The Customs Mail Matter Handstamps of China, 1883- 1886-1894 Imperial Province (Formosa)
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2074
Symbol: C
1894 (July 18) printed "On Service" envelope from Anping to the Statistical Department of Customs at Shanghai, showing "Anping Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, matching "Customs/Anping" double-ring origin datestamp, "Customs/Amoy" double-ring transit datestamp (7.24) in black, and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring arrival datestamp (7.27) in blue on reverse, "Parcel Receipt Nos. 352, 373 + 396", a little roughly opened at flap on back, Extremely Fine quality for this immensely rare Customs Mail Matter handstamp.
Only five covers are recorded with the Anping Customs Mail Matter handstamp, one of which is in the China Postage Stamp Museum.
Reference Paul K.S. Chang, History of Postal Cancellations of China, Part I, p. 154.
Provenance Paul K.S. Chang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), May 10, 2001, lot 12. Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Opening HK$ 190,000.00
Sold...HK$ 620,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:54:32 EST
Sold For 620000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2075
Symbol: C
Cat No: Collection
1895 (Mar. 4) envelope from Tamsui to Boston, showing light strike of the "Tamsui Customs/Mail/Matter" oval handstamp in red, "Customs/Tamsuy" double-ring origin datestamp in blue and "Customs/Amoy" double-ring transit datestamp (3.5) in black on reverse, and bearing on front Hong Kong 10c purple on red, canceled by "Hong Kong/B" c.d.s. (3.7), with "San Francisco Cal./Paid All" transit (4.2) and "Boston, Mass." arrival (4.7) c.d.s. on reverse, the Hong Kong adhesive has been lifted and hinged back to the cover in order to display the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and the cover opened out for exhibition, Fine to Very Fine, and an important commercially used postal history item for the Customs Post in Taiwan.
The only recorded Tamsui Customs Mail Matter cover sent overseas.
Believed to be only one of four recorded covers with the Tamsui Customs Mail Matter marking.
Two of these covers are 1894 (July 13 & Sept. 2) "On Service" printed envelopes to the Statistical Department of Customs at Shanghai via Amoy.
In his classic work, The Postal Marks of the Ching Dynasty (Beijing, 1984), Suen Jun Yi records the existence of this Customs Mail Matter marking on an 1894 registered cover bearing Small Dragons and an 1895 (June 25) cover. However, the whereabouts of these two covers are not known.
Expertization Signed Peter Holcombe
References Prize Selections from the Rocpex Taipei '81', p. 80. Customs Dater (1875-1913), p. 234.
Provenance and Auction Record "Ming", Corinphila (Zurich), Mar. 25, 1987, lot 5033. Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), Nov. 7, 2002, lot 21. Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Opening HK$ 200,000.00
Sold...HK$ 775,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:57:46 EST
Sold For 775000
Amoy
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2001
Symbol: C
1897 (Oct. 22) registered envelope from Amoy to the Spanish Consul General in Shanghai, showing "Amoy Customs/Mail/Matter" framed oval handstamp in brown, matching "Amoy" dollar dater and handstruck "R" adjacent, with "Shanghai" arrival dollar dater (10.25) in blue on reverse, cover a little roughly opened at top just affecting the Mail Matter marking and wax seal removed at back, Fine to Very Fine and rare.
Of the ten recorded covers with the Amoy Customs Mail Matter handstamp, this is the only recorded registered usage.
Provenance Sir Percival David, Robson Lowe (London), Dec. 12, 1963, lot 1667. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), Nov. 11, 1999, lot D37. Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Opening HK$ 30,000.00
Sold...HK$ 45,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:21:05 EST
Sold For 45000
Canton
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2002
Symbol: C
1894 (July 6) "On Service" printed envelope from Canton to the Statistical Department of Customs at Shanghai, showing "Canton Customs/Mail Matter" double-oval handstamp (type II) in violet, matching "Customs/Canton" double-ring origin datestamp, with "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring arrival datestamp (7.11) in blue on reverse, "Parcel Receipt No. 355", Fine to Very Fine strikes in this distinctive color, of which this may be the only such cover.
Provenance and Auction Record Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), Oct. 19, 1972, lot 17. George Alevizos (Los Angeles), Feb. 8-9, 1979, lot 2099. "Ming", Corinphila (Zurich), Mar. 25, 1987, lot 5016. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), Nov.11 1999, lot D39. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 30,000.00
Sold...HK$ 30,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:22:06 EST
Sold For 30000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2003
Symbol: C
1897 (Aug. 4) envelope from Canton to Wuchow, showing "Canton Customs/Mail Matter" double-oval handstamp (type II), matching "Canton" origin dollar dater adjacent, and "Imperial Post Office/Wuchow" oval arrival datestamp (8.26) in blue on reverse, opened out for display and some light age spotting, Fine to Very Fine.
