Lot
655 
Hong Kong, 1936 Hong Kong Airmail to U.S. Two covers at $4.20 per half ounce for sea mail (20c) from Hong Kong to Manila, then Pan American Airways "China Clipper" service to San Francisco. Although PAA transpacific service to Manila began in Nov 1935 (FAM 14), Hong Kong PO did not officially announce service and provide a rate structure until 2 Mar 1936. This rate and combination sea / air routing was effectively eliminated when PAA extended air service to Hong Kong in Apr 1937. Both covers bear 1934 type "By Air Mail / Par Avion" etiquette. 1) Commercial airmail envelope with KGV $2 carmine and black pair and 20c violet and green cancelled "Hong Kong Air Mail 20 Oc 36", to Chicago. 2) Envelope with KGV $3 green and black with upper left corner sheet selvage, $1 purple and blue with sheet number "2" selvage at top, and 20c violet and green, cancelled "Victoria Hong Kong 9 De 36" to Oberlin, O., Very Fine, about a dozen examples of this $4.20 rate for combination sea / air transpacific routing seen. Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $525