Postal History of the World

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Ryukyu Islands

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Ryukyu

Lot 2372

40.00 CAD

Live

1918 (November 6), stampless naval cover from U.S. Naval Base Brest, France to Paris, on the printed corner card stationery of The Farmers'

1918 (November 6), stampless naval cover from U.S. Naval Base Brest, France to Paris, on the printed corner card stationery of The Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, Paris, with manuscript sender identification "T. Mac Isaac, U.S.N. Forces Oper. in European Waters," struck with a U.S. Naval Base Brest c.d.s. (6 Nov 1918) with matching duplex and blue circular Passed By Censor / U.S.N. / 37 anchor handstamp, open three sides with vertical crease, fine, sent from the primary port of debarkation for American forces in France, only five days before the Armistice.

Lot 2386

100.00 CAD

Live

1943 (July 18), Solomon Islands campaign, Battle of Kula Gulf, cover & sailor's letter from U.S.S. Helena, to Newman, California, franked

1943 (July 18), Solomon Islands campaign, Battle of Kula Gulf, cover & sailor's letter from U.S.S. Helena, to Newman, California, franked with three 2c carmine Army and Navy "for Defense" issues, tied by U.S. Navy c.d.s. (18 Jul), with circular Passed By Naval Censor handstamp signed "RD," accompanied by typewritten one-page letter, fresh and very fine, a scarce example from the Solomon Islands, sent in the days following the sinking of the Helena. The U.S.S. Helena was sunk by Japanese torpedoes at the Battle of Kula Gulf on 6 Jul 1943, twelve days before this letter was mailed. In it, Holman confirms his survival and writes that "the only thing I managed to save was myself and my money, everything else was lost including my watch," and expresses frustration that the sinking was announced before survivors could contact their families.

Lot 2387

40.00 CAD

Live

1945 (March 7), Iwo Jima, airmail cover from H&S Btry. 3rd Bn. 13th Marines, 5th Marine Division, F.M.F., to St. Louis, Missouri, franked

1945 (March 7), Iwo Jima, airmail cover from H&S Btry. 3rd Bn. 13th Marines, 5th Marine Division, F.M.F., to St. Louis, Missouri, franked with a 6c carmine Transport airmail, tied by U.S. Navy c.d.s. (7 Mar), with violet Passed By Naval Censor handstamp, manuscript "LETTER #161" notation, return address identifying the sender's unit, very fine. The 13th Marines served as the artillery regiment of the 5th Marine Division, which led the assault on the southern sector of Iwo Jima and the capture of Mount Suribachi. As the island had no established post office during the battle, mail was collected and taken offshore to U.S. Navy vessels for processing. March 7 was during the period of mass Japanese suicide counter attacks in which hundreds were killed.

Lot 2388

40.00 CAD

Live

1945 (June 19), Okinawa, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, to Salyersville, Kentucky, franked with a 6c carmine Transport

1945 (June 19), Okinawa, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, to Salyersville, Kentucky, franked with a 6c carmine Transport airmail, tied by U.S. Army Postal Service / A.P.O. 7 c.d.s. (19 Jun), with violet Passed By Examiner censor handstamp and an Korean-text oval handstamp at centre, containing Chosŏn-gŭl characters, with five-page letter enclosed detailing the ongoing conflict, reduced at right, some toning spots to stamp, else fine. In his letter, Pfc. Flint describes life in a "wet fox hole," notes that "towns are just rubble," and mentions enclosing Japanese postal cards for his wife; he characterises himself as "not a warrior… but I will fight when it is necessary."