Sale 1261 — The Magnolia Collection of U.S. Mail in China and Japan: Part 3
Sale Date — Wednesday, 29 June, 2022
Category — Chefoo to Wuhu
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
645
5c Chocolate (255). Used with horizontal pair Chefoo Local Post 1893 1/2c Green (1), 5c and left stamp in pair tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Jun. 28 10PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, pair also tied by faint strike of "Local Post Chefoo 29 Jun. 95" double-circle datestamp on cover to W. A. MacCalla in Philadelphia, backstamped with clear strike of the Chefoo double-circle datestamp along with faint strike of "Shanghai Local Post I JU 28 95" circular datestamp, bold "San Francisco Paid All Jul. 25, 1895" backstamp, 5c stamp with small faults, cover with edgewear and small repair at top left, still Very Fine and a rare U.S. and China Local Post mixed franking, ex Sir Percival David, Livingston, Canman and Mizuhara
E. 1,500-2,000
2,000
646
5c Chocolate (223). Used with horizontal pair Chefoo Local Post 1894 1/2c Green (8), all stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Jul. 13 12M 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, pair also tied by faint strike of "Local Post Chefoo" double-circle datestamp on large part of cover front only to Mrs. S. F. Stone in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, 5c stamp corner crease at top right, still Very Fine and rare U.S. and China Local Post mixed franking, ex Brett
E. 1,000-1,500
2,100
Back to Top647
1c Dull Blue (219). Cancelled by cork on large part of Chefoo Local Post 1893, 1/2c Newspaper Wrapper (W1) to the Caledonian at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, indicia cancelled by "Local Post Chefoo ? May" double-circle datestamp, 1c stamp creased from being folded around the edge and wrapper with minor horizontal crease, otherwise Very Fine and rare use, ex Brett
E. 750-1,000
1,100
Back to Top648
1c Dull Blue (219). Bold segmented cork cancel ties together U.S. stamp and Chefoo Local Post 1893 1c Red (2), local also tied by "Local Post Chefoo" double-circle datestamp with unclear date on piece addressed to the Caledonian at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, both stamps with small flaws, still Fine appearance and rare, ex Brett
E. 1,500-2,000
225
Back to Top649
5c Chocolate (223). Used with Chefoo Local Post 1893 1c Red (2), the local tied by "Local Post Chefoo 3 May 95" 1895 double-circle datestamp, second clear strike on back, both stamps also tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai May 11 1030AM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Miss Carpenter in Shekomeko, New York, back of cover with ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post A MA 6 95" circular datestamp, "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai May 13 95", San Francisco (Jun. 12) and receiving backstampsVERY FINE. A PHENOMENAL COMBINATION USE OF THE CHEFOO TREATY PORT STAMP AND THE 5-CENT 1890 ISSUE.
Ex Dr. Johnson.
E. 2,000-3,000
1,600
Back to Top650
5c Chocolate (223). Used with Chefoo Local Post 1893 1c Red (2), the local tied by "Local Post Chefoo 2 Feb. 95" 1895 double-circle datestamp, second clear strike on back, both stamps also tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Feb. 18 330PM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Mrs. Jennie Kirkwood in Wooster, Ohio, back of cover with ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post C FE 7 95" circular datestamp, additional perfect strike of U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai, San Francisco (Mar. 18) and receiving (Mar. 20) backstamps, minor edgewear, 5c toned perfsVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL COMBINATION USE OF THE CHEFOO TREATY PORT STAMP AND THE 5-CENT 1890 ISSUE.
Accompanied by lengthy original letter datelined at Wei Hien on January 26, 1895.
E. 2,000-3,000
1,600
Back to Top651
5c Chocolate (223). Used with Chefoo Local Post 1894 1c Scarlet (9), the local tied by partly clear strike of "Local Post Chefoo 26 Aug. 94" 1894 double-circle datestamp, second clearer strike on back, both stamps also tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Aug. 31 9AM 94" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to G. A. Howell in Toronto, Canada, back of cover with faint strike of ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post A AU 28 94" circular datestamp, Toronto receiving backstamp, slightly reduced at left and edgewear with small mend lower left corner, also some soiling at top right touching the perfs of Chefoo stamp, otherwise Very Fine, a rare use, particularly to Toronto
E. 1,000-1,500
750
Back to Top652
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Used with Chefoo Local Post 1894 1c Scarlet (9), both stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Sep. 7 8PM 9(4?)" ca. 1894 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover with typewritten address to Dr. James H. Franklin in Boston, faint strike of Cheefoo double-circle datetamp also ties local stamp, small cover tear at top is inconsequentialVERY FINE. A FANTASTIC MIXED FRANKING WITH THE 5-CENT 1893 COLUMBIAN AND CHEFOO LOCAL POST STAMP.
Mixed frankings with any of the Columbian Issue stamps and foreign postage are extremely rare. We have offered examples with Samoa stamps, but this is the first with a Chefoo Local Post stamp we have offered since keeping computerized records.
Ex Canman and Bilden.
E. 1,500-2,000
1,800
Back to Top653
5c Chocolate (255). Used with Chinkiang Local Post 1894 1c Blue (2), 1c stamp tied by "Chinkiang Postal Service 5PM 7 FE 95" 1895 double-circle datestamp, second strike and ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post G FE 8 95" circular datestamp on back, 5c stamp tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Feb. 18 330PM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Miss Ada DeKalb in Syracuse, New York, embossed U.S.S. Concord with minuteman illustration on flap, San Francisco (Mar. 5) backstamp, forwarded to Decatur, Georgia, "Syracuse N.Y. Mar. 20, 95" duplex datestamp on front and back, Decatur (Mar. 22) backstamp, missing part of backflapVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND VERY RARE COMBINATION OF CHINKIANG TREATY PORT AND UNITED STATES 1890 ISSUE STAMPS.
