Jusqu'a Airmail Markings: How They Changed the World of Philately by Ian McQueen

Jusqu'a Airmail Markings: A Study Ian McQueen

If you are a philatelist, or a stamp collector, you might have come across some curious markings on some airmail envelopes. These markings are called jusqu'a airmail markings, and they are a fascinating aspect of postal history. In this article, we will explore what these markings are, how to identify them, why they are important, and how to collect and preserve them. We will also learn from the expert insights of Ian McQueen, a renowned researcher and author on this topic.

Jusqu'a Airmail Markings: A Study Ian McQueen

What are Jusqu'a Airmail Markings?

Jusqu'a airmail markings are special handstamps or labels that were applied to airmail envelopes to indicate the destination or limit of the air service. The word jusqu'a is French for "until" or "up to". These markings were used in the early days of airmail, when not all countries had regular or reliable air connections. Therefore, some mail had to be flown only part of the way, and then transferred to surface mail for the rest of the journey.

The first jusqu'a airmail marking was used in France in 1920, when the postal authorities introduced a new service that allowed mail to be flown from Paris to London, and then forwarded by surface mail to any destination in the British Empire. The mail was marked with a red label that read "PAR AVION JUSQU'A LONDRES" (By air until London). This service was popular and profitable, and soon other countries followed suit with their own jusqu'a services and markings.

How to Identify Jusqu'a Airmail Markings?

There are many types and varieties of jusqu'a airmail markings, depending on the country, route, period, and format. Some of the most common types are:

• Labels: These are adhesive stickers that were affixed to the envelopes, usually in red or blue color. They usually have the words "PAR AVION JUSQU'A" or "BY AIR MAIL UNTIL" followed by the name of the city or country where the air service ended.

• Handstamps: These are inked impressions that were stamped on the envelopes, either by hand or by machine. They usually have a similar wording as the labels, but sometimes they also include additional information such as dates, rates, or flight numbers.

• Cachets: These are decorative designs that were printed or stamped on the envelopes, usually in conjunction with the labels or handstamps. They often feature logos, symbols, maps, or images related to the air service or the destination.

Here are some examples of jusqu'a airmail markings from different countries and periods:

Country

Marking

Description

France

The first jusqu'a airmail marking, used from 1920 to 1925.

Germany

A handstamp used from 1926 to 1934 for mail flown to Berlin and then forwarded by surface mail to other destinations.

Canada

A cachet used from 1928 to 1931 for mail flown to the USA and then forwarded by surface mail to other countries.

Australia

A label used from 1934 to 1939 for mail flown to England and then forwarded by surface mail to other destinations.

India

A handstamp used from 1937 to 1946 for mail flown to Karachi and then forwarded by surface mail to other destinations.

Why are Jusqu'a Airmail Markings Important?

Jusqu'a airmail markings are important for several reasons. First, they are a testimony of the development and challenges of airmail in the early 20th century, when aviation was still a new and risky endeavor. They show how postal authorities tried to offer faster and more convenient services to their customers, while coping with the limitations and uncertainties of the air routes and connections. They also reflect the political and historical changes that affected the world during that period, such as wars, revolutions, alliances, and decolonization.

Second, they are a source of interest and enjoyment for philatelists, who can appreciate their variety, rarity, and beauty. Jusqu'a airmail markings are among the most sought-after and collectible items in airmail philately, as they offer many opportunities for research, classification, and display. They can also tell stories about the people who sent and received the mail, the places they visited or lived in, and the events they witnessed or participated in.

How to Collect and Preserve Jusqu'a Airmail Markings?

If you are interested in collecting jusqu'a airmail markings, here are some tips and resources to help you get started:

• Get a good catalog: A catalog is a reference book that lists and describes the different types of jusqu'a airmail markings, along with their prices and rarity. A good catalog will help you identify and evaluate the markings you encounter, as well as learn more about their history and background. One of the most comprehensive and authoritative catalogs on this topic is Jusqu'a Airmails of the World: The Story of the 'Until' Labels, by Ian McQueen (2009).

• Join a club or society: A club or society is a group of people who share a common interest in a specific area of philately. Joining a club or society will help you meet other collectors, exchange information and advice, attend meetings and exhibitions, and access publications and newsletters. Some of the clubs or societies that focus on airmail philately are: The American Air Mail Society (AAMS), The British Air Mail Society (BAMS), The France & Colonies Philatelic Society (FCPS), and The India Study Circle for Philately (ISC).

• Buy from reputable dealers or auctions: A dealer or an auction is a person or an organization that sells stamps or covers to collectors. Buying from reputable dealers or auctions will help you find quality material, avoid fakes or forgeries, and get fair prices. Some of the dealers or auctions that specialize in airmail philately are: Aerophil (USA), Cherrystone Auctions (USA), David Feldman (Switzerland), Harmers International (USA), Heinrich Köhler (Germany), and Spink (UK).

and significance, as well as tells a story or a theme. You can use frames, cases, boards, or stands to display your collection. You can also use labels, captions, or descriptions to explain your collection.

Conclusion

Jusqu'a airmail markings are more than just stamps or labels. They are a window into the history and evolution of airmail, as well as the world at large. They are also a treasure for philatelists, who can appreciate their diversity, scarcity, and beauty. By following the tips and resources we have shared in this article, you can start or enhance your own collection of jusqu'a airmail markings, and enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of this hobby.

FAQs

What does jusqu'a mean?

Jusqu'a is a French word that means "until" or "up to". It is used to indicate the destination or limit of the air service for airmail envelopes.

When were jusqu'a airmail markings first used?

The first jusqu'a airmail marking was used in France in 1920, for a service that flew mail from Paris to London, and then forwarded it by surface mail to any destination in the British Empire.

How many types of jusqu'a airmail markings are there?

There are many types and varieties of jusqu'a airmail markings, depending on the country, route, period, and format. Some of the most common types are labels, handstamps, and cachets.

How can I identify and evaluate jusqu'a airmail markings?

You can use a catalog, such as Jusqu'a Airmails of the World: The Story of the 'Until' Labels, by Ian McQueen, to identify and evaluate jusqu'a airmail markings. You can also consult other collectors, dealers, or experts for more information and advice.

How can I collect and preserve jusqu'a airmail markings?

You can collect jusqu'a airmail markings by joining a club or society, buying from reputable dealers or auctions, and attending shows or exhibitions. You can preserve jusqu'a airmail markings by storing them in acid-free materials and displaying them in a proper way. 71b2f0854b