SUCCESSFUL AND DISASTROUS BALLOON RIDES IN 1845!

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

Two original broadsides advertising early aeronaut's balloon ascensions to delight the public. Larger broadside 5" x 10" (blank reverse) announcing "MR. H. GREEN WILL MAKE A NIGHT ASCENT AT TEN O'CLOCK… SEPTEMBER 16, 1845… MOONLIGHT! … FUN AND FIREWORKS! [AT] CREMORNE GARDENS, KING'S ROAD [LONDON]" with wonderful illustration of the balloon, his name emblazoned on it, and a small gondola suspended below with four well-dressed aeronauts! The balloon hovers over a huge crowd of adoring, cheering people. Colorful, promotional wording "... the moon being full… will add to the… majesty of the ascent… Fury and Fire! Burning and Brilliancy! Bladders of Blaze!" and more; announcement at bottom for another ascent by Mr. Green on "Sunday afternoon." Normal light aging; left margin only has been trimmed close, but not affecting any wording. ACCOMPANYING THIS BROADSIDE IS A SECOND BROADSIDE informing of the rescheduling of the intrepid Mr. Green's night-time forays into the sky! Although dated one month earlier, August 27, 1845 pertaining to an earlier ascent of Green… it goes along beautifully with the larger broadside and makes fun reading with it. 5" x 7"; blank reverse; huge headline "ACCIDENT TO MR. GREEN AND HIS BALLOON!" Also issued for his "CREMORNE GARDENS" ascents, it advises: "the public… is informed that in consequence of the disastrous results of Mr. Green's last Night Ascent… the entire destruction of the Albion Balloon and the severe bodily injuries sustained by Mr. Green, he will not… attempt another ascent after dark… compelled to announce the ascent of Mr. Green [is rescheduled]… the proprietors… express deep regret and sympathy with their courageous and adventurous friend… the wreck of the once magnificent balloon will be placed on the ground for the inspection of the public… proceeds to be applied to the building of a new BALLOON IN THE PLACE OF [THAT] DESTROYED." Light aging; some very minor, small, brown spotting; negligible. Clean, short tear near top margin but all intact; scarce early aviation ephemera.

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