Lot# 9073

bearing three stamps totaling 60 fen in Silver Yuan currency, including a Swatow (1) postage meter label of Silver Yuan 40 fen, tied by Swatow cds, transiting Canton on Jul 8, 1949, and via Sydney on Jul 11, 1949, arriving Brisbane on Jul 12, 1949. The franking correctly pays the contemporary foreign registered airmail rate (period of use Apr 29, 1949 to Jul 4, 1949), with the 40 fen meter label forming the principal portion of the postage. Such usage of a postage meter label on an outgoing foreign registered airmail cover is seldom encountered, illustrating the flexible application of meter franking in actual postal operations. The cover retains complete despatch, transit, and arrival markings, clearly documenting the route and chronology. An important item for the study of early Silver Yuan foreign airmail and registration rates, South China overseas mail routes, and the practical use of postage meter systems, of considerable postal history and exhibition value.