Provenance Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), Oct. 19, 1972, lot 19. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman. Lam Man Yin, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), Mar. 18, 2006, lot 3. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 28,000.00
Sold...HK$ 28,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:23:06 EST
Sold For 28000
Chefoo
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2004
Symbol: C
1889 (Aug. 20) envelope from Chefoo to Paris, showing "Chefoo Customs/Mail Matter" framed handstamp in red, with "Customs/Chefoo" origin and "Customs/Shanghai" transit (8.22) double-ring datestamp on reverse, bearing Germany "Pfennig" 20pf., canceled by "Kaiserlich/Deutsche/Postagentur/Shanghai" datestamp (8.24), with "Brindisi/(Lecce)" transit and "Paris/Distribution 3" arrival (9.28) c.d.s. on reverse, Fine to Very Fine and unique usage.
The only recorded instance of the Chefoo Customs Mail Matter handstamp used on mail transmitted overseas through the German Post Office.
Provenance and Auction Record Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), May 14, 1998, lot 546. Benjamin Y.K. Hwa, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), Nov. 16, 2000, lot 60. Est. HK$30,000-35,000
Est. HK$30,000-35,000
Opening HK$ 24,000.00
Sold...HK$ 60,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:24:11 EST
Sold For 60000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2005
Symbol: C
1894 (Mar.) Chefoo Local Post 1c letter card from Chefoo to Naples, Italy, showing "Chefoo Customs/Mail Matter" framed handstamp in red, "Customs/Chefoo" origin and "Customs/Shanghai" (4.5) double-ring datestamps on reverse, bearing France Peace and Commerce 5c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s.(4.6), with "T" triangular handstamp adjacent, the letter card underfranked, and Italy Postage Dues 10c and 30c subsequently applied on arrival and canceled by "Napoli" c.d.s. (5.11), portions of the Postage Due stamps have been removed with the letter card margins on opening, Fine to Very Fine formular usage of Local Post stationery. Est. HK$12,000-15,000
Est. HK$12,000-15,000
Opening HK$ 9,000.00
Sold...HK$ 10,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:25:31 EST
Sold For 10000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2006
Symbol: C
1894 (Nov. 24) neat registered envelope ("Custom House, Chefoo" embossed seal on flap) from Chefoo to Leimen, Germany, showing "Chefoo Customs/Mail Matter" framed handstamp in red, matching "Registered" large oval handstamp, with "Customs/Chefoo" origin and blue-black "Customs/Shanghai" transit (11.27) double-ring datestamps on reverse, and bearing on front France "Chine" 75c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (11.30), with "R" framed handstamp in red adjacent, and "Leiman/Baden" arrival c.d.s. (1.5.95) on reverse, insignificant piece of flap missing in one corner at back, Very Fine, a charming and delightful cover.
Only three registered covers are recorded with the "Chefoo Customs/Mail Matter" marking. . Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 55,000.00
Sold...HK$ 75,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:26:53 EST
Sold For 75000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2007
Symbol: C
1894 (Dec. 28) envelope from Chefoo to Great Britain, redirected internally, showing "Chefoo Customs/Mail Matter" framed handstamp in red, "Customs/Chefoo" origin and blue "Customs/Shanghai" (12.31) double-ring datestamps on reverse, bearing France "Chine" 25c (2) applied over the Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (1.3.95), with "Kelso" Scotland arrival c.d.s. (2.11) and then readdressed with "Blackpool" arrival c.d.s. (2.12), Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$12,000-15,000
Est. HK$12,000-15,000
Opening HK$ 10,000.00
Sold...HK$ 10,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:27:56 EST
Sold For 10000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2008
Symbol: C
1895 (Jan. 25) registered envelope ("Chefoo Club" imprint on flap) from Chefoo to Colne, England, showing "Chefoo Customs/Mail Matter" framed handstamp in red, matching "Registered" large oval handstamp, "Customs/Chefoo" origin (1.25) and blue "Customs/Shanghai" transit (2.2) double-ring datestamps on reverse, bearing France Peace and Commerce 25c (2) applied over the Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (2.2), with "R" framed handstamp in red, "Ligne N/Paq. Fr. No. 6" octagonal datestamp (2.2, on reverse), "Registered/London" oval datestamp (3.9) and "Colne/Lanc." arrival c.d.s. (3.11) adjacent, cover opened out for display, Fine to Very Fine and appealing.
Provenance Major Richard Pratt, Spink (Hong Kong), Jan. 20, 2008, lot 616. Est. HK$35,000-40,000
Est. HK$35,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 32,000.00
Sold...HK$ 40,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:28:58 EST
Sold For 40000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2009
Symbol: C
1896 (June 18) "Hong Kong Parcel Post Customs Declaration" form from Chefoo to Devon, England, for a box of uncut garnets, showing "Chefoo Customs/Mail Matter" framed handstamp in red, with "Customs/Chefoo" double-ring origin datestamp and "Shanghae/C" c.d.s. (6.25) of the British Post Office, the form neatly reduced all round, nevertheless Fine to Very Fine and unusual usage.
