows that:

on the outward flight, the order of rarity is SG 8 , SG 7 and SG 1, and

on the return flight, the order of rarity is SG 9 and then SG 4, 5, and

Philatelists should acquire the covers of EACH outward and return flight, and whereas SG 9 is the most common overall at 66 covers, the return is extremely rare with only four copies extant (plus three in used). Consequently, the three scarcest would be:

return flight SG 9

outward flight SG 8 and

outward flight SG 7

The SG prices, especially of the used stamps (not clear if on cover or just used), seem out of line with scarcity. Traditionally, SG 5 and SG 7 seem to be the most expensive. Sanabria rates SG 9 as the least rare. While this is correct overall, it should state that the return flight is the rarest of all covers, with only four known. The SG 9 return flight is very scarce, whereas the outward flight cover is the most commonplace. This last one fetches exceptional realizations.

SG 1 unused has no more than 38 extant yet SG values it as the least scarce. Of the unused stamps, SG 4 and 5 are the least scarce at 53 and 50 respectively.

These numbers have been verified from research and from Un Nuevo Enfoque Sobre el Material Filatelico que Utilizo la Compania Colombianade Navigacion Aerea (REF Carlos Valenzuela).

It is worth noting that the pilot Bazin kept a meticulous diary, but some pages were missing. Some of these lost pages can be located in Gebauer’s book, Los Primeros 50 Anos del Correo a Colombia. There is one particular letter that gives additional information on the flight.

THE FIRST FLIGHT

On 22 February 1920, Bazin’s plane ‘Cartagena’ carried two passengers: Echavarría (the manager of CCNA) and a mechanic, Goupil. The weight of covers was four kilograms.

Echavarría recorded the numbers, but there was some confusion in that the original number of SG 9 turned out to be three less than recorded, replaced by one SG 2 and two SG 4.

THE SECOND FLIGHT

On 4 March 1930, the return flight carried two passengers: Mario Santo Domingo and Espriella. Several of the unused multicolored vignettes were used AFTER this date on a third flight, recorded by Echavarría. I mention these because, on the first and second flights, certain usages on cover were scarcer. For SG 7, there were only six possible usages on the first flight; for SG 8, there were only five possible usages on the first flight; and for SG 9, there were only four possible usages on the second flight – and we already know of three used that exist.

THE VERY RARE POST 4 MARCH FLIGHTS

Having reached this point, it is opportune to refer to the article of research published in Bogota Filatelico No. 34 by Carlos Valenzuela in March 2001, which is a detailed study of the quantities of known vignettes, both on and off cover. Bortfeldt also covered this subject, dealing with the evidence of the flights following 4 March 1920. Some of these issues were contained in the Corinphila auction of Eugenio Gebauer’s collection.

Details of the post 4 March covers and flights are found in two sections of my material, dealing with both the multicolored vignettes and the SG 10 green stamps on cover and on piece. For the latter, CCNA issued the second series of green stamps with a design based on the Curtiss vignettes.

Over the years, it has been rare to see these described in auctions. Few photos were shown, if at all. I wondered if such rumored late usages really existed. I asked Brian Moorhouse if he knew of their location, but as these are such rarities, the only means of proving their existence on later dates was through date-stamped cancellations. I deduced they should be of immense value to advanced collectors as of these, there are less than a handful and only a few on piece. We can only assume that at times there were not sufficient 10c unicolor items in the area. Both the multicolor and unicolor vignettes were of 10-centavos value.

The two flights already discussed used up almost all the multicolors. The ones left over are incredibly scarce. It is only within the last 10 years that these later usages have appeared out of the woodwork. At one time, they were regarded as priceless, but recently they have been acquired at ridiculously low realizations – at least in my opinion. If they become available again, they are real collector’s items. These are the seven used after 4 March 1920 (three of the SG 3, two of the SG 4, and two of the SG 1):

6 March 1920 x 2

9 March 1920 x 1

14 April 1920 x 1

17 October x 3

Even in terms of the quantities sent on 22 February 1920, these are especially scarce. Take SG 1 and SG 4, for example – only seven of each exist on cover to Barranquilla (the scarcest), and now we have one extra of each as a post 4 March cover. For SG 3, 12 exist on cover to Barranquilla, and now we have one extra as a post 4 March cover. Thus, in each case there is a premium value, and in the case of 6 March, these are unique in CCNA usage. My opinion is that these would reach a premium of three times as much as normal, at least.

