Expedited Mail Sent Ship-to-Shore Via Catapult

Here is an example of a souvenir overseas catapult usage to Germany.

The catapult concept was an early attempt to expedite overseas mail prior to technology making it practical for aircraft to fly the entire distance across the atlantic ocean.

These covers and cards are almost always very busy and colorful, similar to the contemporary zeppelin flights of the time.

According to the book 'Via Airmail', most catapult mail is overpaid. This card is no exception, being overpaid by 4-Cents. The rate is calculated as follows:

Surface Rate International Card - Three Cents
Catapult Airmail Service - Fifteen Cents

The 20-Cent Airmail stamp was probably the most convenient denomination available, as was the international postal stationery card. The sender probably wasn't really sweating the overpayment if he or she were able to afford an exotic depression-era 22-Cent souvenir anyway!