1868 (Nov. 30) New York, N.Y. to Hong Kong, China, cover bearing 1868, 10¢ green and 12¢ black, F. grills, single and pair of latter, tied by two strikes of "New-York Nov. 30" cds, New York red "32" cent credit handstamp to G.B., addressed to "George F. Bowman, Agent P.M. S.S. Co., Hong Kong", carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Russia from New York Dec. 2 to Queenstown arriving Dec. 12, red London Paid (10.14) transit cds also ties 12¢ stamps and red crayon "1" pence colonial credit, reverse with clear strike of "Hong-Kong Marine-Sorter, Singapore-to Hong-Kong, JA 23/31 69" backstamp (Webb type A), flap with blue "Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York" printed oval; lightly cleaned, stamps hinged in place to check grills, Extremely Fine and attractive. Scott No. 96 + 97  Estimate $5,000 - 7,500. A BEAUTIFUL COVER TO HONG KONG, BEARING THE RARE HONG KONG MARINE SORTER BACKSTAMP. According to the Webb book, the sorting of mail on board ship was first tried in 1857 and was found to speed the delivery of the mails on arrival in Hong Kong. The Governor of Hong Kong petitioned to make this a permanent position, but the scheme was not implemented. Seven years later, after the GPO decided that Hong Kong should assume greater responsibilities, the scheme was green-lighted. An official from the Hong Kong post office would meet the P & O steamer in Singapore, and sort the mails during the trip to Hong Kong. The mails could then be delivered immediately on arrival, or forwarded faster to their final destination outside of Hong Kong. The new service started at the end of July 1868. The marking on the cover offered here was introduced at the end of 1868 and consists of five different sub-types. The one offered here is one of the rarest. $0 (Image)