According to the Pratt book, towards the end of 1893, the Chinkiang Municipal Council decided to take over the postal service, effective August 6, 1894. New stamp designs were prepared and a printer in Shanghai was selected, but a fire on June 29 at a cotton shop next door spread and the presses and stones were damaged. A new printer was quickly found in Japan, who was able to produce and deliver the new stamps in time for the August 6 start of service. The service was absorbed into the China Imperial Post on February 2,
E. 3,000-4,000
4,750
Back to Top654
5c Chocolate (255). Used with Chinkiang Local Post 1894 1c Blue (2), 1c stamp tied by "Chinkiang Postal Service 5PM 27 MR 95" 1895 double-circle datestamp, both stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Apr. 11 1030AM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on small piece, Very Fine and scarce combination
E. 3,000-4,000
225
Back to Top655
1c Dull Blue (219). Tied by grid cancel, faulty with scrapes, mostly clear strike of blue "Local Post Agency Foochow O. MR 10 94" 1894 circular datestamp on "Foochow Mission, Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Geo. S. Miner, Foochow China" corner card cover to school address in Cleveland, Ohio, Fine appearance and a scarce circular-rate use to the U.S. from missionary Rev. George S. Miner, who was also a teacher at the Anglo-Chinese College, president of the Foochow YMCA and in charge of organizing day and Sunday schools in a suburb of Foochow (source: The Gospel in All Lands), ex Spicer
Image 2
E. 500-750
750
Back to Top656
5c Chocolate (223). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Jun. 3 1130AM 93" 1893 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, beautifully clear strike of blue "Local Post Agency Foochow" bilingual circular datestamp with Chinese characters on cover to Paul W. Kinnear, Kingsville, Ohio, blue "Shanghai Local Post A MY 23 93" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Jun. 25) and Kingsville (Jun. 30) backstamps, reduced at left and stamp with gum staining around edges, otherwise Very Fine with unusually well-struck markings
E. 750-1,000
1,300
Back to Top657
5c Chocolate (223). Horizontal pair, tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Apr. 28 8AM 93" 1893 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, bold strike of blue "Local Post Agency Foochow" bilingual circular datestamp with Chinese characters on cover to J. H. Kinnear, Kingsville, Ohio, blue "Shanghai Local Post A AP 27 93" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (May 20) and Kingsville (May 24) backstamps, missing backflap and some edgewear and soiling, pair has gum toning and corner crease, otherwise Very Fine double-rate use with well-struck markings
E. 750-1,000
1,100
Back to Top658
5c Chocolate (270). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Jan. 25 10PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on bluish gray "Consulate of the United States of America, Foochow, China" corner card cover to E. R. Aldrich, Benson, Vermont, "Postal Service Foochow China T JA 15 95" circular datestamp and red "PAID" framed handstamp applied at Foochow, faint ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post JA 19 95" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Feb. 21) and Benson receiving backstamps, Very Fine, the Foochow Local Post Office used the red "Paid" handstamp between the office's opening on January 1, 1895, and the first issue of stamps on August 1, 1895--this is an extremely rare use with a U.S. stamp sent through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai, ex Spicer
E. 1,500-2,000
2,300
Back to Top659
5c Chocolate (223). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Jun. 23 1PM 94" 1894 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, blue "Local Post Agency Foochow G JU 14 94" circular datestamp, second strike on back on cover to Robert Sneider in New York City, part strike of ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post H JU 16 94" backstamp, San Francisco (Jul. 21) and New York (Jul. 26) backstamps, Very Fine and relatively late use through the Foochow Local Post, according to the Pratt book (p. 345), the Foochow office of the Shanghai Local Post was opened sometime in 1890, the marking struck on this cover was primarily used between 1890 and 1893, the office closed on Dec. 31, 1894, with the opening of the independent Foochow Local Post Office on Jan. 1, 1895, ex Dr. Johnson
Image 2
E. 750-1,000
1,300
Back to Top660
5c Chocolate (223). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Oct. 4 11AM 94" 1894 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel with second strike on back, blue "Local Post Agency Foochow I SE 25 94" circular datestamp on "Consulate of the United States of America. Foochow, China." corner card cover to Messrs. Fisher, Titley & Co. in Bath, England, faint ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post E SE 28 94" backstamp, manuscript "T" applied in China, San Francisco (Oct. 25) backstamp, two different Bath datestamps (Nov. 7 and 9) as well as "R.L.B. NO 10 94" circular datestamp and bold "5D F.B." due handstamp, manuscript "Refused H.C.H.", backstamped London "Returned" (Nov. 12) and U.S. "P.O. Department Dead Letter Office Foreign Division Dec. 1894", stamp with minor creases, Very Fine, a striking and rare underpaid Foochow Local Post cover to England and sent to Dead Letter Office
E. 750-1,000
1,600
Back to Top661
5c Chocolate (223). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Oct. 9 3:30PM 94" 1894 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, blue "Local Post Agency Foochow U OC 3 94" circular datestamp on cover to Miss Mary Wordin in Millington, New Jersey, ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post C OC 7 94" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Nov. 7) and Millington (Nov. 12) backstamps, minor edgewear and toning, otherwise Fine, late use from the Foochow Local Post, the office closed on Dec. 31, 1894, with the opening of the independent Foochow Local Post Office on Jan. 1, 1895, ex Spicer
Image 2
E. 400-500
700
Back to Top662
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Tied by bold strike of "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Nov. 17 10PM 93" 1893 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, blue "Local Post Agency Foochow V NO 11 93" circular datestamp with second strike on back of cover to Mrs. J. H. Kinnear, Kingsville, Ohio, receiving backstamp (Dec. 18), stamp with faults and toning, minor cover edgewear and missing backflap, otherwise Fine, rare use of the 5c Columbian Issue through the Foochow Local Post
E. 750-1,000
750
Back to Top663
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Oct. 22 7:30AM 93" 1893 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, blue "Local Post Agency Foochow R NO 11 93" circular datestamp with second strike on back of cover to Mrs. G. H. Hubbard in West Haven, Connecticut, ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post A OC 14 93" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Nov. 13) and West Haven (Nov. 18) backstamps, slightly reduced at right, some edgewear and staple holes at left, stamp has couple minor flaws, otherwise Fine, scarce use of the 5c Columbian Issue through the Foochow Local Post
E. 500-750
550
Back to Top664
1c Ultramarine (246). Small tear, tied by cork cancel, used with Foochow Local Post 1895 1/2c Blue (1), tied by "Postal Service Foochow China T AU 27 95" 1895 circular datestamp on back of "Ellen M. Lyon, M.D., Foochow, China" corner card wrapper opened at ends for mailing and at top for display, to Henry E. Lyon, Clam Lake, Michigan, Very Fine, an extremely rare printed matter use with U.S. and Foochow Local Post combination, a similar but lesser quality example from the same sender was in the Goodwyn collection (Spink sale), ex Pratt and illustrated in his book (color plate XI)
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
1,600
Back to Top665
5c Chocolate (223). Part of lower left margin torn away when separated, used with Foochow 1895 1c Green (2), latter tied by "Postal Service Foochow China T Oct. 26 95" 1895 circular datestamp, 5c tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Nov. 2 530PM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on light pink rice-paper cover with blue illustration of tree branches at left, to Mrs. R. W. Bosworth, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, sender's directive "Via San Francisco or Vancouver", ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post C Oct. (?) 95" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Nov. 29) backstamp, light vertical file fold well away from stamps, minor edgewearVERY FINE. A SCARCE COMBINATION USE OF THE FOOCHOW LOCAL POST STAMP AND THE UNITED STATES 1890 ISSUE.
