Ca. 1880 cover, 3 ½ x 6. Wise & Son Scientific Aeronauts. Manufacture of Balloons and Balloon Machinery. Two page manuscript letter enclosure, unrelated to ballooning.
John Wise (February 24, 1808 – September 28, 1879?) was a pioneer in the field of ballooning. He made over 400 flights during his lifetime and was responsible for several innovations in balloon design. His balloon, The Jupiter carried 123 letters to make the first official airmail delivery run for the US Post Office in 1859. Scarce cover, irregularly torn at rt edge, overall Vg- fine  condition