Lot# 9004

airmail cover sent from Shanghai to Berlin, franked with nine East China Liberated Area stamps, totaling 10,800 yuan (RMB), tied by “Shanghai 50.2.6” cds. The cover was transited via Canton on 11 February and forwarded through Hong Kong for onward air conveyance to Europe, arriving in Berlin on 18 February 1950. This cover was posted during the First Postal Tariff Period of the unified RMB postal system (1 February - 9 February 1950), with postage accurately calculated according to the new rate: international surface letter (first 20 grams) 1,800 yuan, plus airmail surcharge for “Other Countries” (non-Asian destinations) 9,000 yuan per 10 grams, totaling 10,800 yuan. It is among the earliest known genuinely used covers from this period, illustrating the transitional usage of revalued Liberated Area stamps shortly after the nationwide postal unification in early 1950. The routing through Hong Kong underscores the vital role of Hong Kong as the primary international airmail transit hub for the newly established People’s Republic of China. A precisely rated, clearly postmarked, and well-preserved cover, this is a rare and significant postal history artifact representing early PRC airmail correspondence to Europe, of great importance for research and exhibition.