Foochow was one of the five original treaty ports and was opened to trade in 1842. A large foreign presence meant a high volume of mail. According to the Pratt book (p. 345), the Foochow office of the Shanghai Local Post was opened sometime in 1890, with all revenues going to Shanghai. In 1894 the local foreign residents and consuls voted unanimously to establish a local post office, to open January 1, 1895. The new stamps were issued August 1, 1895, approximately three months before this cover was postmarked. The Foochow office was absorbed by the Imperial Chinese Post on February 2, 1897.
E. 2,000-3,000
2,800
Back to Top666
1c Dull Blue (219). Used with 2c Carmine (220) and 2c Carmine, Ty. I (250), affixed slightly overlapping and tied by target cancels with "Trappe Md. Apr. 10" (1895) circular datestamp on cover to Rev. Collins, Ichang, China, manuscript "for U.S. Consul", at bottom, five backstamps including "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Rec'd May 24 8AM 95" circular datestamp, purple "Consulate of the United States Hankow 29 May, 95" oval and two partly clear strikes of blue "Hankow Local Post MY 29 95" circular datestamp, cover with small piece out at bottom right from opening, right 2c stamp single pulled perf, otherwise Fine, very rare incoming use through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai and the Local Post and U.S. Consulate in Hankow
Image 2
E. 500-750
550
Back to Top667
1c Black on Buff, Postal Card (UX12). Message dated March 23, 1895, from Hankow to Miss M. F. Ward in Winchester, Virginia, blue "Hankow Local Post MR 23 95" circular datestamp, "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Apr. 11 1030AM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, manuscript "T" for "tax due", "San Francisco F.D. May 6, 1895" datestamp and "U.S. CHARGE TO COLLECT 2 CENTS" handstamp, minor creasing, still Very Fine, extremely rare use of a U.S. postal card through the Hankow Local Post
E. 750-1,000
550
Back to Top668
1c Blue on Buff, Postal Card (UX6). Cancelled by "Floral Park N.Y. Jan. 11 8AM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid, addressed to J. D. Maher, care of Evans Pugh & Co., Hankow, China, "New York N.Y. Jan. 11, 1895" machine cancel on back, mostly clear strike of "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Rec'd Feb. 24 4PM 95" circular datestamp, faint strike of blue "Shanghai Local Post B FE 25 95" and partly readable blue "Hankow Local Post MR 1 95" circular datestamps, Very Fine, a rare incoming postal card sent through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai and the Shanghai and Hankow Local Posts
E. 750-1,000
550
Back to Top669
5c Chocolate (255). Used with Ichang Local Post 1894 2ca Red Violet (3), two tears at top (probably pre-use), both tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai May 23 4PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, 2ca stamp also cancelled by magenta "Ichang Post Office" bilingual circular datestamp with matching strike on back of cover to Mrs. Leah Collins in Trappe, Maryland, backstamped San Francisco (Jun. 12), Easton Md. and Trappe (Jun. 18), opened roughly at top and slightly toned, still Fine, an extremely rare Ichang Local Post use through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai, one of the rarest of all China Local Post mixed frankings
Image 2
E. 1,500-2,000
3,750
Back to Top670
5c Chocolate (223). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Dec. 1 9AM 94" 1894 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, purple "Kewkiang * Local Post * 20 Nov. 94" double-oval datestamp on cover to Rev. J. E. Irish at Fort Meade, South Dakota, part strike of blue "Shanghai Local Post I NO 22 94" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Dec. 22) and Fort Meade (Dec. 25) backstamps, with two original enclosures from Rev. Irish's sons Ralph and Lou dated November 18 and 19 along with a newspaper clipping, Very Fine and rare Kewkiang Local Post use through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai, Ralph Irish was responsible for printing the Kewkiang stamps, ex Dr. Johnson
E. 750-1,000
550
Back to Top671
5c Chocolate (255). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Feb. 18 330PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, purple "Kewkiang * Local Post * 12 Feb. 95" double-oval datestamp on cover to Rev. J. E. Irish at Fort Meade, South Dakota, forwarded to Chicago, light strike of blue "Shanghai Local Post J FE 15 95" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Mar. 15) backstamp, Fort Meade (Mar. 19) datestamp struck on front and back, Chicago receiving backstamps, with original enclosure from Rev. Irish's sons Ralph and Lou dated Feb. 10, rough opening at top slightly affecting stamp, otherwise Fine, rare Kewkiang Local Post use through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai, Ralph Irish was responsible for printing the Kewkiang stamps, ex Risvold
E. 500-750
450
Back to Top672
5c Chocolate (255). Two in distinctive shade of 1894 printing, used with Kewkiang Local Post 1896 1c on 15c Red on Yellow, Provisional Surcharge (15), 1c tied by magenta "Kewkiang * Local Post * 2 Oct. 96" double-oval datestamp, all stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Oct. 10 12M 96" 1896 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Sunset Seed & Plant Co., San Francisco, red "Shanghai Local Post H OC 4 96" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco receiving backstamp (Nov. 7), some minor edgewear and small tears, 5c stamps have tiny tear and corner creaseVERY FINE. A SPECTACULAR AND EXTREMELY RARE MIXED FRANKING WITH THE 1896 KEWKIANG PROVISONALLY SURCHARGED ISSUE AND UNITED STATES 1894 BUREAU ISSUE.
