Lot 39
1933 (Mar. 9th) Victor Smith London - Cape Town record attempt ‡

The Moody Tidwell Collection of South Africa, with Important Pioneer Airmails | S26032
Auction: 17 December 2026, 10:00 GMT
Description
1933 (Mar. 9th) London to Cape Town record attempt by Victor Smith in a Comper Swift aircraft, the smallest in the world at that time. Cover to Wyndham in Cape Town, one of six carried with GB ½d and 1d (uncancelled). Markings include Perpignan and Douala, with Cape Town Wingfield arrival of 14th March; sadly the aircraft was forced to land north of Cape Town with no record. Signed by Smith, who was 19 at the time, on this his third record attempt. With cutting from the Cape Times of March 15th depicting “South Africa's unluckiest airman” with his plane. Rare

