3 International Philatelic Exhibition covers

Rockets captured the popular fancy in the 1930s, including experimental rockets designed to carry mail. In 1934, German rocket maker Gerhard Zucker attempted to convince the British Post Office that postal delivery by rocket was feasible. After initial demonstrations on the Sussex Downs in England, rockets were launched in Scotland but they exploded. In 1936, Zucker agreed to try rocket flights in the U.S. and Canada in conjunction with the Third International Philatelic Exhibition (TIPEX) held in New York. Zucker was arrested in Germany before he could leave but German stamp dealer Karl Henning had prepared stamps, covers and cancellations for the flights, so he brought them to TIPEX along with the rocket launching rack. Although the anticipated flight did not take place, the Henning souvenirs are colourful reminders of rocketry's trailblazing period.