U.S. Western Airletter Service Collection of 32 stamps, (formerly 1LC1-4LC1e)

All stamps are mounted on original Scott Two-Post Specialty pages. The first stamp needs to be remounted because the original mount cracked (without damaging the stamp). These stamps are becoming incredibly hard to find. This is the first collection I have seen like this in many years. 

The Western Air Letter Service, operated by the Hanifin Air Letter Company from 1982 to 1984, was a private postal venture that provided coast-to-coast second-day delivery. Founded by Jim Hanifin in partnership with Western Airlines, the service functioned by having customers purchase a proprietary service stamp (initially $1.00) and applying it alongside a standard 20-cent USPS stamp. Letters were dropped at designated retail locations—such as banks and Fotomat kiosks—transported by Western Airlines to the destination city, and then entered into the USPS system for final local delivery.

Despite its technical efficiency and the introduction of innovations like Pitney Bowes "magnetic stamps" for data encoding, the company faced significant market skepticism due to its low price point. To build credibility, Hanifin increased rates and secured service agreements with American Express and Burlington Northern Airfreight. However, the service ultimately declined due to the launch of the USPS "Eagle" Express Mail service and the 1986 merger between Western Airlines and Delta. Today, the service is primarily of interest to philatelists; its 45 distinct stamp issues were briefly recognized in the Scott catalog before being reclassified as "cinderellas."

If there's ever an issue, just message me - I’ll make it right. I try to respond quickly, but please allow a day or two just in case. No hidden reserves, just fair starting bids and a 14-day return privilege.

Feel free to make an offer if you like what you see. I’ve probably got other items like the one you’re looking at right now, so check out my other listings. For items in my store, I’m happy to accept all reasonable offers - don’t hesitate to reach out.

SHIPPING NOTE:

Although I list a 7-day handling time, I usually ship mid-week. So if you happen to pay on a Sunday or early in the week, your item may ship much sooner than expected.