Posted : Oct 18, 1939 at Victoria

Route : FAM 14 to USA, domestic airlines to Chicago. The California Clipper arrived in Hong Kong on Oct 18, 1939, and departed the next day, arriving in San Francisco on Oct 25. There is a private receiver date stamp from Carson, Pirie & Scott on reverse dated Oct 27, 1939.

Notes : The normal Clipper rate to the USA was $2.80 Hong Kong. This cover has $58.80 Hong Kong in the franking, exactly 21 times the single rate, or the equivalent of $14.70 US. The franking includes a rare block of 4 of the $10.00 George VI definitive, the highest face value stamp issued by Hong Kong at the time.

Rate : $58.80 - 21 times the rate

Posted : Dec 9, 1939 at Hanoi

Route : Air France from Hanoi to Hong Kong Dec 13; FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Hong Kong Dec 18, and arrived in Honolulu Dec 23. It was delayed in Honolulu until Dec 30, and finally arrived San Francisco on Dec 31. USA domestic transport to Los Angeles. Backstamped Hanoi Dec 11, Hong Kong Dec 13, Honolulu Dec 28, Los Angeles Jan 2.

Notes : Uncommon registered cover from French Indo China carried by Air France on the Marseille to Hong Kong route, which ended in June of 1940 due to the war.

Rate : 2.38 p

Posted : Jan 10, 1940 at Bogota

Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami via San Juan; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 from San Francisco to Honolulu.

Notes : Uncommon Pacific Clipper mail from Colombia.

Rate : 35 centavos

Posted : Feb 27, 1940 at Manila

Route : FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Manila on March 9, arriving at San Francisco March 14; USA domestic airlines to Miami; FAM 5 to Cristobal, Canal Zone; PANAGRA from Cristobal to Quito, Ecuador; back stamped Quito March 18.

Notes : Ecuador is an uncommon destination for Pacific Clipper airmail.

Rate : 1.92 pesos

Posted : March 27, 1940 at Bangkok

Probable Route : IA / BOAC Bangkok to Hong Kong Flight BH222 on March 28; FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Hong Kong on Apr 3, arriving San Francisco Apr 9; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : Boxed Imperial Aiways handstamp, endorsed in manuscript Via Trans Pacific Clipper. Attractive franking includes uncommon use of (4) 1 Tical Throne Room stamps of Thailand.

Rate : 4.65 Tical

Posted : May 16, 1940 at Manila

Route : FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Manila on May 19, arriving at San Francisco May 24; USA domestic airlines to Miami; FAM 5 to Cristobal, Canal Zone.

Notes : The Canal Zone is an uncommon destination for Pacific Clipper airmail. The cover took only 12 days to go across the Pacific, across the continental US, and then to the Canal Zone. The cover was sent by Lt Colonel Robert M. Littlejohn, at the time, stationed in the Philippines, who later was promoted to Major General and in June of 1942, became the Chief Quartermaster, ETO - European Theater of Operations. The cover is addressed to General Jacob Devers, who was a classmate of George S. Patton at the Military Academy, and was best known for commanding the 6th Army Group. Devers cleared Alsace, crossed the Rhine River and accepted the surrender of German forces in western Austria on 6 May 1945.

Rate : 1.56 pesos

Posted : May 21, 1940 at San Francisco

Route : Pan Am Fam 14 China Clipper departed San Francisco May 21, arriving in Hong Kong May 29; Air France from Hong Kong to Hanoi to Saigon; backstamped Hong Kong May 29, Hanoi and Saigon.

Notes : Censored in Hong Kong and Indo China.

Rate : $2.80 - quadruple rate.

Posted : May 25, 1940 at Havana, Cuba

Route : Havana to Miami via FAM 5; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 California Clipper departed San Francisco May 28, arriving in Hong Kong June 4; Passed Censor 13 applied at Hong Kong; from Hong Kong to Bangkok by Imperial Airways feeder service; from Bangkok to Sydney on Imperial Airways Flight SE 252 arriving June 17 at Sydney; from Sydney to Canberra by Australian domestic airlines.

Notes : Rare mixed franking with stamps of Cuba and the USA. Backstamped Havana May 25, Miami May 25, San Francisco May 28, Hong Kong June 4, Sydney June 17, and Canberra June 19.

Rate : 48c Cuba to USA + $2.80 quadruple trans-pacific rate to Australia

Posted : June 3, 1940 at Plainville, Ontario

Route : Domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Honolulu Clipper departed San Francisco on June 11, arriving Hong Kong on June 18; possibly by surface from Hong Kong to Batavia and Buitenzorg. Censored in Hong Kong and the Dutch Indies; backstamped Hong Kong June 18, Buitenzorg June 29.

Notes : When Italy entered the war on June 10, 1940, many of the existing air routes over Europe and the Mediterranean were interrupted or completely suspended. This included the KLM service from Naples to Bandung, in the Dutch Indies. This route connected with the BOAC Hong Kong to Bangkok service at Bangkok, which was a major connecting route for the Pacific Clipper mail from Hong Kong. When this cover arrived in Hong Kong on June 18, the new routes to replace the suspended routes, had not yet been formed. Thus, instead of proceeding by air from Hong Kong, it is quite possible that this cover went by surface from Hong Kong to the Dutch Indies.

Rate : The Pacific Clipper rate from Canada was 90 cents. The sender of this cover affixed only 86 cents in postage. The cover was marked for Postage Due with T - 40 in small box. Upon arrival in Buitenzorg, a block of 4 Netherlands East Indies Postage Due stamps were affixed on reverse, creating a rare mixed franking, with stamps of Canada and the Dutch Indies.

Posted : June 4, 1940 at Claremont, CA

Route : USA domestic airlines to New York; Pan Am Fam 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; from Lisbon to Rome probably by the Italian airline - LATI, intending to connect with Imperial Airways service to the Middle East; However, due to Italy entering World War II on June 10, an attachment marked SERVIZIO SUSPESO (indicating service suspended) was applied to the front of the cover, and it was sent back to the USA. It appears the cover remained in the mailstream, (as there is no Return To Sender marking), and travelled by US domestic airlines to San Francisco; from there, the cover went by the FAM 14 China Clipper, which departed Feb 5, 1941, arriving at Hong Kong on Feb 19; from Hong Kong to Singapore, probably by surface; from Singapore to Baghdad by KLM or BOAC; then by surface to Beirut; backstamped Hong Kong Feb 19, Baghdad March 12, Beirut March 17.

Notes : This cover dramatically exhibits the effects of Italy entering World War II. After crossing the continental USA and the Atlantic Ocean, the cover was rerouted back across the Atlantic Ocean and the continental USA, then across the Pacific Ocean, travelling through Hong Kong, where the small AV2 circular marking was applied, then through Singapore, where the G 24 in small circles and BY AIR TO BAGHDAD ONLY were applied, and finally through Baghdad and on to the destination city - Beirut, then a part of Syria. The small circular censor marking was probably applied at Beirut. It is interesting to note that although the cover originated in California, it was initially intended for the Trans-Atlantic route, and was so marked by a magenta handstamp below the address. This was probably done to save money. The 1 ounce Pacific Clipper rate to Syria was $1.40, as opposed to the 1 ounce Trans-Atlantic rate which was only $.72, a savings of $.68, which was almost an hour's wage for many in 1940. Because of Italy entering WW2, which closed airmail routes over the Mediterranean, this cover was 9 months and 13 days in transit.... a truly wonderful item of World War II airmail Postal History.

Rate : $.72 - appears to be $.36 Atlantic Clipper double rate, with no additional charge for Pacific Clipper service.

Posted : June 7, 1940 at Havana, Cuba

Route : Havana to Miami via FAM 5; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Honolulu Clipper departed San Francisco June 11, arriving in Hong Kong June 18; from Hong Kong to Bangkok by Imperial Airways feeder service; from Bangkok to Java by either BOAC or KLM;

Notes : Attractive franking and nice destination for cover from Cuba. The date on the Dutch Indies censor is June 23, 1940, which verifies airmail transport by Pacific Clipper service.

Rate : 91 centavos

Posted : June 13, 1940 at Hamilton

Route : FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 from San Francisco to Hong Kong; CNAC to Kunming; China domestic transport to Chaotung.

Notes : Wonderful two-ocean trans-pacific airmail cover from Bermuda to China, with stamps of Bermuda and the USA in combination franking. The 1sh George VI stamp paid the airmail rate to the USA from Bermuda. The (14) 5c prexies on the back were affixed in Bermuda, to pre-pay the 70c trans-pacific rate to China. Originally the cover was assessed Postage Due by a Postal Clerk in Bermuda, marked by the T 210 centimes handstamp. However, when that clerk (or possibly another clerk) saw the USA stamps on reverse, the Postage Due handstamp was then crossed out in pencil, and the note - "See other side" was handwritten on the cover, referring to the USA stamps on the back. The 14 prexie issues were then cancelled upon arrival at San Francisco on June 21, 1940, and the cover began it's journey across the Pacific. It arrived at Hong Kong July 14, then at Kunming, China on July 18, and finally at Chaotung on July 27. Also interesting to note - the date of posting on the cover is June 13, 1940, just 3 days after Italy entered the war, and routes across Europe and the Mediterranean were closed. This may account for the routing via Pacific Clipper. Certainly, this is a very early example of two-ocean airmail service to the orient.

Rate : 1sh Bermuda paying the airmail rate to the USA, and 70c US paying the trans-pacific airmail rate to China.

Posted : June 15, 1940 at Aruba

Probable Route : Aruba to Trinidad; FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 to Manila; possibly KNILM from Manila to Batavia; KNILM from Batavia to Semarang.

Notes : Endorsed in manuscript Transpacific Air route and Onwards Air Transmission.Censored in the Dutch Indies. With the absence of transit markings, the exact route is dificult to determine.

Rate : 1.06 Gld

Posted : June 17, 1940 at Bahrain

Route : Bahrain to Bangkok via BOAC Horseshoe route Flight NE1; Bangkok to Hong Kong via BOAC Feeder service Flight BH248; FAM 14 China Clipper from Hong Kong to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to Oregon.

Notes : On June 10, 1940 Italy entered WW2, and airmail routes across the Mediterranean were closed. This included the old Imperial Airways / BOAC route. A new route was developed, from Durban, up the east coast of Africa to Cairo , then eastward and south to Sydney, Australia. Because it was shaped like a Horseshoe, it was dubbed the Horseshoe Route. The 1st flight of the North and East leg of the BOAC Horseshoe Route left Durban on June 19. It arrived in Bahrain on June 24 and continued on to Bangkok, arriving there on June 26. This item, picked up in Bahrain, was off-loaded and put on the next flight of the BOAC Bangkok to Hong Kong feeder service, flight BH 248 on June 27. This cover is backstamped Hong Kong June 27, verifying that it was on the Bangkok to Hong Kong flight, and confirming that it was also on the First Flight of the BOAC Horseshoe route.

Rate : 2 Rupees 11 Annas 6 pies.

Posted : June 27, 1940 at Victoria

Route : FAM 14 to USA, domestic airlines to Chicago.

Notes : The normal Clipper rate to the USA was $2.80 Hong Kong. This cover has $44.80 Hong Kong in the franking, exactly 16 times the single rate, or the equivalent of $11.20 US. The 6 color franking includes a pair of the $10.00 George VI definitive, the highest face value stamp issued by Hong Kong at the time, plus the $5.00, 9 copies of the $2.00 and the $1.00 stamp.

Rate : $44.80 - 16 times the rate

Posted : July 22, 1940 at Davos,Horlauben

Route : By rail from Switzerland to Rome; by air from Rome to Barcelona via Ala Littoria; by air to Lisbon via Iberia, Ala Littoria, or DLH; then by FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; by USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; the FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed San Francisco Aug 6, arriving in Hong Kong Aug 15; Hong Kong to Batavia by BOAC / KNILM.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover posted at Horlauben near Davos, Switzerland, addressed to Batavia, Dutch East Indies. The rate of 1.80 swfr and the Hong Kong transit of Aug 15, confirms the two-ocean route by Philippine Clipper, which arrived in Hong Kong on that date. Censored in Hong Kong and the Dutch Indies.

Rate : 1.80 Swiss francs - .30 base rate + 1.50 airmail surcharge for 5 grams.

Posted : July 22, 1940 at Bombay

Probable Route : Bombay to Karachi by India domestic airlines (TATA); BOAC Horseshoe route from Karachi to Bangkok; BOAC from Bangkok to Hong Kong; Pan Am FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Providence, RI.

Notes : Rare use of 25 Rupee King George V definitive, the highest face value stamp issued by India at this time. In 1941 the Rupee was $.30 US.The total franking of 51 Rupees 8 1/2 annas was the equivalent of $15.45 US. The packaged contained Pearls.

Rate : 51 Rupees 8 1/2 annas

Posted : July 23, 1940

Route : BOAC Horseshoe route to Bangkok, probably Flight NE5; Bangkok to Hong Kong by BOAC Feeder Service; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; BOAC to England; domestic transport to Ireland.

Notes : Scarce use of Postal Stationary card uprated for expensive Pacific Clipper airmail service by two-ocean route. The message on the card is interesting - "....the papers advise a new route to G.B. via USA and Pacific so I am sending off this pc and will you please let me know how long it takes as compared with the S. African route...." The sender wanted to know if it was worth the extra expense as opposed to the Horseshoe route via Durban and ship to England.

