Lot# 9015

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.