295 - Sea Films, Inc. commemorative philatelic cover documenting a deep-sea expedition on the DSRV Alvin. The envelope is addressed in professional black calligraphy to Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Benchley at their former Princeton, New Jersey residence. A printed cachet on the left side illustrates the DSRV Alvin submersible with accompanying text for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Sea Films, Inc. A handwritten dive log grid records Dive 894 on February 19, 1979, at a depth of 2457 meters in the Galapagos Rift. Log entries identify pilot D.S. Foster, co-pilot and photographer Emory Kristof, and observer Peter Benchley. The envelope is franked with three Ecuadorian airmail stamps, including two 1975 Eucharistic Congress issues and one coat of arms issue, all bearing purple circular postal cancellations from Puerto Ayora and the Province of Galapagos. A blind-embossed seal in the upper left corner depicts an eagle in flight over a film strip. The piece is professionally mounted in a navy blue mat with a gold-toned inner border. 8" H x 13 3/4" W. Envelope: 4 1/8" H x 9 3/4" W. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.

Sea Films, Inc. commemorative philatelic cover documenting a deep-sea expedition on the DSRV Alvin. The envelope is addressed in professional black calligraphy to Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Benchley at their former Princeton, New Jersey residence. A printed cachet on the left side illustrates the DSRV Alvin submersible with accompanying text for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Sea Films, Inc. A handwritten dive log grid records Dive 894 on February 19, 1979, at a depth of 2457 meters in the Galapagos Rift. Log entries identify pilot D.S. Foster, co-pilot and photographer Emory Kristof, and observer Peter Benchley. The envelope is franked with three Ecuadorian airmail stamps, including two 1975 Eucharistic Congress issues and one coat of arms issue, all bearing purple circular postal cancellations from Puerto Ayora and the Province of Galapagos. A blind-embossed seal in the upper left corner depicts an eagle in flight over a film strip. The piece is professionally mounted in a navy blue mat with a gold-toned inner border. 8" H x 13 3/4" W. Envelope: 4 1/8" H x 9 3/4" W. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Envelope exhibits minor paper toning and remains in good overall condition with no visible tears or creases. The navy blue mat shows visible foxing and water staining on the right side and along the lower margin. Handwritten text, postal cancellations, and stamps remain clear and well-preserved. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.