Auction No. 47
Lot 67
Postage Due.
Haifa Transitional Period Cover with 'T' Provisional Postage Dues:
Cover posted from Haifa on May 16, 1948, encapsulates the tumultuous political atmosphere of the time, evident by the absence of regular postage stamps, likely a result of shortages or disruptions. Stamped with cancellation marks and a prominent 'T' symbol, alongside a "To Pay" box indicating '20mil', the cover illustrates the state's proactive stance in addressing stamp shortages by introducing payment upon delivery measures. Upon its arrival in Haifa on May 17, 1948, owing to a shortage of postage due stamps, the cover displayed Haifa's makeshift postage dues totaling 20 mils - consisting of 15 mils and 5 mils Doar Ivri stamps with tabs, both stamped with Haifa's 'T' to designate them as postage dues.
This Haifa transitional period cover offers collectors a unique chance to own a historically significant postal artifact. During the May 20th to May 31st, 1948 transition, Doar Ivri stamps were repurposed as makeshift postage dues with "T" overprints until official postage dues stamps debuted on June 1st, 1948, showcasing adaptability amidst political change.