Stephen Smith (1891-1951)

Commemorative Stamp Set: “Indian Rocket Mail Experiments and Stephen Smith”

Design Elements:

• Main Image: Depiction of a rocket in flight with letters attached, and historical scenes from the early rocket mail experiments.
• Background: Illustrations of the Saugor Island lighthouse, the survey vessel “Guide,” and a map showing the trajectory of the early experiments.
• Symbols: Rocket mail imagery, early postage stamps, and portraits of key figures like Stephen Smith.
• Text: “Indian Rocket Mail Experiments” and “Stephen Smith: Father of Aero-Philately” prominently displayed.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• Historical Context: Commemorates the pioneering efforts of rocket mail experiments conducted in India, including the first sea and land rocket mail experiments in 1934.
• Contribution of Stephen Smith: Highlights the contributions of Stephen Smith, a key figure in aero-philately and rocket mail experiments in India.

Usage:

• Commemorative Value: Marks the significant milestone of early rocket mail experiments and honors Stephen Smith’s contributions to aero-philately.
• Educational Tool: Provides insight into the history of rocket mail and the pioneering efforts in Indian postal history.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

• Preservation of Legacy: Celebrates and preserves the legacy of the early rocket mail experiments and Stephen Smith’s innovative work.
• Public Awareness: Increases awareness about the historical significance of rocket mail in India and the achievements of Stephen Smith.

Example of the Stamp Design:

• Stamp 1: Features imagery of the rocket launch from Saugor Island, with a depiction of the sea and shore. Includes details of the postmark “Saugor island, 30 SE 34” and salvaged covers.
• Stamp 2: Illustrates the rocket mail flight from Saugor Island to the survey vessel “Guide,” with a background showing the vessel and the sea. Includes details of the recovered letters.
• Stamp 3: Honors Stephen Smith with a portrait and scenes of his early experiments, including the attempted transportation of lizards and successful rocket mail flights.
• First Day Cover: A detailed representation of both the sea and land rocket mail experiments, with historical context and imagery of Stephen Smith.
• Cancellation Design: Features a rocket and postal imagery, with a date commemorating the first rocket mail experiments.

The commemorative stamp set might include:

• Stamp 1: Showcasing the first sea rocket mail experiment on 30th September 1934, with imagery of the rocket launch and scattered letters.
• Stamp 2: Depicting the first land rocket mail experiment on the same day, with details of the rocket flight across the creek and the covers flown.
• Stamp 3: Honoring Stephen Smith, with scenes of his experiments and a portrait of the pioneer.
• First Day Cover: Includes a montage of images from the rocket mail experiments and Stephen Smith’s contributions.
• Cancellation Mark: Features rocket imagery and relevant historical details, highlighting the significance of the experiments and Stephen Smith.

Significance:

This stamp set commemorates the early rocket mail experiments in India, celebrating the pioneering efforts of Stephen Smith and his contributions to aero-philately. It highlights the innovative spirit of the time and preserves the legacy of a unique chapter in postal history.