Provenance Richard Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), Oct. 19, 1972, lot 21. Est. HK$10,000-12,000
Est. HK$10,000-12,000
Opening HK$ 8,000.00
Sold...HK$ 17,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:30:11 EST
Sold For 17000
Chinkiang
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2010
Symbol: C
1897 (Feb. 10) envelope from Chinkiang to Shanghai, showing "Chinkiang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp, matching "Customs/Chinkiang" double-ring datestamp, with "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring arrival datestamp (2.12) on reverse, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$10,000-12,000
Est. HK$10,000-12,000
Opening HK$ 12,000.00
Sold...HK$ 12,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:32:16 EST
Sold For 12000
Chungking
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2011
Symbol: C
1896 (Sept. 11) envelope from Chungking to Hannover, Germany, showing on reverse "Chungking Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red and bold "Customs/Chungking" oval datestamp in black brown, faint part strikes of "Ichang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp and matching "Customs/Ichang" datestamp, and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (9.24), and bearing on front France "Chine" 10c. and 40c., canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s.(9.26), with "Ligne N/Paq. Fr. No. 6" c.d.s. (9.26) and "Hannover" arrival c.d.s. also on reverse, light age spotting, Fine to Very Fine usage with a combination of Customs Mail Matter handstamps from two different offices.
According to our records, there are only six covers known with the Chungking Customs Mail Matter handstamp.
Provenance and Auction Record Christie's Swire (Hong Kong), Sept. 30, 1992, lot 1361. Benjamin Y.K. Hwa, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), Nov. 16, 2000, lot 66. Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 38,000.00
Sold...HK$ 100,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:34:01 EST
Sold For 100000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2012
Symbol: C
1897 (Mar. 2) "Customs Memorandum", showing strikes of all the postal and instructional markings in use at the Chungking Post Office, including "Chungking Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, creasing or wrinkling, the markings are Very Fine to Extremely Fine, an outstanding document.
Provenance and Auction Record Adolphous Diercking Spink (Hong Kong), Nov. 22, 1998, lot 781. Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 65,000.00
Sold...HK$ 65,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:35:59 EST
Sold For 65000
Foochow
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2013
Symbol: C
1895 (Nov. 6) envelope from Foochow to Shanghai, showing "Foochow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type II) in red, matching "Customs/Foochow" double-ring datestamp adjacent, with "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (11.9) and "Shanghai/Local Post/B" arrival c.d.s. (11.9), both in blue, on reverse, opened out for display, Fine to Very Fine.
Provenance "Ming", Corinphila (Zurich), Mar. 25, 1987, lot 5018. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), Nov. 11, 1999, lot D42. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 65,000.00
Sold...HK$ 110,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:37:56 EST
Sold For 110000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2014
Symbol: C
1896 (Dec. 19) envelope from Foochow to Shanghai, showing "Foochow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type III) in red, matching "Customs/Foochow" double-ring datestamp, and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring arrival datestamp (12.23) in blue on reverse, endorsed "Card only", so there is truncated top right corner in order to comply with the printed matter regulations, Fine to Very Fine.
Reference Paul K.S. Chang, History of Postal Cancellation of China, Part I (1989), p. 159.
Provenance Paul K.S. Chang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), May 10, 2001, lot 16. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 50,000.00
Sold...HK$ 50,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:38:30 EST
Sold For 50000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2015
Symbol: C
1897 (June 8) envelope from Foochow to Kowloon, showing "Foochow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type III) in brown, matching "Foochow" double-ring datestamp, with "Hong Kong/B" arrival c.d.s. (6.11) on reverse, horizontal filing fold at foot and slightly reduced at left, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 38,000.00
Sold...HK$ 38,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:40:22 EST
Sold For 38000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2016
Symbol: C
1897 (Oct. 1) envelope (252 x 110mm, embossed "Custom House, Foochow" on flap) from Foochow to Shanghai, showing "Foochow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type III) in brown, matching "Foochow" origin dollar dater adjacent, with "Shanghai" arrival dollar dater (10.5) in blue on reverse, Fine to Very Fine.
Reference Paul K.S. Chang, History of Postal Cancellation of China, Part I, p. 161.
