China » The Boxer War » Via French Post Office. 1900 (Aug 16) Illustrated "R. Nave Fieramosca" postcard to Italy and readdressed twice inland, franked by C.I.P. 4c tied by Shanghai Local Post cds, entering the French P.O. with "Sage" 10c type II, tied by "Shang-Hai/Chine" cds, showing Italian postmarks alongside, sent by the Commander of the group of seamen disembarked from the "Fieramosca" heading for Peking, with historical contents: "I arrived the day before yesterday to Taku con half battalion of seamen from the Fieramosca. Yesterday we came here by train and now we expect to join a column of Germans to arrive to Peking. The way is difficult but we hope to arrive to the goal". Some soiling not detracting from this fascinating and unique usage from the small group of Italians which participated on the assault of Peking. (Image)

1901 (July 8) Postcard from Peking to Aviano (Italy), franked by C.I.P. 4c tied by bilingual oval ds on dispatch, French overprinted "Sage" 10c type I, tied by "Shang-Hai/Chine" cds, confirming the arrival in centre with square cds; some of the usual tone spots. Another rare example of mail from the Italian forces. (Image)

1902 (June 3) Large registered envelope sent to an officer in Italy, franked by C.I.P. 1/2c (2), 1c, 2c (4) and 10c (2), tied by bilingual Tientsin cds's, forwarded through the French P.O. with "Shang-Hai/Chine" cds at base, reverse showing bilingual Shanghai cds as well as Italian transits and arrival; cover edge faults affecting two stamps. A spectacular and rare double rate registered cover from the Italian forces. (Image)

1903 (Nov 12) Picture "Croce Rossa Italiana" Italian Red-Cross postcard issued for China during the Boxer War, sent to Italy from Tientsin, franked by C.I.P. 2c tied by bilingual dispatch cds, consigned to the French P.O: with "Tien-Tsin-Chine /Poste Française" cds alongside. Rare. (Image)

1904 (Nov 18) Postcard from from an Italian seaman in Shanghai to Italy, entering the C.I.P. system with chop circle hs at left and bilingual cds of Shanghai below, following the French P.O. with 1902-06 10c tied by "Shang-Haï/Chine" cds. A very rare combination between the C.I.P. cds of Shanghai and the French P.O. "Mouchon" stamp. (Image)