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Chinese Empire 1878-1885 Large Dragon Issues 1878 Thin Paper
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2008
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 2
1878, Large Dragons on thin paper, 3ca brown red (Chan 2. Scott 2), Setting I, a complete sheet of twenty-five with selvedge all round, [12] shows plate wear to Dragon's lower right claw but inner frame line still unaffected, deep rich color, unused with full original gum, minor ageing in a few places on the gum and gum creasing in first vertical row of stamps, Fine to Very Fine, and in an excellent state of conservation. Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Opening HK$ 100,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2009
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 2
1878, Large Dragons on thin paper, 3ca brown red (Chan 2. Scott 2), Setting V, a complete sheet of twenty (5 x 4) without margins as usual, large hole perforations, clear shade highlighting the unevenness of the registration of the printing, on bright white paper, [26] shows extraneous dot of printing ink on frameline at foot below left numeral "3", wonderfully fresh, unused with practically full original gum, reinforced along central horizontal row of perforations, Very Fine. A marvelous sheet.
We record thirteen sheets from Setting V. No sheets from Setting V are known with selvedge (sheet margin).
Provenance "Ming" (Peter Holcombe), Corinphila (Zurich), 25.3.1987, lot 4746. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 14. Est. HK$150,000-200,000
Est. HK$150,000-200,000
Opening HK$ 7,500.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2010
Symbol: oBL
Cat No: 3
1878 Large Dragons on thin paper, 5ca orange (Chan 3. Scott 3), Setting II, vertical block of ten [12-8/6-19/14-20/7-21/3-25] representing the two right vertical rows of the sheet, showing characteristic printing "bite" along top and right framelines, natural paper fold across top left vertical pair, good color, well centered with perforations intact, cancelled by Tientsin seals, some foxed perforations and barely perceptible vertical split in right margin or along frameline of [19] and [20], nevertheless Fine and a significant multiple.
The largest recorded multiple for Setting II.
Provenance Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), 19.10.1972, lot 218. Philip Ireland, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 25.5.1989, lot 2132. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 19.
References James B. Whang, History of the Large Dragons. An Anthology of James B. Whang's Writings (Taipei, 1999), pp. 112-114.
There are only two blocks of ten recorded from Setting II. The other is a horizontal block of ten from the lower two rows of the sheet, ex Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons, 19.10.1972, lot 219; Giulio Mochi, David Feldman, 24.10.1984, lot 40580; and Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila, 7.11.1996, lot A70. Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 26,000.00
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1882 Thin to Pelure Paper, 4.5mm spacing
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2011
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 4
1882 Large Dragons (wide margins), 1ca green (Chan 4. Scott 4), Setting III, a stupendous block of twelve [25-18-16/8-14-3/7-12-9/1-15-20] from the lower left corner of the sheet with selvedge at foot, stellar color on brilliant white paper, uneven inking resulting in deep green shade at left, near perfect centering within even expansive margins, fresh, unused with large part original gum, a few inconsequential light age spots on reverse and some reinforced perforations, nevertheless Very Fine. A significant multiple, being the third largest recorded.
Provenance Godfrey Mellor, Robson Lowe (London), 15.5.1969, lot 2146. Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), 19.10.1972, lot 94. Philip Ireland, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 25.5.1989, lot 2101. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 20. Est. HK$100,000-120,000
Est. HK$100,000-120,000
Opening HK$ 50,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2012
Symbol: **/*
Cat No: 6
1882, Large Dragons (wide margins), 5ca yellow ocher, thin paper (Chan 6. Scott 6), Setting III, the incomparable vertical pair [17/21] with 40mm. sheet margin at right, deep lustrous color on pristine white paper, perfect centering, exquisitely fresh, unused with immaculate white irregularly applied gum, top stamp has a hinge remainder and the lower stamp is never hinged, faint vertical crease in sheet margin just to right of stamps, Extremely Fine. A gem for the connoisseur, of impeccable quality and of the highest exhibition caliber, "sans pareil".
Provenance and Auction Record Philipps (London), 30.11.1973, lot 193. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman. Lam Man Yin. Interasia Auctions (Hong Kong), 26.2.2011, lot 76.
When this pair was last sold in 2011, there were only three recognized unused, o.g., multiples recorded:
The Major James Starr and Lam Man Yin complete sheet of twenty-five.
The Sir Percival David, and Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman block of eight.
The Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, and Lam Man Yin vertical marginal pair (the above lot).
In the Kelleher & Rogers Ltd. auction of 22 May 2015, a new find of three large unused multiples with original gum was offered. This consisted of blocks of 19 (lot 120), ten (lot 121), and six (lot 122), which were discovered in the Cotswolds (England) in the attic of the family home of a former missionary. These blocks had been folded to fit in a church donation envelope, and despite some blemishes, light stains, creasing, and splitting due to this method of storage over 125 years, these have survived in remarkable condition. Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Opening HK$ 100,000.00
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1883-1885 Thicker, More Opaque Paper
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2013
Symbol: *BL
1883, Large Dragons on thick paper, clean-cut perforations, 1ca to 5ca (Scott 7-9), blocks of four from the lower left corner of the sheet and with full sheet margins, comprising:
1ca bright green, Setting VI, block of four [11-8/14-7].
