The 2025 December Auction - Sale 346 (December 13 - December 16, 2025)
Sale 346
- (-) Remove The International Airmails of PRC (1949-1956) filter The International Airmails of PRC (1949-1956)
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.
airmail cover sent from the Kiangse Road Sub-Office, Shanghai, to Baltimore, franked with seven East China Liberated Area Stamps, totaling 10,800 yuan (RMB). The cover bears “Shanghai 1950.2.13” cds and “Canton 50.2.18” transit on reverse. It was routed via Canton and then forwarded through Hong Kong, 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). At that time, the airmail rate to “Other Countries” (non-Asian destinations) had already been increased from 10,800 yuan in the 1st Postal Tariff Period to 11,800 yuan, composed of 2,300 yuan for the first 20 grams of international surface postage plus an air surcharge of 9,500 yuan per 10 grams. However, this cover was still franked at the old rate of 10,800 yuan (1,800 + 9,000), indicating that although the new rates had already taken effect, the sub-office staff continued to apply the outdated tariff on the fourth day of the new period, likely due to operational oversight. The underpayment went unnoticed during transit through Canton, and the letter was accepted and delivered without penalty. This is a rare example of a major city sub-office mistakenly using the old rate after the implementation of new tariffs, revealing that although the postal system had already achieved nationwide unification and rate adjustment, human oversight at the operational level could still occur. Despite the rating error, the cover was successfully delivered, vividly illustrating the practical gap between policy implementation and local execution in the early years of postal reform in the People’s Republic of China. A highly representative misrated airmail cover from the early RMB postal period, this item holds significant postal history and research value as an authentic reflection of transitional postal administration during the early PRC era.
airmail cover sent from Soochow (formerly Wuhsien, Jiangsu Province) to Conway, Arkansas, franked with thirteen East China Liberated Area stamps, totaling 11,800 yuan (RMB) and canceled “Wuhsien1950.2.16” cds. Although no Canton transit marking is present, the mail would have been routed via Canton to Hong Kong, and then conveyed 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 rate to “Other Countries” (non-Asian destinations) had been 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, making a total of 11,800 yuan. The postage was correctly calculated and fully prepaid. Originating from the East China coastal region, this cover also reflects that in the early period of the People’s Republic of China, international airmail postings were largely confined to coastal cities, as inland postal connections were not yet fully re-established. This is a standard example of a correctly rated airmail cover to North America during the early stage of the 2nd Postal Tariff Period, accurately paid and well preserved. It demonstrates the implementation of the adjusted Renminbi postal rate system and illustrates the postal routing mechanism of the time, whereby all international airmail was transported overland to Canton and then forwarded via Hong Kong for onward overseas transmission. A rare and significant postal history example of early PRC international airmail service, this cover possesses high research and exhibition value.
airmail cover sent from Kutsing to Flint, Michigan, franked with sixteen Central China and South China Liberated Area stamps, totaling 11,800 yuan (RMB), tied by “Kutsing 1950.2.26” cds and with “Canton 50.2.28” transit, showing routing via Canton and Hong Kong, from where it was conveyed by Pan American Airways (PAA) on its transpacific route 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). At that time, the airmail rate to “Other Countries” (non-Asian destinations) had been increased from 10,800 yuan under the 1st Postal Tariff Period to 11,800 yuan, comprising 2,300 yuan for the first 20 grams of international surface postage plus an air surcharge of 9,500 yuan per 10 grams, for a total of 11,800 yuan. The postage was fully prepaid and correctly calculated. Originating from the third-class post office at Kutsing, located in a coastal region of Kwangtung known for its strong overseas connections, this cover reflects the historical role of Kwangtung and Fukien as key centers of emigration and international correspondence since the late Qing period. When international airmail service resumed in early PRC years, most outbound overseas correspondence originated from these traditional emigrant provinces. This cover serves as a representative example of a correctly rated airmail to North America during the 2nd Postal Tariff Period, posted from a small town yet adhering precisely to the new postal regulations. It demonstrates the efficiency and organizational coherence of the newly established postal administration, even at the grassroots level. Well-preserved and correctly franked, routed via Canton and Hong Kong, it illustrates both the practical application of the revised RMB postal system and the functioning of the emigrant communication network of South China. A rare and important postal history artifact from the early PRC period, of significant research and exhibition value in both postal and social history contexts.
