Lot# 9013

airmail cover sent from Shanghai to Williamsburg, Massachusetts, franked with seven stamps comprising R series and East China regional surcharged issues, totaling 11,800 yuan (RMB). The cover bears “Shanghai 1950.2.13” cds and “Canton 50.2.18” transit & “WILLIAMSBURG FEB 25 1950” arrival. It was routed via Canton, then forwarded through Hong Kong, where it was carried by Pan American Airways (PAA) on its transpacific service to the United States. This cover was mailed during the 2nd Postal Tariff Period of the RMB postal system (February 10 to March 4, 1950). During this period, the airmail postage rate to “Other Countries” (non-Asian destinations) was increased from 10,800 yuan in the 1st Postal Tariff Period to 11,800 yuan, consisting of 2,300 yuan for the first 20 grams of international surface postage plus an air surcharge of 9,500 yuan per 10 grams, giving a total of 11,800 yuan. The franking is entirely accurate, demonstrating that Shanghai, as a major national postal center, had promptly implemented the newly adjusted postal tariff at the beginning of the new period. As domestic airmail service within China had not yet resumed (not until August 5, 1950), all outbound international airmail at this time had to be transported by land or rail to Canton, then forwarded via Hong Kong to connect with international flights. This cover is a typical example of that transitional postal routing, with complete postal markings and correct postage. A standard correctly rated airmail cover to North America from the early 2nd Postal Tariff Period, it illustrates the operational recovery of the early PRC international postal system and the vital role of Hong Kong as a transit hub. This is an important and scarce postal history item, possessing high research and exhibition value.