3ca brown-red, Setting XII, block of four [20-11/23-4].
5ca chrome yellow, Setting VI, block of four [16-11/10-18].
All are of fresh bright color on crisp white paper, each with outstanding centering and intact perforations, unused with part to large part original gum, Very Fine, the 1ca. and 3ca. have the lightest of age spots mostly confined to the margins. A superlative and, in all probability, unique set of matched corner blocks. Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Opening HK$ 100,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2014
Symbol: *
Cat No: 8
1883, Large Dragons on thick paper, clean-cut perforations, 3ca brown red (Chan 8. Scott 8 var.), Setting VIII, the complete reconstruction of the twenty positions, comprising:
Block of ten [8-1-15/17-26-10/25-3-11-21], the last two stamps with part sheet margins at foot, unused with large part original gum, a few split and reinforced perforations between 1st and 2nd rows of stamps, the largest recorded unused multiple from Setting VIII. Provenance Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), 22.7.1970, lot 45. Giulio Mochi, David Feldman (Zurich), 24.10.1984, lot 40599. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong). 7.10.1997. lot C57.
Block of four [4-9/18-6], unused with large part original gum. Provenance and Auction Record Major James Starr, Sotheby's (London), 11.9.1991, lot 66. Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 11.11.1999, lot 109.
Block of four [23-24/15-20], unused with large part original gum. Provenance Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 7.10.1997, lot C57.
Vertical pair [20/14], cancelled by Chefoo seal.
Horizontal pair [13-5], cancelled by Shanghai seal.
A remarkable reconstruction, which includes the largest recorded unused multiple for this Setting. Fine to Very Fine. One of the few complete reconstructions of Setting VIII. Ex Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 34. Est. HK$150,000-200,000
Est. HK$150,000-200,000
Opening HK$ 75,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2015
Symbol: *
Cat No: 8i
1883, Large Dragons on thick paper, 3ca brown red, clean-cut perf. 12½ variety 12mm. imperforate sheet margin at right (Chan 8i. Scott 8 var.), Setting XVII [5], resplendent color on brilliant white paper, ideal centering, unused with large part original gum, Extremely Fine and fresh. A flawless example of this great rarity.
This, and a block of four, also Setting XVII [10-14/11-21] from the right of the sheet with 12mm. imperforate sheet margins, are the only recorded examples with complete imperforate sheet margin at right.
Provenance and Auction Record Dr. Warren G. Kauder, Robson Lowe (London), 10.11.1971, lot 91, James B. Whang, Christie's Swire (Hong Kong), 2.11.1994, lot 1539. Huang Ming-Fuang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 21.6.2003, lot 51. Lam Man Yin. Interasia Auctions (Hong Kong), 26.2.2011, lot 103. Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Opening HK$ 100,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2016
Symbol: *
Cat No: 10b
1885, Large Dragons on thick paper, 1ca green, rough perforations, vertical pair imperforate between (Chan 10b. Scott 7c var.), vertical pair, Setting VII [8/7], deep bright color on fresh white paper, unused with large part original gum, [7] has a few tiny age specks at top left corner and in margin between stamps as well as on reverse, nevertheless Very Fine.
There are only five such pairs with intact perforations which have survived.
There are a further five pairs which have had the perforations trimmed, and one pair with perforations at sides only.
Provenance and Auction Record Brum Pederson, Stanley Gibbons (London), 15.2.1980, lot 1139. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman. Lam Man Yin. Interasia Auctions (Hong Kong), 26.2.2011, lot 143. Est. HK$400,000-500,000
Est. HK$400,000-500,000
Opening HK$ 200,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2017
Symbol: *
Cat No: 10b
1885, Large Dragons on thick paper, 1ca green, rough perforations, vertical pair imperforate between (Chan 10b. Scott 7c var.), vertical pair, Setting VII [15/10], lovely bright color on white paper, unused with part to large part original gum, top stamp has adherences. A rare variety which ranks among the finest of the few recorded pairs.
There are only five such pairs with intact perforations which have survived.
This imperforate between pair [15/10] and the imperforate between pair [14/25] from the E.H. Finegan (Harmer, Rooke, 14.10.1937, lot 105) and Sir Percival David (Robson Lowe, 6.4.1971, lot 610) collections originally formed a block of four.
Provenance Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), 22.7.1970, lot 35. Giulio Mochi, David Feldman (Zurich), 24.10.1984, lot 40598. "Ming" (Peter Holcombe), Corinphila (Zurich), 25.3.1987, lot 4757. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 7.11.1996, lot A25. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.1998, lot 43. Est. HK$350,000-400,000
Est. HK$350,000-400,000
Opening HK$ 180,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2018
Symbol: o
Cat No: 11g
1885, Large Dragons 3ca brown red, rough perforations, vertical pair imperforate between (Chan 11g. Scott 8b var.), vertical pair, from an unknown Setting, intact perforations all round, deep vibrant red color approaching the deep Venetian red shade, on fresh white paper, lightly cancelled by Peking seal in blue, paper adherences on reverse and tone spot at right affecting two perforations, otherwise Very Fine. A great rarity, and one of the most important varieties of the Large Dragons.
There are only four such pairs which have survived. All are from unknown settings and are used.