Rate : 1 Rupee 1 Anna 12 Pies

Posted : July 25, 1940 at Tam Dao, Viet Nam

Route : Tam Dao to Hanoi to Hong Kong, possibly by surface ; FAM 14 China Clipper departed Hong Kong July 31 arriving San Francisco Aug 7 ; USA and Canada domestic airlines to Montreal. Backstamped Hanoi Jul 27 and Hong Kong Jul 29.

Notes : Censored in Indo China and Hong Kong.

Rate : 1.05 p

Posted : July 28, 1940 at Fort Worth,TX

Route : US domestic airlines to San Francisco; Pan Am Fam 14 American Clipper departed San Francisco July 30, arriving in Hong Kong Aug 6; BOAC Hong Kong to Bangkok service Flight HB262 on Aug 11.

Notes : Attractive franking with 14 copies of the 10c John Tyler Prexie issue on double rate cover. Censored in Hong Kong.

Rate : $1.40 - double the $.70 rate.

Posted : July 29, 1940 at Manila

Route : FAM 14 China Clipper departed Manila on July 31, arrived Hong Kong Aug 1.

Notes : This item has the boxed marking AIR MAIL /- o - / VIA "CLIPPER", used only on covers carried on the Manila to Hong Kong extension. Hong Kong triangle Censor 9 handstamp in blue green.

Rate : 52 centavos

Posted : July 30, 1940 at Poya

Route : FAM 19 Honolulu Clipper left San Francisco on July 27, arriving at New Caledonia on July 30. It departed the next day, arriving in Auckland July 31. Noumea transit marking on reverse dated July 30.

Notes : This cover was carried on the 2nd outbound flight of FAM 19. This is early FAM 19 commercial mail from a small village in New Caledonia.

Rate : 5 francs

Posted : Aug 11, 1940 at Belfast

Route : BOAC to Lisbon; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 to Manila.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover from Northern Ireland.

Rate : 4sh 6p - the two-ocean single rate

Posted : August 10, 1940 at FPO 121

Probable Route : Field Post Office 121 to Lydda by surface; from Lydda to Singapore by KLM; from Singapore to Sydney by BOAC Horseshoe route; by TEAL to Auckland; Pan Am FAM 19 Auckland to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; from Lisbon to London by BOAC; domestic transport to destination.

Notes : To Be Forwarded By Air From Singapore handstamp was applied at Singapore. This marking was normally used when a change in service from one airline to another occurred at Singapore. This suggests that the cover was carried by KLM to Singapore, and was switched to BOAC there, and carried by air to Sydney. Rare two-ocean airmail cover from Palestine; 5 reported known. British Crown Censor 1340; Singapore Censor 49.

Rate : 150 millimes

Posted : August 12, 1940 at Marseilles

Route : Marseilles to Lisbon, probably by surface (railroad) ; Lisbon to New York by FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 to Auckland; TEAL to Sydney; backstamped Sydney Sep 18, 1940.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover from Vichy France, endorsed Via Lisbonne USA indicating the route via Atlantic Clipper from Lisbon and across the USA, then via Pacific Clipper.

Rate : 12.50 fr

Posted : August 24, 1940 at Honolulu

Route : FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Honolulu on Aug 24, arriving at San Francisco Aug 25. USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; probably by rail to France; at some point in France, the cover was marked Returned To Sender; it was sent back to New York, arriving June 2, 1941; finally arriving back in Honolulu on June 18, 1941.

Notes : Two-ocean Clipper cover to France, not a common destination due to the German occupation. The town of Saint Servan, is on the coast in Northwestern France, which was occupied by the Germans in World War II. There is a 3 line handstamp in Red RETOUR A L'ENVOYEUR RELATIONS POSTALES INTERROMPUES. It is uncertain where the marking was applied, however, the cover was apparently held in France for almost a year, before being returned.

Rate : $.65 - .20 Pacific + .30 Atlantic + .15 Registration Fee

Posted : Aug 28, 1940 on board the USS Chaumont at Honolulu, Hawaii

Route : Surface transport from the USS Chaumont to the Pan Am departure area; FAM 14 California Clipper departed Hawaii Aug 29, arriving Manila Sep 4 and Hong Kong Sep 5; this item probably proceeded by ship to Shanghai, to the USS Luzon; from the Luzon, it went to the Asiatic Fleet PO in Shanghai; forwarded from there to Peiping. Backstamped USS Luzon Sep 9, and Asiatic Fleet Sep 15.

Notes : Interesting routing on this cover addressed to a marine in the Asiatic Fleet.

Rate : $.50 trans-pacific rate from Hawaii.

Posted : Aug 28, 1940 at Batavia

Probable Route : BOAC to Bangkok then to Hong Kong; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; by European airlines or by rail to Switzerland.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover with typed docketing By TRANSPACIFIC AIRROUTE VIA HONG KONG TO U.S.A., BY P.A.A. to EUROPE. Censored at Batavia in the Dutch Indies.

Rate : 3.15 Gld - 13gr weight = .15 base rate + 1.00 x3 air surcharge = 3.15gld. This rate paid for BOAC service to Hong Kong, and then Pan Am to the USA and Europe.

Posted : August 29, 1940 at Noumea

Route : FAM 19 American Clipper from Noumea to Auckland; from Auckland to Sydney by TEAL.

Notes : A V.I.P. Flight of the American Clipper departed San Francisco on Aug 24, arriving at New Caledonia on the 27th. It left Noumea for Auckland on Aug 29, but was forced back and delayed at Noumea. It departed again on Sep1, arriving at Auckland later that day.

Rate : 6.30 francs

Posted : Sep 2, 1940 at Plainville, Ontario

Possible Route : Domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 from San Francisco to Hong Kong; by surface from Hong Kong to Singapore; censored in Singapore; KLM from Singapore to Batavia; surface to Buitenzorg. Censored in Singapore and Batavia.

Notes : Based on the directional routing on the cover, one would normally think that this cover would go by FAM 14 to Manila to connect with KNILM special flights from Manila to Batavia. It did not go this route, because the cover went through Singapore. However, with the absence of any other transit markings it is difficult to determine the exact route. More research is needed.

Rate : 90 cents

Posted : Sep 9, 1940 at Buenos Aires

Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 CHINA Clipper departed San Francisco on Sep 17, arriving in Hong Kong on Sep 24; BOAC from Hong Kong to Bangkok on Flight HB275 on Sep 25; BOAC Horseshoe route from Bangkok to Durban; surface to Johannesburg. Backstamped Hong Kong Sep 24, 1940.

Notes : The cover is endorsed upper left PANAIR and Via New York which would indicate the Trans-Atlantic route. However, the cover did not go this route. The Hong Kong transit marking on reverse dated Sep 24, and the triangle Hong Kong Censor 9 handstamp, verify that this cover went by Pan Am's Pacific Clipper service to Hong Kong. A very nice origin and destination combination for Pacific Clipper mail.

Rate : 1.70 pesos

Posted : Oct 2, 1940 at Auckland

Probable Route : Pan Am FAM 19 Honolulu Clipper departed Auckland Oct 4, arriving San Francisco Oct 10; USA domestic airlines to New York. Pan Am FAM 18 to Lisbon; BOAC to England.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, endorsed Via NZ USA UK, censored in New Zealand.

Rate : 5sh 9p two-ocean rate

Posted : October 10, 1940 at Caracas

Probable Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic Airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 to Manila; probably by surface ship to Shanghai.

Notes : Uncommon Pacific Clipper airmail from Venezuela to China. The cover is addressed to Mrs. Lisa Altura, in care of KOMOR, Shanghai, China. Before the war, Paul Komor held the title of Honorary Consul General for Hungary in Shanghai. In 1938, when the first Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust arrived in Shanghai from Germany and Austria, Komor co-founded the International Committee for European Immigrants (IC). The IC provided housing, jobs and financial assistance for the 20,000 Austrian, German and other Jewish refugees who came into Shanghai. The IC also issued international passports to the Jews of Shanghai whose Nazi passports were confiscated or no longer valid. Lisa Altura was a member of the IC. The United States Holocaust Museum Memorial web site provides more information about Paul Komor, Lisa Altura, and many others who worked for the International Committee for European Immigrants. Click here for a photo of Lisa Altura.

Rate : 2.05 Bolivares

Posted : Oct 12, 1940 at Noumea

Route : FAM 19 California Clipper departed Noumea on Oct 12, for the return trip to San Francisco, arriving in Honolulu Oct 14; the California Clipper left for San Francisco on the 15th, but was forced to return, and did not depart again until Oct 17, arriving in San Francisco on Oct 18; In the meantime, the American Clipper arrived in Honolulu Oct 15 on it's FAM 14 return flight, and departed for San Francisco on the 16th, arriving Oct 17; Because of the Oct 18 New York back stamp, I believe the mail from the California Clipper was transferred to the American Clipper, and arrived in San Francisco on Oct 17, allowing for domestic transport to New York by Oct 18. From New York by FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; BOAC/KLM to England; London private receiver dated Oct 25.

Notes : Huge franking on two ocean air cover. This is the highest franking I have seen from New Caledonia on Pacific Clipper airmail during this period.

Rate : 101.25 francs

Posted : Oct 13, 1940 at Toronto

Probable Route : Domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 California Clipper departed San Francisco Oct 25, arrived in Hong Kong Oct 31; CNAC from Hong Kong to Rangoon; BOAC from Rangoon to Tiberias; surface to Tel Aviv. Backstamped Hong Kong Oct 31.

Notes : The last flight of the BOAC Hong Kong to Bangkok connecting route was on Oct 13. After October 30, the Hong Kong Post Office obtained permission to use the CNAC route from Hong Kong to Chungking to Rangoon, to connect with the BOAC Horseshoe route. Based on the Hong Kong transit date of Oct 31, it is very possible that this cover was carried on the first flight of this new connecting service from Hong Kong to Chungking, China, to Rangoon, Burma.

Rate : 90 cents

Posted : Oct 15, 1940 at Buenos Aires

Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 CALIFORNIA Clipper departed San Francisco on Oct 25, arriving in Hong Kong on Oct 31; possibly by surface to Singapore or by CNAC from Hong Kong through China to Rangoon, Burma. BOAC Horseshoe route from Singapore or Rangoon to Durban; surface to Johannesburg. Backstamped Hong Kong Oct 31, 1940.

Notes : The cover is endorsed upper left Via New York which would indicate the Trans-Atlantic route. However, the cover did not go via the Atlantic. The Hong Kong transit marking on reverse dated Oct 31, and the triangle Hong Kong Censor 9 handstamp, verify that this cover went by Pan Am's Pacific Clipper service to Hong Kong on the AMERICAN Clipper. Interesting to note that by the time this cover arrived in Hong Kong, the BOAC Hong Kong to Bangkok service had been suspended due to the war. This cover travelled a different route to South Africa, than the one above. One of only two covers I have seen from Argentina to South Africa by Pacific Clipper.

Rate : 1.70 pesos

Posted : Oct 17, 1940 at Johannesburg

Probable Route : Domestic transport to Durban; BOAC Horseshoe route probably to Sydney; TEAL to Auckland; FAM 19 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : The cover has typed instructions - VIA HONG KONG TRANS PACIFIC . However, on October 14, 1940, the BOAC Bangkok to Hong Kong route was suspended. The CNAC route to Hong Kong from Rangoon was not begun until after October 30. This item could have gone to Singapore, then by surface to Hong Kong, and FAM 14 to the USA, but since there are no Singapore or Hong Kong markings, it is more likely that the cover went all the way to Sydney, Australia on the Horseshoe route, then by TEAL, and FAM 19 to the USA. This is one of only two Pacific Clipper covers I have seen originating from South Africa.

Rate : 2sh 6p

Posted : Oct 24, 1940 at Johannesburg

Probable Route : Domestic transport to Durban; BOAC Horseshoe route probably to Sydney; TEAL to Auckland; FAM 19 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : The cover has typed instructions - VIA HONG KONG TRANS PACIFIC . However, on October 14, 1940, the BOAC Bangkok to Hong Kong route was suspended. The CNAC route to Hong Kong from Rangoon was not begun until after October 30. This item could have gone to Singapore, then by surface to Hong Kong, and FAM 14 to the USA, but since there are no Singapore or Hong Kong markings, it is more likely that the cover went all the way to Sydney, Australia on the Horseshoe route, then by TEAL, and FAM 19 to the USA. This is one of only two Pacific Clipper covers I have seen originating from South Africa.

Rate : 2sh 6p

Posted : Oct 25, 1940 at Makasser

Possible Route : KNILM to Manila ; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Miami; FAM 6-10 to destination.

Notes : Manuscript endorsement KNILM Trans Tasman, PAA to USA and Onward Air Transmission indicates the KNILM Charter Flight to Manila, then Pan Am service to the USA, and airmail all the way to destination . Censored in the Dutch Indies. Uncommon destination for Pacific Clipper mail.

Rate : 1.20 Gld

Posted : Oct 26, 1940 at Field Post Office 171

Route : BOAC to Singapore; surface to Hong Kong; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; BOAC to England.

