Description
WWII “soldier’s free mail” cover from U.S. Army Postal Service APO 986 (Aleutian Islands theater) dated AUG 25, 1943. The sender, Sgt. A. C. Rockwell, 73rd Bombardment Sq. (M), endorsed “FREE” at upper right-no stamp required-then the letter was Army-censored and entered the mails via the Seattle postmaster routing used for the Aleutians. En route to Hartford, Connecticut, it was misdirected and boldly handstamped “MISSENT TO PINE ORCHARD” with a matching PINE ORCHARD, CONN. SEP 15, 1943 machine cancel before being forwarded. A great crossover piece combining military history, censorship, auxiliary markings, and Connecticut postal history.
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APO 986, AUG 25, 1943 circular datestamp (Aleutians service)
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“FREE” soldier mail privilege used in lieu of postage
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Boxed “PASSED BY U.S. ARMY EXAMINER 2043” censor handstamp
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Bold straight-line “MISSENT TO PINE ORCHARD” auxiliary marking
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Pine Orchard, Conn. SEP 15, 1943 transit cancel on front
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Sender identified as 73rd Bombardment Squadron (M)
Condition notes: clean, legible strikes; light edge wear and toning from age, a tiny pinhole/speck near center, and slight corner/handling bends as shown. No contents. Please view all photos for exact condition.
Shipped in a protective sleeve and rigid mailer; we offer combined shipping on postal covers.
#47
