U.S. STAMPS & POSTAL HISTORY
US Stamps
What is the meaning of the 'Owl Mail' handstamp on this cover?

By John M. Hotchner
We can likely take as a given that the cover shown nearby was not sent from Los Angeles to Alameda, Calif., attached to a homing owl. But why is the cover prominently handstamped “OWL MAIL?”
There is no indication that this Oct. 17, 1934, oversize cover went by airmail, so the 12¢ paid by two 6¢ 1934 Crater Lake National Parks stamps (Scott 745) likely paid four times the 3¢ first-class letter rate. No other special service is indicated.
If a Linn’s reader can explain this owl mail marking, I’d be grateful. Contact me, John Hotchner, via e-mail at jmhstamp@verizon.net, or by mail at Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041.
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