Expertization B.P.A. certificate (2012).
Auction Record Interasia (Hong Kong), 28.4.2012, lot 75.
The other three recorded pairs:
Unknown Setting [26/8?], canceled by Tientsin seal in blue. Phillip von Ferrary de la Renotière, Gilbert (Paris), 22-24.4.1925, lot 490. Arthur Hind, H.R. Harmer (New York), 21-22.5.1935, lot 109. Major James Starr, Sotheby's (London), 11.9.1991, lot 105. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 16.6.1998, lot 24.
Unknown Setting [24/14], canceled by seal in black. Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), 22.10.1970, lot 38. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 7.11.1996, lot A46. Giulio Mochi, David Feldman (Geneva), 24-27.10.1984, lot 40604. Huang Ming-Fuang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 21.6.2003, lot 59.
Unknown Setting [26/21], canceled by seal in black. Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), 10.11.1971, lot 99. Dr. Warren G. Kauder, Robson Lowe (London), 10.11.1971, lot 99. Mizuhara Meiso, Spink (Hong Kong), 17.1.2016, lot 1640.
Est. HK$500,000-600,000
Est. HK$500,000-600,000
Opening HK$ 260,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2019
Symbol: o
Cat No: 12e
1885, Large Dragons, rough perforations, 5ca chrome yellow, horizontal pair imperforate between (Chan 12e. Scott 9b var.), horizontal pair, Setting VII [17-7], excellent color, canceled by Tientsin type 5 seal in blue, contrasting with the freshness of color of the stamps, the left stamp has a tear at top extending into the Dragon's body, Fine to Very Fine appearance for this phenomenal world rarity.
The only recorded example of the 5 candarins in an imperforate between pair.
Provenance Phillip von Ferrary de la Renotière, Gilbert (Paris), 22-24.4.1925, lot 490. Arthur Hind, H.R. Harmer (New York), 21-22.5.1935, lot 110. Major James Starr, Sotheby's (London), 11.9.1991, lot 191. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 7.11.1996, lot A79. Huang Ming-Fuang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 21.6.2003, lot 59.
Only six collectors have owned all three values of the Large Dragons in imperforate between pairs. This esteemed list comprises Phillip von Ferrary de la Renotière, Arthur Hind, Major James Starr, Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Huang Ming-Fuang, and the current collector. Est. HK$600,000-800,000
Est. HK$600,000-800,000
Opening HK$ 300,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2020
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 12d
1883 Large Dragons on thick paper, 5ca. chrome-yellow, rough perforations (Chan 12d. Scott 9 var.), Setting VI, a splendid block of six [11-3-4/18-5-22] from the lower right corner of the sheet, cliché [22] is the broken plate variety, resplendent color, near perfect centering, wonderfully fresh, unused with much original gum, Extremely Fine. A striking and noteworthy block. Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Opening HK$ 30,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2021
Symbol: C
Cat No: 11, 12
1885, Large Dragons, rough perforations, 3ca bright vermilion and 5ca chrome yellow (Chan 11, 12. Scott 8a, 9a), the 3ca. bright vermilion with part sheet margin at foot and 5ca. chrome-yellow Setting VIII, horizontal strip of four [6-4-16-24] and vertical pair [1/19], cancelled by Tientsin type 6 seal in blue, on 1888 (21 Apr.) envelope ("Kaiserlich Deutsches Consulat/Tientsin" white on blue embossed paper seal on flap) to Peking, with matching "Customs/Tientsin" double-ring origin datestamp of "Apl 21 88" on reverse, the 3ca. has a 6.5mm. tear at lower left corner and the 5ca. stamp at left [6] in the strip of four has a corner crease and light tones, nevertheless fine for such a large and impressive franking.
A large linen diplomatic envelope franked at 33 candarins paying the 11 times weight domestic rate.
Based on its color and position from the foot of the sheet, the 3ca. appears to be cliché [3] and could very well be from Setting IX, from which only eight positions have been identified to date. Since it is a single stamp and not a multiple, this cannot be stated with certitude.
Expertization Signed Peter Holcombe.
Provenance Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 56. Est. HK$100,000-120,000
Est. HK$100,000-120,000
Opening HK$ 50,000.00
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Essays and Proofs
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2001
Symbol: E
Cat No: Collection
1878, Elephant Design essay of 5 cash black, perforation 12½ on thin native laid paper, horizontal pair [71-72] with sheet margin at left, excellent color and sharp impression on this delicate paper which remarkably has retained its overall freshness, well centered, with intact perforations, light creases mostly in sheet margin, Very Fine state of conservation for this rare and elusive essay.
Provenance Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), 4.10.1967, lot 3. This was a block of fifteen with sheet margin at left, which subsequently was split into blocks, strips, pairs and singles over the years. The lot offered above originates from this block, originally having been the lower left pair. The lower left marginal horizontal strip of four taken from the original block was in the Giulio Mochi collection (David Feldman, 24.10.1984, lot 40552), and then further split into two pairs in the "Ming" collection. "Ming" (Peter Holcombe), Corinphila (Zurich), 25.3.1987, lot 4734. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 1.
