Kelleher and Rogers Limited Sale

To see new sales and other StampAuctionNetwork news in your Facebook newsfeed then Like us on Facebook!

Rest of Asia continued...

Macao

LotNo.

Symbol

Lot Description

2057

British Consular Service Revenues used on Aug. 19, 1948 Receipt for Fees, on Form C. 32, the £1 18sh due for Receiving and Drawing Declarations paid by King George V £1 red, 7sh6d vertical pair green and 3sh green Consular Service stamps, each cancelled by "British Consulate/Macao" daters; the form dated and signed by the Consul, H. Rabbetts; horizontal folds affect £1 and a 7sh6d stamp, but otherwise sound for its age and size, Fine to Very Fine, an uncommon item for the Revenuer or the Macao specialist. Shipping charges apply - weight 0.8 lbs. (Image1) (Image2) (Image3)

Est. HK$800-1,200
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

2058

1839-41, the fascinating correspondence from Macao and Manila primarily to Canton and Macao, housed in three binders, mainly relating to Canton and Asian trade, the effects of the war and actions by Lin Zexu, the Emperor's Special Commissioner at Canton, with resultant depressed prices and trade stymied, concern for safety, and ban on the opium trade.

Volume I, 1839 (Dec.)-41, comprises 29 folded letters and 2 letters, from Macao mostly written by James Matheson with a few others from S. Thomasen or Fera de Aguire (in Portuguese) to John Shillaber in Canton, including

(Dec. 21) folded letter (damaged) from James Matheson to Shillaber concerning Shillaber's petition to Lin Chai [Lin Zexu], the Emperor's Special Commissioner at Canton, who clamped down on the opium trade, demanding that British trading companies hand over all their stocks without compensation. The "Thomas Coutts" had broken the British blockade of Canton enforced by its warships "Hyacinth" and "Volage", since it was only carrying tea. This perceived weakness further angered the Chinese.
"I can by no means recommend you shipping Teas in the 'Coutts' nor can we consent to make advances on shipments in that vessel…_____ Elliot's Notice of having moved the home Authorities not to admit ______ in British vessels from Whampoa till he declares the trade safe, may possibly be (taken as) an arbitrary and unauthorized stretch of power, great interest may be made by the Mercantile Community unconnected with the 'Coutts' to get her in trouble. And the general impression seems to be that the business cannot go on smoothly. Under these circumstances we think it would be wantonly courting difficulty were we to have anything to do with her".
1840 (Apr. 29) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber instructing him to hold imports until prices rise.
1840 (May 2) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber, the situation has become dire, since ships such as the "Alabama" cannot trade their cargo, unless its Captain's petition to do so succeeds. Matheson writes Shillaber that "we are unwilling to hazard more property above the Bogue [the entrance to the Pearl River] by sending up Cash till the 'Syden' comes out with a considerable amount of Goods already purchased".
1840 (May 9) folded letter from James Matheson, Shillaber still trying to get the "Alabama" into Canton, and the enquiry concerning guns (?) gives new hope. "Mr. Jardine than whom no man was ever more respectful in negotiations with the Chinese used to say that if he could only manage to make them angry he was sure the game was his own & success certain. I do not believe Lin is different from other Chinese in this respect…"
1840 (June 6) folded letter from S. Thomasen to Shillaber giving him power of attorney for the sale of the R____a, also a new pass for the "Kosciusko" which arrives back in two or three days.
1840 (June 10) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber, arrival of a ship the same size as the "Volage" which has now left for Kungmoon, have learned from a friend in Singapore that 3,500 troops are expected to leave in transports around the 20th.
"A good deal of anxiety prevails here, as to what will be the fate of the Shipping at Whampoa after the force comes on. If, as is probable, the Second Bar should be blocked up by the Chinese, how are the Ships to get out? I have been thinking it might be a good plan were the Consignees of the Ships at Whampoa to petition for the removal below 2nd Bar". The shipping of goods for the "Kosciusko" doubtful as to the propriety of letting her go. Nothing can go from Canton for 8 days. Decision soon needed for its pilot Daniel Petersen. "Whether he will still go up will depend… on the advice we receive from you as to the temper of the Chinese Govt. I apprehend no opposition from the British…. In regard to China Lin's demand of $4000 it has evidently emanated from Atong. Nothing talked on the subject between me & him".
1840 (June 14) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber, "Canton will certainly not be attacked or molested. The coming down of the ships below the 1st Bar is a judicious & desirable step."
1840 (June 20) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber, "It is depressing the 'Kosciusko' or pilot Chop has not come down". Some goods have been removed and landed at Macao.
"But we all begin to waiver a little, from observing that you Americans are beginning to lose heart at Canton. I hope however that she will still go up. I have no secret to tell you about intended operations, but can apprise you that there will be no hostilities above the B(ogue) Forts".
1840 (June 29) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber, the Admiral arrived yesterday in the "Melville 74" with the "Blonde" and "Rylades" and sails for Chusan tomorrow, Elliot and others remain in a civil capacity, and Captain Smith, formerly of the "Volage" will be the Naval Commandant. "I do not think there is now any chance of the Bogue Forts being molested".
1840 (July 1) letter from William Jardine to Shillaber, mentioning that letters received from Manila addressed to James Matheson in Macao have been forwarded to him in Canton.
1840 (July 25) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber. "A most extraordinary attempt was made three nights ago to recapture Capt. Smith's Mandarin prize Junk, and strange to say the assailants when repulsed, went on board another of the prizes and took 50 bags of rice".
1840 (Oct. 29) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber, arrival of the "Clarissa" from Chusan, "there had been plans to establish a chain of posts round the Island and the Admiral was waiting till this was finished which will prevent his reaching this for a week or ten days".
1840 (Nov. 26) folded letter from James Matheson to Shillaber, "I believe that the Admiral has demanded a written apology for the firing on the Queen Steamer; and if not received by the 1st, he will move up the Ships to commence on the offensive. But I have no doubt the required apology will be readily granted".
1840 (Dec. 13) folded letter from S. Thomasen to Pedro Plata, "This is said to be the last day of forbearance & if we do not today have compliance with our terms, the Forts will tomorrow be taken. Members from Community have gone up to see the Lin. But I think we shall have some partial concessions to delay fighting a while longer.
Your account of the preparations to attack the B(ogue) F(ort) at the B(og)ue. I believe everything will be prepared to give a warm reception.
A report in circulation of your having been maltreated at Canton".

