Air mail censor postal covers seal saigon
A fascinating topic!
Air Mail Censor Postal Covers from Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) during the Vietnam War (1955-1975) are highly sought after by collectors. Here's a brief overview:
Background: During the Vietnam War, the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the South Vietnamese Postal Service (SVPS) issued special air mail covers to facilitate communication between the US and Vietnam. These covers were used to send mail, including letters, postcards, and packages, between the two countries.
Censorship: Due to the war, the US and South Vietnamese governments implemented strict censorship policies to prevent sensitive information from being sent to or from Vietnam. The US Postal Service and the SVPS employed censors to review and inspect mail before it was sent or received. Censors would stamp or mark the covers with various symbols, codes, or messages to indicate that the mail had been inspected and approved.
Postal Covers: The air mail covers used during this period were typically printed with a distinctive design featuring the US or SVPS logo, along with the words "Air Mail" or "Saigon" (the capital of South Vietnam at the time). These covers were used to send mail between the US and Vietnam, as well as within Vietnam.
Seals and Censor Marks: To authenticate and censor the mail, postal authorities used various seals and marks. These included:
- US Censor Mark: A circular stamp featuring the words "CENSORED" and a serial number.
- SVPS Censor Mark: A rectangular stamp with the words "CENSORED" and a serial number.
- Saigon Censor Mark: A circular stamp featuring the words "SAIGON" and a serial number.
- Air Mail Censor Mark: A rectangular stamp with the words "AIR MAIL" and a serial number.
Collectibility: Air Mail Censor Postal Covers from Saigon are highly collectible due to their rarity, historical significance, and the unique censorship marks and seals used during the Vietnam War. Collectors seek out these covers in various conditions, including mint, used, and with different censor marks and seals.
Tips for Collectors:
- Research: Study the different censor marks, seals, and covers to identify rare and valuable items.
- Condition: Look for covers in good condition, with minimal creasing, tears, or damage.
- Rarity: Focus on rare and hard-to-find covers, such as those with unique censor marks or seals.
- Authentication: Verify the authenticity of the covers and censor marks to ensure they are genuine.
- Pricing: Be prepared to pay a premium for rare and valuable covers, as they can command high prices among collectors.
Remember to always follow local laws and regulations when collecting and trading postal covers, and be respectful of the historical context and significance of these items.