This official first day cover features the 31¢ USA Airmail stamp issued January 2, 1976, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The cachet depicts the Martin M-130 China Clipper flying boat and commemorates Pan American's pioneering 1935 trans-Pacific airmail flight.
The China Clipper opened regular airmail service between California and the Far East, dramatically shrinking delivery times across the Pacific and marking a milestone in commercial aviation history during the 1930s.
The cover belongs to the "Vignettes of Americana" series produced for the 1975 postage rate changes; the attractive oval cachet includes the registration NC1476 and highlights the aircraft's distinctive four-engine flying-boat design.
A desirable addition for collectors of airmail, Pan Am, or classic flying-boat topicals, this well-centered Honolulu first-day cancel and colorful cachet make an attractive display piece.
