1898 7k Postal stationery envelope to Netherlands uprated with a vertical strip of 1k tied by large oval datestamps in blue reading: FIELD POST/ON MANOEUVRES 7 VIII 1898, the figure ‘7’ inserted by hand, strike at left with PODGORNOE PULKOVO inserted by hand, a village near St. Petersburg Observatory and used by Office No. 2 of the Southern (Defensive) Corps of the Manoeuvres. The Great Manoeuvres of 1898 were a prelude to Russia’s military involvement in eastern China (Manchuria) and the ensuing confrontation with Japan. Illustrated “The Post-Rider” No. 51 (2002), p.12. (Image)