Volume 2, 1840-41 (Oct. 3), comprises 18 folded letters, 16 different letters, and 5 invoices, from Manila mostly to John Shillaber in Macao or Tongku and Canton, care of John Matheson, or to Pedro Plata, with ship's endorsements, relating to the trade of cotton, hemp, rice, tobacco, copper and other commodities, with the state of the market, Spanish competition, and, as well as China, trading with Batavia, Penang, Singapore, India, New York, and London, including

1840 (Jan. 18) folded letter from J. Adam Smith in Manila to John Shillaber in Canton, referencing delays in mails, "one of letters must be in the tedious communication between Tongku and Canton".
"Our letter by the Haniet from Toonkoo on the 12th Inst. apprise us of a new Blockade having been declared by Captain Smith of the Volage from and after the 15th instant unless Captain Dribble was delivered up. Whether Captain Elliot will carry into effect his declaration, or again retreat to the disgrace of his country, it is not for us to determine, altho I must say, judging from the slight nature of the cause of the Blockade and the fact if the Chinese having expressed their intention of delivering up the Captain on the retirement of the Man of War, it is more than probable he will find a plausible excuse some way or the other for doing so". Reference to Shillaber's letter "of the 2nd instant authorizing us to purchase on your account for shipment to Whampoa in foreign vessels - not British - such quantities and descriptions of British goods as our advisers from China, and other circumstances may justify"."Mr. Matheson has also written to us to prepare a vessel suitable for the carriage of a small Cargo on an experimental voyage to Amoy".
There is also an interesting comparison of the current trade with that of 1838. "From the accompanying Price Current you will see the great increase in the Exports of Sugar last year compared with 1838 being more than 1/3c. Hemp is pretty equal".
1840 (Feb. 4) letter referencing competition from Spanish shipping, can prove that rice going to China was not on a British ship.
1840 (Mar. 3) folded letter from Manila to Shillaber care of James Matheson in Macao or Toonkoo, per "Surat", concerning trading with Spain and Singapore.
1840 (Mar. 14) folded letter from Manila to Shillaber care of James Matheson in Macao or Toonkoo, per "Corneto", India cotton for Whampoa with Custom House manifest.
1840 (Mar. 27) invoice for goods (marked "Copy") shipped on the American frigate "Roscius" from Captain Cushman for the account of "John Shillaber, U.S. citizen now in China, consigned deliverable at Whampoa, China", at the "Consulate of the United States of America for Manila and the Philippine Islands", with the seal of the "Consulate U.S.A./ Manilla".
1840 (Apr. 22) invoice similar to that of March 27, damaged.
1840 (Apr. 27) folded letter from Manila to Shillaber in Macao per "Marquanta", concerning shipping of cotton (to U.S.), hemp, and sugar.
1840 (Apr. 30) folded letter from Manila to Shillaber in Macao per "Roscius", redirected to Canton.
1841 (Oct. 3) folded letter from J. Adam Smith in Manila to John Shillaber, care of Messrs. Macguire Smith & Co. in London (4.22.1842), showing "Penzance/ Ship Letter" framed handstamp, rated "8" (décimes).

