‘HAPAG’ stands for Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Gesellschaft. This translates from German to ‘Hamburg-America Line’.
Formed in 1847 it visited Australian shores during its early years bringing German settlers and cargo but did not become a frequent visitor until the year 1886.
It was during this year that the German government convinced HAPAG to team up with its local competitor (Nordeutscher Lloyd) and begin a regular passenger and mail service to Australia.
In 1986 HAPAG celebrated 100 years of mail services and is still going strong today.
Unfortunately the emblem is faded on this plate and it is the only example we currently have.
REF: MAIL SERVICES AT SEA A HISTORICAL SURVEY (HAPAG )