airmail cover sent from Shanghai to Cincinnati, franked with a total of fourteen East China Liberated Area and C series issues, amounting to 11,800 yuan (RMB), tied by “Shanghai 50.2.28” cds. Although no Canton transit is present, the mail was likely routed via Canton and Hong Kong, from where it was carried by Pan American Airways (PAA) on its transpacific route 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), a rate period lasting only 23 days, making it one of the shortest in the early PRC postal history. The airmail rate to “Other Countries” (non-Asian destinations) during this period was 11,800 yuan, calculated as 2,300 yuan for the first 20 grams of international surface postage, plus an air surcharge of 9,500 yuan per 10 grams, totaling 11,800 yuan. The postage was fully prepaid and accurately calculated. Posted from Shanghai, China’s principal postal and international communications hub, this cover demonstrates the efficiency and precision of the newly established People’s Post in implementing revised postal tariffs shortly after their introduction. The mixed franking of Liberated Area and early PRC commemorative stamps reflects the transitional nature of Chinese postal operations during the formative stage of the RMB postal system, when old and new issues were used concurrently. This is a representative and correctly rated airmail cover to North America from the 2nd Postal Tariff Period, well-preserved and clearly postmarked. It exemplifies the practical application of the revised RMB postal structure, as well as the early 1950s postal routing system through Canton and Hong Kong for international airmail transmission. A rare and significant postal history artifact, it offers valuable insight into the restoration of international postal communications in the early years of the People’s Republic of China, with high philatelic, historical, and exhibition value.
the first, posted 4 March 1950 from Shanghai to Baltimore, is correctly franked with 11,800 yuan, the inclusive rate for a 10g airmail letter to “Other Countries” (2,800 yuan surface postage plus 9,000 yuan airmail surcharge). Franked with a mixture of North China, East China, and PRC People’s Post stamps, the cover was mailed on the last day of the period, canceled “Shanghai 50.3.4” cds, and likely routed via Canton and Hong Kong for transpacific carriage by Pan American Airways. A fine and scarce last-day usage at the correct rate. The second, posted 19 February 1950 from Shanghai to Singapore, was overpaid at 11,800 yuan, having been franked at the “Other Countries” rate instead of the correct 8,000 yuan for Asian destinations (2,800 yuan surface + 5,700 yuan airmail). Bearing a “Shanghai 50.2.19” cds, the cover demonstrates a common early misapplication by senders still accustomed to the previous uniform rates. Together, these covers provide valuable postal history evidence of the early adaptation to the new airmail tariff distinctions within the PRC’s developing international postal system, illustrating both correct and erroneous applications of the dual-rate system that distinguished “Asia” from “Other Countries.”
airmail cover sent from Chengtu to New York, franked with six Southwest China Liberated Area surcharge stamps, totaling 15,800 yuan (RMB), tied by “Chengtu 2.5.50” cds. The cover was routed via Canton on 14 May 1950, then forwarded through Hong Kong, and is believed to have been conveyed by Pan American Airways (PAA) on its FAM 14 trans-Pacific route to the United States. This cover was mailed during the 3rd Postal Tariff Period (5 March 1950 - 14 July 1950), when postal rates had just been revised under the unified RMB system. The total franking of 15,800 yuan exactly matches the official rate for international airmail to non-Asian destinations, consisting of 3,100 yuan for the first 20 grams of international surface letter postage and an airmail surcharge of 12,700 yuan per 10 grams to “Other Countries.” At the time, the postal administration had adjusted the air surcharge for non-Asian destinations from 9,500 yuan to 12,700 yuan, while increasing the international surface rate from 2,300 yuan to 3,100 yuan. This revision reflected the gradual normalization of China’s postal system following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the stabilization of the Renminbi. Originating from Chengtu in the Southwest Liberated Area, this cover illustrates the full integration of the regional postal network into the national framework shortly after unification. It also demonstrates the practical functioning of early PRC international airmail routes that connected inland China with the United States via Hong Kong and the PAA’s trans-Pacific service. A rare and historically important early PRC airmail cover, correctly rated and efficiently routed, exemplifying the transition from regional postal administrations to the national postal system and the restoration of regular international airmail communication in the early 1950s.
during this period, the international surface letter rate was calculated per 20g, while the airmail surcharge was applied per 10g ; thus, a 20g letter to non-Asian destinations was rated at 28,500 yuan. Both items show mixed franking with stamps from various liberated areas, illustrating postal operations during the transitional phase before full standardization under the PRC. The first, posted 10 March 1950 from Toishan, Kwangtung to Quincy, Massachusetts, is franked to 15,800 yuan using a mix of Central China and South China Liberated Area stamps x 5 (3,100 yuan for the first 20g plus 12,700 yuan for airmail surcharge per 10g). It bears a “Toishan 50.3.10” cds and routed via Hong Kong to the U.S. The second, posted 22 March 1950 from Shanghai to Pasadena, California, is a double-weight airmail cover franked with North China and East China Liberated Area stamps x 8, totaling 28,500 yuan (3,100 yuan surface postage plus 25,400 yuan for two airmail weight steps at 12,700 yuan each). The “Shanghai 50.3.22” cds is clearly struck, and the franking fully conforms to postal regulations. These two covers exemplify the postal reality of early 1950s China during the transition to a unified postal system, accurately reflecting the interim usage of liberated area issues and the calculation of international airmail rates under the old RMB currency. With clear markings and complete franking, they are of high philatelic and research significance, representing early PRC postal history at its formative stage.
