1876, "Koban" 5 sen light brown, applied on reverse of Chinese-style illustrated envelope from Shanghai to Nagasaki (Japan), correctly paying the 5 sen rate from Shanghai to Japan, which was into force from April 1st, 1876. Tied by "crossroads" cancel of Shanghai (Nishino-tpye SH76A), with large “I.J. Postal Agency Shanghai Nov 1” cds also tying the franking, large early datestamp of “Nagasaki" alongside as arrival. Additionally dated “9th Month 16th Day” in manuscrip according to the lunar calendar. A very fine and scarce usage in China. (Image)

1876, "Old Koban" 5 sen light brown, a very fine marginal example tied by small inland-type intaglio cross of Yokohama, to cover to Shanghai, China, displaying "Yokohama Dec. 11 1878" cds at left, reverse with U.S. "I.J. Postal Agency Shanghai Dec. 19" cds and blue delivery "Shanghai F De 19 78 Local Post." cds. Backflap just a bit incomplete. Only very few foreign incoming mails of this early period are known showing the "Shanghai Local Post" delivery postmarks; a rarity of China and Japan postal history. (Image)

1876, "Old Koban" 5 sen light brown, single on cover endorsed "Per Hiroshima Maru" to Tokyo, tied by Shanghai crossroads, with early large "I.J. Postal Agency Shanghai Jun 9" cds alongside, violet "Yokohama Jun 17 1879" transit cds below. Adressed to a member of the H. B. M. Legation Yedo. Some wrinkles and opening tear at right, not affecting the franking. (Image)

1876, "Old Koban" 5 sen light brown, two singles or one pair used on two double weight covers to USA, one sent to North Marchfield, Mass. (carried by S/S "Gaelic"), tied by crossroads with "Shanghai I.J. Postal Agency May 1" cds alongside, red "Yokohama Paid All May 11" and San Francisco transit; the other, bearing a pair, endorsed "per City of Peking" and sent to Harrisburg PA, tied by Nishino type YH81B negative cross from "Yokohama Oct 26 1881", and San Francisco transit. Some creasing and few tone spots not affecting the franking, which is in very fine condition. (Image)