References Sir Percival David, "Sketches, Essays, and Proofs of China's First Issue," The London Philatelist, Vol. VIII, No. 676 (March, 1949), pp. 33-37. Jeffrey S. Schneider, "Plating the Elephant Essay", Journal of China Philately, Vol. 1 (2006), pp. 262-266. Dr. Ji Sun, "The Elephant Essay Resurfaces after 100 Years," The China Clipper, Vol. 74, No. 6 (June, 2008), pp. 231-233. Zhao Yue and Dr. Jeffrey Schneider, "A Study of the Elephant Essay as the Proofs of the Large Dragon Issue," Jiyou, No. 27 (Beijing, 2018), pp. 188-195.
From our records of multiples, we have reconstructed a left sheet margin block of fifty (10 x 5) from blocks of twenty-five, fifteen, six and four. These represent the bottom half of the sheet of one hundred. The blocks of fifteen and six were subsequently split into lesser multiples and singles. We have no record of any examples which do not originate from these blocks.
Research indicates that these essays were printed in the sheet format of one hundred, of which only fifty perforated examples have survived. Est. HK$260,000-300,000
Est. HK$260,000-300,000
Opening HK$ 130,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2002
Symbol: P
1878, Large Dragons, Essay of the Accepted Design with "Extra Circle", 3ca brown red, imperforate proof on thin wove paper, horizontal pair [4-5] with 21mm. sheet margin at top and 8mm. sheet margin at right, large margins on the other two sides, slightly contrasting impressions with right stamp displaying a near perfect impression with heavy "bite" showing on reverse as is characteristic for such a corner example and the "découpage" (make ready) utilized, faint toning on reverse barely discernable from front, light vertical crease crossing left stamp and diagonal bend in margin at top right corner well clear of stamp, Very Fine and a rare essay on thin paper.
The largest recorded multiples are blocks of four, of which three have survived, in addition to three pairs.
Provenance Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 2.
Using multiples and two marginal singles, we have reconstructed twenty-three of the twenty-five positions on the sheet. It appears that there were only two sheets of this essay printed on thin paper. Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Opening HK$ 20,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2003
Symbol: P
1878, Large Dragons, Essay of the Accepted Design with "Extra Circle", 5ca yellow ocher imperforate proof on thin wove paper, horizontal pair [2-3] with 8mm. sheet margin at top, lovely fresh pastel-like yellow color, large even margins on the other sides, sharp highly detailed impression showing pronounced "bite" on reverse, trivial creasing, Very Fine.
Provenance Godfrey Mellor, Robson Lowe (London), 15.5.1969, lot 2128. Paul Hock, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 19.10.1983, lot 12. "Ming" (Peter Holcombe), Corinphila (Zurich), 25.3.1987, lot 4738. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 3.
Two complete sheets of 25 are known.
From various multiples and three marginal singles, we have been able to reconstruct twenty-four positions of another sheet. With different inking, as well as the two intact complete sheets, it appears as if there were four sheets produced in this color. Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Opening HK$ 30,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2004
Symbol: EBL
1878, Large Dragons, 1ca green with "Extra Circle" removed, imperforate proof on thin wove ungummed paper, Setting I, a complete sheet of 25, brilliant color and sharp impression on crisp white paper, a few light rust spots mostly in the margins and inconsequential horizontal folds in top and bottom sheet margins, Very Fine. A magnificent intact sheet in an optimum state of conservation.
Provenance Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman. Lam Man Yin.
Auction Record Robson Lowe (London), 9.2.71, lot 419. George Alevizos (Santa Monica), 8-9.2.79, lot 1008.
We record the following seven imperforate complete sheets from Setting I
E.H. Finegan, Harmer, Rooke (London), 14.10.1937, lot 69; Adolphous Diercking, H.R. Harmer (London), 5.11.1956, lot 6.
Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), 22.7.1970, lot 537.
Robson Lowe (London), 9.2.1971, lot 419; George Alevizos (Santa Monica), 8-9.2.1979, lot 1008; Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Lam Man Yin; Interasia (Hong Kong), 26.2.2011, lot 10. This is the above lot.
Giulio Mochi, David Feldman (Zurich), 26.10.1984, lot 40559; Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 7.11.1996, lot A3; Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 18.3.2016, lot 9.
Dr. Warren G. Attwood, Harmer, Rooke (New York), 7.10.1952, lot 3; Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), 19.10.1972, lot 177; Philip Ireland, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 25.5.1989, lot 2035; Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.1998. lot 5.
Major James Starr, Sotheby's (London), 11.9.1991, lot 4.
Mizuhara Meiso, Spink (Hong Kong), 17.1.2016, lot 1566, fine to very fine.
Est. HK$400,000-500,000
Est. HK$400,000-500,000
Opening HK$ 200,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2005
Symbol: PBL
1878, Large Dragons, 1ca green with "Extra Circle" removed, imperforate proof on thin wove ungummed paper, Setting I, a complete sheet of twenty-five, clear bright color and fine impression on white paper, heavy registration along top and part of left frame lines from the découpage ("make ready"), inconsequential horizontal bend crosses fourth row of stamps, slight ageing mostly in margin at top and light creasing in outer extremities of top and bottom sheet margins, Fine to Very Fine. Another impressive intact well-preserved sheet.