Notes : Rare two-ocean airmail cover from British Field Post Office 171, which was in Egypt from 1940 to April of 1941, sent by a Pilot Officer in the RAF Volunteer Reserve. The route is written on the cover. I have one other two-ocean cover with this exact rate of 150 mil. (from Palestine to England), and I have seen one other (also from Palestine to England) in an exhibit. All 3 covers are from British military soldiers, so I believe this was a known / published rate. Note that this cover travelled almost completely around the world to get to it's destination. There is an RAF boxed censor handstamp upper left.

Rate : 150 millimes two-ocean rate

Posted : Oct 29, 1940 at La Chaux de Fonds

Probable Route : Domestic transport to Geneve; Geneva to Rome by rail; Rome to Barcelona by Ala Littoria; to Lisbon by Iberia; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 from San Francisco to Auckland; TEAL from Auckland to Sydney; Australia National Airlines - ANA to Melbourne.

Notes : According to the Boyle book, the 1.70 Swfr rate paid for airmail service from Geneve to Rome by rail, to Barcelona via Ala Latoria, to Lisbon by IBERIA, and then Pan Ams two-ocean service.

Rate : 3.70 Swfr = .30 base rate + 1.70 x2 double airmail surcharge

Posted : Oct 30, 1940 at Miri

Probable Route : Sarawak to Singapore by KNILM or by ship; from Singapore to Hong Kong by surface or from Singapore to Sydney by BOAC, and then TEAL to Auckland; either FAM 14 from Hong Kong or FAM 19 from Auckland to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : Uncommon genuine usage Pacific Clipper airmail from Sarawak. Censored in Singapore. Scarce use of $1.00 high value stamp.

Rate : $1.90

Posted : Nov 9, 1940 at Auckland

Route : Pan Am FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Nov 25 arriving Honolulu Nov 27 and San Francisco Nov 30; USA domestic airlines to New York. Pan Am FAM 18 to Lisbon; European transport, (airline or rail) to Switzerland. Backstamped Honolulu Nov 27, New York Dec 1, and Zurich Jan 1, 1941.

Notes : Registered two-ocean airmail cover, censored in New Zealand. It is interesting to note that the American Clipper left Auckland on Dec 12, yet this cover was not on that flight. It is most likely that the delay in departure was caused by the Office of Censorship.

Rate : 6sh 1p two-ocean rate + Registration Fee

Posted : Nov 11, 1940 at Lisbon

Route : FAM 18 ATLANTIC Clipper departed Lisbon Nov 22, arriving at New York Nov 23; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 California Clipper departed San Francisco Dec 4, arriving at Manila Dec 13; Backstamped New York Nov 26, San Francisco Nov 28, Manila Dec 13.

Notes : Registered two-ocean cover. Due to uncertain weather conditions in winter months, Trans Atlantic flights were irregular, and often times mail accumulated at Lisbon.

Rate : 10.25 escudos

Posted : Nov 11, 1940 at Soerabaja

Probable Route : KNILM from Soerabaja to Batavia; KNILM "Charter" Flight service" from Batavia to Manila; FAM 14 from Manila to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York. Censored at Soerabaja.

Notes : Large commercial cover with very high 7 color franking includes several high value Queen Wilhelmina issues. In 1941 the Dutch Guilder was $.53. This cover has the equivalent of $9.73 US in franking.

Rate : 18.35 Gld - 27 times the airmail rate = $9.73 US

Posted : Nov 19, 1940 at Bakersfield,CA

Route : USA domestic transport to San Francisco; FAM 14 Honolulu Clipper departed San Francisco on Nov 25, and arrived at Hong Kong on Dec 2; CNAC from Hong Kong to Rangoon; BOAC Horseshoe route from Rangoon to Bahrain; forwarded from there back to the USA, to Taft, CA. Backstamped Hong Kong Dec 2, Bahrain Jan 4, 1941, and San Francisco Aug 9, 1941.

Notes : Endorsed in manuscript Via Pacific Clipper, via Hong Kong, via Bombay, Bahrein indicating the route. Bahrain is a scarce destination for Pacific Clipper mail. There is a faint Triangle Censor 9 handstamp from Hong Kong. Upon arrival in Bahrain, the cover was sent back to the USA, probably by surface based on the August 1941 backstamp.

Rate : $.70 trans-pacific rate

Posted : Nov 22, 1940 at Macau

Route : The FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Macau November 22 and arrived San Francisco Nov 29; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper departed New York on Dec 7, and arrived at Lisbon on Dec 14, after a 6 day delay in Bermuda. backstamped Lisbon, Dec 15.

Notes : Uncommon two-ocean airmail cover from Macau, endorsed via Pan American Airways upper right corner indicating Pan Ams two-ocean Pacific + Atlantic Clipper service. The cover was only 23 days in transit to cross two oceans and the continental USA, despite a 6 day delay in Bermuda from Dec 7 to the 13th, probably due to bad weather over the North Atlantic.

Rate : 2p10a - two-ocean rate, 4grs weight.

Posted : Dec 3, 1940 at Colombo

Probable Route : TATA airlines from Colombo to Karachi; BOAC from Karachi to Rangoon; CNAC from Rangoon to Hong Kong; FAM 14 China Clipper departed Hong Kong on Dec 27, arriving at San Francisco on Jan 4. USA domestic airlines to Richmond, VA.

Notes : Censored in Colombo and Hong Kong. Backstamped Hong Kong Dec 23.

Rate : 4 Rupees

Posted : Dec 4, 1940 at Baghdad

Probable Route : KLM from Baghdad to Singapore; Singapore to Hong Kong probably by surface; Pan American Airways FAM 14 China Clipper departed Hong Kong on Dec 27, arrived San Francisco Jan 4. USA domestic airlines to New York. Backstamped Baghdad, Honolulu, and New York.

Notes : The BOAC Horseshoe route used seaplanes and landed at Lake Habbaniya, outside Baghdad. KLM used land planes, and Baghdad was one of the stops on the route from Lydda to Bandung. Because of the Singapore markings, I believe this cover was carried by KLM. Had this cover been carried by BOAC, it would have gone from Rangoon to Hong Kong by CNAC, completely avoiding Singapore. Censored in Singapore. A 24 in small circles applied at Singapore.

Rate : 370 fils

Posted : Dec 4, 1940 at Lisbon

Route : FAM 18 DIXIE Clipper departed Lisbon Dec 21, arriving at New York Dec 23; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 California Clipper departed San Francisco Dec 30, arriving at Hong Kong Jan 6; CNAC to Shanghai, with arrival marking Jan 28, 1941 on reverse.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, endorsed upper left - Par Clipper Via New York. Note the delay between the postmark date, and the departure of the Clipper. Due to uncertain weather conditions in winter months, flights were irregular, and often times mail accumulated at Lisbon. AIR TRANSIT 2 handstamp applied at Hong Kong. According to Heifetz book, 14 covers recorded with this marking. Dec 4, 1940 is the earliest reported use. Censored at Hong Kong.

Rate : 13.75 escudos

Posted : Dec 5, 1940 at Baghdad

Probable Route : KLM from Baghdad to Singapore; Singapore to Hong Kong probably by surface ; Pan American Airways FAM 14 to San Francisco ; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : Once again, because of the Singapore markings, I believe this cover was carried by KLM to connect with Pan Am's Pacific Clipper Service. Rare use of 1/2 Dinar King Ghazi issue, the 2nd highest face value stamp issued by Iraq during this period.

Rate : 920 fils

Posted : Dec 9, 1940 at Bahrain

Probable Route : Bahrain to Rangoon via BOAC Horseshoe route; CNAC to Hong Kong; FAM 14 China Clipper from Hong Kong to San Francisco; then to Palo Alto by US domestic airlines. Backstamped Hong Kong, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Palo Alto.

Notes : Although this cover is endorsed "Via BOAC to Sydney Thence Pan American Airways to San Francisco" it did not go this route. The Hong Kong transit, and the Jan 2 Honolulu transit, verifies the route as FAM 14 from Hong Kong, not FAM 19 from Sydney. In addition, in October of 1940, the BOAC Bangkok to Hong Kong connecting route, which flew over French Indo China air space, was suspended, due to pressure from the Japanese on the French government. A new route was needed to connect Hong Kong to the BOAC Horseshoe route. In late October of 1940, the Hong Kong Post Office petitioned to use the China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) route to connect the BOAC Horseshoe route to Hong Kong and the Pacific Clipper Service. The new CNAC connecting route flew from Rangoon, Burma to Chungking, China and then on to Hong Kong and back the same route. This cover was flown on that route, censored in Hong Kong, and carried on the FAM 14 Northern Route by the China Clipper to San Francisco. Scarce Registered cover from Bahrain.

Rate : 2 Rupees 14 1/2 Annas

Posted : Dec 11, 1940 at New York

Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 China Clipper departed San Francisco on Dec 19, arriving Hong Kong Dec 28; CNAC from Hong Kong to Rangoon; BOAC Horseshoe route from Rangoon to Calcutta. Backstamped New York, San Francisco, and Calcutta.

Notes : Censored in India.

Rate : $1.55 - double rate (70c x2) + 15c registration fee.

Posted : Dec 21, 1940 at Bangkok

Route : BOAC Horseshoe route from Bangkok to Sydney; TEAL from Sydney to Auckland; Pan Am FAM 19 from Auckland to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : Normally, this cover would have been flown directly to Hong Kong, from Bangkok, to connect with Pan Am's FAM 14 service. However, in October of 1940, due to pressure from the Japanese on the French government, the BOAC Bangkok to Hong Kong route, which flew over French Indo China, was permanently closed. This cover, instead of going from Bangkok to Hong Kong, went from Bangkok to Sydney, Australia. It is endorsed upper left Via Sydney to Auckland, thence to S.F. By Pan American. The CALIFORNIA CLIPPER handstamp was applied in Sydney, and the cover was censored in Australia.

Rate : 1.75 baht

Posted : Dec 29, 1940 at Tarakan

Route : Tarakan to Manila by KNILM "Charter" Flight; FAM 14 California Clipper departed Manila on Jan 9, arriving Honolulu Jan 13 and San Francisco Jan 15. USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; BOAC to England; Backstamped Honolulu jan 13, New York Jan 18, London Feb 1, Newbury Brakes Feb 3.

Notes : Long commercial two-ocean cover with one of the highest frankings I have ever seen from the Dutch Indies. In 1941 the Dutch Guilder was $.53. This cover has 45.75 Gld, the equivalent of $24.25 US in franking.

Rate : 45.75 Gld = 260gr rate = 52 times the airmail rate - base rate (.15 1st 20gr + .10 each addl 20gr x12) + registration fee .20 + air surcharge (.85 per 5gr x52) = exactly 45.75 gld = the equivalent of $24.25 US

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Posted : Jan 1, 1941 at Bombay

Route : Bombay to Karachi by India domestic airlines -TATA; BOAC Horseshoe route to Rangoon; CNAC to Hong Kong; FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Hong Kong Feb 1, arriving San Francisco Feb 7; USA domestic airlines to Denver, CO. Backstamped Hong Kong Jan 28 and Denver Feb 8.

Notes : Trans-pacific cover with rare double strike of the Circular AV2 marking applied at Hong Kong. Censored in India and Hong Kong.

Rate : 5 Rupees 3 annas 6 pies

Jan 15, 1941 at New York

Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed San Francisco on Friday Jan 24 arriving Hong Kong on Jan 31; probably by ship to Singapore; BOAC Horseshoe route from Singapore to Mozambique; probably by ship to Madagascar; Backstamped Hong Kong Jan 31, Mozambique March 3, and Tananarive May 9.

Notes : Scarce destination for Pacific Clipper mail, censored in Hong Kong and Singapore, circular AV2 handstamp applied at Hong Kong, C 20 in small violet circles applied at Singapore. There was fighting going on in Madagascar at this time, which may have caused the delay, from March 3 in Mozambique to May 9 at Tananarive.

Rate : $.90 - uncommon rate to Madagascar

Posted : Jan 18, 1941 at Baguio

Route : Domestic transport to Manila; FAM 14 China Clipper departed Manila Jan 20, arriving in San Francisco on Jan 26; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; DLH (Deutsche Lufthansa) probably to Frankfurt; censored in Frankfurt; DLH to Copenhagen; surface to Aalborg.

Notes : Uncommon two-ocean cover to German occupied Denmark, endorsed By Clipper to America then to Europe.

Rate : 1.72 pesos two-ocean rate

Posted : January 29, 1941 at Melbourne

Probable Route : ANA (Australia National Airlines) to Sydney; TEAL Flight SE 53 to Auckland on Jan 30; FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Feb 3 arriving San Francisco Feb 7; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 - probably the Dixie Clipper, which departed New York Feb 12, arriving Lisbon Feb 14; European transport (air + rail) to St. Peterzell, Switz.; forwarded to St. Gallen.

Notes : two-ocean air cover, to Switzerland, not a common destination for mail from Australia. Censored in Australia. With the Switzerland date stamp of Feb 27, we know the cover was at least 30 days in transit. From this one date and with published Flight schedules, we can back trace the cover, and deduce many of the specific flights fairly accurately.