This cover was carried from Kewkiang to Shanghai through the two local posts and then given to the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai for the next mail to San Francisco.
E. 4,000-5,000
3,750
Back to Top673
5c Chocolate (255). Used with pair of Kewkiang Local Post 1894 1/2c Red on Yellow (2), pair tied by purple "Kewkiang * Local Post * 20 Aug. 95" 1895 double-oval datestamp, also tied with 5c by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Aug. 28 2PM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on "The Central China Press, Kewkiang, China" corner card cover to Rev. J. E. Irish at Fort Meade, South Dakota, forwarded to two different locations in Wisconsin with Sep. 25 and 28 datestamps, part strike of blue "Shanghai Local Post" circular datestamp and Kewkiang oval repeated on back, San Francisco (Sep. 20) backstamp, with original enclosure from Rev. Irish's son Ralph dated Aug. 19, Ralph Irish was responsible for printing the Kewkiang stamps, local pair corner torn off before use and gum toned, 5c faults, still Fine, very rare mixed franking, ex Canman and Bilden
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
1,500
Back to Top674
5c Chocolate (255). Used with pair of Kewkiang Local Post 1894 1/2c Black on Rose (11), pair tied by purple "Kewkiang * Local Post * 17 Mar. 96" 1896 double-oval datestamp, also tied with 5c by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Mar. 21 1PM 96" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to George Hinmers, Boston, blue "Shanghai Local Post E MR 18 96" circular datestamp and Kewkiang oval repeated on back, San Francisco (Apr. 19) and Boston (Apr. 24) backstamps, the local pair was cut out of cover and has been neatly reattached, 5c creased, appears Very Fine, extremely rare mixed franking, ex Mizuhara
E. 750-1,000
1,100
Back to Top675
5c Chocolate (255). Shade of 1894 printing, used with Kewkiang Local Post 1894 1c Black (13), both tied by purple "Kewkiang * Local Post * 22 Jun. 96" 1896 double-oval datestamp and two strikes of "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Jun. 27 10AM 96" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on green cover to John Hill, Boston, San Francisco (Jul. 19) and Boston (Jul. 24) backstamps, 5c tiny scuff and corner creaseVERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING AND RARE MIXED-FRANKING COVER WITH THE KEWKIANG LOCAL POST "LITTLE ORPHAN ROCK" ISSUE AND UNITED STATES 1894 BUREAU ISSUE. THE QUALITY OF THIS COVER IS EXCEPTIONALLY FINE.
A nearly identical cover from another correspondence was contained in the Wei-liang Chow collection (Sotheby's Hong Kong, Nov. 7, 1996, lot 833). In terms of quality, these two covers stand out among the few U.S. and Kewkiang mixed-franking covers we located in a survey of major auction catalogues.
E. 3,000-4,000
2,500
Back to Top676
1c Ultramarine (246). Scuff at bottom repaired with another stamp, used with pair of 2c Carmine, Ty. I (250) and Kewkiang Local Post 1894 1c Black (13), gum toning, tied by purple "Kewkiang * Local Post * 23 Apr. 95" 1895 double-oval datestamp, all stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China May 4 2PM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Rev. J. E. Irish, Fort Meade, South Dakota, from his son, Ralph Irish, who printed the Kewkiang stamps, faint blue "Shanghai Local Post" backstamp, U.S. Postal Agency (May 4), San Francisco (May 27) and partly struck Fort Meade backstamps, Fine appearance, with original April 21 letter from Ralph Irish discussing sale of stamps ("business is booming") and printing of 1/2c Kewkiang postal card, also mentions possible end to the Sino-Japanese War, ex Douglas, Bartlett and Goodwyn
View PDF of contents of this lot
E. 1,500-2,000
2,000
Back to Top677
5c Chocolate (255). Used with Kewkiang Local Post 1894 1c Black (13), gum stains, 1c tied by faint purple "Kewkiang * Local Post * 16 Jul. 95" 1895 double-oval datestamp, both stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China Jul. 20 4PM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on "The Central China Press, Kewkiang" corner card cover to Rev. J. E. Irish, Fort Meade, South Dakota, from his son, Ralph Irish, who printed the Kewkiang stamps, backstamped with Kewkiang oval, blue "Shanghai Local Post JL 18 95" datestamp, U.S. Postal Agency (Jul. 20), San Francisco and Fort Meade (Aug. 22) datestamps, Very Fine, a rare combination from the printer of the Kewkiang Local Post stamps
E. 1,500-2,000
1,200
Back to Top678
1c Gray Blue (206). Used on 1c Black on Buff, Postal Card (UX7), message in German datelined "San Francisco 20th Jan 1885" and addressed to August Schomburg in Hoihow, Hainan Island, sender's directive "via Hong Kong", "Hong-Kong B FE 27 85" circular datestamp on message side, United States stamps left uncancelled until arrival at Kiung Chow on Hainan Island, adhesive tied and printed stamp cancelled by three overlapping strikes of "Kiung-Chow A 2MR85" oval datestamp with blank area at top where "Registered" was removed (Webb Type Cii), receipt docketing "1885, [Annie?] Moller, Frisco 20 Jan, Rec. 2 March, Answ 7 March"VERY FINE. THE KIUNG CHOW OVAL DATESTAMP IS A GREAT RARITY, WITH ONLY TWO EXAMPLES RECORDED ON ACTUAL MAIL (AS OPPOSED TO STAMPS OFF COVER). THIS POSTAL CARD FROM THE UNITED STATES TO HAINAN ISLAND, WITH THE STAMPS CANCELLED ON ARRIVAL, IS ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING ITEMS RELATED TO HONG KONG AND TREATY PORTS POSTAL HISTORY.
