Open cover with no content, airmailed from Athens to Drama bearing a violet triple-ring commemorative handstamp in Greek “ΕΝΑΡΞΙΣ ΑΕΡΟΠ. ΣΥΓΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ – ΔΡΑΜΑΣ / ΜΑΪΟΣ 1934” (Inauguration of Air Communication Athens-Drama / May 1934);
Stamped with a black boxed GPO (Athens) airmail cachet “ΕΝΑΕΡΙΩΣ / PAR AVION” in Greek/French; it also bears an unperforated 3-line airmail label (44x16mm), texted in Greek: “BY AIR / via the Hellenic Air Communications Company S.A.” (EEES 1931 issue, navy/pink impression).
Sender’s details: ‘Airmail Section, Athens Central PO’.
Franked with ‘Thessaloniki Tower’ 40lepta pair (Landscapes I issue, 1927) plus 50lepta ‘Map of Greece’ airpost (Government issue, 1933) adhesives cancelled ΑΘΗΝΑΙ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΗ ΑΕΡΟΠΟΡΙΚΩΣ 26.V.34 [Athens Dispatch by Air, 26 May 1934].
Total franking: 1.30dr; 80lepta for domestic surface mail (printed matter rate, in effect from 5 April 1933 to 31 August 1934) plus 50lepta for the airmail tax (postcard rate, in effect from 6 May 1931 to 27 April 1941). Sender’s details explain knowledge and combination of rates chosen.
Backstamped with GPO rare airmail cachet “ΑΕΡΟΠΟΡΙΚΗ ΑΦΙΞΙΣ” (Arrival by air) applied upon arrival at destination in violet, instead of the known red colour. Postmarked with ΔΡΑΜΑ ΑΦΙΞΙΣ 26.V.34 (Drama Arrival 26 May 1934) datestamp.
Also postmarked, on same day return flight to Athens, with ΑΘΗΝΑΙ ΑΦΙΞΙΣ ΑΕΡΟΠΟΡΙΚΩΣ 26.V.34 [Athens Arrival by Air, 26 May 1934], receiving the local special biplane incoming local cachet texted ‘ΑΕΡΟΠΟΡΙΚΗ ΑΦΙΞΙΣ’ [Arrival by air] in black.
A philatelic but very interesting item with a plethora of markings.
Condition: Fine; see scans.