Lot
1280 
1938, 30¢ Presidential, two singles, used with 10¢ Prexie (815), all tied by two strikes of "Springfield Mo., Dec 8, 1941" duplex on air mail cover to Hong Kong, China for the 70¢ Trans-Pacific rate, "Examined By 1652" censor tape at left, purple "Returned to Sender, Service Suspended." two-line handstamp, Very Fine and choice. Scott No. 830 Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
AN EARLY SERVICE SUSPENDED TRANS-PACIFIC USE SENT THE DAY AFTER THE JAPANESE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR WHEN TRANS-PACIFIC SERVICE WAS SUSPENDED.
After the Japanese December 7th 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, trans-Pacific flights west from Hawaii ceased. Mail to Japanese-occupied places was returned to the senders, as was the case with this cover addressed to Hong Kong. Mail to other places was rerouted for transatlantic transport to the destinations.
Realized: $700