The item is a pre-printed Japanese postal card featuring the text '郵便はがき' (Postal Card) vertically on the right side. On the left side, there are instructions in Japanese regarding the use of the card as a New Year's greeting. Affixed to the upper right is a 12¢ Ryukyu Islands stamp depicting a red demon mask against a blue background, issued in 1970. To its left, a 10¢ US stamp portraying an allegorical figure representing the 'People's Right to Petition for Redress' is affixed. A prominent black special cancellation 'INAUGURATION DAY' is printed across the US stamp and extends to the left. A circular Washington D.C. postmark dated January 20, 1981, is present on the left, which also contains Japanese text '差止上の注意' (Caution for Prohibition). A red circular marking with '年賀' (New Year's Greeting) and '1970年' (Year 1970) is also visible to the right of the 'INAUGURATION DAY' cancellation.
The Ryukyu Islands were under United States Administration from 1948 to 1972, during which time they issued their own postage stamps. The 12¢ stamp affixed to this postal card, depicting a demon mask, was part of the Ryukyu Islands' philatelic program, issued in 1970. The base postal card is a Japanese New Year's card, indicated by the pre-printed '年賀状' (New Year's Card) instructions and the '年賀' (New Year's Greeting) marking dated 1970. This card was subsequently used in the United States, bearing a US 10¢ stamp and receiving a special 'INAUGURATION DAY' cancellation from Washington, D.C. on January 20, 1981. This date corresponds to the inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States. The item thus represents a cross-cultural philatelic artifact, combining postal elements from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, and the United States, linking the Ryukyuan postal history under US administration with a significant American political event.
We offer combined shipping. You pay the shipping fee for one item, and all other eligible items purchased in the same order will ship free. For heavier lots, shipping will be calculated. You may proceed with your purchases, and any overpayment on shipping charges will be refunded.
A Note for International Buyers: Please be aware that eBay's system does not allow us to send a combined invoice for international orders. If you purchase multiple items, please proceed with payment for all. We will promptly refund any shipping overages you have paid. This is our standard practice, and we do it all the time.
Important Note on Shipping Speed: We ship orders extremely fast, often on the same day of purchase. If you plan to purchase additional items over several days and wish to combine them into a single shipment, please contact us immediately after your first purchase to let us know. Otherwise, your initial order may be shipped before you have a chance to add to it.