Rate : 5sh 11p - two-ocean air rate

Posted : Feb 1, 1941 at Cap St. Jacques

Route : Possibly by ship to Hong Kong; FAM 14 from Hong Kong to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 from New York to Lisbon; by European airlines or rail to Geneva, Switzerland.

Notes : Two-ocean air cover to Switzerland, censored in Hong Kong.

Rate : 2.05 p

Posted : Feb 5, 1941 at Hamburg

Route : DLH (Deutsche Lufthansa) to Lisbon; backstamped Lisbon Feb 11, 1941. From Lisbon, it is uncertain what route the cover took. Does the handstamp STOPPED imply that it was returned to Germany, or did it proceed on to the Philippines by another route?

Notes : The cover was endorsed upper left in manuscript - Mit Luftpost via Lisboa . This indicates that the cover was originally intended for the two-ocean route by Pan Am's Atlantic Clipper at Lisbon, across the USA, and by Pacific Clipper to the Philippines. However, the manuscript instructions are crossed out , the word - STOPPED was boldly handstamped on the cover, and just below the handstamp, apparently signed by the person who applied the handstamp. This is the only cover I have ever seen with this handstamp. I have no idea why the cover would have been stopped at Lisbon.....as the USA and Germany were not at war yet..... a very interesting item needing more research!

Rate : 1.90 Marks

Posted : Feb 7, 1941 at Tel Aviv

Probable Route : Tel Aviv to Haifa to Tiberias by domestic transport; BOAC to Rangoon; CNAC to Hong Kong; Pan Am Fam 14 China Clipper departed Hong Kong on Feb 19, arrived in Honolulu on Feb 24, and San Francisco on Feb 26; USA domestic airlines to New York; backstamped Tel Aviv Feb 7, Haifa Feb 10, Honolulu Feb 24, New York Feb 28.

Notes : Registered cover, very high franking of 1 pound 140 mil.- censored in Palestine.

Rate : 1140 Millimes - the normal airmail rate was 125 mil. this cover is 9 times the normal rate.

Posted : Feb 10, 1941 at Buenos Aires

Probable Route : PANAGRA to Cristobal; FAM 5 to Miami; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 to Auckland; TEAL to Sydney; ANA - Australia domestic airlines to Hobart.

Notes : The cover is endorsed Via San Francisco by Clipper. Censored in Australia.

Rate : 2.20 pesos

Posted : Feb 13, 1941 at Athens

Probable Route : By ship to Alexandria and by train to Cairo; BOAC Horseshoe route from Cairo to Singapore; Surface to Hong Kong; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Wilkinsburg, PA.

Notes : Rare trans-pacific Airmail cover from Greece. We know the cover went via Singapore, because of the distinctive D 12 in small violet circles, which was applied at Singapore. Censored in Greece and Egypt. I have seen only 3 Pacific Clipper covers originating from Greece.

Rate : 73 drachma

Posted : Feb 14, 1941 at Shanghai

Route : CNAC from Shanghai to Hong Kong; Pan Am FAM 14 California Clipper departed Hong Kong Feb 22, arrived San Francisco Mar 10; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Dixie Clipper New York Mar 16 to Lisbon, arriving March 17; probably by rail to Marseille.

Notes : Two-ocean cover - Air Transit 3 and Censor 14 applied at Hong Kong. Scarce use of uprated Postal Card for expensive trans-pacific air service.

Rate : $5.80 - $.15 postcard + $5.65 Air Surcharge.

Posted : Feb 15, 1941 at Sourebaja

Route : KNILM from Sourebaja to Batavia; Batavia to Manila by KNILM Special Flight arriving Feb 19; FAM 14 China Clipper departed Manila on Feb 21, arriving in San Francisco Feb 26; USA domestic airlines to Miami; FAM 6-10 to Buenos Aires. Backstamped Buenos Aires March 5, 1941.

Notes : Arrival marking of March 5, 1941 at Buenos Aires confirms this cover went by transpacific air service to South America in an amazing 18 days .

Rate : 1.15 Gld - presumably the single rate to South America.

Posted : Feb 17, 1941 at Leopoldville

Probable Route : Leopoldville to Cairo, possibly via Kampala; Cairo to Hong Kong via BOAC; Pan Am FAM 14 to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to Knoxville, TN.

Notes : Endorsed "Via Cairo / Hong Kong " indicating BOAC and Pan Am FAM 14 Pacific Clipper service. The cover was censored in Leopoldville. There is a Rare hand stamp marking - WITH A.V.2 FORM in violet. According to Heifitz book, only 5 covers recorded or seen with this marking. He speculates the hand stamp was applied at Kampala, but is not certain. This is also the earliest recorded use of this marking. There is a Cairo transit marking and an Egyptian censor marking. The 30.25 fr pays the exact Pacific Clipper rate.

Rate : 30.25 fr trans pacific rate, which I have seen on 4 other covers.

Posted : Feb 21, 1941 at Chicago

Probable Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 China Clipper departed San Francisco on March 4 arriving Hong Kong on March 11; probably by ship to Singapore; by KLM from Singapore to Baghdad; by surface to Teheran. Backstamped Hong Kong Mar 11, Singapore, and Baghdad Apr 5.

Notes : Censored in Hong Kong and Singapore, circular AV2 handstamp applied at Hong Kong, B 23 in small violet circles applied at Singapore. From Singapore I believe the cover was carried by KLM, which had a flight arrive in Baghdad on Apr 4. Because of a rebellion in Iraq, the BOAC service to Iraq was interrupted during April, May, and June of 1941. The cover has the handstamp marking By Air to Baghdad Only , with the word Baghdad being handwritten by a Postal Clerk. This is the only the 2nd cover I have seen with this marking, most likely applied at Singapore.

Rate : $.70 trans pacific rate

Posted : Feb 21, 1941 at Cairo

Route : BOAC Horseshoe route from Cairo to Sydney; TEAL from Sydney to Auckland; Pan Am FAM 19 American Clipper departed Auckland March 31 arriving Honolulu Apr 3 and San Francisco Apr 5; USA domestic airlines to New York. Backstamped Honolulu Apr 3 and New York Apr 6.

Notes : Although this cover is endorsed Via Hong Kong, it did not go this route. The Honolulu backstamp of April 3 confirms that this cover went by FAM 19 via Auckland, not by Fam 14 via Hong Kong. This cover may look familiar, as it is pictured in the Boyle book on page 524. The route is incorrect in the book. Since that book was originally published, detailed Flight schedules have been published, making it possible to identify the exact plane and route for many covers, especially registered covers and covers with transit markings.

Rate : 635 millimes includes the scarce use of 50 piastre (1/2 pound) high value.

Posted : Feb 25, 1941 at Haarlem

Route : Haarlem to Cologne (Koln) to Frankfurt, probably by train - Censored in Germany, probably at Frankfurt; from Frankfurt to Lisbon by Deutsch Lufthansa (DLH); From Lisbon by FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper via Bolama, Belem, Trinidad, and San Juan to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 China Clipper departed San Francisco April 1, arrived Manila April 8. Backstamped Koln and Manila.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover from German occupied Netherlands, carried on a route that covered five continents. To take advantage of better weather conditions and westerly tail winds, Pan Am initiated a southern route from Lisbon across the Atlantic in February of 1941. This route went from Lisbon south to Bolama, Guinee on the coast of West Africa; from Bolama, across the Atlantic ocean to Belem, Brazil; then north through Trinidad and San Juan, to New York. From New York, the route was the standard two-ocean service to the Philippines. Because of this adjusted "winter route", this cover was carried on five continents - Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and Asia. This route was only used from February to April of 1941.

Rate : 12 1/2c basic rate (0-20gr) + 85c Air surcharge = 97 1/2c total rate

Posted : March 4, 1941 at Honolulu

Route : By next Clipper departing Hawaii to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; by European transport to Romania. Backstamped Prahova, Romania April 2.

Notes : Two-ocean clipper cover to a very unusual destination

Rate : $.50 two-ocean clipper rate (20c Pacific + 30c Atlantic)

Posted : March 5, 1941 at Macau

Route : The FAM 14 CHINA Clipper arrived in Macau on March 11 and departed the same day for an overnight stop in Hong Kong. It departed Hong Kong on March 12, and arrived in San Francisco after a 3 day delay in Manila, on March 20.

Notes : Attractive franking on cover from Macau, endorsed PER P.A.A. upper left corner indicating Pan Ams Pacific Clipper service.

Rate : 3p 80a - 4 1/2 gr weight.

Posted : March 9, 1941 at Basrah

Probable Route : KLM from Baghdad to Singapore; Singapore to Hong Kong probably by surface ; Pan American Airways FAM 14 to San Francisco ; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : This is the only picture postcard I have ever seen that was carried on the Pacific Clipper Service. There is no question the franking of 125 fils paid for airmail service. Note that 155 fils was the registered airmail rate for a cover. The card has a Singapore Censor 22 handstamp, as well as the B 24 in small circles which was also applied at Singapore. The picture side of the card shows the airport at Basrah. A wonderful item of Pacific Clipper Postal History.

Rate : 125 fils

Posted : March 14, 1941 at Havana

Route : Havana to Miami via FAM 5; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 to Auckland, New Zealand ; to Wellington by New Zealand domestic transport.

Notes : Censored at New Zealand

Rate : 91 centavos

Posted : March 17,1941 at Athens

Probable Route : By ship to Alexandria and by train to Cairo; BOAC Horseshoe route from Cairo to Singapore; Surface to Hong Kong; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Cleveland, OH.

Notes : Rare trans-pacific Airmail cover from Greece. The cover is endorsed "Via Egypt", and has a Cairo transit marking dated Apr 2 . There is a Censor tape from India over the top of the Greek Censor tape. There is also a Boxed 36 marking on reverse, applied in India. This boxed 36 marking is also seen on another Pacific Clipper cover from India to Switzerland. The censor tape and the boxed handstamp proves that the cover was carried by BOAC eastward to connect with Pan Am's Pacific Clipper service. The rate of 73 drachmas must have been the trans-pacific rate via Egypt.

Rate : 73 drachma

Posted : March 29, 1941 at Honolulu

Route : First departing Clipper from Honolulu to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Clipper to Lisbon; DLH to Germany.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, censored in Germany, probably Frankfurt.

Rate : $.50 (20c Pacific + 30c Atlantic)

Posted : Apr 3, 1941 at Field Post Office 368

Probable Route : From FPO 368 somewhere in the mountains in Greece to a port city, then probably by ship to Alexandria and by train to Cairo; BOAC Horseshoe route from Cairo to either Singapore or Sydney, Australia; Pan American Airways FAM 14 or FAM 19 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : Rare use of British stamps in Greece on a trans-pacific Airmail cover from a British Officer - Capt J, Pyle, of the Middle East Forces. There is a 4 page letter enclosed, dated March 30, 1941, in Egypt. However, it is clear from the letter, that the group was being moved to a new location, with mountains, and villages with oxen. The Guide to British Army Field Post Offices, lists FPO 368 in Egypt in March of 1941, but in Greece in April of 1941. This cover is postmarked Apr 3, 1941, and has a Cairo transit cds on reverse dated Apr 22, 19 days later. This supports the fact that this cover was posted in Greece, and took 19 days to get to Egypt.

Rate : 7sh6p

Posted : April 7, 1941 at FPO 122

Probable Route : FPO 122 to Tiberias, probably by surface transport. BOAC Horseshoe route to Singapore and then Sydney; TEAL to Auckland; FAM 19 from Auckland to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Washington, DC and the British Embassy.

Notes : Manuscript endorsement By American Clipper Via Singapore. Very nice usage of 12 George VI issues from Field Post Office 122, which was located in Palestine in 1940 and 1941.

Rate : 5sh

Posted : April 8, 1941 at Nairobi

Probable Route : BOAC Horseshoe route to Cairo, then on to Singapore; by surface to Hong Kong; Pan Am FAM 14 to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : Rare Pacific Clipper cover originating in Kenya. Not Opened By Censor and Circular AV2 markings were applied at Hong Kong. The cover was censored at Nairobi.

Rate : 5sh + 150 cents mixed currency franking.

April 9, 1941 at New York

Route : US domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 American Clipper to Auckland, arriving Apr 16.Backstamped NZ Apr 19.

Notes : Triple rate cover.

Rate : $2.10 - triple rate

Posted : April 14, 1941 at Los Angeles

Route : Los Angeles to San Francisco by domestic transport; from San Francisco to Hong Kong by FAM 14 China Clipper, which departed April 19, and arrived in Hong Kong on April 26; CNAC from Hong Kong to Rangoon; BOAC Horseshoe route Flight WS85 from Rangoon to Cairo, arrived May 17; from Cairo to Cyprus by surface transport; backstamped Hong Kong Apr 26, Cairo May 17, Cyprus May 26.

Notes : AV2 circular marking and NOT OPENED BY CENSOR applied in Hong Kong; Censored in Egypt, and PASSED CENSOR 18 in Cyprus - a scarce destination.

Rate : $.70 trans-pacific rate

Posted : Apr 14, 1941 at New York

Probable Route : US domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 China Clipper to Hong Kong ; CNAC to Rangoon ; BOAC to Durban ; domestic transport to Capetown.

Notes : Triple rate cover, scarce destination.

