Original 1839 British Ballooning / Circus Advertisement: Mr. Gypson's Royal Standard Balloon, Advertised together with Musical Entertainment, Trapeze Artists, and Fireworks
London: Parsonage, Printer, 1839. Single Sheet. Good. Item #2307815
Partially mounted (tipped in on one side) to backer, 1 inch closed tear where previously folded.
2 3/4 x 14 1/4. An advertisement for a balloon ascent, planned in conjunction with musical entertainment, circus performers, etc., including such questionable-by-today's-standards appearances as 'English Jim Crow!' and 'The Flying Arab.' Often referred to as 'Mad Gypson,' Gypson was a professional balloonist who flew from 1832-1849, during which he had several near-fatal scares (everything from crash landing in the sea to cutting an emergency hole in the balloon to descend after the gas control froze at high altitude). He is most notable as the first balloonist to successfully use an adjustable gas valve, and for dropping the first recorded airmail in England (1841). This advertisement is for his second balloon ascent from Royal Standard Tavern Pleasure Grounds, following an immensely successful outing just one month earlier. The tavern's owner, who had also ridden with Gypson on previous balloon rides, spared no expense for this event.
Price: $125.00