1910 First Semi-Official Air Mail Stamp

This charming little stamp with a face value of 10c was the first label to have actual franking validity for mail sent by air. Issued in August 1910 in connection with the NANTES AVIATION MEETING (14 - 21 August) it is considered to be the first non-official airmail stamp in the world. Postmarks were not deemed necessary as the labels were attached onto covers & postcards at the event prior to loading onboard the aircraft. Only 9800 were printed and few survive.