Rate : $2.85 - $.95 x3 triple rate

Posted : April 16, 1941 at New York

Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 China Clipper departed San Francisco Apr 19 arriving Manila Apr 25; KNILM Extra Flight departed Manila May 5, arriving Batavia May 6.

Notes : Censor handstamp dated May 8, applied at Batavia.

Rate : $1.40 - double rate cover

Posted : April 20, 1941 at Tel Nordau, Tel Aviv

Probable Route : Tel Aviv to Haifa to Tiberias by domestic transport; BOAC to Sydney; Pan Am Fam 19 Honolulu Clipper departed Auckland May 19, arriving in Honolulu on May 21-22, and San Francisco on May 23; USA domestic airlines to Paterson, NJ; Forwarded from there to Cleveland, Ohio. Backstamped Tel Aviv Apr 20, Haifa Apr 21, Honolulu May 22, New York, NY May 24, May 26, and May 27.

Notes : Because of the Honolulu date stamp of May 22, we know that this cover did not go by FAM 14 from Hong Kong, but rather, went all the way to Sydney on the BOAC Horseshoe route, and then by FAM 19 Honolulu Clipper to the USA. This certainly impacts basic assumptions about the routing of Pacific Clipper mail, and also shows the value of Registered Covers be able to establish the correct route.

Rate : 140 millimes - 125m airmail + 15m Registration Fee

Posted : April 23, 1941 at Shanghai

Route : Surface transport to Hong Kong; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Chicago.

Notes : Attractive pre-printed China Clipper commercial envelope for the Oppenheimer Casing CO. The cover is backstamped Honolulu May 10, 1941. This backstamp does not correspond to any FAM 14 flight, but rather a FAM 19 flight, according to Flight data in Bridging The Continents.

Rate : $16.00 - $.50 base rate + $.50 Registration Fee + $3.75 Air Surcharge x4.

Posted : April 25, 1941 at Buenos Aires

Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 California Clipper departed San Francisco May 3, arriving Singapore May 10; BOAC Horseshoe route to Sydney; TEAL to Auckland. Backstamped Miami - May 1 and Honolulu - May 4.

Notes : In 1941, in spite of increased tensions around the world, Pan Am decided to extend the Pacific service from Manila to Singapore. On May 3, 1941 the California Clipper departed San Francisco under command of Captain J.W.Burrows, stopping at Honolulu (May 4), Midway, Wake, Guam, Manila, and arrived at Singapore on May 10. The Honolulu backstamp on this cover dated May 4, confirms that this cover was carried on the first flight of the extended service to Singapore. Of further interest - because this cover is addressed to Auckland, NZ, the normal assumption would be that it would have been "held up", and put on the next FAM 19 Southern route Clipper going directly to Auckland. However, because of the Honolulu date stamp of May 4, we know that this cover was carried on the FAM 14 Northern route on it's way to Singapore. This cover certainly impacts the thinking and many of the assumptions about the routing of Pacific Clipper airmail. A very interesting cover.

Rate : 14.52 pesos - Rare use of the 10 Peso stamp, the 2nd highest face value stamp in use at the time.

Posted : April 28, 1941 at Istanbul

Probable Route : From Istanbul to Baghdad possibly by rail or Turkish airline; BOAC Horseshoe route from Baghdad to Sydney; TEAL from Sydney to Auckland; Pan Am FAM 19 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York. Backstamped Baghdad May 3.

Notes : Uncommon Pacific Clipper cover originating in Turkey. The cover has the manuscript endorsement in red (probably by a Postal Clerk) Par Avion de Baghdad Sydney - S. Francisco . There is a Baghdad transit marking dated May 3. This certainly supports the trans-pacific route, as Baghdad is 1000 miles east and south from Istanbul. Much of the airmail from Turkey to the USA went in the other direction - westward, by Ala Littoria through Rome. Some mail went southward through Cairo and Durban, but this mail has Egyptian censor markings on it. With the absence of any other transit markings or censors, the most probable route is the one written on the cover. Triangle censor marking applied in Turkey.

Rate : 131 Kurus

Posted : May 2, 1941 at Basle

Route : By rail from Basle through Geneva to Lisbon; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 California/Pacific Clipper departed San Francisco May 21, 1941 arriving in Singapore May 28; BOAC or KLM from Singapore to Palestine, either Lydda or Tiberias; probably by surface transport from Palestine to Aden.

Notes : Registered cover posted at Basle, Switzerland and addressed to Aden, Arabia that dramatically exhibits the two-ocean air route from Europe to the Middle East. The cover is backstamped Lisbon May 10, then censored in Bermuda - Examiner 6093, then backstamped New York May 16, San Francisco May 19, Honolulu May 22, Singapore May 28, then censored in Palestine (PC 22 tape) and finally backstamped Aden June 24. The 10fr green stamp is the highest face value stamp issued by Switzerland during this period. According to the Boyle book, the airmail surcharge to Aden from Switzerland by this route was 2.10 Swfr per 5 grams. The Registration Fee was .40 and the base letter rate was .40.

Rate : 11.30 Swiss francs - .40 base rate + .40 Reg Fee + 2.10 Air surcharge x 5.

Posted : May 4, 1941 at Jerusalem

Possible Route : Jerusalem to Haifa by domestic transport; possibly by surface to Basra, to connect with BOAC Service to Rangoon; CNAC from Rangoon to Hong Kong; Pan Am Fam 14 China Clipper departed Hong Kong on May 19, arrived in Honolulu on May 25, and San Francisco on May 27; USA domestic airlines to New York; transit marks - Jerusalem May 4, Haifa May 8, Honolulu May 25, New York May 29.

Notes : In May and June of 1941, the Horseshoe route service through Habbaniya, Iraq was interrupted due to an outbreak of fighting termed The Iraq Rebellion. During this period, the flying boat service terminated in Cairo, and started up again in Basra, bypassing Tiberias and Habbaniya. This cover was definitely affected by the interruption. I am not certain how it was transported from Palestine to Hong Kong. It may have gone by surface from Palestine to Basra, and then connected with the Horseshoe route there. Or perhaps it went by KLM to Singapore, and then to Hong Kong. Because of the Honolulu date stamp of May 25, we know the cover arrived at Hong Kong by May 19, because it was carried on the China Clipper which left Hong Kong on that date. An interesting item which needs further research. Rare use of a registered uprated Postal Stationary Card for Pacific Clipper airmail.

Rate : 140 mil.

Posted : May 5, 1941 at Singapore

Route : FAM 14 California Clipper to San Francisco; USA and Canada domestic airlines to Toronto.

Notes : In 1941,despite increased tensions around the world, Pan Am decided to extend the Pacific service from Manila to Singapore. On May 3, 1941 the California Clipper departed San Francisco under command of Captain J.W.Burrows, stopping at Honolulu, Midway, Wake, Guam, Manila, and arrived at Singapore on May 10. On May 12, the Clipper departed Singapore arriving back in San Francisco on May 20. This was the First Flight on the new extended route to Singapore. This commercial cover was carried on that flight.

Rate : $1.40

Posted : May 8, 1941 at Fort Crampel

Route : Fort Crampel to Bangui probably by surface; from Bangui to Stanleyville to Juba by SABENA; from Juba to Cairo to Sydney by BOAC Horseshoe Route; from Sydney to Auckland by TEAL; by Pan AM FAM 19 American Clipper which departed Auckland July 10 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Backstamped Bangui, Honolulu, Cleveland.

Notes : Rare registered Pacific Clipper cover from French Equatorial Africa. The July 12 Honolulu backstamp confirms that this cover was carried on the FAM 19 Southern Route American Clipper, which arrived in Honolulu on July 12, and after a 1 day delay, departed for San Francisco on July 14.

Rate : 33 francs

Posted : May 9, 1941 at Battambang, Cambodia

Route : Battambang to Phnom Penh to Saigon probably by surface; Saigon to Singapore by KNILM; FAM 14 from Singapore to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; probably by rail to Marseille and then to Castres. Backstamped Phnom Penh May 10, Saigon May 12, Castres Aug 4.

Notes : Uncommon two-ocean airmail cover from Cambodia. There is a French Marine Military handstamp SERVICE DE SANTE DIVISIONNAIRE. The cover was censored in Singapore, and B 24 in small circles applied at Singapore. The cover was a long time in transit - from May 9 to Aug 4.

Rate : 1.80 p

Posted : May 14, 1941 at Bunia

Probable Route : BOAC to Cairo, then to Sydney, Australia; TEAL to Auckland; Pan Am FAM 19 to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to Akron, Ohio.

Notes : Originally endorsed "Par Avion Via Manille, Hong Kong" indicating the Pan Am FAM 14 Pacific Clipper route. This was crossed out with a red marker, and Sydney and Auckland was added, indicating FAM 19 instead of FAM 14. The cover was censored in Irumu, Belgian Congo and also Egypt, probably at Cairo. There is a private receiver dated July 31, 1941. The cover was most likely delayed in transit, because of the Iraq Rebellion, which effectively shut down Horse Shoe route flights through Iraq, all during the month of May, 1941. This could account for the 2 1/2 months of transit time.

Rate : 30.25 fr trans pacific rate, which I have seen on 3 other covers.

Posted : May 15, 1941 at Miri

Route : Sarawak to Singapore or Manila by surface. FAM 14 to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to Portland, OR.

Notes : Boxed censor handstamp of Sarawak. Scarce use of $2.00 high value stamp on genuine usage airmail cover.

Rate : $2.80

Posted : May 15, 1941 on board the USS Blackhawk

Route : From USS Blackhawk to Manila by most expedient means; FAM 14 from Manila to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to Plymouth, MA.

Notes : Pacific Clipper cover originating on board the USS Blackhawk. Blackhawk was originally built as a commercial freighter in 1913, but was purchased by the Navy in 1917, converted for service, and placed in use in 1918. She served in the Atlantic from 1918 to 1922, and then served as a destroyer tender in the Asiatic Fleet from 1922 to 1942. In 1941 when this cover was posted, she was servicing ships in Chinese and Philippine waters.

Rate : $.50 - Pacific Clipper rate from the Philippines and the Orient to the USA.

Posted : May 21, 1941 at Vila, New Hebrides

Route : New Hebrides to Noumea, by ship or local airline; FAM 19 Honolulu Clipper departed Auckland June 6 to Noumea, departing Noumea June 7 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Boston,MA. Backstamped Noumea May 26, 1941

Notes : Endorsed Via Noumea indicating this cover was to connect with Pan Am's clipper service at Noumea, New Caledonia. I do not know if there were any airline companies serving the New Hebrides at this time, so it is quite possible this cover went by ship to Noumea. Censored in New Hebrides. Uncommon origin for a Pacific Clipper air cover.

Rate : 1 Fr 20c

Posted : May 28, 1941 at Port-of-Spain

Probable Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 American Clipper departed San Francisco June 3, arriving at Singapore on June 10; BOAC to Gwalior or Karachi; India domestic airlines, probably TATA to New Delhi; forwarded to Madras. New Delhi June 22 and Madras June 24 backstamps.

Notes : Manuscript "Air Mail Via Pacific" is partially covered by one stamp. Censored in India. Uncommon destination for cover from Trinidad & Tobago.

Rate : $1.64 includes the scarce use of the $1.20 high value George VI issue

Posted : May 29, 1941

Route : FAM 14 Philippine Clipper flew from Hong Kong to Manila on June 7.

Notes : Uncommon to see a non-first flight cover flown on a single leg of FAM 14 route.

Rate : $.40 - Hong Kong to Manila rate

Posted : May 31, 1941 at Pine Bluff, AR

Probable Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 American Clipper departed San Francisco June 3 arriving Singapore June 10; BOAC Horseshoe route to Cairo; Surface from Cairo to Greece; at some point, I believe the cover was intercepted by the Germans, and sent back; Surface to New York; USA domestic airlines back to Pine Bluff.

Notes : Scarce trans-pacific to Greece. The cover was intercepted by the Germans, censored, and Returned To Sender. I do not know where the SERVICE SUSPENDED handstamp was applied. The cover arrived back in New York on Dec 1. This cover travelled Around The World.

Rate : $.70 - trans-pacific rate

Posted : June 3, 1941 at Manila

Route : FAM 14 China Clipper departed Manila June 9, arriving in San Francisco on June 13; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; DLH (Deutsche Lufthansa) probably to Frankfurt; censored in Frankfurt; probably by rail to Bussum, Holland.

Notes : Two-ocean cover to German occupied Netherlands. Endorsed By Clipper and Trans-Atlantic

Rate : 1.72 pesos two-ocean rate to Europe

Posted : June 5, 1941 at Pasedena, CA

Probable Route : Domestic transport to San Francisco; FAM 14 China Clipper to Hong Kong; CNAC to Rangoon; BOAC to Cairo; Backstamped Pasedena, San Francisco, Cairo.

Notes : Registered quadruple rate cover, censored in Egypt.

Rate : $2.98 - $.70 x 4 + Registration Fee + Return Receipt

Posted : June 5, 1941 at Kispest

Probable Route : Kispest to Budapest probably by rail; Budapest to Rome to Lisbon by Ala Littoria; Lisbon to New York by FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; next departing FAM 14 or FAM 19 Clipper to Hawaii.