Provenance Dr. Warren G. Attwood, Harmer, Rooke (New York), 7.10.1952, lot 3. Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), 19.10.1972, lot 177. Philip Ireland, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 25.5.1989, lot 2035. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 4. Est. HK$300,000-400,000
Est. HK$300,000-400,000
Opening HK$ 150,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2006
Symbol: PBL
1878, Large Dragons, 1ca dark green with "Extra Circle" removed, imperforate proof on thin wove ungummed paper, Setting II, an astounding block of four [1-12/7-21] with 7.5mm. sheet margin at left and 10mm. sheet margin at top, constant small dot of printing ink in sheet margin above cliché [12] and typical misalignment of the clichés in the second row, extraordinarily deep color and characteristic over-inked impression, on bright white paper, large to huge margins, extremely fine and choice. A veritable gem.
One of only three blocks recorded in this color from Setting II.
Provenance Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), 19.10.1972, lot 89. Philip Ireland, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 25.5.1989, lot 2098. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 4.
This is a distinctly rich dark shade. Our reconstruction of eighteen of the twenty-five positions shows very poor alignment of the clichés in the second row. From the examples found to date, there must have only one sheet of twenty-five printed in this color. Only three blocks are known to date, a block of nine and two blocks of four. These three blocks all appear to join. Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Opening HK$ 100,000.00
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The Clichés of the Large Dragons
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2007
Symbol: */o
Cat No: 2, 5, 8, 11, vars.
1878-85, Large Dragons, 3ca brown red or vermilion (Chan 2, 5, 8, 11, vars. Scott 2, 5, 8, vars.), unused and used study, skillfully presented with hand-drawn illustrations and explanations for the identification of each cliché comprising the twenty-six clichés, classified by the owner, as applicable for the 1878 thin paper 3ca unused (9) and used (17), 1882 wide margins 3ca used (16), and 1883-85 thick paper 3ca. unused (2) and used (21), a few of the thick paper issues are misidentified, some faults, mainly Fine to Very Fine (65).
Provenance Bernard Stoloff, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 14.5.1987, lot 2207. Shipping charges apply - weight 0.8 lbs. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 10.12.2018, lot 9. (PDF for this Lot) Est. HK$70,000-90,000
Est. HK$70,000-90,000
Opening HK$ 36,000.00
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1885-1888 Small Dragon Issues
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2022
Symbol: PBL
Cat No: 13-15
1885, Small Dragons, 1ca to 5ca, imperforate proofs (Chan 13-15. Scott 10-12 vars.), comprising:
1ca green imperforate plate proof on thin vertically laid paper, block of four with sheet margin at left.
3ca imperforate plate proof in mauve on thin wove watermarked gummed paper, block of four with sheet margins at right and foot.
5ca imperforate plate proof in olive yellow on wove unwatermarked ungummed paper, block of four with huge sheet margins at top and left.
All are of excellent color, with large to enormous margins, the 1ca., which is especially rare, has the typical suffusion associated with the one proof sheet pulled on this paper, and the 3ca. has toning, Fine to Very Fine overall, and an exceptional group. Est. HK$70,000-90,000
Est. HK$70,000-90,000
Opening HK$ 36,000.00
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1894 Dowager Empress 60th Birthday Commemorative I
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2023
Symbol: P
Cat No: 22P5-30P5
1894, Empress Dowager 60th Birthday, 1ca to 24ca complete, imperforate plate proofs (Chan 22P5-30P5. Scott 22-30), of the 3rd printing in colors of the 2nd printing on hard wove paper, the 1ca to 6ca in horizontal pairs from the lower right corner of the sheet and the 9ca to 24ca in horizontal pairs from the right of the sheet, radiant colors, large margins all round, the 4ca, 5ca, 9ca and 12ca have creases in sheet margins well away from stamps, Extremely Fine, and an exquisite set of these proofs. Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Opening HK$ 20,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2024
Symbol: **BL
Cat No: 28g, j
1894, Empress Dowager 60th Birthday, 1st printing, 9ca bright green, tête-bêche (Chan 28g, j. Scott 22e, 22i), block of four, lower left stamp inverted cliché (tête-bêche), from Pane 6, deep bright color on immaculate white paper, centered just to right, fresh, mint, original gum, never hinged, Very Fine. Est. HK$20,000-24,000
Est. HK$20,000-24,000
Opening HK$ 10,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2025
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 29S
1894, Empress Dowager 60th Birthday, 2nd printing 12ca. orange yellow (Chan 29S. Scott 23n), block of four, intense color, wonderfully fresh, unused with large part original gum, paper hinge remnants at top, Very Fine, a couple of minute black specks on two stamps merely mentioned for accuracy. A rare and significant multiple.
