John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "1980's US Postal Jeep" Signed lower left. Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. From the Pony Express to global communications systems, the United States Postal Service has sought to improve its service. Even at the turn of the century, it was clear, moving the mail meant progress. Thus, almost as soon as airplanes were invented, they were eyed by the U.S. Post Office as a way to speed the mail from one American city to another. By 1918, the first regular airmail service was set up between New York City and Washington, D.C. Among the early planes to accomplish the feat was the DeHavilland DH4 biplane. Without radios or tracking devices, control towers or landing strips, daredevil pilots braved America's airspaces to deliver mail quickly, and their success was remarkable. Americans came to rely on airmail as a dependable, fast form of communication -- one that became vital to businesses throughout the country. Today, airmail provides quick and easy transmission of mail throughout the world. Image Size: 8.75 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 15 x 18 in. Unframed. (B11421)