La Caisse de Balons ou Les Commis Effrayes La caisse de balons, A satirical print based on an article from the Journal du France, 30 September (or November) 1783. Print shows six men in front of a castle-like building fumbling over thirteen balloons that were released from a box. This lampoon shows a Belgian merchant trying to sneak model balloons past customs at the border, with his contraband, however, accidentally escaping before the astonished eyes of the smuggler and the customs agent. Toy sized balloon models called "balloonlettes" were very popular and in great demand in Europe. They were made of scraped animal skins that were filled with hydrogen and sold by street vendors. Benjamin Franklin was an early fan of balloonlettes. Created by Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Date Created 11/23/2021 Source Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Keywords Art; Aviation Rights and Restrictions Not determined
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