Philately captures milestones in aviation history, and the 1934 Soviet Air Mail issue is a prime example. This commemorative stamp set celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Soviet Civil Aviation and the USSR Airmail Service, highlighting the rapid development of air transport in the Soviet Union.
Issued in February 1934, these stamps showcase the Tupolev ANT-9 PS9 aircraft, one of the most important planes in Soviet airmail operations. Designed by N. Borov, G. Zamskoi, and I. Ganf, the series remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after Soviet airmail issues.
Historical Context: The Growth of Soviet Civil Aviation
By the early 1930s, Soviet aviation had expanded rapidly, improving mail delivery across the vast territory of the USSR. The introduction of Tupolev-designed aircraft, including the ANT-9 PS9, revolutionized air travel and airmail transport.
This stamp issue commemorates the decade (1923-1933) of Soviet civil aviation, marking the USSR’s growing dominance in aerial transportation. Each stamp in the series depicts different aspects of Soviet industry, agriculture, and infrastructure, emphasizing the vital role of aviation in national development.
The 1934 Soviet Air Mail Stamps: Design and Features
This set consists of five denominations, each featuring a Tupolev ANT-9 PS9 aircraft flying over different Soviet landscapes.
- 5 kopeks ultramarine – Represents furnaces at Kuznetsk, symbolizing industrial progress.
- 10 kopeks green – Shows oilfields, emphasizing the Soviet Union’s fuel production capabilities.
- 20 kopeks carmine – Depicts harvesters, highlighting the importance of aviation in agriculture.
- 50 kopeks slate-blue – Features the Volga-Moscow canal, symbolizing the USSR’s infrastructure expansion.
- 80 kopeks violet – Illustrates the Icebreaker Ob, representing polar exploration and Arctic aviation.
Each stamp prominently displays the inscription “1925-1933”, marking the tenth anniversary of Soviet airmail services.
Printing and Perforation Details
- The stamps were collotyped (a photomechanical printing technique).
- Perforation 14 was the standard issue.
- There are multiple perforation varieties, including compound perforations (Perf 14 and 10) and imperforate pairs, making them highly collectible.
Rare Varieties and Errors
Collectors of Soviet airmail issues are particularly interested in the rare perforation types and imperforate varieties found in this issue.
- 20k carmine Perf 14 and 10 compound – One of the rarest varieties, valued at £950 mint.
- 80k violet Perf 10 and 14 compound – Another extremely rare variety, valued at £950 mint.
- No Watermark Varieties – A second issue exists without watermark, making these versions more desirable.
- Imperforate Between Horizontal Pairs (10k Green, No Watermark) – A rare printing anomaly, valued at £650 mint and £650 used.
Warning: forgery exist, particularly with incorrect perforations (11½ instead of 14), thick paper, and duller colors. Collectors should authenticate these stamps carefully before purchasing.
Market Value and Collector Demand
The 1934 Soviet Air Mail stamps remain highly sought after among collectors, particularly for their historical significance, aviation theme, and rare varieties.
- 5k ultramarine
- Watermarked: £38 mint, £6.25 used
- No watermark: £31 mint, £10 used
- 10k green
- Watermarked: £38 mint, £6.25 used
- No watermark: £31 mint, £10 used
- Imperforate between horizontal pairs (No watermark): £650 mint, £650 used
- 20k carmine
- Watermarked: £100 mint, £25 used
- No watermark: £85 mint, £11.50 used
- Perf 14 and 10 compound (Watermarked): £950 mint
- 50k slate-blue
- Watermarked: £160 mint, £50 used
- No watermark: £150 mint, £50 used
- 80k violet
- Watermarked: £100 mint, £25 used
- No watermark: £65 mint, £10 used
- Perf 10 and 14 compound (Watermarked): £950 mint
- Complete Sets
- Watermarked set of 5: £400 mint, £100 used
- No watermark set of 5: £325 mint, £150 used
Auction results indicate that well-centered, lightly hinged copies fetch even higher prices, especially for imperforate pairs and rare compound perforation varieties.
The Legacy of the 1934 Soviet Air Mail Stamps
These stamps are more than just postal items—they are a testament to Soviet innovation in aviation and industrial progress. The 1934 Air Mail issue commemorates the importance of aerial transport in developing the Soviet economy, connecting remote regions, and strengthening national unity.
For collectors of Soviet postal history, airmail issues, and aviation memorabilia, this set is an essential addition, preserving a fascinating chapter in early Soviet aviation history.