Notes : Uncommon two-ocean airmail cover originating in Hungary. The most probable route from Hungary to Lisbon was by Italian airlines - Ala Littoria. This route was shorter and faster than going through Austria / Germany, because the Italians did not censor transit mail during this period. Note that this cover is not censored, definitely suggesting the route through Italy.

Rate : 1.80 Pengo

Posted : June 12, 1941 at Batavia

Route : KNILM from Batavia to Singapore; FAM 14 California Clipper departed Singapore on June 29, arriving in San Francisco Jul 5. USA domestic airlines to Jersey City. Censored June 17 at Batavia. Backstamped Jersey City July 7, 1941.

Notes : Although this cover is marked - Via Australia, it did not go this route. The distinctive G 21 in small violet circles was applied at Singapore. And from the arrival marking of July 7 in New Jersey, we know the exact flight arriving at this time was the FAM 14 California Clipper, which left Singapore on June 29.

Rate : 5.45 Gld - (40gr) 8 times the airmail rate as follows: .15 base rate for 20gr + .10 base rate for next 20gr + .65 x8 airmail surcharge = 5.45 Gld

Posted : June 16, 1941 at Chicago, IL

Probable Route : Chicago to San Francisco by domestic airlines; from San Francisco to Singapore by FAM 14 California Clipper, which departed June 18, and arrived in Singapore on June 25; from Singapore to Baghdad by either KLM or BOAC. Backstamped Chicago Jun 16, San Francisco June 17, Honolulu June 19 Singapore June 25, and Baghdad July 13.

Notes : It is unclear what route the cover took from Singapore, (KLM or BOAC), and why it took so long to get to Baghdad. It should have taken no longer than 7 days at the most, but the cover did not arrive in Baghdad until 18 days after arrival in Singapore. Perhaps the cover was delayed by the Office of Censorship in Singapore. Note that the Censor tape has a wax seal over it on front and back. Very unusual. To Be Forwarded By Air From Singapore handstamp was applied at Singapore, used when a change in carrier occurred, but to insure that the item continued on by airmail.

Rate : $.70 Trans-pacific air rate + $.15 Registration Fee.

Posted : June 19, 1941 at Reading

Probable Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic Airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Pacific Clipper to Singapore; BOAC Horseshoe route to India.

Notes : Censored in Jamaica and India. Uncommon Pacific Clipper airmail from the Caribbean. Backstamped July 21, at Meerut, India confirming airmail by the faster Pacific route.

Rate : 4 shillings

Posted : June 20, 1941 at Elkton, MD

Probable Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed San Francisco June 24, arriving at Hong Kong July 6; from Hong Kong probably by ship to Japan; upon arrival there, the cover was marked RETOUR AL'ENVOYEUR, and sent back to the USA, probably by ship. Backstamped Elkton June 20, San Francisco June 22, and Chicago Oct 24.

Notes : The $.90 franking included the fee for Return Receipt Requested. When the cover was unable to be delivered, it was sent back to the USA. There was a Japanese Form attached to the front of the cover, but the form has been removed.

Rate : $.90 - $.70 trans pacific rate + Registration fee + Return Receipt fee.

Posted : June 25, 1941 at Shanghai

Probable Route : CNAC or surface to Hong Kong; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Miami. FAM 6-10 to Buenos Aires.

Notes : Endorsed PAA by Trans Pacific Clipper. I could find no rates for China to South America.

Rate : $10.00

Posted : June 26, 1941 at Shanghai

Route : Surface from Shanghai to Hong Kong; FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed Hong Kong July 6, arriving Honolulu July 10, and San Francisco July 12; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon, probably by Yankee Clipper departing July 15, arriving Lisbon July 16; BOAC to England. Backstamped Honolulu July 10 and New York July 14.

Notes : Registered two-ocean airmail cover.

Rate : $6.40 - .50 base rate + 5.40 air surcharge + .50 Registration Fee.

Posted : June 29, 1941

Probable Route : BOAC to Sydney, Australia; TEAL to Auckland, New Zealand; Pan American Airways FAM 19 Southern route to San Francisco; then to Palo Alto by USA domestic airlines.

Notes : The basic route is handstamped on the front of the cover. With the absence of any Singapore or Hong Kong markings, the most probable route is the one noted above.

Rate : 2 Rupees 15 Annas 6 Pies

Posted : July 30, 1941

Probable Route : British West Indies Airways to Trinidad; FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic Airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 - probably the ANZAC Clipper, which left San Francisco on Aug 14, and arrived at Singapore on Aug 21; BOAC Horseshoe route Flight WS115 from Singapore to Calcutta, arrived Aug 26.

Notes : Backstamped Calcutta, Aug 27, 1941. Censored in India. Uncommon Pacific Clipper airmail from the West Indies.

Rate : 7 shillings

Posted : July 12, 1941 at London

Route : BOAC to Lisbon; FAM 18 to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 to Auckland; domestic transport to South Island.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, with nice solo usage of 10 shilling George VI . Although this is a Registered cover, there are no transit and arrival markings. This is not unusual for British mail, as they seldom backstamped anything, even registered covers.

Rate : 10 shillings - double rate + Registration Fee

Posted : July 13, 1941 at Colombo

Probable Route : TATA airlines from Colombo to Karachi; BOAC from Karachi to Singapore; Pan Am FAM 14 Clipper to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Boston, MA.

Notes : Handstamp marking - TO BE FORWARDED BY AIR FROM SINGAPORE was applied at Singapore, to denote continuation of airmail service but by a different Carrier. In this case, it possibly indicated a change from BOAC to Pan Am.

Rate : 4 Rupees 50c

Posted : Tuesday July 15, 1941 at Edinburgh

Probable Route : BOAC to Lisbon; FAM 18 American Clipper departed Lisbon Monday July 21, arriving in New York Wednesday July 23; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Honolulu Clipper departed San Francisco on Tuesday July 29, arriving in Singapore on Aug 9; BOAC Horseshoe route Flight WS 111 departed Singapore Aug 12, arriving Karachi Aug 13; TATA airlines from Karachi to Colombo; Officially Sealed stamps applied in Colombo Aug 18; forwarded to the Grand Hotel, N. Eliya Aug 19.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, with high franking of 15 shillings; scarce use of Officially Sealed labels of Ceylon.

Rate : 15 shillings - triple rate

Posted : July 21, 1941 at FPO 120

Probable Route : FPO 120 to Tiberias, probably by surface transport. BOAC Horseshoe route to Rangoon; CNAC from Rangoon to Hong Kong; FAM 14 from Hong Kong to San Francisco; USA and Canada domestic airlines to Toronto; forwarded to Glen Bernard Camp, near Sundridge, Ont. Backstamped Toronto Aug 28.

Notes : Manuscript endorsement Pacific Clipper Airmail Service Via Hong Kong. Very nice usage of George VI issues from Field Post Office 120, which was located in Palestine from 1940 to 1943.

Rate : 5sh

Posted : July 26, 1941 at Paramaribo, Suriname

Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA Domestic airlines to San Francisco; San Francisco to Hong Kong by FAM - 14; probably by ship to Shangjai; by Japanese airlines (Dai Nippon) from shanghai to Japan.

Notes : Scarce origin and destination for Pacific Clipper mail. Censored at Suriname; Oval Handstamp - V.I.A. F.A.M. 14 From San Francisco - applied at Suriname.

Rate : 1.25 Guilders

Posted : July 26, 1941 at Basrah

Probable Route : BOAC Horseshoe Route from Basrah to Rangoon; CNAC from Rangoon to Hong Kong ; Pan American Airways FAM 14 China Clipper departed Hong Kong on Aug 19, arriving Honolulu Aug 23 and San Francisco Aug 26 ; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : In may of 1941, Pan Am extended the FAM 14 route to Singapore. From May 3 to October 1, the clippers terminated on alternate weeks at either Hong Kong or Singapore. Because of the Honolulu backstamp of Aug 23, we know that this cover was flown from Hong Kong on the China Clipper. Did the Postal personnel along the Horseshoe route know the Clipper schedules, to be able to direct the mail to the correct destination, either Hong Kong or Singapore, depending on where the Clipper would terminate that specific week? Note the absence of any Singapore markings on this cover, definitely supporting the BOAC to Hong Kong route, and not KLM.

Rate : 155 fils

Posted : July 29, 1941 at Exmouth

Route : BOAC to Lisbon; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Pacific Clipper to Singapore; BOAC Horseshoe route to Calcutta; India domestic airlines and/or by rail to destination at Kashmir.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, with 5x 1 shilling George VI issues paying the exact airmail rate.

Rate : 5 shillings - two-ocean rate

Posted : July 30, 1941 at Shanghai

Route : Surface from Shanghai to Hong Kong; Pan Am FAM 14 China Clipper departed Hong Kong Aug 8, arrived Honolulu Aug 23, and San Francisco Aug 26; USA and Canada domestic airlines to destination; backstamped Honolulu Aug 23, San Francisco Aug 26, Seattle Aug 27, Vancouver and Montreal.

Notes : Heavy weight cover addressed to the International Labour Office, which was located in Canada for a few years in the 1940s. This qualifies as a United Nations Forerunner cover. The censor tapes are Canadian. The franking includes a $20.00 Dr. SYS stamp, the highest face value stamp issued by China during this period.

Rate : $41.65 - $.50 base rate for the first 20gr + $.30 base rate x2 for the next 40gr + $4.45 Air Surcharge x9 = exactly $41.65 = 9 times the airmail rate.

Posted : Aug 1, 1941 at Lisbon

Probable Route : FAM 18 probably the American Clipper which departed Lisbon Aug 3, arriving Bermuda and New York Aug 4; censored in Bermuda, so it is possible it was delayed there for the next clipper; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 ANZAC Clipper departed San Francisco Aug 14, arriving at Singapore Aug 21; possibly by surface to Hong Kong.

Notes : Uncommon destination for cover censored in Bermuda - 2 covers reported by Flynn to China.

Rate : 13.75 escudos

Posted : Geneve Aug 4, 1941

Probable Route : Geneve to Marseille to Lisbon, probably by rail; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 from San Francisco to Auckland; TEAL from Auckland to Sydney; Australia National Airlines - ANA to Melbourne.

Notes : The intended general routing was marked by a Postal Clerk in blue crayon - Geneve Via Lisbonne & France, indicating service through France (possibly by rail) to connect with Pan Am's two-ocean Clipper service at Lisbon. According to the Boyle book, the 2.00 Swfr rate paid for service from Geneve to Rome by rail, to Barcelona via Ala Latoria, to Lisbon by IBERIA, and then Pan Ams two-ocean service. Without transit markings, it is difficult to determine the exact route, so we went with the routing marked on the cover as the probable route.

Rate : 2.00 Swfr = .30 base rate + 1.70 air surcharge

Posted : Aug 7, 1941 at Dairen

Route :

Notes : Rare registered airmail cover with high value Japanese stamps used in Manchuria, Northern China. The typed docketing instructions on the cover read - Airmail via Fukuoka, Shanghai, Hong Kong, then By Clipper to San Francisco . Based on the dates of the backstamps, I am not certain the cover went by this route. The rate of 3.31 yen is a very high franking, and definitely paid for airmail service, as the registered surface rate to the USA was only .36 yen. More research is needed for this cover.

Rate : 3.31 yen

Posted : Aug 11, 1941 at Vancouver

Probable Route : Canada and USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 from San Francisco to Manila or Hong Kong; Probably by ship from either Manila or Hong Kong to Japan.

Notes : Interesting item. The sender or a Postal Clerk wrote a partial address in English - Mr. J Sato, Tokyo, Japan. The complete address is written in Japanese. The cover was censored in Canada.

Rate : $.90 trans-pacific rate

Posted : Aug 11, 1941 at Hamilton

Route : FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Philippine Clipper departed San Francisco Aug 21 arriving at Hong Kong Aug 28; CNAC to Kunming, China; domestic transport to Chaotung. backstamped Hong Kong Aug 28, Kunming Sep 4, and Chaoting Sep 10.

Notes : Very nice two-ocean trans-pacific Airmail cover from Bermuda to China. The small circular handstamp in violet is a smudged AV2 handstamp applied at Hong Kong. The boxed Not Opened By Censor was also applied at Hong Kong. The cover was not censored in Bermuda. This may be due to the name of the sender and the addressee - Outerbridge, which was a prominent family name in Bermuda.

Rate : 5sh6p rate to China

Posted : August 14, 1941 at Melbourne

Route : ANA (Australia National Airlines) to Sydney; TEAL to Auckland; FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Aug 31 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : With the stamps on the back, the total franking is 1 pound 6 shillings 3 pence. This is one of the highest frankings I have seen on a cover from Australia.

Rate : 1pound 6sh 3p

Posted : Aug 20, 1941 at FPO SP-50

Route : FAM 14 from Singapore to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 from New York to Lisbon; BOAC to England.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, originating from an RAF unit in Malaya - I do not know the exact location of FPO SP-50.

Rate : $2.00 - two-ocean rate

Posted : August 28, 1941

Route : FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; BOAC to England.

Notes : 2 ocean cover, endorsed Pan American and Trans Atlantic

Rate : $5.00 - 2 ocean rate

Posted : August 28, 1941 at Store-Heddinge

Probable Route : domestic transport to Copenhagen; DLH to Berlin and to Frankfurt or Munich; censored in Germany; DLH to Lisbon; FAM 18 to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 to Hong Kong; censored at Hong Kong; probably by surface to Shanghai; backstamped Shanghai.