August Schomberg & Co. was a merchant and commission agent firm with offices on Hainan Island. This card, mailed from San Francisco on January 20, 1885, was correctly prepaid with 2c postage, but it appears to have bypassed the post office (or at least escaped postmarking) until it reached Hong Kong, where it entered the British post office on February 27, 1885.
It was delivered to the post office at Kiung Chow on March 2, and the clerk dutifully cancelled the stamps (adhesive and printed) with three strikes of the "Kiung-Chow A 2MR85" oval datestamp. This device was originally created for registered mail and furnished to Kiung Chow in June 1876, at the same time as the small circular datestamp and "D28" cancel. After the "D28" device was withdrawn from use, the oval datestamp was modified by removing the word "Registered," which left a blank area at top. Webb recorded eight off-cover stamps with this oval datestamp (he had never seen it on cover or with the "Registered" still present). Richard C. K. Chan owned two postal cards--an outbound 1c Hong Kong UPU card dated September 22, 1884, which was included in the Cavendish sale of Chan's collection (Mar. 6, 2003), and this inbound U.S. postal card. These are believed to still be the only two recorded "on cover" examples of the Kiung Chow oval.
With 2001 Royal Philatelic Society certificate (submitted by Richard C. K. Chan).
E. 5,000-7,500
3,250
Back to Top679
5c Yellow Brown (205). Tied by 4-bar grid cancel, purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 28 Sep. 88" 1888 double-oval datestamp on cover to Sarah E. Jenkins, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, lightly struck but mostly clear blue "Local Post Agency Nanking" bilingual garter handstamp on back, faint blue "Shanghai Local Post J SP 25 88" circular datestamp on back, small part of magenta San Francisco "Paid All" backstamp, Mount Pleasant receiving backstamp (Nov. 1), neat receipt docketing, faint toning, slightly reduced at left, still Fine, very rare and early use of Nanking Local Post garter handstamp on mail sent through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai, ex Wang
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
650
Back to Top680
2c Red Brown (210). Horizontal pair with straight edge, used with 1c Gray Blue (206), tied by 4-bar grid cancels, purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 19 Apr. 88" 1888 double-oval datestamp on cover to Sarah E. Jenkins, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, bold and unusually complete strike of blue "Local Post Agency Nanking" bilingual garter handstamp on back, blue "Shanghai Local Post C AP 10 88" circular datestamp on back, magenta "San Francisco Paid All May 23" backstamp, neat receipt docketing, stamps have gum stains and slight crease, slightly reduced at left, still Fine, very rare and early use of Nanking Local Post garter handstamp on mail sent through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai, ex Canman and Mizuhara
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
1,200
Back to Top681
5c Bright Claret, Postage Due (J25). Five, slight shade variation, one torn before use, another partly cut away, each with identical cork cancel, used on grayish cover to Fox Lake, Wisconsin, backstamped with bold blue "Local Post Agency Nanking" bilingual garter handstamp, blue "Shanghai Local Post D AU 23 92" 1892 circular datestamp, clear strikes of "Yokohama Japan Meiji 25 1 IX 1892" (Sep. 1) double-circle datestamp on front and back (one strike covered by stamps), Fox Lake receiving backstamp (Sep. 25), pencil "25c" due, slightly reduced at right, opened for displayFINE. A SPECTACULAR COVER WITH MARKINGS REFLECTING HANDLING BY THE NANKING AND SHANGHAI LOCAL POSTS, AND THE JAPANESE POST OFFICE AT YOKOHAMA, WITH POSTAGE PAID BY UNITED STATES LARGE NUMERAL POSTAGE DUE STAMPS. A FAMOUS COVER WHICH HAS GRACED IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS OF CHINA POSTAL HISTORY.
This cover was evidently delivered by the Shanghai Local Post to the Imperial Japanese Post Office at Shanghai. It was sent from Yokohama as an unpaid letter to the United States and charged 25c due.
Ex Livingston, Bartlett, Goodwyn and Wang.
