Lot# 9067

the cover was sent from Chinese Aluminium Rolling Mills, Ltd. in Shanghai to Lausanne, bearing violet handstamps “單掛號” (“single registration”) and “經捷克轉” (“via Czechoslovakia”), franked with four stamps in mixed old and new currency totaling 102 fen (RMB), tied by Shanghai 56.2.18 cds and with Lausanne 24.2.56 arrival on reverse. It correctly paid the rate for registered airmail to Europe during the 8th postal rate period (1 Jan 1955 - 31 Aug 1956). At that time, the international registration fee had been reduced from 36 fen to 32 fen, in addition to the airmail letter rate of 70 fen, making a total of 102 fen. This cover shows accurate and fully paid postage, using mixed old- and new-currency issues that reflect the transitional practice after the 1955 currency reform, when both denominations remained concurrently valid. Routed via Czechoslovakia to Western Europe, the cover bears clear postal markings and complete franking. A textbook example of a registered airmail cover during the 8th postal rate period, of great significance for studying the PRC’s postal rate structure and international airmail routes, and an item of outstanding exhibition and collection value.