Pacific Clipper Postal History During World War II



PORTUGAL



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

Portugal to Philippine Islands

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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

Portugal to China

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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

Portugal to Hong Kong

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