Image 2
E. 7,500-10,000
10,500
Back to Top682
5c Chocolate (270). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China Feb. 7 10PM 96" 1896 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Miss Elizabeth M. Jenkins, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, partly readable strike of purple "Nanking Local Post Feb. 5 1896" double-oval bilingual datestamp with Chinese characters at bottom, partly readable ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post FE (?) 96" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Mar. 5) backstamp, stamp has trivial tear, opened for display, Very Fine, ex Canman and Mizuhara, who noted that this was the only known example of this Nanking Local Post handstamp--we have located others, but this is the only one sent through the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai
E. 1,500-2,000
1,100
Back to Top683
5c Chocolate (223). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China Jul. 20 4PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Miss Elizabeth M. Jenkins, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, bold and unusually clear strike of blue "Local Post Agency Nanking" bilingual garter handstamp on back, faint blue "Shanghai Local Post D JL 18 95" backstamp, San Francisco (Aug. 17) backstamp, cover has minor toning and reduced at right, stamp toned and oxidized, still Fine, choice strike of the Nanking Local Post garter handstamp, with 1998 B.P.A. certificate
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
1,100
Back to Top684
5c Chocolate (255). Tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China May 23 4PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Mrs. N. H. Delancy, Sterling, Kansas, sharp strike of blue "Local Post Agency Nanking" bilingual garter handstamp on back, faint ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post F MY 23 95" backstamp, San Francisco and Sterling backstamps (dates unreadable), small piece of backflap missing, slightly toned, still Fine, choice strike of Nanking Local Post garter handstamp
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
1,000
Back to Top685
1c Blue on Buff, Postal Card (UX6). Message dated October 28, 1895, and addressed to Miss Elizabeth M. Jenkins, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, cancelled by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China Nov. 2 530PM 95" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, partly readable strike of blue "Local Post Agency Nanking" bilingual garter handstamp, faint ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post E OC (?) 95" circular datestamp at left, "San Francisco, Cal. Paid All Nov. 29 1895" circular datestamp, minor toning, still Fine, extremely rare use of 2c UPU postal card through Nanking Local Post, ex Drucker
E. 1,000-1,500
800
Back to Top686
15c Dark Blue (274). Small repair at lower left, tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai May 4 2PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Elizabeth Jenkins, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, partly readable strike of blue "Local Post Agency, Nanking" bilingual garter handstamp, faint strike of blue "Shanghai Local Post (?) MA 2 95" datestamp on back, San Francisco (May 27) receiving backstamp, reduced at right, still Fine, the use of the Nanking garter handstamp on a cover sent through the U.S. Postal Agency is rare, this 15c franking could be the only one of its kind, ex Dr. Lewin
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
750
Back to Top687
5c Blue (185). Tied by circle of wedges cancel, "U.S. Postal Ag'cy Shanghai Oct. 11" (1881) circular datestamp on lavender European-size cover to Mrs. E. J. Ormsbee, Brandon, Vermont, blue "Shanghai Local Post (?) OC 7 81" double-circle datestamp on back, magenta San Francisco (Nov. 10) backstamp, Very Fine, very attractive
E. 300-400
170
Back to Top688
5c Blue (185). Cancelled by circular cork, "Stratham N.H. Nov. 20" (1880) circular datestamp on cover to J. C. A. Wingate, U.S. Consulate, Foochow, China, sender's directive "Via San Francisco", "U.S. Postal Ag'cy Shanghai Jan. 5" (1881) and blue "Shanghai Local Post I JA 6 81" double-circle datestamps on back, San Francisco (Nov. 28) backstamp, Extremely Fine, exceptionally choice quality
E. 300-400
300
Back to Top689
5c Yellow Brown (205). Cancelled by red target with matching "U.S. Postal Ag'cy Shanghai Feb. 20" (1884) circular datestamp and "Too Late' in oval handstamp on cover to Mrs. S. J. Kirkwood, Wooster, Ohio, with letter enclosure (no dateline), blue "Shanghai Local Post I JA 25 84" double-circle datestamp on back, magenta San Francisco (Mar. 24) and Wooster (Mar. 30) backstamps, faint toning and slightly reduced at right, still Very Fine, the "Too Late" handstamp is extremely rare
E. 1,000-1,500
1,200
Back to Top690
5c Yellow Brown (205). Tied by red target cancel with matching "U.S. Postal Ag'cy Shanghai Dec. 21" (1884) circular datestamp on cover to Mrs. Mary Leyenberger, Montour, Iowa, blurry blue "Shanghai Local Post (?) DE 1(8?) 84" and magenta "San Francisco Paid All Jan. 18" circular datestamps on back, slightly reduced at left, minor gum toning and missing perfs, Fine, scarce, ex Knapp and Bilden
E. 400-500
200
Back to Top691
5c Yellow Brown (205). Tied by red 4-bar grid cancel with matching "U.S. Postal Ag'cy Shanghai Aug. 9" (1885) circular datestamp on cover to Mrs. Mary N. Matur, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, mostly clear strike of blue "Shanghai Local Post 7 JY 31 85" double-circle datestamp and vivid red "San Francisco Cal. Pd. All Sep. 3" circular datestamps on back, with original enclosure datelined "Wei Hien July 21st 1885", carried by Shanghai Local Post to U.S. Postal Agency, minor toning around stamp, Very Fine, scarce red markings and desirable with letter confirming origin point, ex Spicer
E. 400-500
200
Back to Top692
2c Green (213). Horizontal pair used with 1c Gray Blue (206), cancelled by 5-bar grid on cover to Mrs. S. C. Aiken, Rutland, Vermont, no U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai datestamp, mostly clear strike of blue "Shanghai Local Post H JU 5 89" 1889 circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Jul. 1) and Rutland (Jul. 7) backstamps, slightly reduced at right, left 2c vertical pre-use crease, otherwise Fine, scarce Local Post use
Image 2
E. 300-400
150
Back to Top693
