{"product_id":"1983-hot-air-ballooning-explorer-ii-first-day-cover-washington-dc-postmark","title":"1983 Hot Air Ballooning – Explorer II First Day Cover (Washington, DC Postmark)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePart of the 1983 Hot Air Ballooning commemorative series (Scott #2033), this First Day Cover pays tribute to Explorer II, the record-setting helium balloon that, on November 11, 1935, carried Capt. Albert W. Stevens and Capt. Orvil A. Anderson to an altitude of 72,395 feet—the highest manned balloon flight of its time—advancing knowledge of the stratosphere. The 20¢ stamp shows the sleek, silver Explorer II balloon ascending vertically with its gondola suspended below against a bright blue sky. The cachet artwork presents a clean, detailed line drawing of the balloon in profile: the massive spherical envelope with its netted top and basket, floating serenely above a landscape with the gondola clearly visible and the ascent path implied. Postmarked March 31, 1983 (issue date), in Washington, DC (joint first-day city with Albuquerque, NM), with a sharp \"First Day of Issue\" cancellation (ZIP 20066). This cover is ideal for aviation and aeronautics collectors, high-altitude exploration enthusiasts, 1930s science history philatelists, or completists of the four-stamp Hot Air Ballooning set. It is in superb unaddressed vintage condition with precise engraving, strong lines, and no wear, suitable for thematic or aerospace displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51233986248868,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05092025_097.jpg?v=1770411379","url":"https:\/\/fdc-vault.com\/products\/1983-hot-air-ballooning-explorer-ii-first-day-cover-washington-dc-postmark","provider":"Maple Springs - FDC Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}