Lot
1468 
Wm. D. Banister, Aeronaut, Adrian City, Mich., illustrated corner card depicting a manned balloon on cover bearing 3¢ dull red (26) s.e. at top, cancelled by grid, matching "Adrian Mich. Feb. 15, 1861" cds to North Ridgeway N.Y.; barely reduced at right, stamp with crease, few cover flaws, gently cleaned, Very Fine appearance. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A SCARCE ILLUSTRATED DESIGN FROM THIS FAMOUS MIDWESTERN BALLOONIST.
William D. Banister of Michigan was a professional balloonist active in the 1850s and 1860s. His is considered the earliest confirmed aeronatical stationery in America. Banister's epic achievement was a 350-mile balloon flight in four hours from Adrian, Mich. to Clarion Penn. Pilot and passenger were found unconscious, still ensnared in a tree, when rescued.
Realized: $750