Provenance Paul K.S. Chang, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), May 10, 2001, lot 17. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 38,000.00
Sold...HK$ 38,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:41:23 EST
Sold For 38000
Hankow
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2018
Symbol: C
1887 (Apr. 20) envelope from Hankow to Portadown, Ireland, showing "Hankow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type II) in red, matching "Customs/Hankow" double-ring datestamp (4.20) and "Customs/Shanghai" (4.26) on reverse, bearing France Peace and Commerce 25c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (4.27), with "Portadown" arrival c.d.s. (6.11) on reverse, cover a little roughly opened at top just affecting the Hankow dater on reverse, Fine to Very Fine and desirable. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 22,000.00
Sold...HK$ 36,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:43:00 EST
Sold For 36000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2019
Symbol: C
1892 (Feb. 3) envelope from Hankow to Leipzig, Germany, showing on reverse "Hankow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type III) in red, matching "Customs/Hankow" double-ring datestamp and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (2.6), and bearing on front France Peace and Commerce 25c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (2.8), with arrival c.d.s. (3.1) on reverse, a little reduced at right, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 16,000.00
Sold...HK$ 15,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:43:49 EST
Sold For 15000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2020
Symbol: C
1896 (Nov. 18) envelope from Hankow to Christiania, Norway, showing "Hankow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type III) in black, matching "Customs/Hankow" double-ring origin datestamp and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (11.21) on reverse, bearing France "Chine" 25c applied just over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (11.27), small part of flap at back missing, Fine to Very Fine and an unusual destination. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 20,000.00
Sold...HK$ 22,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:44:57 EST
Sold For 22000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2021
Symbol: C
1897 (July 26) envelope from Hankow to Leipzig, Germany, showing "Hankow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type III), in black, matching "Customs/Hankow" origin dollar dater and brown "Customs/Shanghai" transit dollar dater (7.29, on reverse), bearing France "Chine" 25c applied just over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (7.29), with "Ligne N/Paq. Fr. No. 4" octagonal datestamp alongside (7.31), and "Leipzig-Plagwitz" arrival c.d.s. (9.5) on reverse, Very Fine.
Provenance Bernard Berkinshaw-Smith, Corinphila (Zurich), Apr. 7, 2006, lot 3378. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 24,000.00
Sold...HK$ 24,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:45:59 EST
Sold For 24000
Ichang
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2022
Symbol: C
1892 (Aug. 22) envelope from Chungking to Christiana, Norway, showing "Customs/Chungking" oval origin datestamp in violet on reverse, and on front "Ichang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp with matching "Customs/Ichang" c.d.s. (28.8), "Hankow Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type III) in red with matching double-ring datestamp (8.29) and blue "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (9.1), in combination with France Peace and Commerce 25c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (9.2), with "Ligne N/Paq. Fr. No. 3" octagonal datestamp (9.3) adjacent, "Christiania/Tur 1" arrival c.d.s. (10.11) on reverse, an uncommon Scandinavian destination, Very Fine usage with a remarkable combination of Customs Mail Matter handstamps from two offices.
The earliest recorded date of use of the Chungking Customs dater.
The "Ichang Customs/Mail Matter" handstamp was used before the Customs Office at Chungking had its own Customs Mail Matter handstamp. The Chungking Customs Mail Matter handstamp was not introduced until August 1896.
Auction Record Michael Rogers (Winter Park), Mar. 30, 1990, lot 568. George Alevizos (Los Angeles), June 22, 1991, lot 196. Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 38,000.00
Sold...HK$ 65,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:47:03 EST
Sold For 65000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2023
Symbol: C
1896 (Mar. 6) registered envelope from Chungking to Hannover, Germany, showing on reverse "Customs/Chungking" oval datestamp, "Ichang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp with matching "Customs/Ichang" c.d.s. (3.14) and blue "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (3.20), and bearing on front France "Chine" 75c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (3.20), with "R" framed handstamp in red adjacent, and "Hannover/1" arrival c.d.s. (4.26) on reverse, Fine to Very Fine double rate.
Reference Customs Dater (1875-1913), pp. 47-48.
Provenance Benjamin Y.K. Hwa, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), Nov. 16, 2000, lot 70. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 28,000.00
Sold...HK$ 40,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:48:30 EST
Sold For 40000
Kiukiang
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2024
Symbol: C
1886 (May 30) envelope from Kiukiang to Copenhagen, Denmark, showing "Kiukiang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, matching "Customs/Kiukiang" double-ring datestamp and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (6.1) on reverse, bearing on front France Peace and Commerce 25c bister on straw applied over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s.(6.4), with "Ligne N/Paq. Fr. No. 4" (6.10), blue "Paris/Etranger" (7.14), and arrival (7.16) c.d.s. on reverse, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 16,000.00
Sold...HK$ 16,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:49:08 EST
Sold For 16000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2025
Symbol: C
1887 (Nov. 17) mourning envelope from Kiukiang to Paris, showing "Kiukiang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, matching "Customs/Kiukiang" double-ring datestamp and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (11.19) on reverse, bearing on front France Peace and Commerce 25c applied over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (11.22), Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 19,000.00
Sold...HK$ 19,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:49:59 EST
Sold For 19000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2026
Symbol: C
1890 (Feb. 27) envelope (embossed "Custom House, Kiukiang" on flap) from Kiukiang to Paris, showing "Kiukiang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, matching "Customs/Kiukiang" double-ring datestamp and small part strike of black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp on reverse, bearing on front France Peace and Commerce 25c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (3.7), with "Modane à Paris" c.d.s. (4.11) in red adjacent, the stamp has been applied defective, Fine to Very Fine appearance.
