1843 (June 24) Cover to Ireland, with enclosed letter from Henry Bruce written on H.M.S "Agincourt", bearing an unusually fine strike of the red oval "HONG KONG POST OFFICE" arms handstamp, endorsed "Overland" and "Agincourt June 23/43" with red oval "INDIA". Backstamped at Bombay with the rare "POSTAGE / Inward Bearing Ans (3) / Outward do (2)" (Hammond Giles SR5, only 3 examples recorded, all in 1843) and at London (Oct 23) and Bombay, charged 2/3. Minor opening tears at the edges, otherwise fine, a very clear example of this attractive and very scarce Hong Kong handstamp (recorded 1842-44). Photo on Page 84. (Image1)

1865-1901 QV Mint or Specimen selection comprising 1865 96c brownish black (no gum, minor faults), 1880 2c dull rose and 2c rose, 1884 10c green, 1891 14c on 30c (partial gum), 50c on 48c, 1891 2c Jubilee overprint variety short "U" (thin), 1898 $1 on 96c grey-black with Chinese characters, 1898 10c on 30c with Chinese characters handstamped "SPECIMEN", 1900-01 2c, 4c, 10c and 30c overprinted "SPECIMEN", 5c yellow block of six. S.G. £4,800. (19). Photo on Page 76. (Image1)

1875 (July 30) Linen backed cover to San Francisco franked 1863-71 12c + 30c vermilion (2) paying the 72c rate for a ½oz letter sent by French mail packet, slightly shortened and a little ragged at left with small sealing wax fault to address panel, an uncommon use of these 30c stamps.

1899 (Nov 6) Registered cover to Marseille bearing scarce first type black "R / HONGKONG / CHINA" registration label (recorded Nov 1899 - April 1900) and franked 1898 $1 on 96 (S.G. 52), paying the nine times rate + registration, backstamped at Paris and Marseille. Small piece cut from flap, otherwise fine. A rare single use of this $1 stamp and the earliest recorded use of a Hong Kong registration label. Photo on Page 84. (Image1)

1938-52 1c - $10 Set of twenty three fine mint. S.G. 140-162, £1,100. (23). Photo on Page 76. (Image1)

Revenues. c.1921 G.B KGV 5/- Key-Plate revenue with blank tablet at base, overprinted "SPECIMEN", the tablet with manuscript "Hong Kong" and manuscript lines through the "Shillings" value and wording, affixed to an archival piece handstamped "S&O" and endorsed "H.&S.BC", 100x74mm, unusual.

Postal Stationery. 1905 KEVII 10c F Size registration envelope, reverse with printed alterations to the fees for insurance, posted from Kowloon to England franked 10c (corner fault), endorsed from "Pte Albert Jones, H.M.S Sutlej". An uncommon envelope used, this provisional envelope issued in 1905 and replaced in 1907. H&G 4. Photo on Page 90. (Image1)

Post Offices in China. 1919 10c Size H registration envelope overprinted "CHINA", sent by H.B.M Consul-General at Canton to London, insured for 3,000 francs. Franked by P.O in China 6c, 10c and five 50c stamps (paying 16c postage + 10c registration + $2.50 insurance fee) each cancelled by "CANTON / B" c.d.s, with boxed "R / CANTON B.P.O / No", endorsed "O.H.M.S" and bearing two differing "INSURED" labels, red wax seals impressed "H.B.M CONSULATE / CANTON". A rare and exceptionally fine Insured use of this registration envelope. Photo on Page 90. (Image1)