Description
This is an original WWII-era soldier’s free-frank cover postmarked Chandler, Arizona, August 11, 1942, from Pvt. C. M. Czubay, 53rd School Squadron, Williams Field Army Air Base. The cover is addressed to Walter Czubay in Astoria, Long Island, New York. Instead of a stamp, it bears the handwritten endorsement “Soldiers Mail Free,” reflecting the newly authorized WWII free-franking privilege for servicemen.
The cover features a striking cachet design of a world map with the phrase “Collect Covers Carried by Land – Sea – Air.” While many patriotic cachets were mass-produced, this particular design is scarce-no identical examples have been located in major philatelic references, suggesting a very limited or possibly unique production tied to Williams Field.
Key points:
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Clear August 11, 1942 Chandler, AZ cancellation
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Soldier’s free mail-no stamp required, marked “Soldiers Mail Free”
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Williams Field Army Air Base origin, tied to pilot training during WWII
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Distinctive Land – Sea – Air cachet with globe illustration
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Back is blank, no additional cachet maker markings
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Condition: Very good overall with light toning; see photos for details
A desirable and scarce WWII military postal history cover that connects patriotic cachet collecting, Army Air Base history, and soldier free-franking in one piece.
Single cover ships via eBay Standard Envelope (tracked). If you purchase 2+ covers or request rigid packing, I’ll upgrade to USPS Ground Advantage (tracked) and combine shipping.
#468