Shipping charges apply - weight 7.2 lbs.
Volume 3, 1840 (Aug.)-41 (Jan.), comprises approximately 17 folded letters and various letters or partial letters from S. Thomasen, H. Wright, F. C. Aguire and others in Macao and possibly Canton to Pedro Plata, relating to commercial and trade matters, legalization of the fig trade, news of the war which drags on leaving much trade at a standstill, blockade and possible armistice, with some interesting gossip about the domestic situation, such as 1840 (Nov. 5) folded letter recounting anecdote that "we hear a story that Lin is going about Canton in a sedan chair with only two Coolies!"

Given the age and origin of the correspondence, there are some faults or ageing as to be expected, especially in Volume 3, though nearly all of those mentioned are Fine to Very Fine. A most unusual partial archive relating to an important period which was the harbringer of the opening of China., Fully imaged online. (PDF for this Lot) (PDF2 for this Lot) (PDF3 for this Lot) (PDF4 for this Lot) (PDF5 for this Lot) (PDF6 for this Lot) (Image1)

Get Market Data for [China 1839] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. HK$30,000-40,000
SOLD for HK$30,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

2059

1841 (Jan. 2) folded letter from S. Thomasen, Macao, to John Shillaber Esq., "Ship Kosciusko. Second Bar", endorsed "The Boatman who carries this is to be paid here on his return", writer has learned that Shillaber arrived safely on board, where there is a sufficient supply of water. Meanwhile, the Commodore agreed to allow the Panama and Kosciusko to proceed through the blockade on condition that he present an affidavit to Captain Elliot that "the Kosciusko's Cargo is not the property of Chinese (you need not say whose it is) and she will then be allowed to pass the Squadron to which effect the Commodore should make an endorsement, or grant a written license, without which she will not be safe. Bring the vessel boldly out as soon as the tides will allow", Very Fine and highly appealing.,

The Kosciusko was an American merchant ship under the captaincy of Daniel Petersen. As can be seen from previous correspondence, she encountered various problems and delay due to the blockades of Canton by British warships in 1840. The "Second Bar" refers to one of the two Bogue Forts guarding the entrance to the Pearl River, which the British captured in January 1841. (Image1) (Image2)

Get Market Data for [Macau 1841.0102] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. HK$6,000-8,000
SOLD for HK$4,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

2060

1841 (Jan. 17) folded letter from S. Thomasen in Macao to Pedro Plata Esq, "Care of Messrs. A. Heard & Co., Canton", in which Thomasen writes at 5:00 pm that "W.J. (William Jardine?) is just arrived with intelligence that Hong Kong is ceded to the English under Ki Shen's hand and Seal. But as there are at present no facilities there for conducting business English Ships merchants are to go to Canton to transact this Season's business. And Canton will be re-opened to the English & and all other foreigners within ten days after Chinese New Year", light central vertical filing fold, Very Fine and in an excellent state of conservation. Letter fully imaged online.,

Under the Convention of Chuenpi of January 21, 1841, agreed between Charles Elliot, the British Plenipotentiary, and Qishan, the Chinese Imperial Commissioner, Hong Kong Island was to be ceded to the British. Chusan had also been considered, but Elliot rejected this out of fear that its close proximity to Shanghai would actually exacerbate conflicts with the Chinese. Actually, Hong Kong Island had the advantage of a large harbor which could serve as a base for the important British trading establishment in Canton. Formal occupation of the island began on January 26; however, both the British and Chinese governments rejected the agreement outright on the basis that the terms were detrimental to each party, with both leaders consequently replaced, and the Convention never ratified.
Hong Kong was formally ceded to Great Britain under the Treaty of Nanking, signed in 1842, and it became a Crown Colony in June 1843. (Image1) (Image2)

