By air mail stamp
A nostalgic topic!
An air mail stamp is a type of postage stamp that was used to indicate that a letter or package was being sent by air mail, rather than by surface mail. Air mail stamps were introduced in the early 20th century, when air travel was becoming more common and the need for a faster and more reliable way to send mail arose.
Air mail stamps were typically designed with a distinctive appearance, often featuring airmail-related themes such as airplanes, clouds, or birds. They were also often printed with a special airmail rate, which was higher than the standard surface mail rate.
Some notable features of air mail stamps include:
- Special airmail rates: Air mail stamps were printed with a specific rate that was higher than the standard surface mail rate. This was to reflect the increased cost of transporting mail by air.
- Airmail markings: Air mail stamps often featured airmail markings, such as a "PM" or "AIR MAIL" cancellation mark, to indicate that the mail was sent by air.
- Perforations: Air mail stamps were often perforated with a special perforation pattern to prevent them from being torn or damaged during handling.
- Colorful designs: Air mail stamps often featured colorful designs and illustrations, which added to their appeal and collectibility.
Some popular air mail stamps include:
- The 1918 US Air Mail stamp, which featured a biplane and was the first airmail stamp issued in the United States.
- The 1929 British Air Mail stamp, which featured a monoplane and was one of the first airmail stamps issued in the United Kingdom.
- The 1930s French Air Mail stamps, which featured a variety of airmail-related designs, including airplanes, clouds, and birds.
Today, air mail stamps are highly collectible and can be found in many philatelic collections around the world. They are a nostalgic reminder of the early days of air travel and the development of modern postal services.