Lebanon (1955) Cover / Beirut to Skive (Denmark)

Description

Lebanon – 1955 – International Airmail Cover – Beirut to Skive, Denmark

International airmail cover mailed from Beirut to Denmark on 28 November 1955, bearing a colourful multiple franking of contemporary Lebanese airmail definitives and Arab Postal Union issues.

Overview

Commercially used international airmail cover sent from Beirut, Lebanon, to Skive, Denmark, cancelled on 28 November 1955. The cover bears a substantial 55 Piastres multiple franking composed of recently issued Lebanese airmail definitives, including stamps from the Fruit series and the Arab Postal Union issue of 1955.

Technical Details

• Country: Lebanon
• Date: 28 November 1955
• Origin: Beirut
• Destination: Skive, Denmark
• Postal Service: International Airmail
• Total Franking: 55 Piastres
• Airmail Etiquette: Trilingual “AIR MAIL / PAR AVION” label with Arabic inscription
• Sender’s Label: “Please don’t bend! – Philatelic Mail”

Philatelic Description

The cover is franked with a colourful combination of Lebanese airmail issues comprising two 2.50 Piastres Arab Postal Union stamps, two 15 Piastres Fruit definitives, two 5 Piastres Fruit definitives and one 10 Piastres Fruit definitive, for a total franking of 55 Piastres. The stamps are cancelled by clear Beirut datestamps dated 28 November 1955. Although identified by the sender as Philatelic Mail, the cover was genuinely carried through the postal system to Denmark.

Postal History

During the 1950s Beirut was one of the principal postal and commercial centres of the eastern Mediterranean, maintaining regular international airmail services with Europe. This cover illustrates the use of contemporary Lebanese airmail issues on overseas correspondence and documents postal communication between Lebanon and Scandinavia during the post-war period.

Historical Background

The Lebanese Arab Postal Union issue celebrated regional postal cooperation, while the attractive Fruit definitives formed part of the country’s contemporary airmail series introduced during 1955. Their combined use on a genuinely travelled international cover provides an attractive example of Lebanese postal history during the mid-twentieth century.

Condition

• Well preserved commercial airmail cover.
• Complete 55 Piastres multiple franking.
• Beirut cancellations clearly visible.
• Original trilingual airmail etiquette present.
• Original “Please don’t bend! – Philatelic Mail” sender’s label retained.
• Minor handling wear consistent with postal transport and age.

Collecting Areas

• Lebanon
• Lebanese Airmail
• Arab Postal Union
• Fruit Definitives
• International Airmail
• Beirut Postal History
• Denmark Destination
• Commercial Mail
• Middle East Postal History

Philatelic Significance

This cover represents an attractive example of mid-1950s Lebanese international airmail, combining contemporary definitive and commemorative issues on a genuinely travelled overseas letter. Its appeal lies in the colourful 55 Piastres multiple franking, the use of two important Lebanese stamp issues released during 1955, the clearly struck Beirut cancellations and the Scandinavian destination. The combination of genuine postal usage and careful philatelic preparation makes it a desirable item for collections of Lebanese postal history, Middle Eastern airmail and post-war international correspondence.