Beyond his work on Jusqu’a Airmail Markings , McQueen is also known for his articles in the philatelic press. For example, his piece “Air cancels: the sequel to jusqu’a markings, part one” appeared in the May 1993 issue of Gibbons Stamp Monthly , the same year his main study was published. He also wrote on South African air cancels (June 1994) and contributed regularly to the The Kiwi journal, where he explored the use of routing handstamps from New Zealand.
Jusqu’à Airmail Markings (A Study) by Ian McQueen is a seminal philatelic reference work that explores the specialized field of "jusqu'à" (French for "as far as") markings. These postal handstamps indicate that a piece of mail was carried by air only for a portion of its journey, after which it was transferred to surface transport for final delivery . Publication History and Editions Jusqu-a Airmail Markings- A Study Ian McQueen
, this book is indispensable. While it is a technical "study" rather than a narrative history, McQueen’s clear organization makes it accessible for anyone trying to understand the journey of a specific airmail cover. It remains the "gold standard" for this niche, often cited in auction catalogs and expertizing certificates. Beyond his work on Jusqu’a Airmail Markings ,
In the niche but demanding field of aerophilately—the study of airmail history—few artifacts are as deceptively simple, yet as richly complex, as the Jusqu’à marking. At first glance, these French words meaning “as far as” appear as routine postal instructions. However, in his seminal study, Jusqu’à Airmail Markings , the renowned postal historian Ian McQueen elevates these seemingly minor handstamps and labels into a crucial lens for understanding the chaotic, innovative, and politically fraught birth of international airmail service between the World Wars. Jusqu’à Airmail Markings (A Study) by Ian McQueen
McQueen’s original study (typically found as a series of articles bound into a booklet or published in journals like The Airpost Journal ) is divided into three primary sections. For the modern collector, understanding these sections is key to using the text.
McQueen recorded the colour of each marking (often purple, but also red, black, blue or violet). He also noted whether the marking was a boxed handstamp, a straight line, a set of parallel bars, or a roller cancel.
The sender paid for airmail, but the air service only covered a portion of the journey.
