A French expression meaning “balloon with pilot”. It can be found on mail during the siege of Paris (1870-71). For this a higher rate of postage was charged. Balloons were used because there were no other way to leave the city as the Germans had surrounded the town.
A cheaper rate was charged for mail sent by balloon without pilot or “Ballon non Monté”. These balloons found their way depending on the direction of the wind and without great success.
[…] of Paris in 1870, to find a means of communication with the outer world, and, for this purpose, a balloon post was brought into being. The first ascent was made on 23rd September, 1870, and the services […]