Lot# 9066

posted on 19 November 1955 by the China National Sundries Export Corporation, Tientsin Branch to London, this airmail cover was initially franked with two definitive stamps totaling 5,400 yuan, corresponding to the 10g airmail rate for Asian destinations during the 8th postal rate period (1 Jan 1955 - 1 Aug 1956). As the letter was incorrectly rated at the cheaper “Asia” rate, it was returned to sender for postage due. On the following day, 20 November, two additional stamps totaling 1,600 yuan were affixed as make-up postage, bringing the total to 7,000 yuan, which correctly paid the 10g airmail rate to Western Europe via the Moscow/Prague route. The cover bears Tientsin 55.11.19 and Tientsin 55.11.20 datestamps, clearly showing the sequence of its original posting and re-mailing after postage adjustment. This is a typical example of postal rate confusion between the “Asia” and “Europe” airmail tariffs, reflecting the operational nuances of postal administration during the early implementation of the PRC postal rate system in the mid-1950s. Returned and remailed covers with make-up franking are very scarce and of great importance for the study of postal accounting and rate structure of early PRC international airmail, possessing high philatelic and exhibition value.