Provenance Jacques Desrousseaux, Rossini (Paris), May 25, 2011, lot 56. Est. HK$12,000-15,000
Est. HK$12,000-15,000
Opening HK$ 12,000.00
Sold...HK$ 12,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:50:50 EST
Sold For 12000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2027
Symbol: C
1890 (Nov. 12) envelope from Kiukiang to Boston, via Yokohama (11.20) and San Francisco (12.8), showing "Kiukiang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, matching "Customs/Kiukiang" double-ring origin datestamp and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (11.14) on reverse, bearing on front Japan Koban 10s applied over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "I.J.P.A./Shanghai" thimble type datestamp (11.15), with transit and arrival, the stamp is repaired across the foot not affecting the markings, Fine to Very Fine appearance, ex Allen correspondence. Est. HK$8,000-10,000
Est. HK$8,000-10,000
Opening HK$ 6,000.00
Sold...HK$ 8,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:51:52 EST
Sold For 8000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2030
Symbol: C
1892 (Mar. 22) envelope from Kiukiang to Paris, showing "Kiukiang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, matching "Customs/Kiukiang" double-ring datestamp and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (3.24) on reverse, bearing on front France Peace and Commerce 25c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (3.25), with "Modane à Paris" c.d.s. (5.1) in red adjacent and arrival c.d.s. (5.2) on reverse, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 12,000.00
Sold...HK$ 12,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:53:25 EST
Sold For 12000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2031
Symbol: C
1897 (Mar. 6) registered envelope from Kiukiang to Shanghai, showing "Kiukiang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, matching "R" unframed handstamp and "Customs/Kiukiang" double-ring datestamp, with "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring arrival datestamp (3.8) in brown on reverse, Very Fine.
Reference Customs Dater (1875-1913), pp. 95-96.
Auction Record Spink (Hong Kong), Nov. 22, 1998, lot 782. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 19,000.00
Sold...HK$ 22,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:54:13 EST
Sold For 22000
Korea
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2076
Symbol: C
1894 (Apr. 7) envelope (embossed "Custom House/Yuensan" seal on flap) from Jenchuan to Peking, showing "Jenchuan Customs/Mail Matter" double-oval handstamp in violet, matching "Customs/Jenchuan" double-ring origin datestamp, black "Customs/Chefoo" double-ring transit datestamp and blue "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring arrival datestamp (4.14) in blue on reverse, Fine to Very Fine, ex Tanant correspondence.
Auction Record Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions (London), Nov. 11, 2004, lot 329. Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 55,000.00
Sold...HK$ 380,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 11:01:52 EST
Sold For 380000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2077
Symbol: C
1895 (June 13) envelope from Jenchuan to Bremervörde, Germany, showing boldly struck "Jenchuan Customs/Mail Matter" double-oval handstamp in violet, matching "Customs/Jenchuan" double-ring origin datestamp, black "Customs/Chefoo" double-ring transit datestamp (6.18, two strikes) and blue "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (6.22) on reverse, and bearing on front France "Chine" 50c, canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (6.27), with "Bremervörde" arrival c.d.s. (8.5) on reverse, Very Fine and an exceptional double rate cover. Est. HK$120,000-150,000
Est. HK$120,000-150,000
Opening HK$ 110,000.00
Sold...HK$ 500,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 11:04:33 EST
Sold For 500000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2078
Symbol: C
1896 (Dec. 23) envelope from Jenchuan to Shanghai, showing "Jenchuan Customs/Mail Matter" double-oval handstamp in violet, matching "Customs/Jenchuan" double-ring origin datestamp, black "Customs/Chefoo" double-ring transit datestamp (12.26), and blue "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring arrival datestamp (12.30) on reverse, cover opened out for display, Fine to Very Fine.
Reference Customs Dater (1875-1913), pp. 82-83.
Provenance and Auction Record Sun Philatelic Center (Hong Kong & Tokyo), Oct. 25-27, 1987, lot 119. Benjamin Y.K. Hwa, Zurich Asia (Hong Kong), Nov. 16, 2000, lot 71. Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Est. HK$40,000-50,000
Opening HK$ 80,000.00
Sold...HK$ 240,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 11:07:56 EST
Sold For 240000
Newchwang
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2033
Symbol: C
1897 (Feb. 6) envelope from Newchwang to Shanghai, showing "Newchwang Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type II), matching "Newchwang" dollar dater and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (2.25, on reverse) in brown, bearing France "Chine" 25c applied over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (2.26), with "Leeds" squared circle arrival datestamp (3.31) on reverse, central vertical filing crease, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 75,000.00
Sold...HK$ 75,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:55:45 EST
Sold For 75000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2034
Symbol: C
1897 (Aug. 5) envelope from Newchwang to Shanghai, showing "Newchwang Customs/Mail Matter oval handstamp (type II) in brown, matching "Newchwang" dollar dater, with "Shanghai" arrival dollar dater (8.11) on reverse, Fine to Very Fine.
