The study's strength is its truly global scope. McQueen's methodical approach provided key insights into the postal history of dozens of nations. For many, his work serves as the first consolidated reference for their airmail markings.
The study of Jusqu'a Airmail Markings is significant not only for collectors and researchers, but also for historians and scholars of transportation and communication. These markings provide a unique window into the development of air transportation and communication systems, and offer insights into the social and economic factors that drove these developments. By studying Jusqu'a markings, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of global communication and transportation networks, and the ways in which these networks have shaped modern society.
McQueen identified three distinct physical forms, which are crucial for authentication: Jusqu-a Airmail Markings- A Study Ian McQueen
His study, published in the late 1970s (with updates through the 1980s in journals like The Airpost Journal and France & Colonies Philatelic Society ), remains the unchallenged typology for these markings.
Forgeries of Jusqu’à markings exist. Unscrupulous sellers have added fake handstamps to common surface mail to inflate value. McQueen’s study includes detailed diagrams of genuine lettering, spacing, and ink colors. For example, he noted that genuine “Jusqu’à Casablanca” handstamps from 1929 have a distinctive broken ‘A’ in Casablanca —a die flaw that forgers miss. The study's strength is its truly global scope
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McQueen’s study highlights several distinct types of markings that aerophilatelists encounter. These markings can be broadly divided into three structural categories: The study of Jusqu'a Airmail Markings is significant
However, McQueen’s work is not without its gentle critiques. Some specialist collectors might argue that he overemphasizes French and British systems at the expense of equally rich German Luftpost bis markings or Dutch TOT… markings. Additionally, the book’s physical production—dense with philatelic jargon and lacking a full-color plate section for the rarest markings—makes it daunting for the beginner. It is a book written by a connoisseur for other connoisseurs.
To appreciate the significance of McQueen’s study, one must first understand the terminology. The phrase Jusqu'à translates from French as "as far as" or "up to."