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Trans-Pacific Issues1935-1937, 1985In 1935, when special rates were established for trans-Pacific Air Mail service, a 25%u00a2 stamp was sufficient for a letter sent on one leg of the flight (from San Francisco to Hawaii, Hawaii to Guam, or Guam to Manila). A letter traveling the entire journey cost 75%u00a2. Two years later, service was extended to Hong Kong and China, for which the 20%u00a2 and 50%u00a2 stamp were issued. Pan American Airways initially purchased three Martin M-130 four-engine flying boats for the route and, after the China route was established, the first plane was nicknamed the China Clipper. Back then, seaplanes had a range of less than 800 miles, yet every leg of the China Clipper%u2019s first trip was completed on schedule. It ultimately flew 3 million miles over its ten-year career, and was destroyed in a crash during a night landing attempt at Port of Spain, Trinidad.China ClipperC20%u2014November 22, 1935China ClipperC21%u2014February 15, 1937China ClipperC22%u2014February 15, 1937China ClipperC115%u2014February 15, 1985In 1985, this 4th China Clipper stamp was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its first trans-Pacific Air Mail flight.