Lot# 9025

during this period, the inclusive rate for “Other Countries” airmail was 14,500 yuan per 10g (2,800 yuan surface letter rate for the first 20g plus 11,700 yuan air surcharge), and 26,200 yuan for 20g. The first, posted 18 July 1950 from Shanghai to Los Altos, California, is franked with eight stamps, totaling 26,200 yuan, tied by “Shanghai 1950.7.18” cds. A neatly presented and accurately rated double-weight airmail letter, it was likely routed via Canton and Hong Kong before being carried by Pan American Airways (PAA) trans-Pacific service to the U.S. The second, posted 21 July 1950 from Tikhoi, Kwangtung, to Cleveland, Ohio, is franked with four stamps, totaling 14,500 yuan, tied by “Tikhoi 1950.7.21” cds. Sent from a third-class post office, it represents the standard 10g airmail rate to America and followed the same route via Canton and Hong Kong to USA by PAA. Both covers illustrate the precision of the PRC’s early postal accounting and the smooth functioning of its international airmail service during the 4th Postal Tariff Period. Properly rated and clearly postmarked, these rare surviving examples hold significant postal history and exhibition value.