Notes : Two-ocean air cover from Denmark, endorsed Air Mail via New York partially covered by the censor tape.

Rate : 3.35 kr

Posted : August 28, 1941 at Shanghai

Route : CNAC or surface to Hong Kong; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Miami. FAM 6-10 to Rio De Janeiro.

Notes : Censored in Hong Kong, endorsed USA By Clipper. Arrival marking dated Sep 26, 1941 on reverse.

Rate : $7.00

Posted : Sep 4, 1941 at Toronto

Probable Route : Canada and USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 from San Francisco to Singapore; BOAC from Singapore to Cairo; surface to Alexandria. Backstamped Cairo Oct 4 and Alexandria Oct 5.

Notes : Endorsed Transpacific Airmail, censored in Egypt.

Rate : $.90 trans-pacific rate

Posted : Sep 4, 1941 at Bangui, Oubangui-Chari

Route : Bangui to Stanleyville to Juba by SABENA; BOAC Horseshoe Route from Juba to Cairo to Singapore; FAM 14 Pacific Clipper departed Singapore Oct 6 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York. Backstamped Bangui, Honolulu, New York.

Notes : Rare registered Pacific Clipper cover from French Equatorial Africa. The October 13 Honolulu backstamp confirms that this cover was carried on the FAM 14 Northern Route Pacific Clipper, which arrived in Honolulu on Oct 13, and after 1 day delay, departed for San Francisco on Oct 15. It is interesting to note that the top cover went by FAM 19, and this cover went by FAM 14.

Rate : 216.50 francs - Very high franking includes 3 copies of the 50fr Ovpt Airmail stamp, the highest face value stamp issued by Fr. Eq. Africa during this period.

Posted : Sep 5, 1941 at New York, NY

Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 Pacific Clipper departed San Francisco Sep 6, arriving at Honolulu Sep 7, and then returned to San Francisco on Sep 8. The ANZAC Clipper had left San Francisco on Aug 31, but was delayed in Honolulu for 9 days until Sep 10. This cover was offloaded from the Pacific Clipper to the Anzac clipper, which departed Honolulu on Sep 10, and after crossing the International dateline, arrived in Noumea on Sep 12. Backstamped Noumea, Sep 13.

Notes : Uncommon commercial mail to New Caledonia, censored in New Caledonia.

Rate : $.40 trans-pacific rate paid by 4 Prexies.

Posted : Sep 5, 1941 at Beira

Route : BOAC Horseshoe route from Mozambique to Singapore; the cover missed the Clipper that week from Singapore; it was sent on to Hong Kong probably by surface; FAM 14 California Clipper departed Hong Kong Oct 4, arriving at San Francisco Oct 10; USA domestic airlines to Chicago.

Notes : Uncommon trans-pacific airmail from Mozambique Company, with nice commercial use of the 20 Escudo issue, the highest face value stamp issued by Mozambique Company. At first, it was quite puzzling, why this cover went through both Hong Kong and Singapore. But after a bit of analysis, the answer became clear. In May of 1941, Pan Am extended the terminus of the FAM 14 route to Singapore. However, from May 3 to Oct 1 of 1941, the terminus alternated on a weekly basis between Hong Kong and Singapore. One week the Clipper would terminate in Hong Kong, and the next week it would terminate in Singapore, before returning to the USA. Thus, mail intended to connect with the Pacific Clipper service, could be sent to either Hong Kong or Singapore, depending on where the Clipper was scheduled to arrive that particular week. In this case, the cover was sent to Singapore first, but had missed the Clipper that week. At this point, I believe a conscientious mail clerk, knowing that it would be 2 full weeks before another Clipper arrived at Singapore, sent the cover to Hong Kong, to catch the Clipper the following week. We know the cover was sent to Singapore first, because there is a Hong Kong transit date of Oct 1, and the California Clipper arrived in Hong Kong on Oct 3. There would have been no reason to send the cover to Singapore from Hong Kong. A very interesting cover!

Rate : 33.75 escudos - 1.75 esc base rate + 16.00 esc trans-pacific air surcharge x2

Posted : Sep 10, 1941 at Boston, MA

Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Pacific Clipper departed San Francisco Sep 20, arriving at Singapore Oct 4; BOAC Horseshoe route from Singapore to Cairo; probably by surface ( ship and rail) to Istanbul. Backstamped Istanbul.

Notes : The franking is only $.30, which was the Atlantic Clipper airmail rate. However, because of the Singapore censor tape and A 14 in small circles, we know the cover went by the trans-pacific route through Singapore. It was not marked Postage Due. I do not know why the cover was sent via Pacific instead of the Atlantic. A very interesting item.

Rate : $.30 - Atlantic Clipper rate used for Pacific Clipper service

Posted : Sep 10, 1941 at Toronto

Probable Route : Canada and USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 from San Francisco to Auckland; TEAL from Auckland to Sydney; Australia domestic airlines - ANA to Melbourne.

Notes : Black bordered mourning envelope, unusual for Pacific Clipper mail.

Rate : $.90 trans-pacific rate

Posted : Sep 11, 1941 at Hanoi

Possible Route : Hanoi to Manila by surface; Fam 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; probably by rail to Nice.

Notes : Registered two-ocean cover - of special note is the pre-printed envelope for two-ocean airmail by Pan American Airways. Manila is marked in red, possibly by the sender, or a Postal Clerk, to indicate the route.

Rate : 2.20 p

Posted : Sep 13, 1941 at Brooklyn, NY

Probable Route : USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 Pacific Clipper departed San Francisco Sep 20, arriving at Singapore Oct 4; BOAC Horseshoe route from Singapore to Tiberias; Surface transport to Haifa; determined undeliverable, Returned to the USA, probably by surface transport.

Notes : The cover was censored in Palestine. There are several handstamps including one on reverse, with the reason checked - Insufficient Address.

Rate : $.70 trans pacific rate

Posted : Sep 20, 1941 at Bangkok

Route : BOAC Horseshoe route from Bangkok to Singapore; Pan Am FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : In May of 1941, Pan Am extended the terminus of the FAM 14 route to Singapore. This cover has the typed instructions PAN AMERICAN CLIPPER VIA SINGAPORE. The cover was censored in Singapore, and has the distinctive G 14 in small violet circles, applied at Singapore.

Rate : 3.25 baht

Posted : Oct 3, 1941 at Calcutta

Route : BOAC Horseshoe route to Singapore; FAM 14 from Singapore to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; BOAC to England.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover has the handstamp endorsement - INDIA-CHUNGKING-England. There is the additional handstamp - TO BE FORWARDED BY AIR FROM SINGAPORE....which was applied at Singapore. This marking was used to indicate a change in air service from one carrier to another.

Rate : 3 Rupees 7 1/2 annas

Posted : Oct 6, 1941 at Melbourne

Probable Route : ANA (Australia National Airlines) to Sydney; TEAL to Auckland; FAM 19 Clipper to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; European transport (air + rail) to Geneva,Switzerland; forwarded from there to Stalag XIII C in Hammelburg, Bavaria, Germany.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover handstamped upper left - PRISONERS OF WAR POST. The cover was sent by a Mrs. Coward to Private F.C. Coward. Originally addressed to the Red Cross in Switzerland, the cover was forwarded from there to Stalag XIII C, a German POW camp which was located in Hammelburg, Germany. There is a brief biography with a picture of Private Coward at STALAG XIII C on the Australian War Memorial web site. Click here to view the page. A wonderful item of World War II Postal History.

Rate : 5sh 11p - two-ocean air rate

Posted : Oct 11, 1941 on board the Submarine USS Porpoise

Route : USS Porpoise to the USS Otis by surface transport; USS Otis to Philippines Post Office by surface; FAM 14 from Manila to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to Idaho.

Notes : Uncommon Pacific Clipper mail originating on board a US Submarine in the Asiatic Fleet. The Porpoise had no Post Office, and so the cover was transferred to the USS Otis, which was a submarine tender ship in the Asiatic fleet.

Rate : $.50 - Pacific Clipper rate from the Philippine Islands to the USA

Posted : Oct 14, 1941 at Port Sudan

Probable Route : Surface to Khartoum or Wadi Haifa; BOAC Horseshoe route to Singapore; FAM 14 to San Francisco; domestic transport to Santa Monica.

Notes : Port Sudan is on the Red Sea. The cover travelled inward to connect with the Horseshoe route at either Khartoum or Wadi Haifa. Note the Pan American Airways pre-printed envelope. Endorsed Air Mail Via Pacific upper left, indicates that this cover was to connect with Pan Am's Pacific Clipper service. Censored in Sudan.

Rate : 10 Piastres 20 millemes

Posted : Oct 15, 1941 at Midway Island

Route : The FAM 14 American Clipper departed San Francisco on Oct 10, 1941, arriving at Singapore Oct 16; It left Singapore for the return trip to the USA on Oct 17, and after a one week delay in Manila, continued it's journey back to the US, arriving on Midway Island on Oct 31, and San Francisco on Nov 4.

Notes : Colorful envelope used on Midway Island by a Pfc. in the Marines Sixth Defense Battalion.

Rate : $.30 - Pacific Clipper rate from Midway to the USA

Posted : Oct 20, 1941 at Vancouver

Probable Route : Canada and USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 from San Francisco to Singapore; BOAC Horseshoe route from Singapore to Calcutta. Backstamped Calcutta Nov 14, 1941.

Notes : With the absence of transit markings, and other censor markings, it is impossible to determine the exact route with certainty. Censored in India.

Rate : $.90 trans-pacific rate

Posted : Oct 20, 1941 at Sandakan

Possible Route : Surface transport to Manila; FAM 14 to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; BOAC to England.

Notes : Two-ocean air cover, with triangle PASSED FOR TRANSMISSION NORTH BORNEO 17 censor handstamp. The very high franking, and the absence of any other route markings, especially from Singapore, suggests that this cover went by surface to Manila, to connect with Pan Am's two-ocean route to Europe.

Rate : $4.47

Posted : October 21, 1941 at Prag

Route : DLH from Prague to Frankfurt; censored in Frankfurt; DLH from Frankfurt to Lisbon; Pan Am FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper from Lisbon to New York, via Bermuda; censored in Bermuda; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 ANZAC Clipper departed San Francisco on Nov 13 arriving in Manila Nov 18; probably by surface (ship) from Manila to Shanghai, China. Backstamped Frankfurt Oct 23, New York Nov 7, San Francisco Nov 9, and Shanghai Nov 28.

Notes : Scarce two-ocean airmail cover originating from the German Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. The cover is endorsed in manuscript - FLUGPOST UBER LISSABON - AMERIKA indicating the Pan Am two-ocean airmail route. The rate of 9.50k was the registered airmail rate to the USA from June to December of 1941. However, this may have been simply a rate used for airmail to all foriegn destinations. The San Francisco datestamp of Nov 9 and the Shanghai datestamp of Nov 28, verifies that the cover was carried by airmail. The PC 90 Bermuda Censor tape on mail to China is not common.

Rate : 9.50K - 2.50K base rate + 4.00K Airmail Surcharge + 3.00K Registration Fee

Posted : Oct 21, 1941 at Shanghai

Route : Surface from Shanghai to Hong Kong; FAM 14 from Hong Kong to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; DLH from Lisbon to Frankfurt or Koln, where the cover was censored by the Germans; European transport (probably rail) to Belgium.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover from China to German occupied Belgium, an uncommon destination for Pacific Clipper airmail. Air Transit 6 was applied at Hong Kong; Censored in Hong Kong and Germany.

Rate : $5.90 - .50 base rate + 5.40 air surcharge.

Posted : Oct 24, 1941

Probable Route : BOAC to Singapore; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to Miami; FAM 6-10 to Rio De Janeiro.

Notes : An interesting item. The cover is endorsed VIA PANAIR. Upon arrival in Brazil, the cover must have been damaged, because a large blue and yellow Officially Sealed stamp of Brazil was applied and tied to the cover with Dec 9, 1941 datestamps. There is square British Unit Censor handstamp upper left, and a Base Censor tape at left, tied to the back of the cover by a Nov 9, 1941 date stamp. Based on the arrival markings in Brazil, this cover was very likely carried on one of the last Clipper Flights. There is a 58 in a large circle on the back, possibly some type of transit or Postal Handler identifier marking, but I don't know for certain.

Rate : 335 millimes

Posted : October 25, 1941 at Bangkok

Probable Route : KLM from Bangkok to Singapore ; Pan Am FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to Lisbon; European transport to Goteborg, Sweden.

Notes : Scarce two-ocean airmail cover from Thailand. Endorsed in manuscript (probably by a Postal Clerk) - Via Singapore to USA, Via Lisbon indicating the two-ocean route. The cover was censored in Singapore, and has the distinctive K 25 in small violet circles, also applied at Singapore.

Rate : 4.75 baht

Posted : Oct 26, 1941 at Port-of-Spain

Probable Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 Pacific Clipper departed San Francisco Nov 5, arriving at Auckland Nov 11; domestic transport to Dunedin.

Notes : Scarce trans-pacific air cover, originating on board a British Naval vessel. Note the tombstone shaped From H.M. Ships Censor .

