Philately captures history, science, and technological progress, and one of the most remarkable Soviet stamp issues is the 1932 Air Express set, commemorating the Second International Polar Year and the Franz Joseph Land to Archangel Flight. These stamps are among the most iconic Soviet airmail issues, celebrating polar exploration, aviation, and Soviet scientific achievements.
Designed by I. Dubasov, this air express series was issued on August 26, 1932, and remains highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance, intricate design, and rare varieties.
Historical Context: The Second International Polar Year & Soviet Arctic Exploration
The Second International Polar Year (1932-33) was a global scientific initiative aimed at studying climate, geophysics, and Arctic exploration. The Soviet Union actively participated, conducting polar research missions, aviation experiments, and Arctic navigation expeditions.
The Franz Joseph Land to Archangel Flight was one of the most ambitious Soviet airmail operations of the time. This route demonstrated the USSR’s advancements in Arctic aviation, ensuring reliable postal connections between the Soviet mainland and remote Arctic regions.
To commemorate these achievements, the Soviet Union issued two airmail stamps featuring polar landscapes, Arctic air routes, and Soviet aircraft.
The 1932 Soviet Air Express Stamps: Design and Features
This airmail series consists of two denominations, each reflecting Soviet advancements in Arctic exploration and aviation.
- 50 kopeks carmine (Polar Region & Kalinin K-4 Airplane over Icebreaker Taimyr)
- The design features a Kalinin K-4 airplane, symbolizing Soviet airmail expansion.
- The map of the Arctic region emphasizes the Second International Polar Year’s scientific significance.
- The icebreaker Taimyr represents the Soviet fleet’s crucial role in Arctic exploration.
- 1 rouble green (Same design, higher denomination for larger airmail shipments)
- This stamp features the same Arctic-themed imagery but was intended for higher postage rates, making it slightly rarer than the 50k stamp.
Both stamps are inscribed with “2e Année Polaire Internationale 1932-33”, marking their international scientific significance.
Printing and Perforation Details
- The stamps were collotyped, a high-quality printing method ensuring sharp detail.
- The standard perforation is P 12½, but rare perf 10½ and perf 10½x12 varieties exist, making them highly collectible.
Rare Varieties and Errors
Collectors of Soviet airmail stamps highly prize rare perforation varieties, as they are among the scarcest issues in Soviet philately.
- 50k carmine with perf 10½ – One of the rarest Soviet airmail stamps, valued at £2,500 mint and £3,500 used.
- 50k carmine with perf 10½x12 – Even scarcer, estimated at £5,000 in used condition.
- 1r green stamp with perf 10½ – A valuable variety, priced at £100 mint and used.
Due to their limited issuance and historical significance, these stamps are some of the most valuable pre-WWII Soviet airmail issues.
Market Value and Collector Demand
These 1932 Soviet Air Express stamps remain highly desirable among collectors, particularly those focusing on Soviet aviation, Arctic exploration, and rare perforation varieties.
- The standard 50k carmine stamp is valued at £55 mint and £38 used.
- The standard 1r green stamp is valued at £180 mint and £90 used.
- The 50k carmine with perf 10½ is a highly sought-after rarity, commanding £2,500 mint and £3,500 used.
- The 50k carmine with perf 10½x12 is one of the rarest, valued at £5,000 used.
- The 1r green with perf 10½ is worth £100 mint and £100 used, making it a premium collectible.
Auction records show that well-centered, lightly hinged copies fetch even higher prices, especially for the scarcer perforation varieties.
The Legacy of the 1932 Soviet Air Express Stamps
These stamps serve as an enduring symbol of Soviet Arctic exploration, scientific research, and aviation progress. The 1932 Air Express issue represents a time when the USSR was heavily investing in polar expeditions and international scientific collaboration, reinforcing its global presence in aviation and research.
For collectors of Soviet postal history, airmail issues, and Arctic exploration memorabilia, these stamps are among the most prestigious and valuable Soviet aviation-themed stamps ever issued.