registered airmail cover sent from Tientsin to Philadelphia, franked with three R series and four North China Liberation Area stamps, totaling 20,900 yuan (RMB), tied by “Tientsin 1950.3.9” cds, bearing red registration label “No. 1222”. The cover was routed via Canton (13 March) and forwarded through Hong Kong for carriage by Pan American Airways (PAA) on its FAM 14 Trans-Pacific route to San Francisco, then onward to Philadelphia. This cover was posted during the Third Postal Tariff Period under the RMB postal system (5 March to 14 July 1950), correctly paying the full rate of 20,900 yuan, composed as follows: International surface letter, first 20 grams for 3,100 yuan, airmail surcharge to “Other Countries” (non-Asian destinations), per 10 grams for 12,700 yuan and international registration fee for5,100 yuan, totaling 20,900 yuan. During this period, the postal administration revised the international registration fee from 3,800 yuan to 5,100 yuan, and adjusted the airmail surcharge for “Other Countries” routes to 12,700 yuan per 10 grams. Thus, the 10-gram registered airmail rate to non-Asian destinations totaled exactly 20,900 yuan. An accurately franked and well-routed example of an early RMB postal system registered airmail cover, this item demonstrates the operation of China’s newly unified postal system in the early PRC period, with mail conveyed via Hong Kong for trans-Pacific dispatch by PAA to the United States. Well-preserved and historically significant, it represents an important postal history artifact documenting the early development of China’s international airmail network after the establishment of the People’s Republic.
these two covers, addressed respectively to Czechoslovakia and USA, each paying the standard 15,800-yuan Old RMB rate for 10g airmail letters to non-Asian destinations. The first, posted 14 June 1950 from Peking to Prague, mixed with North China and R series issues x 3, totaling 15,800 yuan, tied by “Peking 50.6.14” cds, carried via Moscow on the provisional USSR flight before the formal opening of the Peking–Chita route on 1 July 1950, it is a scarce early example of PRC mail to Europe by air. The second, posted 9 July 1950 from Shanghai to Athol, Massachusetts, was paid by East China meter mark for 15,800 yuan, tied by “Shanghai 50.7.9” cds. Routed via Canton and Hong Kong, it was conveyed to USA on Pan American Airways’ Pacific service. This cover represents one of the earliest known PRC meter-franked airmail letters, properly rated and clearly struck. Both covers document China’s early international airmail development following the establishment of the People’s Republic, illustrating accurate franking, defined postal routes, and the transitional use of Old RMB rates—important postal history artifacts with high research and exhibition value.
airmail cover sent from Chenghai, Kwangtung to Singapore, franked with 17 mixed stamps of Central and South China Liberated Areas, totaling 18,300 yuan (RMB). The cover is tied by “Tenghai 25.3.50” cds, carried by the coastal shipping route between Swatow and Hong Kong, arriving 27 March, and then forwarded by Overseas Air Transport to Singapore. This cover was mailed during the Third Postal Tariff Period under the RMB postal system (5 March - 14 July 1950), when the airmail surcharge for Asia was increased from 5,700 yuan to 7,600 yuan per 10 grams. The postage was correctly paid as follows: 3,100 yuan for the first 20 grams of international surface postage, plus 15,200 yuan for the airmail surcharge to “Asia” (7,600 yuan × 2), making a total of 18,300 yuan. A fine and accurately franked example of early PRC airmail to Southeast Asia, this cover illustrates the use of Liberated Area issues during the transitional phase of China’s unified postal and currency system. It also highlights the importance of the Swatow-Hong Kong coastal route in facilitating international mail transport during the early 1950s. With precise postage accounting and clear postal markings, this cover represents a rare and significant postal history example of early PRC airmail correspondence to Asia, of great value for both study and exhibition.
these two airmail covers to Australia are franked to the 10g inclusive rate of 14,500 yuan (2,800 yuan for the first 20g surface postage plus 11,700 yuan for the airmail surcharge per 10g to “Other Countries”). The first, posted 17 July 1950 from Tsingtao to Renmark, South Australia, is franked with five stamps, totaling 14,500 yuan, tied by “Tsingtao 50.7.17” cds and bearing a bilingual “AIR MAIL / 航空郵遞” cachet. A neatly presented and properly rated example of early PRC airmail to Australia, with all markings clearly struck. The second, posted 28 July 1950 from Shanghai to Melbourne, is franked with five stamps, totaling 14,500 yuan, tied by “Shanghai 50.7.28” cds. It was likely routed via Canton and Hong Kong for onward carriage to Australia by Qantas Airways. This cover fully complies with the standard 4th Postal Tariff Period rate for non-Asian destinations. Both items illustrate the early reestablishment of the PRC’s international airmail service to Oceania, with precise franking, accurate rate calculation, and clear routing. Surviving examples of mail to Australia from this short rate period are rare, making these two covers valuable references for postal history study and exhibition.