Provenance and Auction Record Sir David Roseway, Robson Lowe (London), Nov. 12, 1963, lot 597. Interasia (Hong Kong), July 25, 2009, lot 506. Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Est. HK$30,000-40,000
Opening HK$ 34,000.00
Sold...HK$ 140,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:57:10 EST
Sold For 140000
Ningpo
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2035
Symbol: C
1896 (Sept. 3) neat envelope from Ningpo to Chefoo, showing "Ningpo Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in black, matching "Customs/Ningpo" double-ring origin datestamp and blue "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (9.4) on reverse, opened out for display and a few faults on flap at back, Very Fine and appealing.
Provenance and Auction Record J.R. Hughes (San Francisco), Mar. 19, 1957, lot 252. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), Nov. 11, 1999, lot D46. Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Opening HK$ 36,000.00
Sold...HK$ 50,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 09:58:30 EST
Sold For 50000
Pagoda Anchorage
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2036
Symbol: C
1897 (Mar.) envelope from Pagoda Anchorage to Hermann Schweiger, I.M. Customs, Canton, showing "Pagoda Anchorage/Mail Matter" double-ring oval handstamp in brown and matching "Paid" bilingual framed handstamp, with "Imperial Post Office/Canton" oval arrival datestamp (3.25) on reverse, Extremely Fine, and one of the great rarities of the Customs Mail Matter handstamps.
The only recorded example of this Customs Mail Matter handstamp on official Customs mail, as well the unique example of the bilingual "Paid" handstamp originating from Pagoda Anchorage.
The "Pagoda Anchorage/Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp was used primarily as a canceller on ordinary mail, since Pagoda Anchorage did not have its own cancellation device.
Reference Directorate General of Posts, Ministry of Communications, The Revenue Surcharges China 1897. Vol. I (Taipei, 1984), p. 283. Jeffrey S. Schneider, "A Survey of Customs Mail Matter Handstamps Used During the Later Customs and Early Imperial Post Periods, 1888-1897 (Part V), Asian Philatelist, Vol. 12 (2021), p. 116.
Provenance Richard A. Canman, Stanley Gibbons (London), Oct. 19, 1972, lot 36. Huang Ming-Jeng, Interasia (Hong Kong), Nov. 11, 2017, lot 383. Est. HK$350,000-400,000
Est. HK$350,000-400,000
Opening HK$ 360,000.00
Sold...HK$ 850,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:04:10 EST
Sold For 850000
Pakhoi
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2037
Symbol: C
1894 (Feb. 14) envelope from Pakhoi to Shanghai, showing "Pakhoi Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp in red, and bearing Hong Kong 5c blue, paying the interport rate, canceled by "Customs/Pakhoi" double-ring datestamp and "Hong Kong/F" c.d.s (17.2), there is another superb strike of the "Customs/Pakhoi" origin datestamp, as well as the "Shanghae/C" arrival c.d.s. (2.24), on reverse, the envelope roughly opened at back and resealed, Fine to Very Fine and an incredibly rare usage. Estimate HK$ 200,000 - 250,000,
Only four covers are recorded with the Pakhoi Customs Mail Matter handstamp.
Reference Directorate General of Posts, Ministry of Communications, The Revenue Surcharges China 1897. Vol. II (Taipei, 1987), p. 930.
Provenance and Auction Record Stanley Gibbons (Hong Kong), September 28, 1976, lot 123. Huang Ming-Jeng, Interasia (Hong Kong), June 16, 2018, lot 46. Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Est. HK$200,000-250,000
Opening HK$ 190,000.00
Sold...HK$ 440,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:06:11 EST
Sold For 440000
Peking
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2038
Symbol: C
1884 (July 15) registered envelope from Peking to Döbling, Austria, showing "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp of Peking in blue, matching "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring origin datestamp in blue on reverse, bearing on front Hong Kong 10c green pair exceptionally applied alongside the Customs Mail Matter handstamp instead of over it, cancelled by "S1" barred obliterator, matching "Shanghae/A" c.d.s.(7.25.) and "R" in circle handstamp adjacent, with "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (7.20), "Hong Kong/A" transit (7.29) and "Döbling" arrival (9.6) c.d.s. on reverse, the cover has light ageing, a Very Fine and elusive usage of these Customs markings on overseas registered mail from Peking sent through the British Post Office rather than the French Post Office.
Only two examples of Customs Mail Matter from Peking are recorded sent through the British Post Office, and this is the only such registered usage through the British Post Office. Peking did not have its own registered handstamp until approximately 1886. In addition, this is one of the only instances where the foreign stamps paying the U.P.U. overseas rate have not been applied directly over the Peking Inspectorate General of Customs Mail Matter handstamp.
Reference Jeffrey S. Schneider, "A Survey of Customs Mail Matter Handstamps Used During the Large Dragon Period", Asian Philatelist, Vol. 2 (Aug. 2011), p. 37.
