Air Mail 10 Cents Stamp Poster Art

Air Mail 10 Cents Stamp Poster Art by Squadron Posters!

On February 15, 1926, the first contract Airmail Flight was made between Michigan and Ohio. American Airmail service officially began in 1918. A handful of adventurous young aviators, some who had established themselves as “Flying Aces” during World War I were eager for the opportunity to fly again, no matter what the circumstances. The pilots had to prove to a doubtful country that Airmail service could be successful, and beyond their own ingenuity and daring, they had little to work with. Their fragile planes had few instruments, and those often failed to function. Pilots learned to rely instead on the “Iron Compass” – railroad tracks. When low visibility prevented them from spotting known landmarks and obstacles, these daredevil aviators developed some rather thrilling procedures to get them through… “After you cross the railroad tracks pull up into the soup, count to thirty, then let down – that way you’ll miss the high tension lines.”

Until 1925, airmail deliveries were almost entirely carried on government-owned planes by pilots who were employed by the US Postal Service. However, the government never intended to stay in the flying business. It was only necessary during the initial stage of establishing safe, economical, and dependable Airmail service. That goal was achieved largely because there were men willing to risk their lives flying untried routes in unproven planes. By 1925, Airmail service was considered a success. The mail got through often enough to satisfy most customers. The aviation industry was developing rapidly, and there were growing numbers of privately owned companies eager to carry the mail on their own planes. Legislation authorizing the postmaster general to contract with such companies was passed in February 1925, and Contract Air Mail (CAM) Service came into being.

Issue Date: February 13, 1926
City: Washington, DC
Quantity: 42,092,800
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Flat plate printing
Perforations: 11
Color: Dark blue

Note: U.S. postage stamps issued by the federal government prior to January 1, 1978, are in the public domain.

Check out this stunning Air Mail 10 Cents Stamp Poster Art by Squadron Posters!

Squadron Posters offers the world’s largest collection of Squadron Specific Art! Check out our stunning vintage style military aviation themed travel posters, honoring All Branches of Service. Our artwork not only represents aircraft, armored cavalry, or ships, it represents adventure and travel. This means we create posters featuring the Space Needle, New Orleans, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt Rushmore and the National Mall. Of course, McChord AFB isn’t in Seattle but if you’re stationed there your adventure surely involves the Space Needle! (See our Facebook page HERE)

This is what makes Squadron Posters different–it’s about remembering where you’ve lived and what you’ve seen with a vintage themed travel poster. – Collect your travels and tell your story!