Jusqu-a Airmail Markings- A Study Ian Mcqueen [top] -

In the world of aerophilately (the study of airmail), "Jusqu'à Airmail Markings"

By continuing to study and analyze jusqu'a airmail markings, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and intriguing world of philately and airmail history. Jusqu-a Airmail Markings- A Study Ian McQueen

Philatelic Significance

• Rarity and desirability: Scarcity depends on route, period, and survival rate; Jusqu’à markings tied to short-lived routes or wartime reroutings are particularly sought after.
• Research value: They help reconstruct historical airmail routes, contractual service limits, and operational practices of postal administrations.
• Exhibiting: Covers with clear Jusqu’à markings, complete routing endorsements, and intact rate evidence are valuable exhibit items in postal history exhibits focusing on air transport.

originally published in 1993, is considered the definitive ground-breaking research on the subject. In the world of aerophilately (the study of

A. Authenticity & Forgery Detection

Forgeries of Jusqu’à markings exist. Unscrupulous sellers have added fake handstamps to common surface mail to inflate value. McQueen’s study includes detailed diagrams of genuine lettering, spacing, and ink colors. For example, he noted that genuine “Jusqu’à Casablanca” handstamps from 1929 have a distinctive broken ‘A’ in Casablanca—a die flaw that forgers miss. Rarity and desirability: Scarcity depends on route, period,

Ian McQueen’s "Jusqu’à Airmail Markings: A Study" (1993) and its 1995 supplement are essential, comprehensive reference works documenting postal markings that indicate the limit of airmail service. The studies catalog various handstamps and "mute" bars used to show where mail transitioned to surface transport, providing crucial context for philatelists interpreting complex, non-standardized routing. Learn more about the study from www.academia.edu

McQueen's study identifies several types of jusqu'a airmail markings, including:

• The South Atlantic Route (France to South America): The most common and diverse. Markings include Jusqu’à Natal (Brazil’s northeastern hump), Jusqu’à Rio, and Jusqu’à Buenos Aires.
• The Mediterranean & Levant (France to Middle East): Markings like Jusqu’à Beyrouth (Beirut) or Jusqu’à Damas reflected the overland desert crossings.
• The African Network (France to West/Central Africa): Markings such as Jusqu’à Dakar or Jusqu’à Brazzaville.
• The Far East (Marseille to Indochina): Extremely rare. Examples include Jusqu’à Saigon or Jusqu’à Hanoi.

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