5c Indigo (216). Tied by 5-bar grid cancel, purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 19 Apr. 90" 1890 double-oval datestamp on cover to Rev. W. L. Elterich, Washington D.C., blue "Shanghai Local Post I AP 10 90" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (May 11) and Washington D.C. (May 16) backstamps, faint gum toning, Very Fine, choice Shanghai Local Post cover
Image 2
E. 300-400
160
Back to Top694
5c Indigo (216). Two on separate covers postmarked at the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai on the same day and underpaid for weight, each stamp cancelled by 5-bar grid, each with purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 12 Oct. 89" 1889 double-oval datestamp, one addressed to Mrs. Griffin Terry, Port Jefferson, New York, other to New York Evangelist, New York City, each with blue "Shanghai Local Post OC 3 89" backstamp (one "E" and other "B", the latter clearly struck), both marked with manuscript "T" (tax due), sent in the same mail bag through San Francisco (Nov. 7 backstamps), each with same "U.S. CHARGE TO COLLECT 10 CENTS" handstamp (struck at San Francisco)--in Port Jefferson the post office applied vertical pair of 5c Red Brown, Postage Due (J18), tied by segmented cork cancels, "Received Port Jefferson Nov. 13 1889" oval backstamp--at New York City the post office applied 10c Red Brown, Postage Due (J19), tied by "New York P.O." oval cancel, "P.O.N.Y. 11-12-89 10PM" backstamp--5c Due cover has slight toning, 10c Due cover with most of backflap removed, 5c perfs slightly affected by placement at edge, still Very Fine and wonderful matching pair of covers from different correspondences but showing postage due treatment, 10c Due cover with 1986 Holcombe certificate
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
800
Back to Top695
5c Indigo (216). Horizontal pair, cancelled by 5-bar grids, purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 26 Jun. 91" 1891 oval datestamp on cover to Rev. H. A. Tupper, Richmond, Virginia, blurry blue "Shanghai Local Post JU 26 91" backstamp, underpaid and marked with manuscript "T" at U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai, San Francisco (Jul. 17) backstamp and matching "U.S. CHARGE TO COLLECT 10 CENTS" handstamp, Richmond (Jul. 22) backstamp, 5c Red Brown, Postage Due (J18) on back and cancelled by cork in bluish ink that seems to match Shanghai Local Post datestamp but is more likely of U.S. origin, receipt docketing, reduced at left, some edgewear and small tears, right stamp pulled perf, Fine, it is difficult to explain the mismatch between the 10c due handstamp and 5c due stamp, either another stamp has been removed or the Richmond office only collected 5c, ex Drucker
Image 2
E. 500-750
250
Back to Top696
5c Indigo (216). Cancelled by 5-bar grid, purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 15 Nov. 90" 1890 double-oval datestamp on cover to Rev. E. E. Aiken, Rutland, Vermont, blue "Shanghai Local Post B NO 5 90" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Dec. 8) backstamp, stamp creased and small tear, otherwise Fine, attractive Shanghai Local Post cover
E. 200-300
130
Back to Top697
5c Indigo (216). Tied by 4-bar grid cancel, clearly struck purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 8 May. 91" 1891 double-oval datestamp on cover to Miss A. M. Goldsbury, Warwick, Massachusetts, purple "Dr. James Goldsbury, Am. Board Mission, Tai-Ku Shansi, China" handstamped corner card, blue "Shanghai Local Post C AP 28 91" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (May 29) and Warwick (Jun. 4) backstamps, slightly toned, Fine
E. 300-400
160
Back to Top698
2c Carmine (220). Two, used with 1c Dull Blue (219), tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China Jun. 28 10PM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on cover to Mrs. S. B. Bird, North Greenfield, Wisconsin, unusually complete and readable strike of ultramarine "Shanghai Local Post A JU 27 95" circular datestamp on back, San Francisco (Jul. 25) backstamp, right 2c nicked at right, Very Fine
Image 2
E. 300-400
150
Back to Top699
1c Blue (264). Tied by "Dayton Ohio" oval handstamp, "Dayton, Ohio Jan. 1 11AM 98" 1898 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on 1c Black on Buff, Postal Card (UX12) to Mons. Louis Gaillard, Catholic Mission, Shanghai, China, message side with red Catholic Free Library logo, handwritten message includes thanks for rare stamps for the boys, forwarded to Nanking, San Francisco (Jan. 5) and "U.S. Postal Agency, Shanghai Rec'd Feb. 2 12M 98" datestamps, two strikes of "Shanghai Local Post" Feb. 2 double-line circular datestamp with letters "F" and "J", "12" in circle handstamp, blue crayon "X" through addrss and message on back, Chinese writing at top, Very Fine, unusual inbound usage, Father Gaillard published photographs and maps of China
E. 500-750
1,800
Back to Top700
2c Carmine, Ty. I (265). Two, used on Shanghai Municipality 1c Brown Postal Card to Vienna, Austria, addressed to Rudolf Bloustein with message in German, large Langermann & Co. double-circle datestamp, "Shanghai Local Post MY 18 96" 1896 circular datestamp, U.S. stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai May 22 10PM 96" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, San Francisco (Jun. 16) and Vienna (Jul. 3) receiving datestamps, New York (Jun. 21) backstamp, stamps have blunted perfs at top, Very Fine, rare use of the Shanghai Municipality card through the U.S. Postal Agency, ex Canman and Goodwyn
E. 1,500-2,000
1,600
Back to Top701
2c Carmine, Ty. I (265). Two, used on Shanghai Municipality 1c Brown on Green Lettersheet to Berlin, Germany, addressed to Rudolf Bloustein with message in German, large Langermann & Co. double-circle datestamp, U.S. stamps tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai May 22 10PM 96" 1896 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, San Francisco (Jun. 16) and Berlin (Jul. 2) backstamps, one stamp with some blunted perfs at top, Very Fine, rare use of the Shanghai Municipality lettersheet through the U.S. Postal Agency, ex Spicer
Image 2
E. 1,000-1,500
1,700
Back to Top702
