BLUE RIBBON

The development of the speed of postal delivery across the Atlantic

1838 – 1952

The development of mail across the Atlantic between Europe and America was staggering in the 19th century. The rapid development of shipping and ships enabled faster mail transport than before, which had huge positive consequences for the trade relations between Europe and America and the communication of people who have moved from Europe to America.

 At the beginning of the 19th century, mail travelled across the Atlantic in 20-30 days, but by the end of the 19th century it was only a matter of a few days, and with the speed and safety of ships, the reliability of delivery also improved significantly. The Blue-Ribbon award given to the fastest crossing the Atlantic gives the best picture of the development of the speed of mail delivery.

 The Blue Ribbon is an unofficial accolade given to the passenger liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean in regular service with the record highest speed. Under the unwritten rules, the record is based on average speed rather than passage time because ships follow different routes.

 The first "official" Blue Ribbon was reached in 1838 when the steamship Sirius carried the mail across the Atlantic in 18 days and the last in 1952 when Queen Mary crossed the Atlantic in just over three days. The focus of the collection dates to the period before airmail, and especially to the years 1838-1909, when the development of postal transport was the fastest.

 Scope of the Collection:

This collection talks about the great change that took place between 1838 and 1952 in Atlantic mail transportation. Collection presents the rapid development of mail transportation from one continent to another through the fastest Atlantic crossings, with a particular focus on Atlantic crossings that achieved the Blue-Ribbon. The collection contains many particularly rare items, including over 60 rare "Blue Ribbon" letters and Maiden Voyage letters.

All the letters have been carefully examined by route, markings, and rates, including information about mail contracts, and competing shipping companies. As a rule, rare items are described and market with red text or frame.

Content of the Collection:

  Frame 1: The mail transport from America to Europe 1838–1844

               Frame 2: The mail transport from America to Europe 1844–1901

 Frame 3: The mail transport from America to Europe 1901–1952

 Frame 4: The mail transport from Europe to America 1839–1854

 Frame 5: The mail transport from Europe to America 1854–1936

The collection below is the fifth version of this subject - the fourth version, which got 88 points in Nordia, has been totally remade with quite a few new items and totally “new look” for Thailand 2023 World Stamp Championship -exhibition. The fifth version was again partially remade for JOEX24, taking into account the comments of the judges in Thailand.

The fifth version received Gold medal from JOEX24 -exhibition.