Provenance Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), 22.7.1970, lot 104. Bernard Stoloff, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 14.5.1987, lot 2251. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 30.1.2010, lot 94. Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 26,000.00
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1897 New Currency Surcharges
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2026
Symbol: *
Cat No: 37pi
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Empress Dowager, ½c on 3ca olive yellow, vertical strip of three, variety imperforate between (Chan 37pi. Scott 28e var.), vertical strip of 3, definitive color, near perfect centering with unusually large margins all round, unused with large part original gum, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 15,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2027
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 38
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Empress Dowager, 1c on 1ca vermilion (Chan 38. Scott 29), Setting A, Panes 1 and 2, sheet of forty with selvedge at top and left, Pane 1, position 10 broken top of "1", gorgeous deep bright color, wonderfully fresh, unused with practically full original gum, corner crease at lower left just affecting one stamp, Very Fine. Est. HK$9,000-12,000
Est. HK$9,000-12,000
Opening HK$ 4,500.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2028
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 39
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Empress Dowager, 2c on 2ca green (Chan 39. Scott 30), Setting C, Panes 5 and 6, sheet of forty with sheet margin at left and interpane margin at right, lustrous color, fresh, unused with large part original gum, perforations of the first three stamps in the bottom row blunted or trimmed, and small paper adherences on reverse, otherwise Very Fine. Est. HK$10,000-12,000
Est. HK$10,000-12,000
Opening HK$ 5,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2029
Symbol: *
Cat No: 42e
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Empress Dowager, 8c on 6ca brown, vertical strip of three, variety imperforate between (Chan 42e. Scott 33b), vertical strip of 3, bright color, well centered, unused with large part original gum, light partial red line on reverse, Very Fine.
Provenance Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 30.1.2010, lot 141. Est. HK$24,000-30,000
Est. HK$24,000-30,000
Opening HK$ 12,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2030
Symbol: **BL
Cat No: 43
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Empress Dowager, 10c on 6ca brown (Chan 43. Scott 34), Setting C, Panes 3 and 4, sheet of forty with interpane margin at left and sheet margins at top and right, well centered, incredibly fresh, unused with full original gum, stamps never hinged, lower left two stamps have perforations trimmed at foot, and small tone spot in sheet margin merely mentioned for accuracy, Very Fine overall. Est. HK$20,000-26,000
Est. HK$20,000-26,000
Opening HK$ 10,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2031
Symbol: *
Cat No: 49 var.
1897, Large figures wide surcharges on Dowager, 1st printing, 2c on 2ca green, variety surcharge misplaced horizontally (Chan 49 var. Scott 40 var.), horizontal strip of 4, with sheet margin at left, deep bright color, well centered, unused with practically full original gum, light uniform toning from gum, otherwise Very Fine, a noteworthy example of this variety in a multiple displaying the four complete impressions of the surcharge. Est. HK$28,000-32,000
Est. HK$28,000-32,000
Opening HK$ 14,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2032
Symbol: *
Cat No: 50c
1897, Large figures wide surcharges on Dowager, 1st printing, 4c on 4ca rose pink, horizontal pair imperforate between (Chan 50c. Scott 41b), horizontal pair, bright color for this difficult stamp, fresh, unused with large part original gum, small fox mark on upper right corner perforation on reverse which is barely visible on front, Very Fine.
This ranks among the rarest 1897 New Currency surcharge imperforate between varieties.
Provenance Major James Starr, Sotheby's (London), 12.9.1991, lot 501. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 14.5.1998, lot A87. Huang Ming-Fuang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 21.6.2003, lot 249. Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 26,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2033
Symbol: *
Cat No: 55f
1897, Large Figures wide surcharges on Dowager, 1st printing, 30c on 24ca rose carmine, variety "30" 2mm. above "cents" and character "Two" of basic stamp with distant dot (Chan 55f. Scott 46b var.), position 5 from the right Pane, intensely deep color, centered to foot, fine unused with large part original gum, paper adherence at top on reverse. Rare.
There are probably 15-20 surviving examples of the 2mm. spacing variety, of which only a few of these also have the "distant dot" variety.
Expertization Signed Herbert Bloch. Friedl Expert Committee certificate (1961). Peter Holcombe certificate (1986).
Provenance James K. Senior, Robson Lowe (Basel), 6.10.1971, lot 1267. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 30.1.2010, lot 157. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 15,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2034
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 56-62, a, 63, 64, d, p
1897, Large Figures wide surcharges on Dowager, 2nd printing, ½c on 3ca to 30c on 24ca (Chan 56-62, a, 63, 64, d, p. Scott 47-55, a, vars.), blocks of four, all except the last with sheet or interpane margins, the 10c on 9ca is from the left pane [16-17/21-22], position 17 small dot of "Yang", position 21 broken middle of "Yin", the 10c on 12ca is from the left pane [2-3/7-8], position 2 has cracked dot of "Yang", position 7 with broken "Gin", and the 30c on 24ca is from the right pane [4-5/8-10], position 5 with "30" 2mm. above "cents", position 10 has broken "Yin", misperforated horizontally through top pair, unused with large part original gum, the 30c on 24ca is missing gum in one corner, the 5c on 5ca has light diagonal crease, and the 10c on 12ca has minor adherences, Fine to Very Fine. A magnificent set of blocks. Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Opening HK$ 30,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2035
Symbol: o
Cat No: 59e
1897, Large Figures wide surcharges on Dowager, 2nd printing, 4c on 4ca on pale rose, horizontal pair, variety imperforate between (Chan 59e. Scott 50 var.), deep color, well centered within large margins, cancelled by "Nanking" bilingual c.d.s. (1.4.01), pulled perforation at top, otherwise Very Fine.
Less than ten imperforate between pairs are recorded.