Get Market Data for [Macau 1841.0117] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. HK$7,500-10,000
SOLD for HK$6,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

2061

Macao, Diverse and Valuable Mint and Used Collection, 1884-1994, housed in two slipcased albums, hinged or (mostly) mounted, offering a solid, often duplicated, holding of Macao; some pages of the 1950s and 1960s missing, but what is here is well-filled and appear sound; strong early issues with surcharges (including inverted and doubled), with some of the many highlights including used #8a, 15a, 17e, 20a, 23 var (double surcharge), 115, 162-163, 164b, 169b and 268-288, and mint #9a, 10a, 11a, 12, 14a, 15, 16b, 19, 19a, 21, 21a, 32a-32c, 33a-b, 34a, 45a, 46-57, 67-74, 77a, 104-107, 112a, 169, 187-194, 225, 238I-238K, 289-305, 324-325, 341-347A, 347A var (unissued 1ptc ultramarine & violet), 353-360, 361-363, etc., etc.; also included are four binders of First Day Covers (1953//1999, including oversized for souvenir sheets), a counter book of mint souvenir sheets (including 1969 private issue Santa Casa de Misericórdia sheet), a binder of modern miniature sheets, along with three reference works for your library; an exceptional holding well worth review, Very Fine overall, fully imaged online. Shipping charges apply - weight 33 lbs. (PDF for this Lot) (PDF2 for this Lot) (Video for this lot) (Video2 for this lot) (Video3 for this lot) (Video4 for this lot) (Video5 for this lot) (Video6 for this lot) (Video7 for this lot) (Image1)

Get Market Data for [Macau Collection] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. HK$40,000-50,000
SOLD for HK$30,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

2062

Macao, Appealing Collection of Revenues, 1878-1980s, broad mix of approximately 130 stamps and 25 documents, from the First Issue on to modern uses; all items mounted on pages or housed on stockpages, many identified with corresponding Barefoot catalogue listing on back of page; several still on original auction card; numerous overprints and scarce local surcharges, including Barefoot #251, 253-257, 258-261, 1941 Head of the Republic issues (5 values, 10avos//2 patacas), plus Wine, Tobacco, "Assistencia" issues including inverted surcharges, strip of three 20a on 1p imperforate-between horizontally, and more besides, several of the documents also on revenue paper; condition varies, but a pretty holding largely sound-appearing; includes Barata's Selos Fiscais de Portugal e Colónias, Very Fine, fully imaged online. Shipping charges apply - weight 4.6 lbs. (PDF for this Lot) (PDF2 for this Lot) (Image1)

Get Market Data for [Macau Collection] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. HK$8,000-10,000
SOLD for HK$5,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

2063

Macao, Extensive and Valuable Postal Stationery Collection, 1885-1980s, approximately 190 items in two binders, spanning the entire history of Macao's stationery, with postal cards, letter cards, air sheets and aerogrammes, formular cards, "Port-Payé"-inscribed cards and aerogrammes, etc.; nice mix of mint and used, all identified by Choi (Yang) or Higgins-Gage number, some still on original auction cards or with write-ups; better include mint Choi/Yang #P1b Specimen, P6, P7, P7a, P11, P11b (unpriced in Choi), P12, P12a, P33, LC6-8, LC15, LC16, LC23, AL1a, etc.; condition varies with normal age-related toning to be expected, but otherwise items appear sound; in need of reorganizing, but a handsome and rarely seen compilation, Very Fine, imaged in full online. Shipping charges apply - weight 6.5 lbs. (Video for this lot) (Video2 for this lot) (Image1)

Get Market Data for [Macau Collection] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. HK$6,000-8,000
SOLD for HK$6,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

2064

Macao, Extensive Miniature Sheet Holding, ca. 1990s, a substantial, Post Office fresh group of 1990s souvenir sheets and sheetlets, some in original Post Office packaging; includes approximately 1250 sheets in all, representing about 30 different issues, o.g., never hinged, Very Fine, a lovely and attractive lot. Shipping charges apply - weight 6 lbs. (Image1)

Get Market Data for [Macau Collection] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. HK$4,000-6,000
SOLD for HK$2,200.00
Will close during Public Auction