The work is typically found in two parts, reflecting the rapid growth of information following the initial release:
In many cases, "Jusqu’à" was printed as a standard form, and the specific destination city was written in by hand by the sorting clerk. 3. Key Routes and Historical Context Jusqu-a Airmail Markings- A Study Ian McQueen
In the niche but demanding field of aerophilately—the study of airmail history—few artifacts are as deceptively simple, yet as richly complex, as the Jusqu’à marking. At first glance, these French words meaning “as far as” appear as routine postal instructions. However, in his seminal study, Jusqu’à Airmail Markings , the renowned postal historian Ian McQueen elevates these seemingly minor handstamps and labels into a crucial lens for understanding the chaotic, innovative, and politically fraught birth of international airmail service between the World Wars. The work is typically found in two parts,
This book is a must-have for anyone interested in airmail markings, postal history, or philately. I strongly recommend it to collectors, researchers, and institutions seeking to add a valuable resource to their library. At first glance, these French words meaning “as
This essay assumes the perspective of a critical review or analytical preface to McQueen’s (hypothetical or specialized) work, situating it within the context of postal history.
McQueen provides an exhaustive listing of known "Jusqu’à" markings from across the globe, categorizing them by country, city, and specific physical characteristics. Historical Context: Beyond a mere list, the study explains the Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Perhaps the most valuable contribution of McQueen’s work is his analysis of the “unspoken contract” between postal administrations. He argues that the Jusqu’à marking was a risk-management tool. If an airmail consignment was forced to offload at an intermediate point due to weather or mechanical failure, the marking protected the postal authority from claims of non-delivery by air. By clearly stating the intended limit, the marking transferred the risk of delay to the sender. McQueen cites a fascinating 1933 memo from the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain, which attempted to standardize such markings, only to see the effort fail due to national pride and competing airline interests. This episode, meticulously reconstructed from archival correspondence, is a highlight of the study.