Airmail stamps international

Airmail stamps are a type of postage stamp that was specifically designed for use on international mail flights. Here are some interesting facts about airmail stamps:

History: The first airmail stamps were issued in 1918 by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to commemorate the first airmail flight between Washington, D.C. and New York City. Other countries soon followed, and by the 1920s, airmail stamps had become a standard feature of international mail.

Design: Airmail stamps often feature designs that reflect the theme of flight, such as airplanes, wings, or clouds. They may also include commemorative designs, like portraits of famous aviators or anniversaries of important aviation events.

Perforations: Airmail stamps often have special perforations that allow them to be easily separated from the rest of the stamp sheet. This was necessary because airmail stamps were typically used in bulk, and the perforations made it easier to handle and sort the stamps.

Rates: Airmail stamps were originally used to pay for the higher cost of international mail flights. The rates for airmail stamps were typically higher than those for surface mail, reflecting the increased cost of transporting mail by air.

International use: Airmail stamps were used for international mail flights between countries. They were often used in combination with other stamps to pay for the total cost of postage.

Collectibility: Airmail stamps are highly collectible, especially among philatelists (stamp collectors). They are often sought after for their unique designs, perforations, and historical significance.

Some notable airmail stamps:

• The 1918 US airmail stamp, featuring a biplane, is one of the most valuable and sought-after airmail stamps.
• The 1920s-1930s airmail stamps of the Soviet Union, featuring designs by famous artists like Vladimir Mayakovsky, are highly prized by collectors.
• The 1930s-1940s airmail stamps of the United Kingdom, featuring designs by artists like Eric Ravilious, are highly collectible.

Some interesting facts:

• The first airmail flight was made by the Wright brothers in 1909, but it wasn't until 1918 that the USPS issued its first airmail stamps.
• Airmail stamps were originally used to pay for the cost of transporting mail by air, but they were later used to pay for the cost of handling and sorting mail at airports.
• Some airmail stamps feature special cancellations, such as "AERIAL MAIL" or "FLIGHT," to indicate that they were used on an international flight.

I hope this information helps!