In the examples shown below, the top left is dated 6 March, the top right is 9 March, center left is 17 October, center right is 14 May, bottom left is 17 October and bottom right is 6 March.

According to Carlos Valenzuela in an article published in Bogota Filatelico no. 34, it seems that Charles Pooley, Chief Engineer of The Colombia Railways and Navigation Co. was quite an important person, and his family were among the passengers on the 17 October flight. If one looks carefully at the log, this flight was most unusual, as is skimmed along at a height of 800 feet and lasted for an hour. Not a normal ‘sports’ flight, which would last 20 minutes or so at 300ft. There is no other such lengthy sports flight recorded. It seems likely that this was a special request.

After 15 October, the CCNA instructed Bazin not to conduct short sports flights, as they were deemed hazardous, and instead instructed that he obtain 10 passengers for flights of up to 30 minutes. Of course, Bazin preferred longer flights as it was part of his salary. In a communication dated 17 October, Bazin was awarded with a gold medal and a bottle of Champagne. To ingratiate himself with his friends, he gave a free flight of 50 minutes. This favor must have been extended to Mr Pooley. Strictly speaking, there was a protocol: receive correspondence in the offices of the CCNA, use the respective airmail stamp and postmark, then take this to the national stamp mail office, in which the 3-cent national stamp was affixed before the letter was taken to the plane.

COLOMBIA – RARE POST 4 MARCH USAGE

Scott CL CCNA 6 March usage. Cartagena to Barranquilla, cover tied by light oval CCNA Cartagena oval with 3c national issue. One of only two known ex Phillips Colombian airmails (1990) and ex Boonshaft and Goeggel. This is dated 6 March but previously recorded as 11 March.

THE THIRD FLIGHT

On 6 March 1920, it appears there was one multicolored SG 3 mentioned in Echavarría’s notes. An SG 1 cover in the same auction was shown as of 11 March but also said to be 6 March. The SG 3 copy realized a low price at just under 4,600 Swiss Francs in the Goeggel September auction, even though a higher price was expected. However, Echavarría shows another later SG 3 off-cover that was flown on 14 April.

SUBSEQUENT FLIGHTS WHERE MULTICOLORED STAMPS WERE USED – 9 MARCH/14 APRIL 1920

A 9 March copy on piece contains an SG 4, while the 14 April contains an SG 3 off cover, as evidenced by the pilot Bazin in his letter of mid-1962 to Gebauer. This was offered and sold as part of the Johnson auction. Both are unique!

17 OCTOBER 1920

Interestingly, the 17 October cover to Pooley used one of the remaining CCNA multicolor stamps. It includes the SG 4 and SG 1 on cover as well as an SG 3 on piece. These are described as the only proof of existence to point toward the 17 October flight, but questions remain.

There is also a genuine SG 5 stamp that was unusually surcharged 30cvs – the 10-centavos was increased to 30-centavos. This surcharge was usually only used on a unicolor green SG 10.

All the usages after 4 March are almost one of a kind and are of great value.

ADDENDUM TO CHAPTER 4 – MORE RESEARCH

4.1 COMMENT ON THE NUMBERS FOUND OF THE FIRST AND SECOND FLIGHTS

I have not been able to locate as many stamps as Bazin reported. We know the indicative numbers of used and on cover, but there seem to be a number missing that have not appeared in any auctions. Bazin recorded 11 covers of SG 2 on the outward flight, for example, but only seven have been located. As for the return flight, I have only located eight out of Bazin’s 10 For SG 3, I am six short in total. For SG 7, I am short on the return flight, which Bazin set at 13. Finally, I cannot locate several of SG 8. Other collectors are likely to locate more than I have, but we must bear in mind that there ARE a number out there that I cannot find. What does this mean?