Rate : $1.08 West Indies Dollars

Posted : Oct 27, 1941 at St.Johns

Route : FAM 6-10 to Miami via San Juan; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 from San Francisco to Singapore; BOAC Horseshoe route from Singapore to Cairo. Backstamped San Juan Oct 27, San Francisco Oct 30, Base Army PO Nov 21, Cairo Nov 22.

Notes : Uncommon Pacific Clipper mail from Antigua. The cover is addressed to Mrs. Melosine Trundle, the wife of RAF Squadron leader Guy Trundle. There is an interesting historical connection between Guy Trundle and Great Britain's Royal Family. It has recently come to light, that Guy Trundle, while married to his wife Melosine, had a secret love affair with Wallace Simpson in the mid-1930s. At the same time Wallace Simpson was secretly involved with Guy Trundle, she was also involved with King Edward VIII. It has also recently been revealed in the press (Jan 2003), that the Special Branch of the British Police knew of Wallace Simpson's affair with Guy Trundle, but did not give this information to King Edward. After a short reign as King of England, Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry this same Wallace Simpson. Many analysts believe that had King Edward known about the secret love affair with Guy Trundle, he would not have given up the throne to marry Wallace Simpson.

Rate : 5sh 10p - airmail + registration fee

Posted : Oct 28, at Ipoh,Malaya

Probable Route : Ipoh, Malaya to Singapore by surface transport; Pan Am FAM 14 to San Francisco; US domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; BOAC to England.

Notes : Two-ocean airmail cover, endorsed Via Pan American, By Air Throughout , Passed By Censor 166 in Singapore, uncommon use of the $2.00 Sultan Ishkandar issue.

Rate : $2.00 - two-ocean rate

Posted : Oct 29, 1941 at Haiphong, Viet Nam

Possible Route : Haiphong to Hanoi by surface; Hanoi to Manila by surface; FAM 14 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 to Lisbon; probably by rail to Marseille and then to Nice. Forwarded from there. Backstamped Hanoi Oct 29 and Marseille Dec 5.

Notes : Endorsed in manuscript Via Pan American Airways, indicating the two-ocean route. The exact route is difficult to determine. With the absence of any Singapore or Hong Kong markings, it is very possible that the cover went from Hanoi to Manila by ship, and then by the two-ocean route to destination.

Rate : 5.80 p

Posted : Oct 29, 1941

Route : BOAC to Lisbon; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper to New York; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 to Auckland.

Notes : Endorsed The Clipper Trans Pacific Airmail Via Lisbon & USA. Censored in Ireland and England. This is the only two-ocean cover I have seen with stamps of Ireland.

Rate : 5sh 9p two-ocean rate

Posted : Nov 1941 at Wake Island

Route : FAM 14 California Clipper from Wake Island to Hawaii, arriving there Nov 5....departed Hawaii on Nov 6, arriving San Francisco on Nov 7; USA domestic transport to Los Angeles.

Notes : There was no Post Office on Wake Island. Mail was carried by the Clippers to Hawaii, where it was postmarked, and sent on to the correct destination. This cover was posted on Wake Island, and has a map of Wake in the cachet. It was carried by the California Clipper to Honolulu, and postmarked Nov 5.

Rate : $.35 - Pacific Clipper rate from Wake Island to the USA

Posted : Nov 3, 1941 at Sandakan

Possible Route : Surface transport to Manila; FAM 14 to San Francisco; US domestic transport to destination.

Notes : Endorsed - Clipper to USA, there is a triangle PASSED FOR TRANSMISSION NORTH BORNEO 20 censor handstamp. The cover was sent by Commander J A Murphy, a US Naval Observer at Sandakan.

Rate : $1.57

Posted : Nov 4, 1941 at Macau

Route : Macau to Hong Kong to Manila by FAM 14 Hong Kong II Clipper; Manila to San Francisco by FAM 14; USA domestic airlines to New York.

Notes : Endorsed PAA upper right corner indicating Pan American Airways Pacific Clipper service. Marked 11 1/2grs by a Postal Clerk, indicating the weight. Uncommon commercial clipper cover from Macau.

Rate : 3p 80a

Posted : Nov 10, 1941 at Soerabaja

Route : KNILM from Soerabaja to Singapore; FAM 14 ANZAC Clipper departed Singapore on Nov 21 arriving at San Francisco Dec 1.

Notes : On Nov 13, 1941 the ANZAC Clipper departed San Francisco on what would be it'sLast Complete FAM 14 Flight. The ANZAC arrived in Singapore on 20, and departed Nov 21 for the return trip to San Francisco, arriving on Dec 1. This cover is backstamped San Francisco Dec 1, verifying that it was on the last complete flight of the ANZAC Clipper.

Rate : 1.65 Gld - Registered double airmail rate

Posted : Nov 11, 1941 at Tel Aviv

Probable Route : Tel Aviv to Tiberias, probably by surface transport. BOAC Horseshoe route to either Singapore or Sydney, to connect with either FAM 14 or FAM 19 to San Francisco; USA domestic transport to Pomona, CA.

Notes : Commercial cover with typed endorsement Transpacific Clipper. The date of posting - Nov 11, 1941, and the absence of any San Francisco censor tape, suggests that this cover was very likely carried on one of the Last Clipper flights, either from Singapore or Auckland. Had this cover missed the last clipper flight, it would have been delayed, and put on a ship to the USA, and there would be a San Francisco censor tape.

Rate : 500 millimes

Posted : Nov 14, 1941 at Singapore

Route : FAM 14 ANZAC Clipper departed Singapore on Nov 21 arriving at San Francisco Dec 1; USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Yankee Clipper departed New York on Dec 6, arrived at Lisbon Dec 7; by rail or European airlines to Geneva.

Notes : United Nations Forerunner cover posted from the League of Nations Eastern Bureau in Singapore to the Offices in Geneva, Switzerland. two-ocean airmail cover, carried on the last complete Pacific flight of the ANZAC clipper.

Rate : $2.00 - two-ocean rate

Posted : Friday Nov 14, 1941

Route : BOAC to Lisbon; FAM 18 Atlantic Clipper departed Lisbon Wednesday Nov 19, arriving New York Thursday Nov 20; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 19 Pacific Clipper departed San Francisco Dec 1, arriving in Auckland on Dec 7; TEAL from Auckland to Sydney.

Notes : Based on the date of posting, Nov 14, 1941, and the absence of any Return To Sender or Service Suspended markings, we can conclude that this cover was carried on the Last Outbound Flight of the Pacific Clipper, which departed San Francisco on Dec 1, and arrived in Auckland Dec 7. Because of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, Pan Am decided that the Clipper should return to New York instead of San Francisco. And so, on Dec 14, the Pacific Clipper left Auckland, and began the historic flight to New York, arriving Jan 6, 1942. This was the first commercial flight around the world by a Flying Boat.

Rate : 1 Pound 2sh 6p - 5 times the single rate.

Posted : Nov 14, 1941 at New York

Route : US domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 China Clipper departed San Francisco on Nov 19, arriving at Manila Nov 28; Hong Kong II shuttle Flight from Manila to Hong Kong on Nov 29.

Notes : Cover carried on the last outbound flight of the CHINA Clipper.

Rate : $.70 - 1oz Pacific Clipper rate to Hong Kong.

Posted : Nov 15, 1941 at Sydney

Route : Sydney to Auckland by TEAL; FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Nov 25 to San Francisco; USA domestic airlines to destination.


Notes : On Nov 17 the California Clipper departed San Francisco on what would be it's last pre-war flight. It arrived in Auckland on Nov 24, departing for the return trip to the USA on Nov 25, arriving in San Francisco on Dec 1. Because of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, this was the last flight of the California Clipper. This cover was posted in Sydney on Nov 15, and was carried on the last flight.

Rate : 4sh - single rate to the US

Posted : Nov 15, 1941 at Baghdad

Route : KLM or BOAC from Baghdad to Singapore ; Pan American Airways FAM 14 China Clipper departed Singapore Nov 30, arrived San Francisco, Dec 6, 1941 ; USA domestic airlines to Akron, Ohio. Backstamped Baghdad, San Francisco, Akron.

Notes : The last pre war flight of the China Clipper departed San Francisco on Nov 19, 1941, and after crossing the International Dateline, arrived in Singapore on Nov 29. It departed the next day, Nov 30, for the return trip to the USA, arriving in San Francisco on Dec 6. Due to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, and the US entry into World War II, this was the Last Flight of the China Clipper. This Registered cover has Singapore censor markings and is backstamped San Francisco Dec 6, 1941, verifying that it was carried on the Last Flight.

Rate : 1490 fils, the highest franking I have seen from Iraq, includes the rare use of the 1 Dinar King Ghazi issue, the highest face value stamp issued by Iraq during this period.

Posted : Nov 16, 1941

Probable Route : BOAC/KLM to Lisbon; FAM 18 Dixie Clipper departed Lisbon Monday Nov 24, arriving New York Tuesday Nov 25; USA domestic airlines to San Francisco; FAM 14 ANZAC clipper to Hawaii; offloaded at Hilo; censored in Hawaii; marked Returned To Writer.

Notes : On Dec 6,1941, the ANZAC Clipper, NC 18611, departed San Francisco on what would be it's Last Pre-war Flight. As the ANZAC approached Hawaii on the morning of Dec 7, it was informed by radio that Hawaii was under attack by the Japanese. The ANZAC was diverted to a River landing at Hilo, where all mail was quickly offloaded, and the ANZAC Clipper returned to San Francisco. This very interesting two-ocean cover was carried on the last flight, confirmed by the date of posting, the destination, and the Hawaii Censor handstamp RELEASED BY I.C.B. 223 on reverse. However, for some reason, the words RELEASED BY I.C.B. have been blacked out by hand, and there are two additional censor numbers on reverse - 3 and 137. The cover was addressed to Hong Kong, and is marked several times RETURN TO WRITER. However, there is no return address on the cover. This Return To Writer handstamp, does not look like one from Hawaii or the USA. This cover poses several questions. Why were the words RELEASED BY I.C.B. blacked out? Did one of the other censors black out the words RELEASED BY I.C.B. ? Where was the Return To Writer handstamp applied? Was there an attempt to deliver the cover to Hong Kong by an alternate route, or was it sent back to England from Hawaii? A very interesting cover.

Rate : 5sh - the two-ocean single rate

Posted : Nov 17, 1941 at Manila

Route : FAM 14 AMERICAN Clipper departed Manila Nov 18 arriving Honolulu Nov 25 and San Francisco Nov 27. USA domestic airlines to New York. Backstamped Honolulu, and New York.

Notes : Registered airmail cover carried on the Last Complete Flight of the AMERICAN Clipper. The AMERICAN made one more flight after this one, from San Francisco to Honolulu and back, on the Pan Am shuttle service. However, this was the last complete FAM 14 flight.

Rate : 1.20 p = 1.00p clipper rate + .20p Registration Fee.

Posted : Nov 17, 1941 at Suva

Route : FAM 19 California Clipper to Auckland ; boxed Censor handstamp lower left corner.

Notes : In November of 1941, Pan Am added Fiji as an overnight stop on the FAM 19 route between Canton Island and New Caledonia. There were only 3 outbound stops and 2 inbound stops at Fiji, before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into the war. Non philatelic covers are not common. This cover is postmarked Nov 17, 1941 at Suva and was carried on the last outbound flight of the California Clipper, which departed San Francisco Nov 17, arriving at Suva on Nov 21. After an overnight stop, it left the next day for Auckland, arriving Nov 24.

Rate : 1sh 2p

Posted : Nov 19, 1941 at Dunedin

Route : Dunedin to Auckland by domestic transport; Pan Am FAM 19 California Clipper departed Auckland Nov 25, arriving San Francisco Dec 1; USA domestic airlines to New York. Pan Am FAM 18 to Lisbon; BOAC / KLM to England.

Notes : On Nov 17 the California Clipper, NC 18602, departed San Francisco on what would be it's last pre-war flight. It arrived in Auckland on Nov 24, and departed for the return trip to the USA on Nov 25, arriving in San Francisco on Dec 1. Because of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, this was the last flight of the California Clipper. This cover was posted in Dunedin on Nov 19, and was carried on the last flight.

Rate : 5sh 9p - two-ocean rate

Posted : Nov 21, 1941 at San Pablo City

Route : Domestic transport to Manila; FAM 14 ANZAC Clipper departed Manila Nov 22 arriving Honolulu Nov 27 and San Francisco Dec 1. USA domestic airlines to New York; FAM 18 Yankee Clipper departed New York on Dec 6, stopped in Bermuda, and proceeded on to Lisbon, arriving Dec 7; from Lisbon either by rail or by European airlines to Switzerland; backstamped Manila, Honolulu Nov 27, New York Dec 3, and Thur, Switzerland Dec 20.

Notes : Registered two-ocean air cover carried on the Last Complete Flight of the ANZAC Clipper. The ANZAC made one more flight after this one, arriving in Hawaii on Dec 7 during the Japanese attack, and immediately returned to San Francisco. Bermuda PC 90 Censor tape, few known on covers originating in the Philippines.

Rate : 1.92 p = 1.72p two-ocean rate to Europe + .20p Registration Fee.