Auction Record Interasia (Hong Kong), Jan. 31, 2010, lot 606. Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Est. HK$50,000-60,000
Opening HK$ 38,000.00
Sold...HK$ 50,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:07:29 EST
Sold For 50000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2039
Symbol: C
1885 (Aug. 26) registered envelope ("Inspectorate General of Customs/Peking" embossed seal in green on flap) from Peking to Colchester, England, showing "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp and "Registered" framed handstamp both in blue, matching "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring origin datestamp and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (9.1) on reverse, bearing on front France Peace and Commerce 1f applied over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (9.5), with "R" framed handstamp and "Modane à Paris" c.d.s. (10.19) both in red adjacent, and "Colchester" arrival c.d.s. (10.21) on reverse, Fine to Very Fine triple rate. Estimate HK$ 25,000 - 30,000,
The earliest recorded example of the first type of Registered handstamp for Peking.
Reference Benjamin Y.K. Hwa, "Covers with Customs Mail Matter Chops Conforming (to) the History of Chinese Registered Mail Service", Journal of China Philately, Vol. 2 (2007), p. 14.
Auction Record Spink (Hong Kong), Nov. 24, 2002, lot 1698. Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Opening HK$ 20,000.00
Sold...HK$ 95,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:09:06 EST
Sold For 95000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2040
Symbol: C
1886 (June 23) envelope from Peking to Salem, Mass., showing "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp in blue, matching "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring origin datestamp and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (7.4) on reverse, bearing on front U.S. 5¢ Garfield brown, canceled by oval grid in red, matching "U.S. Postal Ag'y" c.d.s. (7.15), with "San Francisco/Paid All" red transit (8.8) and "Salem, Mass/Rec'd" arrival (8.15) c.d.s. on reverse, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 20,000.00
Sold...HK$ 22,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:09:48 EST
Sold For 22000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2041
Symbol: C
1888 (Mar. 6) envelope ("Inspectorate General of Customs/Peking" embossed seal in green on flap) from Peking to Utica, New York, via Yokohama (3.24), showing "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp in blue, "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring origin datestamp and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (type 2) on reverse, and bearing on front Japan Koban 5s blue perf 8, canceled by cork, matching "Shanghai/I.J.P.A." thimble type datestamp, with "San Francisco/Paid All" red transit (4.14) and Utica arrival (4.20) c.d.s. on reverse, cover lightly toned on reverse, Fine to Very Fine, and one of the few examples of such mail being transmitted through the Japanese postal system.
The preferential rate of 5 sen (5 cents) to the United States (North America) through the Japanese Post Office.
Auction Record Christie's Robson Lowe (Zurich), Nov. 29, 1990, lot 1699. Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 28,000.00
Sold...HK$ 30,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:10:59 EST
Sold For 30000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2042
Symbol: C
1888 (Dec. 17) envelope from Logansport, Indiana, to Peking "care of the Chinese Customs Service", redirected to Macao, bearing U.S. Banknote 1¢ and 2¢ pair, canceled by "Logansport, Ind." duplex, underfranked by 5¢, with "U.S. Charge/to collect 10 cents" unframed handstamp alongside, "San Francisco" duplex (12.22) and "U.S. Postal Agency/Shanghai" oval arrival datestamp (1.8.89) in violet on reverse, no Customs daters enroute to and upon arrival in Peking, upon redirection to Macao the "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp in blue was applied on the front to denote that the letter did not require Chinese domestic postage, since the addressee was an employee of the Imperial Maritime Customs, matching "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring datestamp (2.17.89, type 2) and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (3.2.89), British Post Office "Shanghae/C" (4.3.89) and "Hong Kong" (3.9.89) c.d.s., with "Macao" arrival c.d.s. on reverse, the 2¢ pair has perforation faults at top from application just over the edge of the cover, Fine to Very Fine and a remarkable redirected usage imbued with character. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 26,000.00
Sold...HK$ 95,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:12:51 EST
Sold For 95000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2043
Symbol: C
1889 (Jan. 7) registered envelope from Peking to Nantes, France, showing "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp and "Registered" framed handstamp both in blue, matching "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring origin datestamp (type 2) and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring transit datestamp (1.24) on reverse, bearing on front France Peace and Commerce 75c applied over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (1.25) and additionally tied by "Modane à Paris" c.d.s. (3.1) in red, with "R" framed handstamp also in red adjacent, various French transit and arrival c.d.s. on reverse, minor cover faults and small part of back missing at lower left, Fine to Very Fine registered double rate. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Est. HK$20,000-25,000
Opening HK$ 36,000.00
Sold...HK$ 36,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:17:37 EST
Sold For 36000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2044
Symbol: C
1889 (Sept. 1) envelope from Peking to Lappa Customs, Macao, showing "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp in blue, matching "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring origin datestamp and black "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (9.10) on reverse, bearing on front Hong Kong 5c blue pair applied over the Customs Mail Matter handstamp and canceled by "Shanghae/C" c.d.s. (9.10), with "Hong Kong/A" transit (9.14) and "Direccao/Do Correio/de Macau" arrival (9.15) c.d.s. on reverse, large part of flap at back missing affecting the Shanghai and Hong Kong daters, otherwise Fine to Very Fine and desirable destination. Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Opening HK$ 30,000.00
Sold...HK$ 30,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:18:09 EST
Sold For 30000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2045
Symbol: C
1897 (Sept. 25) envelope from Peking to Chinkiang, showing "I.G./Mail Matter" oval handstamp in blue, matching "Peking" origin dollar dater, and "Chinkiang" arrival dollar dater (10.3) on reverse, insignificant opening tears at top, Fine to Very Fine, ex Tanant correspondence.
