Lot# 9072

two international airmail covers from Northeast China, both rated in Northeast Liberated Area currency, posted during the 1st Postal Rate Period (8 Mar - 19 Aug 1950). They respectively demonstrate correct and slightly overpaid applications of the postal tariff, reflecting the international postal system in operation under the early PRC administration in Northeast China. The first cover, dated 10 June 1950, was sent from Harbin to San Rafael, California, USA, franked with six stamps totaling 148,000 yuan, correctly paying the postage for a 10g airmail letter to “Other Countries”, which comprised 29,000 yuan for the first 20g surface letter rate and 119,000 yuan for the airmail surcharge per 10g. The second cover, dated 12 June 1950, was mailed from Moukden to Boissy-St. Léger, France, franked with three stamps totaling 150,000 yuan, an overpayment of 2,000 yuan above the correct 148,000-yuan rate. The cover was routed via Hong Kong, and it is believed to have been forwarded to Europe by Air France. These two covers vividly illustrate the postal rate practice and international airmail operations under the Northeast regional currency system, marking the transitional stage in which China’s postal administration shifted from local monetary zones to a unified national system. Both are rare and valuable examples of international airmail to Europe and America during the 1st postal rate period, of significant importance for postal history research and exhibition.