French mail balloon gondola of 19th century

During the siege of Paris, balloons constituted one of the main means of communication with the rest of the country not occupied by Prussia. Transporting mail and passengers, they notably provided liaison with the government delegation taking refuge in Tours. This is how, aboard a similar balloon, Léon Gambetta managed to leave the capital to organize the national defense.

Made in France

Year: 1870

Materials: rope, wood

Bourget Museum (ParisFrance)

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