Auction Record George Alevizos (Los Angeles), Feb. 8, 1979, lot 2104. Est. HK$8,000-10,000
Est. HK$8,000-10,000
Opening HK$ 16,000.00
Sold...HK$ 16,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:19:25 EST
Sold For 16000
Shanghai
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2046
Symbol: C
1883 (Aug. 18) envelope from Santa Catharina, Brazil, to E. Liot, Shanghai, via Rio de Janeiro (8.23) and French Post Office in Shanghai (10.24), bearing Brazil 100r (2), canceled by mute type, matching "Santa Catharina" c.d.s., showing "Shanghai Customs/Mail Matter" unframed oval handstamp (type I) in blue, matching "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring arrival datestamp (10.24), as well as transits, on reverse, opened out for display, Fine to Very Fine and an outstanding incoming usage.
Provenance C.F. Gordon, Robson Lowe (London), April 21, 1964, lot 241. Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman, Sotheby's and Corinphila (Hong Kong), Nov. 11, 1999, lot D53. Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Est. HK$60,000-80,000
Opening HK$ 45,000.00
Sold...HK$ 120,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:20:34 EST
Sold For 120000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2047
Symbol: C
1887 (Mar. 26) Macao 20r postal stationery card to Peking, via Hong Kong (3.21), canceled by "Macao" double-ring datestamp, showing "Shanghai Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type II) in blue and "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring datestamp (3.26), with "Hong Kong/B" transit c.d.s. on reverse, part of address erased, Fine to Very Fine. Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Est. HK$15,000-20,000
Opening HK$ 12,000.00
Sold...HK$ 22,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:21:37 EST
Sold For 22000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2048
Symbol: C
Cat No: Collection
1888 (Aug. 9) envelope from Logansport, Indiana to Peking, redirected to Chefoo, bearing U.S. Garfield 5¢ blue pair, canceled by "Logansport, Ind." duplex, with "San Francisco, Cal./Recd." c.d.s. (8.14) and "U.S. Postal Agency/Shanghai" oval entry datestamp (9.17) in violet on reverse, passed to the Customs Post in Shanghai for transmission to Northern China, where the "Shanghai Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type II) in blue was applied on front to denote that the letter did not require Chinese domestic postage, since the addressee was an employee of the Imperial Maritime Customs, with "Customs/Shanghai" (9.17), blue "I.G. of Customs/Peking" (9.24, type II), "Customs/Tientsin" (9.25), and "Customs/Chefoo" double-ring datestamps on reverse, opened out for display and minor edge faults, Fine to Very Fine incoming usage.
Reference M. Mizuhara Meiso Collection, Huayou Jijin II, U.S. Postal Activities in China, Vol. 1. Tokyo: Japan Philatelic Publications, 1982, p. 48. Customs Dater (1875-1913), pp. 164-165.
Provenance Mizuhara Meiso, Spink (London), Dec. 5, 2003, lot 60. Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Est. HK$25,000-30,000
Opening HK$ 30,000.00
Sold...HK$ 36,000.00
Closed..Dec-15-2021, 10:22:30 EST
Sold For 36000
Sale No: 34
Lot No: 2049
Symbol: C
1888 (Aug. 24) envelope from Logansport, Indiana, to Peking, redirected to Chefoo, bearing U.S. 5¢ Garfield blue, canceled by "Logansport, Ind." duplex, held for postage at San Francisco (8.29), as underfranked by 5¢, with "Deficiency in Postage supplied by W.A. Cooper, San Francisco, for the U.S. Despatch Agency/…." handstamp in blue on reverse, then another 5¢ (straight edge) applied to pay the foreign postage rate to China and canceled by San Francisco c.d.s. (8.30), "U.S. Postal Agency/Shanghai" oval entry datestamp (9.25) in violet on reverse, passed to the Customs Post in Shanghai for transmission to Northern China, "Shanghai Customs/Mail Matter" oval handstamp (type II) in blue applied on front to denote that the letter did not require Chinese domestic postage, because the addressee was an employee of the Imperial Maritime Customs, "Customs/Shanghai" (9.25), blue "I.G. of Customs/Peking" (9.30, type II) in blue, "Customs/Tientsin" transit (10.1) and "Customs/Chefoo" (10.4) double-ring datestamps on reverse, opened out for display, one adhesive has tear, and there are a few small cover faults, Fine to Very Fine illustration of the treatment of underpaid postage on mail to China. Est. HK$20,000-25,000