5c Dark Blue (281). Straight edge at left, used with Shanghai Municipality 1893 1/2c to 5c Coat of Arms (153-156), all tied by three strikes of "U.S. Postal Agency, Shanghai Rec'd Dec. 12 1130AM 1902" circular datestamp, stamp at left also tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai 19 Dec. 3PM 1902" duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel (applied before mail departure) on cover addressed in light green ink to Chris E. Olsen, Brooklyn, New York, January 14 receiving datestamp ties two stamps at left, Very Fine, although philatelically inspired, this mixed franking is colorful and very rare, ex Risvold
E. 1,500-2,000
1,200
Back to Top703
1c Blue on Buff, Postal Card (UX6). Printed notice from The Independent of subscription expiration, sent from New York City to Rev. W. B. Burke, Shanghai, China, no origin datestamp, "Tacoma, Wash. Sep. 29 9-PM 1902" wavy-line machine cancel and carried from that port, "U.S. Postal Agency, Shanghai Rec'd Nov. (2?) 1902" circular datestamp, remarkably bold strike of "Shanghai Local Post C NO 3" double-line circle datestamp, pencil Chinese characters at right, Very Fine, an unusual and rare inbound Shanghai Local Post use
E. 500-750
250
Back to Top704
1c Blue on Buff, Postal Card (UX6). Printed promotional notice from The American Mail and Export Journal, "New York Feb. 18 730PM 90" 1890 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, small addressograph label to Lembke & Co., Shanghai, China, San Francisco (Feb. 26) datestamp and purple "U.S. Postal Agency * Shanghai * 25 Mar. 90" double-oval datestamp both tie address label, blue "Shanghai Local Post H MA 26 90" circular datestamp and matching "8" in circle handstamp, pencil Chinese characters at left, minor corner crease, Very Fine, scarce inbound UPU card with beautiful array of markings all on the front
E. 500-750
275
Back to Top705
U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai China, Oct. 14, 1891. Blue double-circle datestamp on back of "Shanghai Local Post Card" issued to subscribers, printed message on back notifying addressee that there is a letter being held for short-paid postage (10c), blue "Shanghai Local Post B OC 15 91" circular datestamp on back, Very Fine, scarce with the U.S. Postal Agency datestamp
Image 2
E. 750-1,000
800
Back to Top706
Philippines, 1899, 2c Carmine entire (U8). Cancelled by Iloilo Oct. 29, 1907 duplex datestamp and oval grid, addressed to "Fraulein Rohde" in care of Governor Truppel in Tsingtau, Kiaochow, China, "15/CTMS/T" 15-centimes deficiency handstamp, backstamped Manila (Oct. 31), Shanghai (Nov. 11), "Shanghai Local Post I NOV 11 07" double-line circle datestamp and German P.O. "Tsingtau, Kiautschou" Nov. 15 receiving datestamp, Very Fine, the 3c (15 centimes) underpayment of the 5c UPU rate was marked in the Philippines, but evidently ignored in Tsingtau, perhaps indeference to the German colonial governor Oskar von Truppel
E. 300-400
425
Back to Top707
10c Green (226). Used with 1c Ultramarine (246) and 2c Carmine, Ty. III (250), 1c straight edge at left, tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Apr. 11 1030AM 95" 1895 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, used with Wuhu Local Post 1894 1c Grayish Brown (13) and 5c Red Orange, Second Printing (15), tied by perfectly struck "Wuhu Local Post. 22 Mar. 95" wavy-line circle datestamp on registered cover to John Noble, Roxbury, Massachusetts, red crayon crossed-lines registry marking, purple "Registered No. 182" and "REGISTERED/NO. 186" straightline handstamps with numbers written in manuscript, backstamped with the same U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai and Wuhu Local Post datestamps, Boston (May 12) and Roxbury (May 13) registry backstamps, with original letter written and signed by Arthur Knight Gregson, the resourceful postmaster of the Wuhu Local Post who profited handsomely from selling his stamps to collectors, the same wavy-line circle datestamp is used as the letterhead, Gregson lists stamps he has enclosed and touts "our latest issue...Postage due & Chinese valuation"VERY FINE. AN IMPRESSIVE MIXED-FRANKING REGISTERED COVER WITH WUHU LOCAL POST STAMPS AND THREE VALUES OF THE UNITED STATES 1890 SMALL BANK NOTE AND 1894 BUREAU ISSUES--WITH THE ORIGINAL LETTER FROM WUHU'S INDOMITABLE POSTMASTER, ARTHUR KNIGHT GREGSON.
Wuhu, established as a treaty port in 1876, did not have a Municipal Council of its own, so Arthur Knight Gregson appointed himself postmaster. Lacking official recognition, his post originally fell into the category of a private post. To rectify this situation he organized a meeting of the expat community in Wuhu on June 23, 1894, which agreed to organize a postal service with him as its postmaster. The Shanghai Municipal Council accepted this appointment on July 23, 1894, and his stamps became valid for postage. In 1897 the Imperial China Post was established, ushering in a new era of postal communication in China.
Image 2
E. 7,500-10,000
8,500
Back to Top708
5c Chocolate (223). Three, faults and gum stains affecting color, tied by "U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai Nov. 21 130PM 94" 1894 duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel, used with Wuhu Local Post 1894 5c Carmine, First Printing (5), tied by perfectly struck blue "Wuhu Local Post. 10 Nov. 94" circular datestamp on legal-size cover addressed in Postmaster Arthur Knight Gregson's hand to "The Secretary Philatelic Society New York America", red wax seals, lightly struck "Shanghai Local Post F NO 12 94" circular datestamp on back, also backstamped with same U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai duplex (Nov. 21), San Francisco (Dec. 14) and New York City (Dec. 19) datestamps, some small tears and wear as is to be expected in a large coverFINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE WUHU LOCAL POST AND UNITED STATES 1890 ISSUE MIXED FRANKING. REPORTED TO BE THE EARLIEST USE OF THE WUHU STAMPS, BUT EVEN IF EARLIER COVERS ARE KNOWN, THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING MIXED-FRANKING COVER.
Arthur Knight Gregson, the self-appointed and then officially appointed postmaster of the Wuhu treaty port, devoted considerable time promoting his philatelic sales unit (as we might call it today). This cover is addressed to The Philatelic Society of New York, a precursor to The Collectors Club of New York (William Thorne co-founded both). Since it was not sent by registered mail, it seems unlikely Gregson enclosed his stamps in this envelope. More likely he was furnishing evidence of his legitimate claim to postmastership, effected by the Shanghai Muncipal Council vote on July 23, 1894.
E. 2,000-3,000
1,600
Back to Top