1939 "CHALLENGER" CRASH: Envelope "MIT LUFTPOST" from Germany (24 APRIL) addressed to Cape Town. Front shows two written notations recording "Ex Flying Boat Challenger which sunk." Perimeter creasing consequent upon slight water immersion, lending character. An unusual origin for salvaged mail from the crash. The Imperial Airways flying boat "Challenger", flown by Captain Smith, left Southampton for South Africa on April 26th. The seaplane crashed on landing at Lumbo in Mozambique on May 1st.
