The back of this cigarette card (ca 1905-10) explains about the Fish Balloon:This balloon was in shape like a huge sword-fish, and was worked by feather-shaped oars. It was a mere spectacular affair and rendered no particular service to aeronautics. Patinno accompanied by two others made a trip with it from Plazentia to Goria in Spain on 19th Sept. 1784.
Cigarette card picture of Patinno's Fish Balloon from the New York Public Library Digital Gallery. I wasn't able to find out anything about Patinno on the internet but it's a safe bet to assume he was an early Spanish aeronaut - who liked fish.
3 comments:
I'd like to see the feather-shaped oars. Maybe they're shown on a companion postcard.
This may have "rendered no particular service to aeronautics" but it would really be fun to see one! www.satisfiedsole.com
Bill - I would too.
Pam - I'd love to have seen this!
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