Air mail stamp
A nostalgic topic!
An air mail stamp is a type of postage stamp that was specifically designed for use on airmail letters and packages. The first air mail stamps were introduced in the early 20th century, shortly after the invention of airplanes and the establishment of regular airmail services.
Air mail stamps were designed to be used on mail that was transported by air, rather than by traditional surface mail routes. They were typically printed with a distinctive design or color scheme to distinguish them from regular postage stamps.
Some common features of air mail stamps include:
- Special design: Air mail stamps often featured unique designs or motifs that reflected the theme of flight or aviation.
- Color: Air mail stamps were often printed in bright, bold colors to make them stand out from regular stamps.
- Perforation: Air mail stamps were often perforated with a special pattern to prevent them from being torn or damaged during handling.
- Denomination: Air mail stamps typically had a higher denomination than regular stamps, reflecting the higher cost of airmail service.
- Cancellation: Air mail stamps were often cancelled with a special cancellation mark, such as a "wing" or "airplane" design.
Some notable examples of air mail stamps include:
- The first air mail stamp, issued by the United States in 1918, featured a biplane and the words "Air Mail" in bold letters.
- The 1930s-40s era "Zeppelin" stamps, which featured designs of Zeppelins, the German airships that were used for airmail service.
- The 1950s-60s era "jet age" stamps, which featured designs of jet airliners and the words "Jet Mail" or "Airmail".
Today, air mail stamps are mostly a nostalgic relic of the past, as most mail is now transported by air or electronic means. However, many collectors and philatelists still appreciate the unique designs and history behind these stamps.