Lot# 9104

these two covers reflect the trans-Pacific postal rates and routing practices of the time, during this period, the international surface letter rate for the first 20g was 2,500 yuan, while the airmail surcharge to “Other Countries” (including the Americas) was 10,500 yuan per 10g. Accordingly, the total postage required for 10g and 20g airmail letters was 13,000 yuan and 23,500 yuan, respectively. As China did not yet have direct air connections to USA, overseas mail was typically transported overland to Canton and then dispatched by air via Hong Kong. The upper cover, dated 24 September 1951, was sent from Tientsin to Los Altos, California, bearing 23,500 yuan in postage, correctly paid for a 20g airmail letter and routed through Canton and Hong Kong. The lower cover, posted 6 November 1950 from Cheeloo University, Tsinan to New York, is franked with four stamps, totaling 13,000 yuan, paying the correct 10g airmail rate, and also routed via Canton and Hong Kong. Both covers are fine examples of early PRC trans-Pacific airmail correspondence to the United States, clearly illustrating the postal rate structure and routing system in operation during this early period of the People’s Republic.