Provenance Paul Hock, Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), 19.10.1983, lot 247. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 12.11.1998, lot B89. Huang Ming-Fuang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 21.6.2003, lot 302. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 15,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2036
Symbol: *
Cat No: 64a
1897, Large Figures wide surcharges on Dowager, 2nd printing, 30c on 24ca deep rose red, variety of Chinese "Three", type A (Chan 64a. Scott 55 var.), position 2, from the right Pane, good color, centered within unusually wide margins especially so on three sides, unused with large part original gum, hinge remnant, short perforation at right, Fine to Very Fine.
Provenance Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 13.5.1999, lot C98. Est. HK$2,400-3,000
Est. HK$2,400-3,000
Opening HK$ 1,200.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2037
Symbol: *
Cat No: 74g
1897, Large Figures narrow surcharges on Dowager, 3rd printing, ½c on 3ca pale chrome-yellow, inverted surcharge (Chan 74g. Scott 65a), with interpane margin at foot, outstanding centering, mint, original gum, stamp never hinged, hinged in margin only, Very Fine
The pale color of the stamp, which makes the design difficult to see, provides a logical explanation as to how the sheets could be placed upside down for surcharging. Probably two sheets comprised of eight panes—160 stamps—were surcharged with this error.
Expertization Signed Peter Holcombe. Est. HK$16,000-20,000
Est. HK$16,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 8,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2038
Symbol: *
Cat No: 76c
1897, Large Figures narrow surcharges on Dowager, 3rd printing, 2c on 2ca yellow green, inverted surcharge (Chan 76c. Scott 67a), with interpane margin at left, vibrant color, well centered, fresh, unused with large part original gum, hinge remnant, Extremely Fine and irrefutably one of the finest examples extant of this rare surcharge variety
Provenance H.G. Fletcher, Philipps (London), 6.4.1978, lot 109. Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Opening HK$ 20,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2039
Symbol: *
Cat No: 77b
1897, Large Figures narrow surcharges on Dowager, 3rd printing, 4c on 4ca dull pink, inverted surcharge (Chan 77b. Scott 68a), clear pastel-like shade, unused with large part original gum, short perforation at top, Fine to Very Fine.
Expertization Signed Peter Holcombe.
Provenance "Ming" (Peter Holcombe), Corinphila (Zurich), 29.9.1988, lot 4215. Jane and Dan Sten Olsson, Interasia (Hong Kong), 30.1.2010, lot 198. Est. HK$8,000-10,000
Est. HK$8,000-10,000
Opening HK$ 4,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2040
Symbol: *
Cat No: 81
1897, Large Figures narrow surcharges on Dowager 3rd printing, 30c on 24ca pale rose red (Chan 81. Scott 72), incredibly deep bright color approaching that of the 1st printing and of the quintessential freshness, well centered for this, unused with large part original gum, some blunt or irregular perforations, nevertheless Fine to Very Fine, and a desirable example of this rare stamp.
Expertization Signed J.R. Hughes. Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Opening HK$ 20,000.00
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1897 Red Revenue Surcharges
Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2041
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 84, a, e, h
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 2c on 3c red (Chan 84, a, e, h. Scott 79, b, e), a magnificent pane of twenty-five from the top left corner of the sheet with full sheet margins at top and left, showing surcharge varieties including broken "n" in "cents", comma for period and inverted "s" in "cents", strong color, fresh, unused with large part original gum, a couple of small areas of dried gum, slight splitting in selvedge at lower left between sheet margin and bottom stamp, Very Fine and an impressive multiple.
Provenance Colonel Valentin Burkhardt, Spink Phila China (Hong Kong), 13.1.2013, lot 2076. Est. HK$120,000-150,000
Est. HK$120,000-150,000
Opening HK$ 60,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2042
Symbol: *
Cat No: 84i
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 2c on 3c red, inverted surcharge (Chan 84i. Scott 79a), position 8, bright color on white paper, well centered (just to upper right), unused with large part original gum, hinge remnants, Very Fine. A highly appealing example of this rare and popular variety.
Expertization Messrs. (Jules) Bernichon and E. Matthey, Paris, dealers' handstamps on reverse. Est. HK$100,000-120,000
Est. HK$100,000-120,000
Opening HK$ 50,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2043
Symbol: *
Cat No: 84i
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 2c on 3c red, inverted surcharge (Chan 84i. Scott 79a), position 7, good color, well centered (just to upper right), unused with part original gum, hinge remnant, Fine to Very Fine. A lovely example of this highly desirable variety. Est. HK$80,000-100,000
Est. HK$80,000-100,000
Opening HK$ 40,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2044
Symbol: *
Cat No: 84q
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 2c on 3c red, surcharge double (Chan 84q. Scott 79e), position 9, basic stamp position 9, deep color, well centered within large balanced margins, unused with practically full original gum, the usual natural gum skips, slightly oxidized and a little sulfurized on reverse, small tone spot at bottom right, reperforated at foot, Very Fine appearance. An eminently collectible example of outstanding appearance. One of the rarest of the Red Revenue varieties and the first example to appear in auction in over eight years.
Only one Setting of twenty is known with the double surcharge. All of the properly recognized examples of this variety appear to come from the same block. Interestingly, all twenty examples have been documented.
This is the example illustrated in the Chan catalogue.
