Description
A historically rich WWII soldier’s “Free” cover mailed from APO 711 (Manila, Philippines) and addressed to Philadelphia. The envelope bears a bold multicolor U.S. Marine Corps patriotic label-“From the Halls of Montezuma…” with Globe & Anchor and battle ribbons-and includes the original multi-page letter describing conditions in Manila and attempts to obtain Philippine or Australian stamps. Backstamped “RE’D SEP 29 1945.”
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Date/Origin: Sep 19, 1945 machine cancel, APO 711 Manila; soldier’s free-franked mail
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Patriotic label: Large WWII USMC label (1775-1943) with Marine Hymn motif and theater ribbons (Midway, Solomons, etc.)
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Contents: Original multi-page letter with period details (Manila, Aussie PO references) adds strong postal-history interest
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Collecting areas: USMC, Philippines/Manila, APO/FPO, V-J Day era, patriotic labels, military postal history
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Condition: Normal wartime toning and light edge/corner wear; a few tiny ink specks; flap sound; letter clean. Overall very presentable-please view all photos for exact condition and completeness
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Shipping: We offer combined shipping on postal covers
An attractive, content-rich piece from the immediate post-V-J Day period that bridges USMC patriotic imagery with on-the-ground Manila correspondence-great crossover appeal for both Marine Corps and Philippines postal-history collectors.
#72
