Stamp World London 1990 – Aerophilately Class Award Plaque
Presented to Mrs. Simine Short | Alexandra Palace, London
A substantial and historically interesting award plaque from
Stamp World London 90, one of the most prestigious international
philatelic exhibitions of the 20th century, held at Alexandra
Palace, London in May 1990.
This gilt bronze plaque was presented to Mrs. Simine Short for
the Aerophilately Class. Simine Short is a respected aviation
historian and aerophilately author, best known for her research
on early airmail and aviation history. Simine Short authored Airships: The Story of R.34 and the First Two-Way Transatlantic Flight among other works
The plaque is cast in the form of a mailing envelope — a
wonderfully appropriate design choice for a philatelic award.
Front features two applied inset medallions:
- Left: Red enamel Stamp World London 90 exhibition logo
(ornate cross/knot design)
- Right: Silver-tone Queen Victoria profile — a tribute to the
Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, whose
150th anniversary was a central theme of the 1990 exhibition
Reverse: Engraved dove-with-letter motif (airmail symbolism)
and engraved inscription:
"Mrs Simine Short
Aerophilately Class
Stamp World London 90
Alexandra Palace"
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11 cm × 8.5 cm (approx. 4.3" × 3.3")
- Weight: 263 grams (substantial cast bronze)
- Material: Gilt bronze with applied enamel and silver-tone insets
- Case: Original black presentation case, black velvet interior
Stamp World London 90 was held in conjunction with the 150th
anniversary of the Penny Black (1840–1990) and drew exhibitors
and judges from around the world. Aerophilately — the collection
and study of airmail covers, stamps, and aviation postal history
— was a major competitive class at the show.
A unique artifact connecting aviation history, philatelic
exhibition history, and a named recipient of some distinction
in the field.
Ships quickly well-padded in original case.