WWI Biplane 'Climbing' From Raphael Tuck's Famous 'In The Air' Series Postcard For Sale

A fantastic WWI-era aviation postcard from the renowned publisher Raphael Tuck & Sons, part of their popular "In The Air" Oilette series. The artwork, by the noted artist C.J. Staniland, is titled "Climbing" and features a dynamic view of a British biplane in flight over a pastoral landscape. Mailed in 1920 from Weston-super-Mare, England, the card carries a personal family update from "Dad," providing a charming slice-of-life glimpse into the post-war era.

The postcard features a full-color illustration with Tuck's signature "Oilette" finish, which mimics the texture of a canvas oil painting. The artwork by C.J. Staniland depicts a British two-seater "Tractor Biplane" from the World War I era, complete with the red, white, and blue roundels of the Royal Flying Corps. The plane is shown in a steep climb against a cloudy sky, high above a rolling green countryside. The title "Climbing." is printed in the bottom left, and the artist's signature is in the bottom right.

Handwritten Correspondence:

• Message Transcription: A family update is written in pencil.

  FridayDear Eve,Just a card hoping you have succeeded in your exams for shorthand I expect you have. Jack here has passed for woolen trade & started at... little Jack started work last Wednesday.from dad.

• Addressed To:

  Mr & Mrs Handivi108 Grove RoadClapham ParkLondonSW12

Postal History & Printed Details:

• Postmark: The postcard has a clear, circular postmark from WESTON-SUPER-MARE, dated 13 AUG 20 (August 13, 1920).

• Stamp: The postcard bears a red 1-penny King George V stamp, cancelled by the postmark. While I'm not a formal stamp expert, this was the definitive British stamp of the era.

• Layout: This is a standard divided back with "TUCK'S POST CARD" as the header. The left side includes a printed description of the scene.

• Publisher Information: The left side is printed with the full series title, "Raphael Tuck & Sons' "Oilette" Postcard No. 3438," from the "'IN THE AIR' Series I."