Ancient, Celtic, British and World Coins, Tokens, Coin Weights and Historical Medals

France, Siege of Paris, Aerial Communications, 1870-1871, silvered bronze, 63 mm., by C. Degeorge, female figure, seated on an armament, about to receive a carrier pigeon, a balloon flight, beyond, reverse a pigeon flying over a box decorated with a plain tablet (Malpas (Lighter than Air) 94). Nearly extremely fine and scarce (£60-80)

By Septmeber 1870 Prussian troops had surrounded Paris and cut off all communications. A series of successful balloon flights carried mail to the outside world, while carrier pigeons were used to bring back microfilmed letters which were then enlarged and distributed by the post office in Paris. The Siege marks the first regular airmail service and the first use of microfimed mail. See next lot.