Lot# 9069

The postage comprises Amoy (1) postage meter labels of 55 fen (4 units = 220 fen), surcharged revenue stamps revalued for postal use at 50 fen (9 units = 450 fen), and Hwa Nan Print Dr. SYS silver yuan stamps of 1, 4 and 10 fen (total 15 fen), making up the correct total. The franking correctly pays the contemporary foreign airmail rate: 15 fen for the first 20 grams, plus 10 fen for each additional 20 grams (7 steps = 70 fen), together with an airmail fee of 40 fen per 10 grams (150 grams = 600 fen), totalling 685 fen. Despatched during the tense military situation in Fukien in July 1949, this cover reflects a special provisional increase in foreign airmail charges imposed at Amoy to cope with limited air transport capacity. The additional 70 fen basic postage deviates from the standard rates in KMT-controlled areas, illustrating an exceptional local postal practice. According to records, this “Amoy special airmail rate” postage meter cover is unique, making it an extremely rare and important item for the study of wartime postal rate adjustments, regional emergency measures, and the practical use of postage meter systems.