Expertization Clear Chan Shiu-Han certificate (1995) on "Treasure Hunters" letterhead mentioning tone spot at bottom right.
References Directorate General of Posts, Ministry of Communications. The Revenue Surcharges China 1897. Vol. I (Taipei, 1984), No. 9, p. 18. Illustrated. Shiu-Hon Chan, Color Illustrated Stamp Catalogue of China (1878-1949), Vol. I (2010), p. 36. Illustrated. Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Est. HK$200,000-260,000
Opening HK$ 100,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2045
Symbol: *
Cat No: 85
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 4c on 3c red (Chan 85. Scott 81), position 4, wonderfully fresh bright color on pristine white paper, near perfect centering within enormous balanced margins, unused with large part original gum, hinge remnants, Extremely Fine. Irrefutably one of the finest examples extant of the 175 stamps receiving the surcharge solely in black. A gem. Est. HK$120,000-150,000
Est. HK$120,000-150,000
Opening HK$ 60,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2046
Symbol: *
Cat No: 85a
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 4c on 3c red, variety surcharge double in violet and black (Chan 85a. Scott 81a), position 6, strong and distinct doubling throughout, the basic stamp of exceptionally deep rich color on bright white paper, well centered within large margins, remarkably fresh, unused with large part original gum, Very Fine and irrefutably one of the finest examples extant of this great rarity.
One pane of twenty-five was originally surcharged in violet; however, the surcharge was deemed to be too light, so it was surcharged a second time in black.
Expertization Gebrüder Senf, Leipzig guarantee handstamp. Signed Peter Holcombe.
Provenance "Ming" (Peter Holcombe), Corinphila (Zurich), 25.3.1987, lot 4897. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), 12.11.1997, lot B137. Est. HK$400,000-500,000
Est. HK$400,000-500,000
Opening HK$ 200,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2047
Symbol: *
Cat No: 85a
1897, Small Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 4c on 3c red, variety surcharge double in violet and black (Chan 85a. Scott 81a), position 7, distinct doubling throughout, good color, well centered within large even margins, unused with large part original gum, some glazing from protective mount (mostly where hinge is), a few light age spots at foot, Fine to Very Fine. A splendid example of this important rarity.
One pane of twenty-five was originally surcharged in violet; however, the surcharge was deemed to be too light, so it was surcharged a second time in black.
Expertization Signed Gebrüder Senf, Leipzig. Signed H. Bloch. Signed J.R. Hughes. Signed P. Holcombe.
Provenance Shao Kuo Hwa. J.B. Whang. Woo Lo-Yuan, Sotheby's (Hong Kong), 29 April 1996, lot 311. Robert Tan, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), 7.12.2004, lot 519.
References Directorate General of Posts, Ministry of Communications. The Revenue Surcharges China 1897. Vol. I (Taipei, 1984), p. 32. Illustrated. Directorate General of Posts, Ministry of Communications. The Revenue Surcharges China 1897. Vol. II (Taipei, 1987), pp. 482-483. This is item 16 in the listing of the 22 examples recorded. Est. HK$300,000-400,000
Est. HK$300,000-400,000
Opening HK$ 150,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2048
Symbol: *BL
Cat No: 87
1897, Large Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 1c on 3c red (Chan 87. Scott 78), block of four with sheet margin at top, positions 3-4/8-9, brilliant color on immaculate white paper, wonderfully fresh, unused with part to large part original gum, some backing paper adherences on reverse, Very Fine. Est. HK$16,000-20,000
Est. HK$16,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 8,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2049
Symbol: **BL
Cat No: 87
1897, Large Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 1c on 3c red (Chan 87. Scott 78), block of four with sheet margin at top, positions 3-4/8-9, bright color, well centered on fresh white paper, unused with practically full original gum, the few usual gum skips, hinged in margin only, barely discernable age spots on a few perforation tips of no importance to the outstanding quality of this Very Fine and lovely block. Est. HK$16,000-20,000
Est. HK$16,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 8,000.00
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Sale No: 45
Lot No: 2050
Symbol: C
Cat No: 87
1897, Large Figures surcharges on Red Revenue, 1c on 3c red (Chan 87. Scott 78), canceled by pakua in blue, matching "Tientsin" origin dollar dater, on 1897 (18 July) neat envelope to Medina, Ohio (16.8), redirected to Bristol, Rhode Island (17.8), "Shanghai" transit dollar dater (22.7) in brown (on reverse), in combination with Japan 1s green, cancelled by "Shanghai/I.J.P.O." c.d.s. (23.7), the Red Revenue 1c on 3c has minute corner faults merely mentioned for accuracy, the envelope unsealed as per printed matter regulations. Very fine. A charming and delightful cover.
The special 1-cent printed matter rate to the United States through the Japanese Post Office.
Provenance and Auction Record Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman. Lam Man Yin. Interasia (Hong Kong), 24.9.2011, lot 2047.
References Directorate General of Posts, Ministry of Communications. The Revenue Surcharges China 1897, Vol. I (Taipei, 1984), p. 151. Benjamin Y.K. Hwa, The Illustrated Covers, Postcards, Lettercards, Remittance Certificates of Revenue Surcharges, Vol. I, p. 217. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
