Show Me Your Airmail Covers, Envelope Designs

Not sure how many there are, but those are what I have run across so far

A 1969 first flight cover. Special airmail borders are less frequently seen on envelopes of the 1960s forward.

It has been quite awhile since I posted to this thread, but I still have some variant airmail borders that have not been written up. This one is a recent acquisition, the design of which I have been seeking for years.

I have only seen three examples of this border with helicopters on the top and rickshaws on the bottom. The first was too expensive, the second I was out bid, and, finally, secured this third one. This envelope appears to be of commercial origin as opposed to philatelic. Most commercial manufactured airmail envelopes were used for personal or business correspondence and just not saved. This cover probably carried personal correspondence.

Don

Out of the shoe box is this cover with a "Words & Phrases: air mail border. A triple purpose cover commemorating a first-flight on Route CAM 34, New York to Los Angeles; the inauguration of air express, air mail and passenger service from Columbus, Ohio, and Air Mail Day, Oct 25, 1930, at Columbus, Ohio. I collected the cover for its different and somewhat wordy airmail border. The cover is a Linprint design according to the small print in the lower left corner.

Don



The cachet on the reverse declaring Air Mail Day in Columbus, OH

A "Words & Phrases" border on the front of this somewhat roughly handled, but nicely canceled 1949 non-philatelic cover. The border continues on the reverse without the words, just small blue and red squares. This looks like commercially printed airmail stationery.

Don

A recent philatelic event cover acquisition with a different border for my Air Mail Borders collection. It could go in either the Stars, Flags, or Shapes (blue rectangle) category. The five cents franking was still good for June, 1932. The rate went to eight cents on July 5th.

I don't remember posting this airmail border before. It is out of my "shoe box album" and destined for my Words & Phrases Airmail Border collection. The PanAm Clipper flights generated several special borders. This one does not continue on the reverse.

Don

DonSellos, the C20-C22 Transpacific Airmails are some of my favorites. Your cover is a beautiful example, especially with the unique border.

Both you and Zepman inspired me to start collecting interesting airmail borders. Would you mind if I borrow some of your categories for my own collection? They are very descriptive.

Not exactly a border, but here is one I particularly like.

gslaten:

Thanks for the kind words about my clipper cover. You may use any of my terminology you find useful.

Glad to see another collector of airmail borders. The field is wide open with most examples available at reasonable cost.

Don

Adding via "edit" that I also include your latest cover in my collection. While not a border it may qualify as an airmail designator. I remember it as a Washington Press cover.

Here's one

Here's a first flight cover.