Covers are extremely scarce. While these are popular with collectors, it is likely they are undervalued relative to unused multicolored stamps of this issue. With a limited number of collectors at present, the future of these rarities is very interesting.

4.2 THE SO-CALLED COMMEMORATIVE RE-SURCHARGED MULTICOLORS, DATED 22 FEBRUARY 1920

Gebauer states that all the multicolors except the plane over two clouds, the fuselage, and the ocean liner were additionally surcharged 30cvs for commemorative purposes on 22 February. These covers did not include the normal 3c 1917 stamp. Very few have ever been seen since. They were not even flown, and Kessler does not mention commemorative use at any point.

However, as I mentioned earlier, there was an October 1920 flight with an SG 5 that featured the 30cvs surcharge. This 30cvs was essential as the rate had been increased from 10c to 30c. In several letters to various agents, they were ordered to apply the tariffs for all correspondence. But this unilateral determination of the company appears to have had no legal basis. The government contact provided a fee of 10 cents per 15 grams for correspondence, and no legal authorization for increasing rates was supported since the contract was valid until 3 December. It is very likely that SCADTA service began applying a rate of 50 cents, which was later reduced to 30 cents, and this was the reason for this increase.

It is strange that 30cvs (as such) is the exact way it was printed. Cole’s collection, auctioned by Kessler in 1940, does not include ANY such example. Gebauer places an indicative value of around twice the value of a normal cover for this stamp. In my view collectors, should purchase copies as soon as they become available.

4.3 REALIZATIONS OF CCNA MULTICOLORED VIGNETTES (EXCLUDING COMMISSION)

Unused copies appear to realize up to $2,000, except for the SG 5 stamp, which fetches up to $5,000 and the SG 7, which reaches $3,000. If some are undervalued, I reckon the SG 2, with only 27 theoretically in existence, should be the same price as the Condor. Try and find one!

The SG 9 is the second most scarce at 24, and once again it is very hard to find. Thus, we can expect SG 2, SG 7 and SG 9 to all approach $3,000. Used singles fetch around half of the above, while covers are fetching rather more that unused copies and are appreciating at a pace. In general, good copies are fetching up to $3,000+.

A cover of SG 9 on the return flight from Barranquilla to Cartagena of which only four exist are desirable and should be bought.

However, those used AFTER 4 March are currently undervalued. Some years ago it was reckoned GBP 5,000 was the price for these very rare and isolated items.

Many of the above have imperfections. Covers seem to be valued much the same as mint copies. But the trend seems upwards for covers. SG does not show any values for covers. Pristine mint copies are the ones to acquire as such are very scarce. A full set of mint pristine copies could be worth $30,000 or more in the future.

The SG values for mint copies only apply if they are pristine but nevertheless are considerably above realizations. Their values average $6,000 (and as high as $22,000 for SG 6) and more might well come to fruition in the future, but buyers should look for pristine copies if they exist. Such are much rarer than the market believes. Unused copies appear to realize at around $2,000.

It is worthwhile to note that there are some exceptions. Firstly, the SG 6 is incredibly scarce and it is very unlikely that more than 10 of these remain in collector’s hands. Not all are in top condition. By way of example, I know a collector who waited more than five years to find a copy. Gibbon’s high value is probably fairer and I would not be surprised if at least $10,000 would be the going figure in future. Likewise, the Condor in top condition is a rarity and could well fetch $5,000.

As for these on cover, it is best to hone in on the scarcer of the two alternatives, as numbers recorded of either the outward or the inward flight have a bearing on demand. If you are unsure, refer to the table in Chapter 4a.

4.4 EXAMPLES OF THE SECOND ISSUE – MARCH TO NOVEMBER 1920

Find examples of six essays and the trial printing from the Spink sale of 2014 below:

1920, 10c. brick-red, ‘sea and mountains’ and ‘cliff and lighthouse’. The two vignettes in this color showing framed Cia. Colombiana de Navegación/Aérea/Agencia El Banco cachet in violet.

Minor imperfections as usually encountered when these stamps are in used condition. Two of the three examples are known to bear usage of the CCNA handstamp of El Banco