Philatelic Or Commercially Used?

Hi all

I got this AFALS not too long ago and it was listed as a philatelic cover. When I saw it, I had my doubts about it being philatelic and believe it to be commercially used through military mail channels.

For one, the address is crossed out and even the MPO #333 is as well and the front has a couple of 're-directed' markings. The back of the sheet has a few military markings and a re-directional marking as well.

What do you all think about this item?? Is it philatelic or commercially used?

Chimo

Bujutsu

Is the return addressee the same Ken Barlow as the Ken Barlow that is a board member of the Grand River Valley Philatelic Association?

If so, it is suspect, off the bat...

What does "no record wing" mean? Was this mailed to an impossible address in order to collect a returned envelope?

I don't know anything specific, but you asked...

My 2d.

The cover is addressed to well-known philatelist R. V. Furneaux. There appears to be no writing in the air letter, a sure sign that the mailing was contrived.

A number of philatelists serving in the Canadian armed forces, especially in the 1960s and 70s, were prolific producers of military mail. Many military postmarks and markings are only seen on philatelic covers. They are collectible and better than nothing if you can't find a commercial cover with a specific marking.

Recipient identified...sender possibly identified...both philatelists. Game, set, match.

Seems like an exceptionally fair and balanced item description.

Still nice to have.

I should point out that the letter did travel to Marville, France (CFPO 108 General Delivery) then was redirected to Postal Tracking Station, MPO 333, Ottawa, but it may still have been philatelically inspired.

Just because the letter went to a Philatelist does not make it a Philatelic cover automatically. Is it paying the proper rate ?

Does it have a nice letter written in it? If not, philatelic without a doubt.

Thanks all for your input.

I tend to think now that this was philatelically contrived.

When I posted this thread, I never thought to check the inside for any messages, and did so just mopments ago, and 'no', there are no written contents, which only adds to the philatelic aspect.

Still nice cancellations on the sheets regardless.

Chimo

Bujutsu