A censored airmail cover sent from Germany to the United States during World War II, prior to the U.S. entry into the war.

Route & Markings:

• From: Felix Prager, Helfferich-Str. 13, Leipzig C1, Germany.

• To: The American National Bank, c/o Mr. Casey, North or East Pennsylvania-St., Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.

• Additional Features:

  • The cover bears evidence of German military censorship. The reverse is sealed with a paper tape printed "Geöffnet" (Opened) and bearing the circular eagle and swastika emblem of the "Oberkommando der Wehrmacht" (OKW - High Command of the Armed Forces).

  • A circular violet OKW censor handstamp is also present on the reverse.

  • The front is endorsed with a typed bilingual "Per Luftpost nach Amerika ! / Per Airmail to the U.S.A. !" and has a blue "MIT LUFTPOST / PAR AVION" etiquette.

  • A manuscript "5g" notation indicates the weight.

Postmark:

• Cancellation: LEIPZIG C1 / MESSESTADT (Fair City) machine cancel, dated 31 December 1940.

• Travel: The cover traveled from Leipzig, Germany, to Indianapolis, USA, a distance of approximately 7,100 km (4,400 miles).

Historical Context for December 31, 1940:
This cover was posted on New Year's Eve, 1940, a time when the United States was still officially neutral in World War II. Mail service between Germany and the U.S. continued, but was subject to military censorship by the belligerent powers. This cover was posted just two days after the "Second Great Fire of London," one of the most destructive bombing raids of the Blitz. The sender's name, Felix Prager, is of note for correspondence originating from Germany at this time.