Australia Melbourne to USA 1941 WWII Censored NOT Opened Cover Slogan Postmark

Item Specifics

Country

Australia

Condition

Cover (Postal History)

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Grade: Ungraded
Postal History Item: Cover Origin and Destination: From: PHILLIPS, ORMONDE, Le PLASTRIER & KELSON, PATENT ATTORNEYS, 419 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE C1, AUSTRALIA. To: Mr. Harold A. Swanson, P.O. Box No. 2, HARRISON, NEW JERSEY, U.S. AMERICA. Stamp: Australia, 3d (three pence) blue, King George VI definitive. Postmark & Slogan Cancel: Dispatch Postmark: Rectangular machine cancel: MELBOURNE / VICTORIA Date: FEBRUARY 7, 1941 (7 FEB 1941). Time: 4 AM. Slogan Cancel (to the left of stamp): "BUY — / WAR SAVINGS / CERTIFICATES". Censor Markings: Australian Censor Handstamp (Front): Diamond-shaped violet handstamp. Text: "3 / NOT / OPENED BY / CENSOR". Note: This indicates the letter was passed by the censorship authorities without being physically opened, which could occur for various reasons, such as mail from known reputable firms or random selection. Additional Markings: Printed return instruction: "IF NOT CLAIMED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS PLEASE RETURN TO..." Travel Details: From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. To: Harrison, New Jersey, USA. Dispatch Date: February 7, 1941. Mode of Transport: Likely sea mail. The 3d rate was the standard surface letter rate to the USA. Approximate Travel Distance (Melbourne to Harrison, NJ via sea routes): Approx. 16,500-18,500 km (10,250-11,500 miles). Historical Context for Postmark Date (February 7, 1941): World War II: The war was well underway. The Battle of Britain had concluded, but the air war continued. The North African campaign was active. Australia's Involvement: Australia was deeply involved in the war effort. The "BUY WAR SAVINGS CERTIFICATES" slogan was a key part of the national drive to fund the war. United States Neutrality (Pre-Pearl Harbor): The United States was still officially neutral, but the Lend-Lease Act, which would significantly increase aid to the Allies, was being debated in Congress and would be signed the following month (March 1941). Censorship: All international mail from Australia was subject to censorship. The "NOT OPENED BY CENSOR" mark is less common than the "OPENED BY CENSOR" labels/tapes and indicates a specific decision by the censor. Patent Attorneys: The sender was a firm of patent attorneys, indicating business or legal correspondence. This cover is a notable example of professional correspondence from Australia to the USA during World War II, featuring a patriotic "War Savings Certificates" slogan and the less common "NOT OPENED BY CENSOR" marking.

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