Rare Operation High Jump FULL CIRCLE Hand cancellation-Jan 1947, Feb 1947

Description

You are bidding on a set of THREE different covers cancelled aboard USS Mount Olympus during
Operation High Jump (1946-1947). They have an interesting history:
Although dated January 10, the postmarking of philatelic mail actually commenced long before
that date. January 10th was selected as a proper date for the postmark because it was
assumed that the
USS MOUNT OLYMPUS
(AGC-8)—the operational command vessel--would
be at Little America by then
As a matter of fact,
USS MOUNT OLYMPUS
was still fighting
her way through the heavy pack ice of the Ross Sea with the other ships of the Central
Group on January 10. Actual application of postmarks and cachets commenced on January 3,
but it was not until mid-month that the task was completed. Given the large volume of covers
to be serviced (over 50 sacks), it is surprising to note that the great majority have neatly
applied postmarks and clear cachet impressions. Upon completion of this substantial
undertaking, the philatelic mail was transferred to other supporting ships on January 20th
which in turn carried the covers to the Canal Zone. There they were deposited at Balboa for
onward transmission to their addressees around the world on February 18.
It should be noted that the first cover you see has a COMPLETE hand cancel. There is no
break in the outer circle over the “R” in New York. Shortly into the cancellation duty, the
metal in the outer ring began to deteriorate and fall away, over the R and on the lower part
of the circle, under “Mount Olympus”. MOST of the covers for sale have this broken ring
(see second cover) and later ones have the diminished lower break as well. The third cover,
cancelled at a later date (February 1), was serviced with a new handstamp which was carried
by a resupply ship, which also delivered addition mail sacks with envelopes for cancellation and rubber stamp cachets.
This is a unique set with the history of the postal servicing provided. It does not cover the
amazing advancements made in early modern polar research. Operation High Jump was the
predecessor to Operation Deepfreeze which began in 1955 and continues to this day.
I am now 80 and such mementos are becoming a burden. I need to "downsize" before my heirs have to do it for me.
Shipping will be made in a large manila envelope with a "stiffener" inside the shipping envelope to prevent damage in transit.
Note that if you purchase more than one of my items, I will combine shipping charges.
Thanks for looking and good luck.
-------------And now, the not so "fine print"---------------------
Payment is expected within 5 days. Shipping is the following business day, which means that, other than on a Sunday or legal US holiday, shipping is normally done the following day.
If you can't, or do not intend to pay within 5 days, please make advance arrangements with me. All who pay on time are provided with excellent feedback at the time of payment. If you are happy with your item, I would appreciate the same.