In the world of aerophilately (the study of airmail), "Jusqu'à Airmail Markings"
refers to a specific type of instructional mark found on historical covers. The term "jusqu'à" is French for "as far as" or "until," and these markings were used to indicate that a piece of mail was only to be carried by air for a portion of its journey. The Purpose of Jusqu'à Markings
When a sender requested airmail service (often by using an "Air Mail" etiquette or stamp), the postal service might only be able to fulfill that request for part of the route due to limited flight paths or insufficient postage. The Marking
: Postal workers would apply a "Jusqu'à" handstamp or use parallel bars to "cancel" the airmail instruction for the remainder of the trip. The Translation : A mark might effectively say, "Airmail
(up to) London," meaning from London onwards, the letter would travel by train or ship. Historical Significance
: These marks are rare and highly sought after by collectors because they tell a precise story of logistics, showing exactly where a letter transitioned from air to surface transport. Ian McQueen’s "A Study"
Ian McQueen is a renowned philatelic author who specialized in these often-overlooked auxiliary markings. His book, "Jusqu'à Airmail Markings: A Study,"
originally published in 1993, is considered the definitive ground-breaking research on the subject.
: It provides a comprehensive, illustrated listing of different Jusqu'à handstamps and related air-cancel marks from around the world. The Supplement Jusqu-a Airmail Markings- A Study Ian McQueen
: In 1995, McQueen published a supplement that was actually longer than the original study (163 pages vs. 109 pages), reflecting a massive influx of new information from collectors who had discovered new markings after his first volume. Other Works : McQueen also wrote Airmail Directional Handstamps (A Study) , which covers wider "directional" markings.
These studies are essential for any postal historian trying to "deconstruct" a cover to understand why a letter took the path it did. You can find used copies of his works on specialty sites like Are you looking to identify a specific marking on a piece of mail you currently have?
In the realm of aerophilately, few works are as definitive as Ian McQueen's "Jusqu’à Airmail Markings – A Study." Originally published in 1993, this ground-breaking text—and its subsequent 1995 supplement—transformed a previously neglected niche of postal history into a structured field of academic and collectible interest. Understanding "Jusqu'à" Markings
The term jusqu’à is French for "as far as" or "up to". In a postal context, these markings were used to indicate the point at which airmail service ended for a particular piece of mail.
The Problem: During the early decades of flight (roughly 1919 to the mid-1950s), air routes were not always comprehensive. A sender might pay for airmail to a final destination, but the plane might only fly half the way.
The Solution: Postal clerks applied "jusqu'à" handstamps or "mute" parallel bars to signify that the request for airmail service was only partially fulfilled. These markings notified the next postal hub that the letter should continue its journey via surface mail (train or ship). Ian McQueen’s Meticulous Research
McQueen’s study is lauded for its exhaustive classification of these often-confusing auxiliary markings. Because the Universal Postal Union (UPU) did not formally regulate the appearance of these stamps, hundreds of variations emerged worldwide.
Taxonomy of Marks: McQueen divided handstamps into logical categories, such as bar cancels, cross cancels, and specific text-based instructions. In the world of aerophilately (the study of
Comprehensive Listing: The study provides an inventory of known handstamps organized by country of origin, where most of these marks were applied.
Rich Illustrations: The book is noted for its high-quality images, which serve as an essential tool for collectors trying to identify and authenticate their own covers. The Evolution of the Study
The work is typically found in two parts, reflecting the rapid growth of information following the initial release:
Volume I (1993): The primary study detailing the origins, usage, and initial inventory of markings.
The Supplement (1995): Published just two years later, this volume is actually larger than the original (163 pages vs. 109 pages), containing a massive influx of new data from the philatelic community.
For those interested in adding these volumes to their library, specialist dealers like Phila Art or HH Sales often stock copies, though they are increasingly rare and valued by researchers. Legacy in Philately
Ian McQueen's work remains a cornerstone for postal historians because it answers—and often raises—critical questions about international mail routes and regional postal operations. By the mid-1950s, as global air travel became standard, the need for "jusqu'à" markings faded, leaving behind a finite and fascinating era of markings that McQueen has perfectly preserved for future study.
Title: Navigating the Skies: An Overview of "Jusqu'à Airmail Markings - A Study" by Ian McQueen The Marking : Postal workers would apply a
In the specialized world of aerophilately, few topics are as visually distinct and historically significant as the evolution of airmail markings. Among the essential literature on this subject is "Jusqu'à Airmail Markings: A Study" by Ian McQueen. This work serves as a critical reference for collectors and historians seeking to understand the transitional period of aviation history and postal logistics.
The most practical section of the book is a massive table cross-referencing destinations. For example, if a cover shows "Jusqu’a Brindisi," McQueen details exactly how much the sender should have paid. If the postage doesn’t match the marking, the cover is either a philatelic fake or a rare "underpaid" postage due item.
In the vast and intricate world of aerophilately, where the romance of early flight meets the rigid protocols of postal administration, few marginalia have intrigued collectors as much as the humble "Jusqu’a" marking. At first glance, it appears merely as a French phrase meaning "as far as" or "up to." But for serious students of airmail history, these two words unlock a complex narrative of international cooperation, border control, and the logistical nightmares of the interwar period.
The definitive reference on this niche subject is widely considered to be the seminal work, Jusqu’a Airmail Markings: A Study by Ian McQueen. This monograph, long out of print but legendary among specialized collectors, transformed how postal historians understand the transit of airmail before the standardization of UPU (Universal Postal Union) labels.
This article explores the origins of these markings, McQueen’s groundbreaking classification system, and why his 1980s study remains the gold standard for authenticating covers from the golden age of aviation.
No study is perfect. Modern scholars have noted that McQueen focused heavily on British Imperial routes (London-centric) and largely ignored "Jusqu’a" markings used within South America or on German Lufthansa routes. Additionally, his study stops abruptly at the outbreak of WWII in 1939.
However, the phrase "per McQueen" remains the standard citation in expertization certificates. When the Philatelic Foundation or BPA (British Philatelic Association) certifies a "Jusqu’a" cover, they are essentially verifying that the marking conforms to the parameters set forth in Jusqu’a Airmail Markings: A Study by Ian McQueen.
Author: Ian McQueen